Intro, which year should I buy ?

3644 Views 27 Replies 16 Participants Last post by patsmith, May 29, 2012

Gregpinch

Discussion Starter · May 22, 2012

Hello,

As you can see I am new to the forum.

I currently own a 2011 BMW F800ST.
At 47 years old I just can't get comfortable with the ergonomics of this bike and I am going to sell it.

I have decided it's time for me to purchase a touring bike as comfort is critical for me.

Unfortunately I can't swing a new R1200RT so I am in the market for used.

Hoping to get a 2009.

Was 2010 when the major styling change happened?

Any particular benefit of a particular year from 2008 up?

Thanks,
Greg

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ken6217

· #2 · May 22, 2012

I have owned a 2009 and now have a 2012. If money is an issue, get an '08/'09 and don't think twice.

In 2010 they went to the double overhead cam engine. The bike does have more pep with the torque spread more across the powerband but this should not be a reason to have to get a 2010 or forward if you don't want to spend the money.

The styling changes are not much and honestly I prefer the look of the '08/'09 better.
Ken

Gregpinch

Discussion Starter · #3 · May 22, 2012

Thanks so much for the reply.

Yes, money is an issue.
I have about $14,000 to spend.

So it looks like 08-10 is what I am after.

I kind of like the styling of the + 10.

Just went to my local dealership to throw a leg over.
I am only 5' 7" so seat height is a concern.

With the low seat installed I feel ok. Not flat footed but ok.

I guess I should go for a test drive although I know what I am getting into.

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hopz

· #4 · May 22, 2012 (Edited)

First, welcome on board.

Second... at your age, you are one of the spring chickens around here... or said differently- age does not matter.

The answer to your question lies in one fact. They are all good. Buy the one you like... there is no significant difference in technology, styling, repair history or features over the years.

They all will be heavier than the F800's but will offer more comfort and a more stable feel on the road. Seating position and various things regarding body position and grip position can be altered to fit you.

I am 5'6", I cannot flat-foot either, but you will get over it. It really is not a big deal.

Enjoy the ride.

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Gregpinch

Discussion Starter · #5 · May 22, 2012

Thanks so much. for the reply.

Ya, I put different bars, lower suspension, lower seat and was just about to buy a larger windshield for my 800.
I rode it on the weekend and just said to myself "I don't want to drive across the country on this bike".
I turned around to head home and the bike quit as I was cruising along the highway at 110 KPH. Was able to coast to the side of the 6 lane highway.

That was it for me.

The bike is at the dealership. It's a know problem with the 800's.

Now, just need to find a low millage R1200RT. I am a researcher by profession so I will find one !

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jrhSeattle

· #6 · May 22, 2012

I bought used (an 07) in 09. I am also inseam challenged. If that is an issue for you, I would highly recommend an 09 with the lowered suspension. No heated seat being available for low suspension RTs may be an issue for you, and it has the BMW centric turn indicators, which some love and some hate. My understanding is the cruise control switch on the post 09 RTs has problems. It sure feels flimsy.

Gregpinch

Discussion Starter · #7 · May 22, 2012

Today I sat on a factory lowered bike with the ultra low seat.
I also sat on a regular height with a low seat.
Of course the factory lowered one felt best but I want all the features that come with the regular height bike.

More than likely I would have a custom seat made that is a bit lower than the low seat.

cessna

· #8 · May 22, 2012

Although I do not need one and have not used one on the RT, I did try a low GS seat installed on a GSA at the dealer. It does give me a more secure feeling being able to flat foot a GSA; but, I would think that it might be a problem on long rides. There is usually no free lunch and giving up the extra padding may litterally be a PITA with a low seat!

Regards,

Gregpinch

Discussion Starter · #9 · May 22, 2012

Yep, I agree.
I have the low seat on my F800.

Will more than likely go the custom route.

150flyer

· #10 · May 22, 2012

I would avoid the years using the servo actuated brakes.

Gregpinch

Discussion Starter · #11 · May 22, 2012

What years would those be ?

Based on my budget it looks like I should be able to get a 2009.

Would prefer the 10 for styling but can't swing the additional cost.

missusfinz

· #12 · May 22, 2012

Gregpinch said:
Hello,

As you can see I am new to the forum.

I currently own a 2011 BMW F800ST.
At 47 years old I just can't get comfortable with the ergonomics of this bike and I am going to sell it.

I have decided it's time for me to purchase a touring bike as comfort is critical for me.

Unfortunately I can't swing a new R1200RT so I am in the market for used.

