Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
Its time to move up from my 1100RT to a 1200RT. Can I get some comments on whether to get the water cooled version or the non-water cooled.
Thanks for the comments.
The water cooled bike is smaller than the Hexhead/Camhead.
It has more power but is not any more smooth running.
Due to the wet clutch, clutch replacement is much simpler.
BMWs are continuously improved ... the best of the Hexheads is 2009, best of the Camheads 2011-on, Wethead transmission improved 2017.
Its time to move up from my 1100RT to a 1200RT. Can I get some comments on whether to get the water cooled version or the non-water cooled.
Thanks for the comments.
I heard that the 2018s are much more refined, shift smoother and run smoother.
What about Shift Assist Pro? Does that not factor in a better shift?
Not sure when they started offering SAP. It takes me bit to get used to, but I think I am going to like it. Even using the clutch on a 2019 RT makes shifting pretty smooth. I cannot comment on prior year model RT shifting, but have a sometimes clunky shift R1200C. So I can understand that aspect.
...but it feels lighter and not as top heavy as the older models.
My experience was going from a great 2004 R1150RT to my current 2014 RTW. While I loved my 2004 and the 2005-2009 was a noticeable improvement, there wasn't enough of a difference between those two models to make me change. When the RTW came out the difference between it and the 2004 R1150RT was/is substantial and I made the plunge. Never been happier. Still remember the R1150RT very fondly and prefer its looks, but the RTW is so good. Compared to the previous versions, the RTW offers lower center of gravity, better braking/handling/acceleration and slightly better fuel economy. When I factored in lower maintenance costs (I do my own), and a slight lower fuel spend, I figured the overall cost difference was perhaps 1-cent per mile and I can tell you 1-cent per mile is cheap for the smile it puts on my face. ;-)... Having gone from an 1150 Rt to a 2012 RT, not much was better on the 1150. I'm sure that is also the case with the water boxers. I'm very excited to see what happens to the prices of the water boxers, as people with more money than I buy the new shift cam bikes.
I think you've gotten a pretty good overview of what most folks feel are the primary differences. I would add or elaborate on two things:
My answer to the above is yes to the RTW. So far they have been more trouble free and easier scheduled maintenance than any previous BMW Boxer.
- Cost - While it is quite true that a 2005-2009 RT will cost about 6k less than a 2014-28 RTW, it is also true that there will also likely be a 4-6k difference if and when you decide to sell whatever you buy. Therefore, I always look at these differences as being a) can I afford to tie-up that difference now and b) how much is it really (a 5k difference even at 5%/yr is $250/yr) and c) is that ~$250/yr worth the difference to me. The price difference between the two is there for good reason, it isn't an arbitrary difference.
- Overall maintenance - Noticeabily less maintenance required for the RTW. However, some depends on if you will do most of the service or a dealership. The RTW is actually easier to do all of the maintenance, although it appears at first to be more daunting it is not.
RTW - every 6,000 miles or year, change engine oil and filter, every 12k do 6k plus change air-filter, final drive oil, plugs, check valves (it appears that over 50% of the LC bikes checked didn't need valve adjustments @ 12k)
My experience was going from a great 2004 R1150RT to my current 2014 RTW. While I loved my 2004 and the 2005-2009 was a noticeable improvement, there wasn't enough of a difference between those two models to make me change. When the RTW came out the difference between it and the 2004 R1150RT was/is substantial and I made the plunge. Never been happier. Still remember the R1150RT very fondly and prefer its looks, but the RTW is so good. Compared to the previous versions, the RTW offers lower center of gravity, better braking/handling/acceleration and slightly better fuel economy. When I factored in lower maintenance costs (I do my own), and a slight lower fuel spend, I figured the overall cost difference was perhaps 1-cent per mile and I can tell you 1-cent per mile is cheap for the smile it puts on my face. ;-)
I think if I already had a 2006-2013 R1200RT the decision would be more difficult. However, barring that, the only reason to buy an 2006-2009 now is price of admission. If springing for the RTW is a roblem than the 2006-2013 R1200RT is still a great bike that will take you anywhere there is pavement.
I agree that there is a huge depreciation in value when you drive off the new bike. It’s always been that way. In comparison, a new RT in 1985 was $7500. A new car was about $15000 American style a new BMW was about $25000. So it was about 1/3 the price of an average BMW car.
Now the RT and GS bikes are all pricing out at $25000 the way BMW is packaging them state side. About half the cost of the BMW cars. Why is that? It’s that way because BMW was subsidizing the bikes in those days and ownership supported the cars carrying the bike business. It’s not that way anymore at BMW. The bike projects are being run by the car guys now and the bikes need to finance themselves. That’s what is giving us the generally higher new prices. All that low interest rates offered by mfr financing sources is offset by inflated new prices as well. In the first year they will drop from 25K to 16 K. Pay to be first is the rule for new shift cam toys. In 2003 I paid $20k to get out the door with gear helmet and latest / greatest bike. I’m not doin that again.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Can I get some comments on whether to get the water cooled version or the non-water cooled....
I have an '05 Hexhead and I demo'd the water cooled version last summer. It was an amazing bike, but I chose to stay with my current bike because it is less complex, and I prefer the analog instrumentation.
Suggest you ride both of them and see what your impressions are.