[watchful]

Hi,
I just joined since I am seriously considering replacing my Venture with the 1200RT.
I read that the stock Audio system can not be heard well on Highway...??? Would it be difficult to adjust to the new sitting posture ? Are the stock seats appropriate for longer rides?
Sorry for so many questions, but I need to prepare myself in case I need to get different Audio and/or seats etc.
Thank you for your help, :wave
W.

 

[Risky]

When I ordered my 09 RT I did not get the radio. As far as not hearing a radio on the highway, that would depend on what kind of volume you would expect to hear? I was in the Audio biz for many years and most of the general public don"t but enough power and speaker combo's in a car install let alone on a Motor cycle at 60.mph. I use a J&M audio pkg. with installed speakers and mike in a flip up Bell helmet, works really good and don"t have to worry about speakers wearing out on the bike. Remember: speakers don"t last on a bike like they would in a car, moisture and vibration will shorting the life of speakers that get wet. There is NO such thing as water proof speakers. Just water resistant. Some thing to ponder for sure.
As far as the seat. I HATE mine. I will be soon ordering a Russell Day long. There is a lot of owners that like there seats. You will just to find the sweet spot for your self.

 

[watchful]

Thank you Risky. On my 2007 Venture, the stock speakers performs amazingly since 2007 !!! They are powerful enough that I don't use my helmet speakers anymore.....I had a few rainy rides, but they are very well protected from the rain.
I checked the Russell site, looks impressive.
W.

 

[kevincaron]

I had a 96 R11rt. with the radio installed. Couldn't hear anything over about 40 mph. from the speakers. Never got around to putting speakers in the helmet.

As for the seat, go get a Russell day long. Anything else is (in my opinion) a waste of money.

The bike came with a Sargent and it was like a brick. After replacing it with a Russell it was like a whole new bike.


Just my 2 cents worth....

 

[cessna]

I have the stock radio and use a separate XM radio (Roady 2) that transmits to the stock BMW radio.. I am using a Schuberth C3 helmet and wear foam earplugs. I have no problems hearing the radio at any legal speed with the volume turned up to 10 - 12. I was considering adding helmet speakers but found that wearing the foam earplugs solved the problem and also protects what hearing I have left!

Regards,

 

[Diver4242]

I posted recently about the stock radio as I prepared to buy a 2012 R1200RT. After reviewing the responses to my post and other threads, I decided to save a ton of money and not get the stock radio. Also because I had the radio on two prior (older) RTs and agreed - it's useless except at low speed or stops.

So I went with the Sena bluetooth wireless system, which allows me to listen to the music from my phone or other device right in my helmet. I could not believe how easy it installed and how great it sounds, even in my old Shoei helmet which has a lot of wind noise (I'm getting the Schuberth C3 soon, it has a great noise rating as well as a fantastic helmet).

The plus side is that I can also take phone calls (doubt I would do that at speed though!) and communicate with my passenger (I got the dual set) and listen to XM radio when I get a GPS with XM (about to go with Garmin Zumo 665 unless the rumors of a newer model prove true).

I also think I'm going to get the Russel Day-Long seat. Guess I better start putting in some overtime at work!

 

[hopz]

watchful...

Those are good questions but there is a fundamental issue you need to get straight on.

The RT is not the same as a Venture in the same way a Gazelle is not the same as a Zebra. What is important is understanding why you are changing and knowing what you are looking for. A motorcycle is a tool. Different style bikes are different because they are responding to different purposes.

If listening to the radio is an important part of your motorcycling experience then you may achieve success with a BMW but in my opinion the radio is the very last thing to consider. The typical RT rider will not be listening to the radio. You may not be typical. If I am in a car my radio is on. If I am on my bike... I have in-helmet audio- I probably have had the radio on a total of 20 minutes... and it is an '05 year bike.

Ride position is more important. Depending on the state of your body, your degree of fitness, the strength of your back, and the willingness to work on the transition from Venture-style feet forward sitting on your butt position to a more lean forward, body weight supported by your back muscles and arms etc. will be far more important. But the real issue is what you are expecting and why you are changing.

Think of the fundamental differences between a large 4-door sedan that glides around town. Comfortable, quiet and well insulated from the world outside. Compare that to a finely tuned sports car with a lot of power, agile handling, and what many call a harsh ride.

You need a long test ride.... and a good bit of thought.

 

[watchful]

Thank you all for the great advise. You are absolutely correct, Hopz.
As I am approaching the last decade of my life I'd like to try something different then what I have ridden all my life...(if not now when... ) The only reason I got the Venture with the surrounding music is to not fall a sleep riding through the Canadian prairies.... But you are right about the Sport/touring bikes, I might think differently. I can only take a 30-45min. ride from the BMW dealer here in May. Better then other dealer who do not let you have any test rides.
W.

 

[05Train]

FWIW, I was very skeptical of the RTs ergos as were my passengers (wife and daughter). We all expected the bike to be a cramped, uncomfortable contortionist's nightmare, and we were all shocked at how comfortable it is when your body positioning is correct. Hopz has made the point in a couple of threads about how important physical conditioning is, and he's 100% correct. If your placement on the bike is putting weight on your wrists, you're going to be uncomfortable in very short order. Likewise, if your core is slumped back and your weight is on your tailbone, you're going to be uncomfortable.

