I am about to buy an RT

[Nebish]

After losing my LT to afire last month, I have decided to go with the RT.

I have got 2 questions for those of you who own the RT:

1. Do after market bar ends make sense? i understand that the engine will smooth out after 20 k miles. I have tested the RT and while I do not mine the vibe, I am wondering if this mod is worthwhile. If so, any suggested proucts?

2. I know that the radio is very expensive and there are other options. I loved riding with the radio on the LT despite its shortcomings. Anyone got strong feelings about the factory installed radio,

Thanks for your input.

[RTTommy]

Hi Paul,

Sorry to hear about your LT fire...that hurts...

WRT the RT vibe issues, I don't even notice them. I have 15K on my RT and althought it's no in-line 4, it ts definately one great power plant. It truly has a unique soul and once you understand the engine/powerband, you will love it.

As for the radio, I opted out. It makes a really handy storage compartment for lots of stuff. I just use an i-pod.

Let's get together when you take delivery. PS, if you order the blue color, make sure you get the chrome exhaust option, they blue-up and match the bike perfectly :)

[PlaneGeek]

+1 on the iPod. I even picked up some noise canceling ear pieces from Target and it is really great. As for the vibes I pick up my bike in July and have 2500+ miles on it as of this morning and runs great! :bike: The little bit I get just adds to the wonderful experience of riding it!. It finds a great mediem between a V-twin the "is this thing on?" like a rice burner. :bmw:

[JRESURF]

Just bought a BLUE 2008 R1200RT TODAY... Looks to be the last 2008 BLUE in the state. I pick it up Wednesday and am extremely excited about it... I was strongly considering ordering a 2009 in BLACK but I really liked the BLUE and hope not much changes between the model year... Plus the 750 off was another attractive factor in the 08 favor... Good luck with your decision...
Jed

[RTTommy]

Jed,

Congratulations. I have followed your other thread regarding GT for first timer" as well.

As an FYI, a few years ago, I had an 1100 Ninja (155 HP out of the box very similar to the GT #'s). That bike was soo fast (I raced a brand new ZR06 corvette and left him looking like he was parked) it was a scary machine (loved it), but I had 25 years of riding experience.

With every moment on your RT, YOU MUST assume that everyone around you is out to kill you. If you can get inside their head (yes look into the car, look at what they are doing...on the phone, playing with the radio, takling to thier passenger etc) and learn to ANTICIPATE their every move and every possible option that they MIGHT take.

Take extreme care...hope to see you on this board for a long time :)

[JRESURF]

Thanks Tommy, I plan to ride like I am invisible to everyone else on the road; as that seems to be the sentiment of all the safety books... I am very excited about the bike but for me SAFETY and confidence need to go hand in hand... I will post stories, lessons learned and life experiences here for others to learn about someone buying an RT as a first bike... VERY glad I did not OPT for the GT...
Thanks again, these forums have been VERY informative and helpful!
Jed

[mjordans2000]

I don't consider vibration to be an issue, it's just not a problem. As to the radio, if it was of good quality the price wouldn't have stopped me but I wasn't willing to spend that much for a radio no one seems to like anyway. I have a Sony Marine grade radio I plan to install at some point but for now I'm plenty happy with my Garmin Zumo with the XM radio option. With the Zumos built in MP3 capablility I don't even bother with my IPOD very often.

[harleydog]

I too am a new RT owner. Yes, no radio bike available, so I asked the dealer to order all needed parts for the install. When I picked up the bike they provided boxes with the speakers,antenna, screws and a thing called the radio box. I figured since the "box" was over $ 150.00 it would hold the radio unit. They also said I would have to find the radio itself from other sources as BMW could not supply it. I am OK with all this as I figure most radio units are similar in size so no problem. I get the stuff, all is great, but I keep looking for the "box". Turns out that the box is no more than a thin rubber gasket that seals the radio to the top of the existing box. Great, I now will be getting $150.00 back as this type of gasket is easily home made. I also got the Pioneer Inno so we should be good to go. Oh, the radio is a Kenwood Marine unit with wired remote control. I will let you know how the install goes as I know some very experienced BMW guys that are going to help, as soon as we(they) have time. As for the vibration, I love it, been on Harley's for years and the LT was just too smooth...LOL

Enjoy your new bike as much as I am enjoying mine and you will be one very happy individual, :)

[Toms1100RT]

Congratulations on the new bike!