Hoping to get a 2009.

Was 2010 when the major styling change happened?

Any particular benefit of a particular year from 2008 up?

Thanks,
Greg

Hi
I ride an 09 RT.
Saturday, I test rode a 2012 RT.
I wanted to see the difference between the bikes.

I don't want to upset anyone but this is only my opinion...

Before I start...My bike is well broken in...70000 kms. The test bike was 4000 kms.

First thing I noticed was the look and feel of the buttons etc.
I find the 09 is better built. The handlebars on the 2012 where kind of cheaply made. Screw heads were obvious and the button hardware where cheap. Something I expect from other manufacturers.

When I rode the bike I didn't see any big improvement in performance. I actually feel my bike is torquier and runs smoother. My gear shifting on my 09 is like buttah compared to the 2012.
The engine noise didn't impress me. If I want more noise I think I would go to a third party vendor for tuned exhaust.

I'm glad I bought an 09. I don't see me buying a new one. I was more impressed with the K-Bikes if I need to spend the big bucks again.

The new RT is still a great bike but IMHO not quite as good as the 09 RT.
Ellie
:bmw:

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JayJay

· #13 · May 22, 2012

missusfinz said:
I'm glad I bought an 09. I don't see me buying a new one... The new RT is still a great bike but IMHO not quite as good as the 09 RT.
Ellie
:bmw:

I have an '09 that is well broken in (45K miles) and like Ellie, I'm delighted with it. I haven't heard any pressing arguments other than "early adoption" to get a new bike. The '07-'09 are essentially the same so anything you can find would be a good bike.

JayJay

Gregpinch

Discussion Starter · #14 · May 22, 2012

Great post

Thanks for sharing.

Yep, looking for an 09.

There is a guy in LA that has 09 with 800 miles on it.
Wants more than my budget will allow though.

corrcullen

· #15 · May 22, 2012

Have a 2005 RT myself, bought it 5 months ago, was only 2000 miles on it when I got it, have 6000 on it now.
I really like it and havnt had any problems yet.
Am hoping I dont get problems with the servo brakes, which are rumoured to give trouble..

missusfinz

· #16 · May 22, 2012

Gregpinch said:
Great post

Thanks for sharing.

Yep, looking for an 09.

There is a guy in LA that has 09 with 800 miles on it.
Wants more than my budget will allow though.

Call Wolf BMW in London. Tell Ian what you are looking for.
Wolf is a great shop. I trust them.
They can look for you?
Ellie

Atomicman

· #17 · May 22, 2012

missusfinz said:
Hi
I ride an 09 RT.
Saturday, I test rode a 2012 RT.
I wanted to see the difference between the bikes.

I don't want to upset anyone but this is only my opinion...

Before I start...My bike is well broken in...70000 kms. The test bike was 4000 kms.

First thing I noticed was the look and feel of the buttons etc.
I find the 09 is better built. The handlebars on the 2012 where kind of cheaply made. Screw heads were obvious and the button hardware where cheap. Something I expect from other manufacturers.

When I rode the bike I didn't see any big improvement in performance. I actually feel my bike is torquier and runs smoother. My gear shifting on my 09 is like buttah compared to the 2012.
The engine noise didn't impress me. If I want more noise I think I would go to a third party vendor for tuned exhaust.

I'm glad I bought an 09. I don't see me buying a new one. I was more impressed with the K-Bikes if I need to spend the big bucks again.

The new RT is still a great bike but IMHO not quite as good as the 09 RT.
Ellie
:bmw:

+1 '09, Last year before a change is the ticket.

Gregpinch

Discussion Starter · #18 · May 22, 2012

Yes, I know Wolf in London.

Will have a look.

Although I am looking for a U.S. bike. I want the dual MPH/KPH speedo and the $2000. savings. On average the used RT market in the US is quite a bit lower and with Canadian $$ around par I have to consider that.

hopz

· #19 · May 22, 2012

The servo brakes were on '05's and '06's.

Mine is an 05. The issue is not that they might have trouble. In fact, if the brakes are maintained as they are supposed to be... they are as reliable as any other. This mean- virtually totally... reliable.

But I digress. The issue is that some people do not like the "power brakes" feel. I like it. Stops as it should and totally reliable. Competent riders will find no issues...

But having said that and read the earlier comments - it looks like an '08/'09 is in your future. You cannot go wrong.

TeSmSp

· #20 · May 22, 2012

I like the 2007 model; there are no service reminders in the bike software.

1 - 20 of 28 Posts

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