Just like X-Trooper I made up my mind. Taking delivery Saturday. I have a general question for all 1200RT owners. Is there anything in particular I should be aware of or looking for when I pick-up the bike? Anything I should expect from the dealer with this model? You get the idea. Other than an owners manual what is there?

I have to travel 300 miles from home so if there's something that's missing it will be a long trip back. Thanks very much.



1. 2009 R1200RT
2. Premium package

3. Buying the extended service plan for $600. Three years, zero deductible, unlimited miles. I really wanted to wait on this but the way it works in Florida is you must buy the warranty from a dealer. After checking around every other dealer's price was substantially higher. In one case double.

4. Getting a factory tank bag for $250 incl tax.

He gets the trade.

After you ride it home, ride it back and have the running in service done (600 mile)
I didn't look for trouble and so far haven't had any.
Ride and enjoy.

You beat me to it, dang it.

Look for your butt to be sore from the stock seat. Sargent...that's the ticket, or so says my butt.

Otherwise, be careful and have fun.

I've got a 2009 as well, took awhile but I really love it now. It's my daily driver.

I would suggest bar backs, a sheepskin butt pad and blind spot mirrors.

I had to top off the oil once after the first oil change, nothing since then.

As you've probably read, they get better with mileage, I've notice a significant smoothing out over the last 1000 miles (started at around 6000 miles).

I purchased the BMW CD manual, damn Germans can't make anything easy so I created an Excel schedule (by mileage) of the required maintenance. I've attached it. The first mainenance interval is 600 miles. I had the dealer perform it: $306.26. I did the 6000 mile service myself.

Hope this helps, enjoy your new ride.

Attached Files

RT Maintenance.xls (37.5 KB, 124 views)

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Dave

2009 1200RT
2005 GL1800
1992 ZX-10
1984 500 Interceptor

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You
I have the CD and wanted to do this but never got around to it (lazy)

Let me know if your interested in a Top Case, I have an extra one. Enjoy, the cold weather is already where I live and not much riding these days.

Congratulations, hogdvr! Best of luck with your new ride!

BTW, if you're buying the bike this month, you should be receiving a 49L top box with key cylinder matched to ignition FREE. It's part of BMW Motorrad's current promotions. Just scroll down to the R1200RT offer.

http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/us/en...ring_promo.html

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Steve
NJ State Trooper #3936 (retired 4-1-1991)
2009 R1200RT - sapphire black metallic

Last year when I bought my 08 there was a recall for the EWS, I don`t know if it applies to the 09 but it may be good to ask, don`t be discouraged with the engine vibration on the way home, it will smooth out as mileage piles on, I now have over 6200 miles is due for the 6,000 mile service and the engine is very smooth, I love it, good luck, good choice

Thanks Trooper and ditto to you! Roger on the case. It's already mounted ready to go. Although, as per your other thread I didn't know it came in black or silver. I was told it is only black/silver. Mine is the black/silver combo. My bike is silver so I think it may be a good match as is. The only bikes they had in stock to sell were silver and blue. Would've preferred black but....Once it's dirty it won't matter anyway.

Thanks for the offer. But, this month there is a promo from BMW that the 49L top case is FREE!

Browsing through the list, I noticed a few things that could perhaps mislead a newcomer, eg, only one oil change of the final drive (first maintenance)
Gaby

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K75RT (1994)--->R1200RT (2009)

Congrats on the new ride !! I love mine !!

from personal experience (and if the dealer/salesman forgets to tell you) - fill the fuel tank and run it to fumes about 4 times so the in-tank fuel strip/sensor knows what "full" and "empty" really is.......don't be like me and top off a half empty tank at the end of your day - it will freak out the sensor and you'll have to get it replaced

one more word: ENJOY !!

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Bruce
2009 R1200RT Biarritz Blue

Life is short....Live it - Love it

4 wheels move the body - 2 wheels move the soul

Thanks. That's a great tip.