I put a Pyle cd/tuner in my bike with wired remote. Also got some speakers mounted in the dash. Everything is marine. This unit has an aux input for your Mp3 if you wish to use it, as well as a weather band feature.

Regarding vibration...I'll not be much help as my bike was not new when I got it a few months back. I do have throttlemeister on it and upon removing the left bar end to research grip heaters, I noticed it's quite heavy, so I would imagine these also help with vibration dampening.

Congrats again and be safe!:D

[rglassma]

Go for the RT for sure .. Mine is an '05 and I bought without bar end weights. Noticed a good amount of vibration at 12K. I installed Salamander bar ends (18oz each) and they have helped with the vibration. I also have some spongy grips that soak it up more. So, very little vibration on my bike. It now has 20K and I am loving it!!!!

You can get the Salamaders at www.twistedthrottle.com or salamander directly. If you are going with bar ends, get the ones I did. The heavier the more they help.

Also, I added bar risers to my RT and it also allows me to rest less weight on the bars when riding. That also helps with the vibration as well.

Good luck.

[Billy]

I switched from an LT to an RT and love the difference. Much more fun to ride. I got the Mototechniques handlebar risers which make it much more comfortable. Also the Elf pegs for the highway.

[Stixx]

Ok I'm going to get a little silly here for a minute. Why would anyone want to listen to a radio on a bike. It is hard enough to be vigilent without lulling ones brain to a radio. Go with the ipod if you must , I am not willing to give up my terrific glove box to install a radio that will got hot enough to fry in there.

That said, congrats on the RT , I just bought the sand beige one and got it pretty much basic no frills much , heated grips etc. It comes with ABS now so it's pretty much just a nice bike without any complex electrics to screw up.

I will get a GPS soon as it is plug and play already found the connector. There are no fuse boxes it is all computerized tech now and has no fuse panel if you want to add a bunch of electronics and heated this and that you will find you go straight to the batter with those. At least the battery is easy access for a change. On my R model you had to remove the tank to change the battery.

Enjoy your bike sing in your helmet , I do, and get an ipod but watch the volume or you wont hear someone sneaking up on you from behind. LOL

Good luck you picked a great bike.

[mjordans2000]

Ok I'm going to get a little silly here for a minute. Why would anyone want to listen to a radio on a bike. It is hard enough to be vigilent without lulling ones brain to a radio. Go with the ipod if you must , I am not willing to give up my terrific glove box to install a radio that will got hot enough to fry in there.

That said, congrats on the RT , I just bought the sand beige one and got it pretty much basic no frills much , heated grips etc. It comes with ABS now so it's pretty much just a nice bike without any complex electrics to screw up.

I will get a GPS soon as it is plug and play already found the connector. There are no fuse boxes it is all computerized tech now and has no fuse panel if you want to add a bunch of electronics and heated this and that you will find you go straight to the batter with those. At least the battery is easy access for a change. On my R model you had to remove the tank to change the battery.

Enjoy your bike sing in your helmet , I do, and get an ipod but watch the volume or you wont hear someone sneaking up on you from behind. LOL

Good luck you picked a great bike.
I'm going to guess you don't do much long distance riding. I would agree there are times a radio is not wise but half way through a 1000 mile day isn't one of them. The proper choice of music or other entertainment can help keep your mind active as the miles roll on.

[NLeeGibson]

Rode a 2005 LT to Fairbanks and up into the circle...came bact and bought an RT...after a few long trips the passenger static (no mute button on the love of my life) I bought another LT--which is now for sale because I do not want to keep 2 bikes up, so careful.....Don t let her ride on an LT if you think you might put her back on an RT----very dangerous territory.

and yes, I have tried custom seats on the RT....Nathan

[ArthurKnowles]

Ok I'm going to get a little silly here for a minute. Why would anyone want to listen to a radio on a bike. It is hard enough to be vigilent without lulling ones brain to a radio. Go with the ipod if you must , I am not willing to give up my terrific glove box to install a radio that will got hot enough to fry in there.

It isn't difficult at all really. A tleast not for me. Nor is it difficult to talk on the phone and drive. Then again, I've never had difficulty doing more than one thing at a time. Nor focusing my concentration where it needed to be.

