Looking at R1200RT's. Are there issues with certain years or things I need to look out for?

[malinamps]

Hi all

I have a 2005 R1200GS which I love, but am thinking of moving to an RT. Based on my budget I've been specifically looking for 2014-2018. I don't know a lot about these models, but I like the idea of the onboard computer and integrated Nav. If anyone has advice on things to look for specifically, please let me know. And if anyone knows of one for sale near Southern WI, feel free to forward info to me.

Thanks
Mark

(PS - I mistakenly posted this in the hexed forum. Sorry about that)

 

[72557]

I've got a 2016 R1200RT, bought new and now with 25K. I've added a few farks but am VERY happy with the bike. I will note that there's a new "maintenance schedule addition" advising that the drive shaft splines should be re-greased every 12K and that the shaft should be replaced after 36K. I've not had the splines regreased yet but will at the next annual service. That said, I've had no problems with the shaft after my 25K.

Happy hunting,

Frank

 

[20317]

I have a 2016 R1200 RT with 202,448 miles on it. I have replaced two driveshafts and one charging system. The engine, clutch and transmission are all original.

Buy one and RIDE ON

 

[malinamps]

I have a 2016 R1200 RT with 202,448 miles on it. I have replaced two driveshafts and one charging system. The engine, clutch and transmission are all original.

Buy one and RIDE ON

Holy cats! That's amazing! Thanks for the input.

 

[robsryder]

I have a 2018 R1200RTw with around 18k miles. No issues with mine. I still have the OEM battery, but will be replacing this very soon. I like the satellite radio but had some issues with bluetooth. The wethead RT radio/audio is the same as for the K1600 bikes and there is discussion about fixes, including what I did to "fix" the audio on my bike in this link -

beat the dead horse - Blues with Blue tooth

I have read and read on the how to and what works, but more on how it doesn't work. I cant get my Sena10 to reliably connect to the 1600B ? Seems it is always a struggle and I am un pairing and re-pairing the head set. Cant get my GPS to sync in for some crazy reason either ? I can however...

forums.bmwmoa.org

On this bike, as with all of my BMW motorcycles, I replaced the saddle; I obtained a Sargent heated saddle. I also installed the front and rear "crash" bars from Illium.

BMW R 1200/1250 RT 2014-19, 2020+, CFX/Black welt, 2-pc seat set, Regular Height.

Explore Sargent Seats - BMW R Model Aftermarket Motorcycle Seats featuring a variety of styles to upgrade your R 1200 / 1250 RT 2014-2019, 2020+ bike.

www.sargentcycle.com

R 1200 RTW (WATER / LIQUID COOLED)

iliumworks.com

BMW use to provide a very useful tool kit with their motorcycles. Alas, the R1200RTw does not come with such a tool kit. Ted Porter's Beemershop does have a nicely appointed (albeit expensive) tool kit for the R1200RTw -

SBVTools MOTORCYCLE TOOL SET for BMW

Check out the deal on SBVTools MOTORCYCLE TOOL SET for BMW at Ted Porter's BeemerShop

www.beemershop.com

I was able to obtain the service DVD when I purchased my bike new, but I understand that these service manuals are no longer available. You can, however, purchase the Haynes manual for the liquid cooled R1200 bikes and there are a series of instructive videos available should you choose to do some of your own servicing.

BMW R1200 Liquid-Cooled Twins (13-16) Haynes Repair Manual

The complete BMW R1200 Liquid-cooled Twins (13-16) Haynes Repair Manual from Haynes for servicing and motorcycle repairs. Shop now for US delivery.

us.haynes.com

Boxflyer

Welcome to my Channel. This site is primarily focused on BMW motorcycle maintenance and customizing. Be sure to read the "Show More" in the Description of every video to see lots of details pertaining to the subject being covered.

www.youtube.com

 

[reg26]

Own a 2015 since new. No issues at all. Best motorcycle I have ever owned. Some will say to avoid the 2014 model because of the rear shock issue but that has been taken care of. You cant go wrong with any of them. They are great bikes.

