I'm considering purchasing a used R1200RT (my LT was a bit too top heavy for me). All the reviews seem favorable but I have seen complaints about excessive vibration at idle. One rider described it as "hand numbing" after 30 minutes. Have any of you experienced this? Is this an issue with the bike, or something that could be an adjustment problem?

I'm a former LT rider. I changed bikes because of the weight issue as well. There is a little vibration at idle, but I would not call it "hand numbing". Why would anyone have the bike at idle for 30 minutes? I've been on the bike for 250 miles straight and didn't notice any effects beyond riding the LT. I've heard it said that the RT has a heart beat - that would be how I would express it.

The LT and RT are both great bikes. I like the RT because it's easier on a bad knee (weight).

 

Just came back from a 200mi ride on my new RT. I agree with the above posts. Fun bike!!

 

I also traded my 02 LT for a 06 RT. I'm still trying to dial it in for comfort (seat and windshield of course). As the motor is breaking in it's getting smoother and smoother. It has really helped to run it hard now and then. I've heard it can take 10 to 20K miles before it's fully broken in and just gets better and better. enjoy!!! Dan

 

I have ridden my younger brother's '06 RT, and vibration didn't bother me, just more like older motorcycles, which isn't bad. What did bother me, and also bothers him is the ergonomics. Painful seat, knee and hip angles. Would not recommend to anyone with any lower joint problems at all. Just my 2¢.

 

Vibration at Idle on R1200RT

I have a 2005 R1200RT and have not experienced the excessive vibration at idle, as described in this post. Of course, I have not had the bike at idle speed for 30 minutes, as indicated by the poster. The longest I have ever had my bike at idle speed was perhaps ten minutes or so waiting for a traffic signal to change in a long line of traffic. I can't imagine idling a bike for thirty minutes. I believe I would shut the bike down, if I saw I was stuck in a traffic jam with no hope of movement.
Nevertheless, the R1200RT does have some vibration emanating from the Boxer engine. I have never owned a K bike, so I can only imagine the difference in vibration, or lack thereof, comparing the R bike to the K. I do not find the vibration that problematic, but other folks may feel differently.

 

I had the opportunity to have an all day test ride on an R1200RT while my K1200LT was in for a service. Did around 250 miles on a mixture of road types. There is always a noticeable vibration through the grips although not hand numbing. What I did notice was under harder acceleration at higher revs there was vibration through the foot pegs and the seat as well. Enough that I found it less comfortable and would hesitate to ride it for long distance at higher speeds. I am probably unfairly comparing it to the LT which is very smooth except for the rev range at around 4700.

 

Sorry...need to clarify. Didn't mean 30 minutes of idle. Reviewer spoke of "hand numbing" sensation after 30 min. of riding, and compalined of "too much vibration" at idle.

 

Sorry...need to clarify. Didn't mean 30 minutes of idle. Reviewer spoke of "hand numbing" sensation after 30 min. of riding, and compalined of "too much vibration" at idle.

This (hand numbing) is definitely not a characrteristic of the bike. Perhaps the one (the reviewer) rode had an unballanced tire or she/he was holding the grips too tightly.

 

All the reviews seem favorable but I have seen complaints about excessive vibration at idle. One rider described it as "hand numbing" after 30 minutes.

I have one question. Who sits on an idle bike for 30 minutes? I suspect the guy was gripping the handle bar a bit too tight.

 

R1200CLC expereince

My 03 CLC had a vibration that would show up in the mirrors. it did get better with each service, so that after the 18K the mirrors were almost useable. i was on my way for the 24K service when I trashed it. The 04 with twin spark did not have any vibration to speak of. the mirrors at speed were even clear enough that I could tell what how many cars were behind me. Not as smoooooooth as the LT but not hand numbing either.

 

2005 RT Test Ride

We rented an RT yesterday so that we could try it out before purchasing. It turned out to be a very wise investment.

For the first hour it was great (ran great, smooth, great stopping, easy handling)! Then the "bottom" pain started, hips and knees then began to make noises to us (husband and spouse). The biggest problem was that there was no where to move your feet so you could reposition your body. Toward the end of five hours (getting off and on at regular intervals due to discomfort) we returned to the dealer.

We realize there are better seats to purchase and bar backs to relieve the leaning forward all the time. What would the solution for pegs be? It appears that if you put them on the end of the valve covers your feet would be splayed out due to the fairing. (We are both hovering around 60 and that may be the problem.) We have owned several airheads in the past and they had the same peg position so I guess it must be our age that is causing the difficulties. The bike is excellent and I hate to think we are going to have to settle for a Gold Wing. Our Harley is comfortable but we prefer the reliability and easy response of the BMW.

Any suggestions to accommodate our aging needs?

 

One of the things you will read about the RT and the boxer engine, is the need to synchronize the throttle bodies.. That might be an issue on your friends bike. I would check it out. There is alot of documentation about the engine getting smoother over time as well.

 

I'm considering purchasing a used R1200RT (my LT was a bit too top heavy for me). All the reviews seem favorable but I have seen complaints about excessive vibration at idle. One rider described it as "hand numbing" after 30 minutes. Have any of you experienced this? Is this an issue with the bike, or something that could be an adjustment problem?

I've ridden mine over 500 miles in a day several times.. NO issues with vibrating hands.. and WHO has their bike at idle for 30 minutes, let alone with their hands on the grips.

Small vibrations at lose RPM, but smooth as glass at cruising RPM.. 4k or so.

 

Before the 600 mile service, I experienced what could be called "Excessive" vibration, if compared with the vibration post service. I certainly would not call it hand numbing, but it was noticeable.

After the first service there is a slight but not unpleasant vibration, which I agree with the comment about it being a heartbeat.

I moved from an inline four ('88 K100RT) to a twin, which naturally means you get more vibration as the engine has two strokes without any power assisting it. However the vibration is significantly less than I would have imagined.

Best regards
Sleuth