Considerations For A Used R1200RT

[blackcat54]

I have 05, 06, & 07 model years to choose from.

Main question.... Old vs new brakes introduced in 07?

Should the servo vs new non-servo brakes be a consideration?

Non-servo....simpler & less repair issues?

My last bike was an R65 I rode 25 years ago......returning to bikes after a long absence.

Naturally if I go non-servo, I am limited to 07 only.

Thanks,

Dennis

[motoguy128]

The '07's also offer the ASC (traction control) and tire pressure monitoring system.

I've ridden servo brakes and my '07 is non-servo. I think I like both, but having normal brake function when the ABS fails or my engine is off, is a big advantage.

[hopz]

I am a new owner of a low mileage 05 with linked servo brakes...

I thought I would not like it. It took about a day and the first 200 miles. I can tell you I think the system works well, feels good and secure and aside from the servo sound is not a big deal.

For my two-cents... I suggest you look at other factors beyond the brakes.

FWIW I am not an ultra high performance rider. I do not approach 10/10ths of performance. I think some ultra aggressive riders would like the un-linked brakes- but they will be on other brands anyway.

[Tom_K]

I agree with Hopz - a few hundred miles and the assisted brakes are second nature (primarily use only the lever and let the computer apportion the F/R braking). For me, the seat was more of a consideration than the brakes. If your inseam is 30" or less, you might want to find a bike with the low seat - or an after market seat if you plan any rides longer than 100 miles or so as the OEM seat gets pretty uncomfortable for many of us. Also, the computer is an entertaining gadget, cruise control is quite useful on long trips and the ESA makes it easy to adjust for different loads and road conditions.
Tom

[blackcat54]

OK, I get the picture regarding the brakes.......Thanks.

Next...how about the factory radio?

I might want to ad an mp3 player down the road and heard you can integrate the radio controls with an ipod which sounds cool.

Not sure I will even want to bother with audio stuff but would like to have the option for future use.

I really want all the goodies but need to prioritize should a good deal pop up.

Thanks again,

Dennis

[Gael]

I'm looking to buy also.

I agree that the servo brakes become second nature after several hundred miles. But they are grabby and, due to the geometry of the bike, tend to make the bike go over in slow speed maneuvers where you need to grab hard. The 07 brakes are less grabby. The servo unit is expensive to replace out of warranty. Don't ask how I know this.

I too like having brakes when the bike is off. The unlinked brakes will help me in the parking garage at work. Using the rear brakes only gives me more control.

Another thing that is popping up on this forum is that, while ESA is nice, replacement cost when it wears out is severe!

But I agree with Kopz... comfort is paramount. A well priced '06 model with a Mayer or Russell seat and good aftermarket windscreen might just be the ticket.

I'm also finding that the prices for the used RT's seem high. NADA average retail on a standard '06 model is now $13,585. Most '06 models are priced in Cycle Trader in excess of $15.5k and I see the same bikes being relisted at those prices. I offered $14.2k to a guy for a high mileage non ESA or radio '06 RT and he turned it down. I am probably OK with that as I really want a non-ESA '07 model. The '07 models will be a year old in a month and, after the fall riding season is over there might be some better pricing available.

Good luck,

Gael.

[switz]

I looked at the factory radio option, too. It can be retrofitted even if the bike was not prewired at the factory. Short comings: NO auxiliary inputs, no helmet connections, CD player takes up all of right pocket on console, etc. I also do not recommend any BMW branded GPS because they have certain useful features turned OFF by Garmin. Go online and compare "features" between the BMW branded model and the regular Garmin and you will see what I mean.

I ended up setting the bike up to accept my existing Garmin GPSMAP 378 (also used on my Gold Wing) that supports XM Radio and weather radar superimposed on the road image. Sound comes through a dealer installed Autocom 300 system that also supports, in my case, a bluetooth connection to cell phone, a connection to a CB radio for riding with other groups and it all plays through the helmet headsets and can function as an intercom.

:stir: