Thinking of adding a 2009 RT to my garage.

[elvis]

Hello,
Looking to add to my garage and saw a 2009 RT with 53K miles. It has been serviced regularly since 2011 and is at a dealer. It was taken in on trade. I currently have a '24 GSA and would like add an RT to the mix. I've heard these can go upwards of 100K miles but is this mileage too high? Anything I should look for on this year RT?
Thanks for your opinions.
Dave

 

[omega man]

Added a bit to your title for clarity.
Good luck.
OM

 

[dduelin]

Hello,
Looking to add to my garage and saw a 2009 RT with 53K miles. It has been serviced regularly since 2011 and is at a dealer. It was taken in on trade. I currently have a '24 GSA and would like add an RT to the mix. I've heard these can go upwards of 100K miles but is this mileage too high? Anything I should look for on this year RT?
Thanks for your opinions.
Dave

I bought my 2007 with 89,320 miles on it 5 years ago. This morning it has 159,632 miles with the original clutch. I'm pretty sure I will get a long ride in on it tomorrow. 53,000 miles would be no concern to me at all but I'd check the bottom of the engine and transmission for engine or transmission oil leaks. My last 2007 started leaking transmission oil out of the transmission input shaft seal at 188,000 miles and oiled the original clutch. If this one is clean I'd risk buying it..... It can't be a lot of money.

 

[mikegalbicka]

If it has a fuel level sensor (fuel strip) instead of a float you may want to research what that means and perhaps choose to skip that hassle.

https://forums.bmwmoa.org/threads/hexhead-tech-r1200rt-proebeemer-nl-float-conversion-from-fuel-strip-2007.99215/#post-1233828

There is an updated version available from BMW now that some of us are using with good results so far but only time will tell.
From MaxBMW parts fiche for R1200RT 05-09 (K26) 11/03-09/09 USA

NEW MEMBRANE SENSOR :
08​	16 14 1 600 132​	FUEL LEVEL SENSOR​	0.17​	1​	$285.12
New Updated Fuel strip from BMW​

 

[ktmdon]

I've owned a 2008 R1200RT for many years. I had a good opportunity to upgrade to a 2016 R1200RT, and decided to stay with the older model. I'm comfortable with the level of technology on this bike, and it's easy to do all needed maintenance without many special tools. The water cooled motors are smoother and perhaps a bit faster, but I've set up my RT for my needs and preferences. It's at 40K now, I'm pretty confident it will clock 100K+ miles with routine maintenance. If you believe the axiom that all the fancy features are potential failure points, then that's a strong argument for the hexhead / camhead models. I found the 'wonder wheel' and menu system kind of off-putting.

Yes, I did experience the fuel strip failure, it's well documented on the forums. Ironically, I ran out of gas on the very first ride (bought the bike from a private seller with 5K miles) with an indicated 1/2 tank. The dealer replaced the first strip under the 12 year warranty program, I replaced the second one myself several years later with the 'new and improved' strip. I always use the trip meter to estimated remaining range, but the bike does consume more fuel fully loaded.

I did have an ABS modulator failure on a trip, but the normal braking function was not affected. Module Masters sorted that out for me over the next winter break.

These models can be very affordable, and have nice luggage options if you are into distance touring. I've concluded that there's no better way to get across the country on two wheels.

 

[elvis]

Thank you all for the responses. I ended up with a ‘17 RT with 21k.

 

[billhilow]

I'd confirm ESA functional. Just a

 

[billhilow]

I've owned a 2008 R1200RT for many years. I had a good opportunity to upgrade to a 2016 R1200RT, and decided to stay with the older model. I'm comfortable with the level of technology on this bike, and it's easy to do all needed maintenance without many special tools. The water cooled motors are smoother and perhaps a bit faster, but I've set up my RT for my needs and preferences. It's at 40K now, I'm pretty confident it will clock 100K+ miles with routine maintenance. If you believe the axiom that all the fancy features are potential failure points, then that's a strong argument for the hexhead / camhead models. I found the 'wonder wheel' and menu system kind of off-putting.

Yes, I did experience the fuel strip failure, it's well documented on the forums. Ironically, I ran out of gas on the very first ride (bought the bike from a private seller with 5K miles) with an indicated 1/2 tank. The dealer replaced the first strip under the 12 year warranty program, I replaced the second one myself several years later with the 'new and improved' strip. I always use the trip meter to estimated remaining range, but the bike does consume more fuel fully loaded.

I did have an ABS modulator failure on a trip, but the normal braking function was not affected. Module Masters sorted that out for me over the next winter break.

These models can be very affordable, and have nice luggage options if you are into distance touring. I've concluded that there's no better way to get across the country on two wheels.

I fully agree, not to mention MotoGP phone app game has the R56 at the top of the list for Time Trial 500miles in 2hr 15min!

 

[billhilow]

I fully agree, not to mention MotoGP phone app game has the R56 at the top of the list for Time Trial 500miles in 2hr 15min!

3hr 15m 500miles 150mph