 

[Scott9999]

Hi all

I have a 2005 R1200GS which I love, but am thinking of moving to an RT. Based on my budget I've been specifically looking for 2014-2018. I don't know a lot about these models, but I like the idea of the onboard computer and integrated Nav. If anyone has advice on things to look for specifically, please let me know. And if anyone knows of one for sale near Southern WI, feel free to forward info to me.

Thanks
Mark

(PS - I mistakenly posted this in the hexed forum. Sorry about that)

I've written this up a couple of times on bmwrt.com and bmwlt.com. In short, of the Wethead series, they can all be great bikes. The 2014 (first model year) through early 2015 had some problems, recalls, etc., so I'd be cautious buying one of those, but they all have a pretty good track record overall. The 2017 and 2018 models received an inter-year transmission upgrade, so I'd stick with those as available. Generally, old is old (i.e. stuff wears out due to age as well as mileage), but don't overpay on a higher mileage bike. Look for a low mile deal. Also, "premium" means all 4 (or 5) packages included. When I was looking, I found that half the bikes advertised as "premium", even by BMW dealers, were not. They may have had 1, 2, 3 packages, but not all of them. (If the bike you're looking at has the packages you want, then it doesn't matter, right?) I have a 2018 RT. Every RT has it's own color scheme, which is reflected by unique coding. My was a "sport" version, which meant that it had some black accents, Mars red paint, and a short windscreen. All of those model scheme's are cosmetic. Mechanically, they are (pretty much) all the same.

One of the weaknesses of this model has been the alternator, which is embedded inside the engine, and requires removing and splitting the engine case to repair. The stator (if I recall correctly) was updated and enhanced ~~ about ~~ mid 2015. However, some owners reported finding the old stator on their newer bikes. (BMW didn't consider it a defect, even though they changed it, and apparently used the old parts until the bin was empty in building new bikes.)

That's all I can recall from a fairly declining old memory. A lot of my Beemer info is on my laptop, which doesn't get fired up very often anymore. (Lol, I'd probably have to search the house to find the dang thing.).

Many folks on here can probably fill in the blanks above, so accept their corrections (no argument from me).

You'll love your new RT, whichever one you buy. Good luck, and have a blast. I know the 2019-onward shiftcams are great bikes, but as my last RT before this one was the 2005 (i.e. first year for those "hexhead" bikes, too), riding my 2018 is like a Gemini Astronaut stepping onto the bridge the (Star Trek) Enterprise, b comparison. It's a great bike, and IMHO, a huge step up from the prior R1200's, which were also a huge jump from the oil heads (R1100/1150). The Shiftcams? Well, I don't own one and haven't paid for one, but I don't think I need their advances.

 

[ldhardy12]

Only thing I'd look out for is the leaking gas tank and to make sure that the stator is the latest release.

 

[LFarling]

Only thing I can add on 2017 and above, the transmission was updated. You can look up the specifics.

While not apples to apples, my GS shifted WAY better then my 2015 RT. On the 15 I had to "think" about shifting. I never had to preload the shifter as others said they did but it still was not automatic. Now I know BMW's do not shift like butter, ever. And they will clank going from neutral to first at a stop.( I ride with a guy on a 1250 GS who does this and has for 35 years) But After the first ride I never had to think about shifts on the GS. And the speed shifter was much improved. I only use the quick shifter going up, and when hauling the mail. Nothing will taking you from 0 to whatever speed you want quicker!

I traded a 2015 RT in 2018 for a leftover 2017.5 GS low. I fell in love sitting on it as it was a low. And I knew it had the updated transmission. I was ready for a change and wanted the option of light fire roads if offered. Never looked back.

If you can find a 2017 or better for a reasonable price. I would suggest you look at that year or the 2018 as your post mentioned first.

Good Hunting.

 

[rhaines]

The 2018RTs had a bad cam problem, this was never a recall issue, but the dealers were instructed to replace bad cams under warranty. My 2018RT's left exhaust cam was replaced at 18K miles, the bike was traded in at 109K miles with no further cam problems. My brother in Texas also had an 18RT and all four of his cams had to be replaced, he used his extended warranty to pay for the replacement, not sure of the milage when this repair was done.