This bike rewards good posture. I know that sounds silly, but it's true.

As far as seats go, the stocker is too soft for my preference. My Sargent arrives tomorrow, I should have a decent ride report on it in about a week.

 

[Monty2007]

I have the stock radio and by adjusting the wind screen i can hear the radio ok at speeds up to about 70mph. Overall i am happy with the radio.

I have the low seat which is great for commuting to and from work and ok for rides of up to about 120-130 miles. I am going to get another seat for long distance riding. I had a Corbin on another bike and would consider one again. I am also going to check into a Russel Day Long based on the endorsements of the forum members and other riders with one.

 

[watchful]

Thank you for the very positive input Ttrain and Monty :bmw: , What year is your RT Monty??
W.

 

[Monty2007]

It is a 2011.

 

[watchful]

Can you connect a iPod or iPhone to it ??

 

[SPXDR]

Can you connect a iPod or iPhone to it ??

Yes

 

[ka5ysy]

I recently purchased the 2011 RT demo that I "tested" for about 2300 of the 2500 miles required to sell a designated demo bike.


I actually did not have a lot of problem with the stock windscreen as it was much better than pre-2010 model that gave me a lot of helmet buffet. You could listen to the radio, but it was difficult after about 40 mph with the stock screen, even fully up.

Two things that I ordered immediately: Kontour seats, and CalSci windscreen.

The CalSci decision was based on my use of their tall screen on my R1200R, which made for a nice quiet, buffet-free ride at any sane speed. The BMW screens were horrible, and even other after-market screens could not touch the CalSci.

On the RT, the CalSci screen is outstanding even in the fully down position. It gives a smooth laminar flow of air that is just at the top of my helmet (I am 5'11", 30" inseam). Moving the screen up about one inch gives a quiet ride that I can hear the radio at any speed under about 50mph. At 80mph, the screen comes up a little over half way and makes the radio easily heard again. Full up gives a quiet, dry ride in rain, cold, etc.

The Kontour seat was a leap of faith after reading the website, and I rolled the dice and came up with a really nice, COOL seat (important in south Louisiana in the summers) . The seat is a multi-layer thing with a really nice looking mesh for the outer layer. It has visco-elastic stuff that molds to your butt and actually isolates the vibration of the bike, making for a nice ride for very long distances. The BMW seat was about a 2 hour seat for me, and I had to get off and walk around for a time, plus it did not breath, so a bead or sheepskin was necessary to avoid monkey butt. My R1200R was changed to a Rick Mayer custom that solved that problem and was an excellent seat, but the leather was always a concern when it rained.

As noted by some other posts, ride the RT a lot in different situations. You absolutely cannot "get" the bike on a short test ride. My evolution to this bike occurred over a period of 5 years. Initially I did not really like the look of the Pre- 2010 bike, nor the close fairing around the legs as it restricted forward foot placement at stops. Over time, and a lot of riding the demo bikes when my RR was in the shop for service intervals, I figured out the seating position for foot placement at stops, grew to love the power, maneuverability, superior wind and weather protection, the heat management (you don't feel any!), and there is enough airflow to the rider to not broil in the summers down here. It is a hoot to chase crotch rockets with all the bags on, and even pass them. The look on their faces is priceless :histerica

The new ride with the farkles on display:

The added lights under the fairing are the Clearwater Kristas mounted on their bracket system. Very easy install and quite secure. They work great at night and as running lights during the daytime.

CalSci windscreen in down position:

Kontour seats:

CLOSEUP:

 

[watchful]

Thank you Ka5ysy for the great info, How easy is it to change seat and screens ??
W.

 

[MotoZot]

ka5sys - what size Cali Sci windshield do you have?

Thanks,
Jeff

 

[05Train]

Here's a couple of shots of the Sargent seat and the Cee Bailey's windshield.

 

[heavynikonf3]

Glad to have you aboard. Stock seat>>ass killer. From this forum you will read the two most frequently changed parts are the seat and the wind screen. For me it is Corbin seat and Cee Bally Rally Sport shield. As mentioned, simple exercise for your body is a boon to riding. You will find your movements of control become more fluid and natural. Conditioning is the key to smooth, smooth is the key to control, and control is the key to keeping it vertical!
I would also recommend taking as many rider courses as you can attend. I did a Super Bike school in California two years ago, learned plenty that applies to every day riding such as braking properly. I did get tired of hearing "Go grampa go" :dance: But it was fun.
Good luck!

 

[05Train]

I did about 8 hours of riding yesterday, and another 5 today, and I'm less than thrilled with the Sargent. It's a great-looking seat, and I like the storage containers underneath, but truthfully it's less comfortable than the stock seat. I'm getting a dull pain at the two pressure points, and I found myself fidgeting both days. I'm hoping it breaks in after a few hundred more miles, but I'm skeptical.

It's a shame, 'cause the thing looks fantastic on the bike.