I don't know about the fill/empty tank thing. My '05 did not get that and it works great, no problem.

My tips for you are these:
1. Call ahead and ask the salesman/manager to be sure there are no open recalls on the bike. The service manager can run a printout for you on that. Ask them to accomplish any recalls or tech bulletins before you get there.

2. You check the oil level in a little sight glass on the left side of the engine case. The salesman will show you where it is. To check the oil, stop the motor, let it rest on the side stand a minute or two, then put it on the centerstand. (he will show you how to do this... yes there is a trick). Let it sit on centerstand a minute or so then read the level.

2a... the trick is to stand on the center stand lever and let your weight roll it backwards... you are not trying to lift anything.

3. New RT's will likely use some oil. I always have a quart with me on a long trip. If yours uses some... do not worry. OTW follow their break in routine but after the 600 miles... run the stink out of it. It will be good and better for it. Break in occurs at about 18,000 miles... yes, thats thousands...

4. One riding tip. The brakes are stronger and more effective than anything you are now riding. Be especially careful at low speeds, especially if turning. Apply the brakes carefully. If you need to use the brake at low speed, try to stand it up vertical before pulling the brake. If this is not possible, just use less then you think you will need.

5. Have the delivery check include setting the gear shifter to your foot and boot. A real pisser to leave the parking lot and discover your foot won't go under the lever as you look for 2nd gear.

6. Have the salesman show you how the top case goes on and off. I like mine- and better yet, my passenger likes the back rest.

7. It is ok to play with the windshield. That is one of the coolest features of the bike and you can and often will adjust it to match cross winds, or match your desired height/sight lines.

8. ESA? be sure to have the salesman demonstrate the adjustments, not just tell you. It is not as straight forward as one might think

9. Enjoy the experience and try not to get a cramp for the grin

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BMW 2005 R1200RT
Triumph 955i Sprint RS


The thought occurs to me that we are, at this moment, closer to here than we will ever be again.

Great tips, hopz! I've printed them out and am taking them with me tomorrow when I pick up the bike.

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Steve
NJ State Trooper #3936 (retired 4-1-1991)
2009 R1200RT - sapphire black metallic

Thanks HOPZ! Great Stuff.

I was surprised as well but they only time the BMW CD calls for changing the final drive oil is at the 600 mile service.

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Dave

2009 1200RT
2005 GL1800
1992 ZX-10
1984 500 Interceptor

The CD was produced quite some time ago and any recall or Tech bulletin happens independently.

IIRC the recommended final drive service is now at 600 miles then at 12k intervals after that.

In addition, the originally specified volume of lube has been changed from 220ml to 180ml.

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BMW 2005 R1200RT
Triumph 955i Sprint RS


The thought occurs to me that we are, at this moment, closer to here than we will ever be again.

At the risk that it may have been mentioned before: is important that no full synthetic oil is used in the
engine for the first 6.000 miles. This helps the engine to break-in and avoids excessive oil consumption.
Gaby

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K75RT (1994)--->R1200RT (2009)

The CD I purchased in August of this year has information up to 2008 models. Is there a way to verify the new intervals?

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Dave

2009 1200RT
2005 GL1800
1992 ZX-10
1984 500 Interceptor

I think BMW releases a new RepRom DVD (not a CD, I wonder how come some have a CD, perhaps for one model only,
the DVD I use covers all R1200 models) every year, the 5th edition was in 2007.
Gaby

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K75RT (1994)--->R1200RT (2009)

New Ride!

Attached Thumbnails

 

Sweet, enjoy the new ride. You did not go wrong...............Got to ride mine on Friday, to the kids lunch at school. Just puts a smile on my face and all the world problems go away..............enjoy.

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John
Motors
Florida
1999 K1200LT (off duty)
2007 R1200RTP (on duty)
2008 R1200RT (hers) ya right
Contact me 4 motor training 1&1

Nice bike. Amazing how well the silver/black luggage looks. Many smiles and miles ahead.