 

[ebell]

I have a 2016 and 51k miles, purchased as a demo, and I've serviced it every 6k. The only mechanical problem (other than the free shaft replacement) was the exhaust flapper stuck open, so I replaced it with an eliminator.

 

[lee]

The 2018RTs had a bad cam problem,

I think that started around 2016 or 2015.
When we bought our 2016 R1200RSs the Tech told me to look closely at the cams when checking the valves.
He said it was not a major problem, but he had replaced a few and wanted me to know it was possible.

 

[88bmwjeff]

The 2018RTs had a bad cam problem, this was never a recall issue, but the dealers were instructed to replace bad cams under warranty. My 2018RT's left exhaust cam was replaced at 18K miles, the bike was traded in at 109K miles with no further cam problems. My brother in Texas also had an 18RT and all four of his cams had to be replaced, he used his extended warranty to pay for the replacement, not sure of the milage when this repair was done.

This is blown out of proportion. Yes, this is a real issue and is costly if it happens to your bike. But, my local dealer has only seen a handful of bikes with this issue. So, I would not base a purchase decision on this.

 

[patm]

This is blown out of proportion. Yes, this is a real issue and is costly if it happens to your bike. But, my local dealer has only seen a handful of bikes with this issue. So, I would not base a purchase decision on this.

Same as the stator issue. Blown out of proportion. Expensive if it happens but very few have had the issue.

 

[PGlaves]

Same as the stator issue. Blown out of proportion. Expensive if it happens but very few have had the issue.

Since it is rare it should be up to the company to make the few victims whole. They did so with our issues with G310s.

 

[Scott9999]

I think that started around 2016 or 2015.
When we bought our 2016 R1200RSs the Tech told me to look closely at the cams when checking the valves.
He said it was not a major problem, but he had replaced a few and wanted me to know it was possible.

I don't have the info on this computer (once again! dang, gonna have to eventually transfer all that stuff off my old laptop, but I digress), but others should have this. There was a bulletin out from some official agency, that highlighted the problem and BMW's fix. The new CAMs are quite a bit different (upgraded, just as they did with the stator). My understanding was that the problem impacted the 2014-2015, with some 2016's, too, as old stock was depleted. Shouldn't be happening with the 2017-2018's. Also, I believe the CAM lob problem was mainly a metallurgy defect.

It was one of the reasons (along with the transmission mid-model upgrade) that I targeted my used bike search towards 2017-2018, though I wouldn't have turned down a 2015 or 2016 if the right one had come up. (2014, as first model year ... I'd be kinda cautious of just as I would a 2019).

BMW should have issued a recalled and replaced both cam lobs and the stators, IMHO. They were pretty clearly poorly engineered designs and parts, and they should have kept faith with their customers.

 

[Scott9999]

Same as the stator issue. Blown out of proportion. Expensive if it happens but very few have had the issue.

Did you actually SEE the pictures of the original stators?! They were undersized, and looked like they'd been wound by a four year old. I couldn't believe BMW installed these things, that no one on their line said "Warte eine Minute hier" ("Wait a minute here ...") to raise the issue with management. But, I guess it's the Germanic way to do as your told. (Kinda the Detroit thingy, too. But there were a whole lota Germans in Michigan, too. )

 

[PGlaves]

Did you actually SEE the pictures of the original stators?! They were undersized, and looked like they'd been wound by a four year old. I couldn't believe BMW installed these things, that no one on their line said "Warte eine Minute hier" ("Wait a minute here ...") to raise the issue with management.

It is not the German way. It is universally the accountant's (bean counters) way. And it has, over the years, done more damage than one can even imagine to many, many, companies, BMW not excluded.

 

[orforester]

I have a 2018 RTW and love it, few problems with 43K on it. Driveline was replaced at 39K per recall. recently my electronic gas cap fails to open. I have yet to find a cure for it, probably have to take the plastics off to completely clean around teh locking pin. Or forego the stupid thing and replace it with a non locking cap.

 

[r0ckrat]

If it has the 6-bolt ring, loosen the top two bolts (nearest the steering head) - those are the latch-hold-down bolts so you can remove them if you need to clean the latch mechanism. (If it's the same as on all the other R models...)