waxrash
New member
First before I sound like I'm complaining, I love my RT. I have put 50,000 miles on it so far and would not trade the adventures for any amount of money.
Every year I look at new bikes and just can't find anything that suites me anywhere near my RT, not even a new one.
However, BMW ownership comes with a price.
My bike is dealer maintained to factory specs and lives in a garage in a moderate climate in NC.
I could self maintain, but my schedule does not allow, and i want to ride, not wrench.
I ride about 7000 miles per year, slightly less than my riding partners.
I thought I would give a rundown for a new owner to set some expectations with the assumption that my experience is typical.
Basic Maintenance - I spend about $1000/year for scheduled maintenance and tires. A set of tires for me will last 10-11K based on treadwear, but I really start to dislike them around 8K. I plan on a set per year. Some people tell me this is high, but I find they don't ride their bikes nearly as much.
Other repairs - Fuel Strip (20741 miles) under warranty, Brake Line Recall (20741 miles) under warranty, Fuel Pump Recall (50010 miles).
Fatal issues - I have had 4 failures that stranded me.
1) Ignition switch had to be replaced at 25956 miles. $294.61 (luckily at home, so I trailered to dealer)
2) EWS Ring while in Erie PA. Had to call tow truck, but after the bike cooled it started and I rode to repair. Repaired under warranty.
3) Final Drive while in Brevard NC at 36169 miles. Out of warranty, BMW helped cover cost. I paid $900. Plus an all day towing experience with AAA, family and friends to get home.
4) Fuel Pump Controller failed at 49997 miles in Brevard NC (What is it with Brevard?). UHaul and Gas $400, New Controller $150. Yes I have AAA but I only have 100 mile coverage so it was AAA to Asheville, hotel till tuesday, or $600 is mileage overage to home. UHaul was just so much quicker and no missed work.
I can't say if I am typical, but this is my experience.
Now would I buy the RT over again? Yes I would.
Would I recommend one?
To someone established in their career with disposable income? Yes.
To someone younger, recently married, having kids, getting started in life with tight income? No.
If you lump all this together, include the amortized cost of the bike, fuel, and do the math it costs me about $4000 to ride my 1200RT for a year.
I am about to jump on it again for a 7000 mile coast to coast trip, and it's more fun than I can explain, so don't hesitate, just go in eyes wide open.
Others can chime in as to whether this is typical.
Every year I look at new bikes and just can't find anything that suites me anywhere near my RT, not even a new one.
However, BMW ownership comes with a price.
My bike is dealer maintained to factory specs and lives in a garage in a moderate climate in NC.
I could self maintain, but my schedule does not allow, and i want to ride, not wrench.
I ride about 7000 miles per year, slightly less than my riding partners.
I thought I would give a rundown for a new owner to set some expectations with the assumption that my experience is typical.
Basic Maintenance - I spend about $1000/year for scheduled maintenance and tires. A set of tires for me will last 10-11K based on treadwear, but I really start to dislike them around 8K. I plan on a set per year. Some people tell me this is high, but I find they don't ride their bikes nearly as much.
Other repairs - Fuel Strip (20741 miles) under warranty, Brake Line Recall (20741 miles) under warranty, Fuel Pump Recall (50010 miles).
Fatal issues - I have had 4 failures that stranded me.
1) Ignition switch had to be replaced at 25956 miles. $294.61 (luckily at home, so I trailered to dealer)
2) EWS Ring while in Erie PA. Had to call tow truck, but after the bike cooled it started and I rode to repair. Repaired under warranty.
3) Final Drive while in Brevard NC at 36169 miles. Out of warranty, BMW helped cover cost. I paid $900. Plus an all day towing experience with AAA, family and friends to get home.
4) Fuel Pump Controller failed at 49997 miles in Brevard NC (What is it with Brevard?). UHaul and Gas $400, New Controller $150. Yes I have AAA but I only have 100 mile coverage so it was AAA to Asheville, hotel till tuesday, or $600 is mileage overage to home. UHaul was just so much quicker and no missed work.
I can't say if I am typical, but this is my experience.
Now would I buy the RT over again? Yes I would.
Would I recommend one?
To someone established in their career with disposable income? Yes.
To someone younger, recently married, having kids, getting started in life with tight income? No.
If you lump all this together, include the amortized cost of the bike, fuel, and do the math it costs me about $4000 to ride my 1200RT for a year.
I am about to jump on it again for a 7000 mile coast to coast trip, and it's more fun than I can explain, so don't hesitate, just go in eyes wide open.
Others can chime in as to whether this is typical.