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wild bil
07 K1200LT Biarritz Blau

I must have missed that post. Did you get a new scoot? What did you do with the blue beast?

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2009 1200 RT

Can ya hear me now?>>

2006 HD Ultra Classic <gone>
2004 HD Dyna <gone>
2003 HD Dyna <gone>
1996 HD Road King <gone>
1993 HD Heritage <gone>
1952 HD Panhead Bob <gone>

Put aside a couple hundred for some sort of valve cover guards. Take the saddlebags off until you hit a few thousand miles. Pay now or pay later. You WILL drop it, most likely at low speed in a parking lot or intersection.

I worked for a Swiss instrument company until recently, providing tech support and training for customers who had recently spent $100-300K on high tech, mission critical instruments based on the superiority of the products. I'm aware of Germanic hubris.

I've been riding for 24 years, mostly on heavy bikes. 250K+ miles. My other bike, a Guzzi, also has a dry clutch, but it's nowhere near as grabby as the BMW unit. Never dropped it. I heard about how fragile BMW dry clutches were, so I focused on letting the clutch out quickly. OK fine.

Yet ten days into ownership I dropped mine at 1 mph while starting a left turn. The clutch grabbed hard, stalled the engine, and over it went. Small scratches on the left valve cover and saddle bag lid. No biggy, but now I'm debating spending the $200 for a new valve cover, or $400 for aftermarket covers and rubber bag guards, or $$$ to prevent the next time...

I've owned and dropped K-series BMWs before, so this wasn't news to me. I know, Germans don't make mistakes. My previous two Japanese bikes had built-in steel frame guards with CHEAP (ie $28) sacrificial plastic covers. You could rash them up a couple of times before replacing them for the price of a business lunch.

I've learned from this. Too bad Germans don't make mistakes... they could learn from the Japanese. If only ...

"but now I'm debating spending the $200 for a new valve cover"

Repair the scrapes on the valve cover yourself or call Beemerboneyard or any parts place to see if they have a used one. Cost should be about $80-$90 or so. Good luck.

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'05 1200 RT, Ruby, as in RED, (current garage queen)
'04 1150 RT, '99 Ducati 748 BiPosto, '93 Seca II, '93 K1100RS (Silk Blue), '83 Yamaha Maxim 750 (all gone)

[QUOTE=Semio]You WILL drop it, most likely at low speed in a parking lot or intersection.

QUOTE]

I always get a kick out people who say
"There are people who have been in accidents and those who are yet to be in an accident" as well as the "You WILL drop it" folks.

Nothing is for sure, I have never dropped a bike. I've never been in an accident. I suppose I could one day.
I don't like those assumptions. They almost feel like you are wishing for bad to happen.
The only thing for sure is death and taxes my friend. Get guards and take precautions but
I don't like somebody telling you WILL drop your brand new baby.
Enjoy it. I will bet on you not dropping it.
Ellie

Funny... there is one thing that keeps me of the opinion that my next bike will be a GS and not an RT. That is the fact that I'm positive I will drop it. There is no doubt in my mind that at some point, it will be on its side. When that happens, I would rather have metal luggage. Were it not for that certainty, I would be dreaming of a new RT now.

Thanks, and in today's cool daylight I did just that. A little dressing with a fine file, some 000 steel wool, and touch-up paint from my silver Subaru ... done. Hard to tell it's been altered. The saddlebags scratches are really minor and will largely be covered by the plastic lower bag covers on order. Again, no biggie. Now that she's 'broken-in' I'm ready to RIDE!!

edit: These are on the way. Problem SOLVED. Done.


http://www.adventurersworkshop.com/machineart_moto.htm
or ...http://www.advdesigns.net/xcyhegubymaa.html

A personal GS review: http://www.advrider.com/forums/show...ighlight=x-head



Hey - remember when bikers would take care of this for you? Three of your riding friends would hold you back while the fourth would kick your new ride over? Cherry popped. Now ride the darn thing!

thanx.