I'm not distracted from driving while listening to music. Or while having a phone conversation. My primary focus is always on the road and the motorcycle. I am, however, aware that not everyone is capable of multitasking in this fashion.

As for the radio frying, not going to happen. Ever. I replaced the radio on my '96 RT with an aftermarket one. I've very happy with the results. I've been thinking of buying a new RT and think I will do the same thing there. I like to hear the road noises in conjuntion with the radio/CD/etc. sounds. I don't really like ear plugs or in helmet speakers (if they block the ambient sounds).

[Stixx]

I'm going to guess you don't do much long distance riding. I would agree there are times a radio is not wise but half way through a 1000 mile day isn't one of them. The proper choice of music or other entertainment can help keep your mind active as the miles roll on.


You are correct. I average only about 550 miles per day and anyone riding more than that is putting their safety at risk in my view. I am definitely NOT an iron butt competitor nor would I put those down who are. Far be it from me to even suggest those who wish to ride a grand a day in miles are somehow deranged but they obviously have more capability to concentrate than most mortals.

I am 65 and love, love, love to hear my oil head purr. That is music to my ears. I am also by definition a songwriter so I'm usually singing in my helmet as the acoustics are awesome. I would love to have a radio at times but I know myself well enough to know that would NOT be in my best interest as to the concentration of a senior citizen is at best limited compared to say when I was forty. Ah but in those days I was racing formula fords and the music to my ears was a push rod engine turning seven grand on the home stretch of Road Atlanta. LOL

OK you got me. Radios are cool. I’m sure my little fat buddy the red head would love to hear some music when we are sailing through the apexes at highway 441 , perhaps some serious classical or something , but as for me I just don't need the distraction and when a siren comes up at an intersection I want to be the first one to know. Since I wear earplugs as well I need all the help I can get and a radio at this point isn’t it. LOL

I love this forum. You guys always make me stop and think. What is important and what is not. I will look into radios for my passenger but I still think she could do well with an iPod.

Now if I ever get the insane idea to do an iron butt comp, I will give you guys the nod and recommend anything that could help . My old friend from WVA did one recently and bronzed in that event so I'm sure I could get some pointers. However I’m pretty sure my daughter would have me committed post haste if word got out. he he

I hope my rant has given you all some cause for reflection on just what it is we love about this sport. Err, or is this a sport. Seems more like an obsession to this player. LOL

Thanks for the contrasting opinion though, it is great to hear from more experienced riders.

All the best

Stixx

[Stixx]

Rode a 2005 LT to Fairbanks and up into the circle...came bact and bought an RT...after a few long trips the passenger static (no mute button on the love of my life) I bought another LT--which is now for sale because I do not want to keep 2 bikes up, so careful.....Don t let her ride on an LT if you think you might put her back on an RT----very dangerous territory.

and yes, I have tried custom seats on the RT....Nathan


My guess is if you buy your bike to suit the Lady in your life , save a lot of grief and buy ( God forbid) and Gold Wing. Let's face it RT's are for guys who don't really want to cruise or "tour" really but want to be able to take some one along once in a while. I love my RT and all but if I had to take 'Red " along every time I'd cave in and get the Gold Wing. LOL

[Stixx]

It isn't difficult at all really. A tleast not for me. Nor is it difficult to talk on the phone and drive. Then again, I've never had difficulty doing more than one thing at a time. Nor focusing my concentration where it needed to be.

I'm not distracted from driving while listening to music. Or while having a phone conversation. My primary focus is always on the road and the motorcycle. I am, however, aware that not everyone is capable of multitasking in this fashion.

As for the radio frying, not going to happen. Ever. I replaced the radio on my '96 RT with an aftermarket one. I've very happy with the results. I've been thinking of buying a new RT and think I will do the same thing there. I like to hear the road noises in conjuntion with the radio/CD/etc. sounds. I don't really like ear plugs or in helmet speakers (if they block the ambient sounds).

You make an intersting point. I am showing my ignorance for all I have as referance is the 08 I just bought . The radio I understand goes in the glove box hole and that box was so hot on a Georgia summer day I thought I might have boiled my bug release dispenser that was in the box. LOL :rotf: