2014 BMW R1200RT

[Crossrodes]

Have you seen this:
http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2013/11/bmw-redesigns-r-1200-rt/

[Dave 2]

I believe if I had the disposable income to pay cash for it I would want it in my  garage along with several other choice rides…But for me my 1983 R65LS is my ticket. I can understand and fix the 1983 level of technology and that makes it more like a riding partner than the 2014 techno masterpiece would. However I bet that computer controlled spaceship is a hell of a lot of fun to tour on. D2

[Dustybin]

Looks like a Lardy old lump, I would've give it garage space (as I'd need to empty the garage to fit it in)!

[HESIMEUSTIC]

Have you seen this:
http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2013/11/bmw-redesigns-r-1200-rt/

Looks amazing.  I rode the 2011 R1200RT a few weeks ago and it was great, I'm sure this one is even better.  

[montmil]

Got an opportunity to sit astride a 2013 version of the R1200RT at the recent IMS in Dallas. This particular bike had the optional lowered suspension and the lowered seat so with my 34-inch inseam, I could flat foot both feet and have my knees bent. BMW rep didn't mention these options until I asked about low rider setup. You just know they want everyone that straddles this heavy brick truck to feel oh so comfy that they'll be ready to buy when the dealer's doors open.

Also told me that the R1200RT was devoid of any problematic issues. His statement conflicts with the reality exposed by doing just a little web-based research. This from a salesman with 18K on his five-year-old RT. Uh Huh... really packing on the miles, he is.

This BMW rep was not the rep we had a beer with during his break. That's the one that told us BMW doesn't like Airhead people, "because you guys keep your bikes for thirty years." Certainly gives one a warm fuzzy about Motorrad's corporate view of us Airhead peeps.

If the new 2014 RT doesn't have many of the same, and more, warranty issues of the previous models... well, that ain't gonna happen.

My wife said she would love to have on of these for our road trips. Sorry, darlin', but that ain't gonna happen either.

[Matt Chapter]

That's the one that told us BMW doesn't like Airhead people, "because you guys keep your bikes for thirty years."

Well, if I was gonna buy something and chuck it in 5 years, I'm certainly not paying BMW money for it.. more like Hyosung money.

Then again, they don't seem to be doing poorly so they must be onto something.

[HESIMEUSTIC]

Got an opportunity to sit astride a 2013 version of the R1200RT at the recent IMS in Dallas. This particular bike had the optional lowered suspension and the lowered seat so with my 34-inch inseam, I could flat foot both feet and have my knees bent. BMW rep didn't mention these options until I asked about low rider setup. You just know they want everyone that straddles this heavy brick truck to feel oh so comfy that they'll be ready to buy when the dealer's doors open.

Also told me that the R1200RT was devoid of any problematic issues. His statement conflicts with the reality exposed by doing just a little web-based research. This from a salesman with 18K on his five-year-old RT. Uh Huh... really packing on the miles, he is.

This BMW rep was not the rep we had a beer with during his break. That's the one that told us BMW doesn't like Airhead people, "because you guys keep your bikes for thirty years." Certainly gives one a warm fuzzy about Motorrad's corporate view of us Airhead peeps.

If the new 2014 RT doesn't have many of the same, and more, warranty issues of the previous models... well, that ain't gonna happen.

My wife said she would love to have on of these for our road trips. Sorry, darlin', but that ain't gonna happen either.

The 2011 R1200RT I rented in Phoenix had 69,200 miles on it when I took it out and 69,900 when I returned it.  I don't know what it has cost them in repair bills but I can say that the clutch worked flawlessly and the motor pulled hard, as I'm sure it did for many customers before me. Everything else on the bike worked without a hitch [cruise control, adjustable windscreen, heated seats, grips, etc].  All-in-all I left impressed with the RT as a touring machine and I'm sure with the proper maintenance the bike can last for 15-20 years and a lot of miles.  That being said I still love my 1979 R65 as it's perfect for around town and very low maintenance.  I still think [for me, anyway] the best touring bikes are the ones you rent in far away places, ride happily for 2-7 days and then return, leaving the headaches of ownership to the rental outfit.

[clonmore1]

My Granddad gave me this piece of advice many years ago;

"You rent boats, planes and women, you buy everything else"

He was er, married 7 times and lost the family fortune...

I can see the point re these big Beemers, they sure look big AND expensive.

[nhmaf]

The do look pretty - I just get so sick and tired of having to spend hours and hours fighting with cheap fasteners and fiddley bits of plastic, fiberglass, and rubber stripping to be able to get to the engine to replace the oil filter, or air filter, or...

My Concours is about the limit of my acceptance for this sort of thing - still, that required removing the bellypan (10 screws/fasteners) to change the oil and filter, but at least I can drain the carb bowls without taking anything apart.   Adjusting the valve lash, however, is an -all day affair.

[Matt Chapter]

ride happily for 2-7 days and then return, leaving the headaches of ownership to the rental outfit.

I think I've told this story before, but that's never stopped me..

First time I visited Texas, I was in for a gaming convention that the lady friend was attending.  It was fun, but I made some time to rent a hardley.  Something like 200$ a day.  I catch a cab to the place, and they give me a brand new, < 100 miles, road king.

So I leave, this place was in Dallas, and I rode through Austin to San Antonio, turned left, went to Houston, left again, back to Dallas.

12 hours later, the bike has 8xx miles on it, it's due for the first service, and I'm catching a cab back to the hotel.  I racked up a mileage overage too.  8-)

The ride was fine, if a little boring.  Got caught in rain storms three times, so when my jeans weren't slapping my legs to beat the band, they were plastered on.

[HESIMEUSTIC]

ride happily for 2-7 days and then return, leaving the headaches of ownership to the rental outfit.

I think I've told this story before, but that's never stopped me..

First time I visited Texas, I was in for a gaming convention that the lady friend was attending.  It was fun, but I made some time to rent a hardley.  Something like 200$ a day.  I catch a cab to the place, and they give me a brand new, < 100 miles, road king.

So I leave, this place was in Dallas, and I rode through Austin to San Antonio, turned left, went to Houston, left again, back to Dallas.

12 hours later, the bike has 8xx miles on it, it's due for the first service, and I'm catching a cab back to the hotel.  I racked up a mileage overage too.  8-)

The ride was fine, if a little boring.  Got caught in rain storms three times, so when my jeans weren't slapping my legs to beat the band, they were plastered on.

Nice.  Now you never have to wonder if you like that bike or what it would be like to live with one on a long ride.  And you didn't need to fork over $25k to do it.

[Matt Chapter]

wonder if you like that bike or what it would be like to live with one on a long ride.

And the answer is, definitely not the road king.  I'd consider the street glide or a sportster.  The road king needs more (street glide) or less (sportster) to it.  And harley in general.. so much chrome.  Not a big fan.