Those look great, Semio!

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Steve
NJ State Trooper #3936 (retired 4-1-1991)
2009 R1200RT - sapphire black metallic

For What Its Worth... I use the Verholen Stainless Steel Head Protectors. I got mine from A&S Cycles.

Linky: http://www.ascycles.com/detail.aspx?ID=44459

I have dropped my RT two times, both at near zero speeds, both in parking lots, both on the right side. (The first time was when the jerk pulled out in front of me in front of the grocery store while I was in a turn. I live in SLC and the expletive I shouted caused general dismay and shock among the local LDS population. Made me feel better though.-but I digress)

The second time was my fault totally... sloping parking lot, turning to downhill side, too little throttle, too much clutch, stalled, dropped- cursed again.

Now the important part... the head protector did its job in a magnificent manner. A few light scratches, sharp, fine metal file, steel wool all good again... but, and it is a big Butt... the Side Case is the part that takes the beating.

BMW sells a plastic side case protector, but IT IS APPLIED TO A PLACE WHERE THE CASE DOES NOT CONTACT THE GROUND. Buy it if you want it, but it does not protect the side case in a tip over. (It may protect from rock chips on the bottom side... (but mine is not chipped anyway)

The side case is injured very near the top- up at the "corner" of the top and the side, just an inch below the top/side intersection. I have never seen a protector that goes in that place.

RT owners may find this video amusing:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPrCvXLlcyo

OBTW the mirror may or may not pop-off. Recommendation for you new guys is to learn how the mirrors are removed and reinstalled. Kind if scary the first time...if you take one off on purpose, but you do need to know how...
FYI.

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BMW 2005 R1200RT
Triumph 955i Sprint RS


The thought occurs to me that we are, at this moment, closer to here than we will ever be again.

The x-head protectors arrived today. They are thick and appear to be very tough. You can see a hint of reinforcing fiber sparkle in the flat black xenoy resin. They have more of a tough 'ting' sound when you whack them with a hard object, and less of the thud you get with soft plastics like dirt bike parts or laundry baskets.

I ran out and bolted them on tonight. They included replacement polished SS hex socket head cap screws to replace the original T25 hardware. Be warned, like most of this kind of stuff, you can save yourself a lot of grief by removing tupperware. The left side one goes on OK with a little bit of creating wrenching, but the right one really needs to have the lower fairing removed (or at least mostly unbolted). It's really not all that hard - just takes a couple of minutes.

The parts are molded well and everything lines up. The included hardware is high quality and the instructions are relatively clear. They were a bit pricey, but are MUCH better made than the BMW parts at similar price. I actually think they look really great on a black RT - kind of a tough scifi 'blast shield' look. Ymmv, natch'.

No chance to test them yet.

PICTURES

Re all the warnings on low speed braking - I found out the hard way that they are right on the money. I also lay claim to possibly setting a new record for my first drop...literally the first turn out of the car park when picking up the bike, I'd say maybe 20 seconds after starting it up! Low rev's, clutch grabbed, stall, and lying on the ground wondering what happened...

No real damage apart from right side pannier scratches, and a very bruised ego. Still - they're only scratches and I would hope I've learned a valuable lesson in the process. Be very gentle with those brakes!

How do these effect the cylinder head cooling?

TA-DA!!

2009 R1200RT Standard seat in lowest position
Z-Technik standard V-Stream windcsreen, all the way down.
Touratech Flat-Top Tank Bag
X-head G2 Xenoy cylinder head protectors

SWEET!

congratulations! Prepare to have a great time!!! Don't sweat the "stiffness" in the engine initially. It does go away.

Plan a nice long ride somewhere. If you need any encouragement, here's a few pics from my long ride last summer to get the juices flowing:

http://blip.tv/file/2633130

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RB

2005 Ducati Multistrada 1000DS (red)
2009 BMW R1200 RT (biue)

Nice slideshow!