Just pulled the trigger on a R12RT- Can you add your input?

[wvpc]

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Hi all,

I am a long term lurker that really enjoys this forum. I just pulled the trigger on a 2012 R12RT. I would like the forums input on my purchase order with regard to where did I screw up and what did I do right. First, let me digress...

I am a long term airhead owner (83 R100RT bought new) in SE Michigan. I like simple, easy to maintain stuff. My order is for a stripper R12RT. No ESA,no trip computer, no TPM, no radio, bluetooth nothing. I ordered:

Low Seat (30 Inch inseam), Heated seats, Heated grips, Cruise, Dual ACC sockets, Top Box 49l.

That is it. $19,673 minus tax. title, lic.

In the next 3 years I plan to add a better windshield, Ohlins and a custom seat and tank bag.

I know the Top Box is a weak point pricewise but should I have added or deleted anything else? Don't be too hard on me

[Major Softie]

"Easy to maintain" is a difficult concept for most Airhead lovers to grasp when applied to a 1200RT. I assume the bike came with bags? It sounds like the way I would order one if I could afford that bike, but "simple" and "easy to maintain" are very relative terms.

[CVA-42]

Agree - - "simple" and "easy" are relative for sure. My own, perhaps simplistic, view is that once you've made a decision to buy a bike like an R1200RT, you've already made a decision to move away from simple and easy as applied to some of the bikes we know and love and to accept the conveniences and the possible consequences of more technology, regardless of the accessories you've chosen. Similar to cars. If my '67 Volvo were to stop alongside the road somewhere, I probably stand a pretty good chance of getting it going again considering the tools and some of the spares I carry just in case. But my wife's Solara? Probably not. Get out the cell phone and credit card. But, so what? You've been enjoying your airhead. Now go and enjoy your 1200. As for the accessories, here's my opinion which is worth just what you paid for it: ESA - - Probably don't really need it, but I like it; Trip computer - - Same thing. It can be handy, though; TPM - - Naah...I'd still be checking the tires with a guage anyway; Radio - - Naah...Can't hear it at speed. Besides, it's been overtaken by personal device electronics anyway; Bluetooth - - On a bike? Naah...Techno overkill, IMO; Heated seats - - Sounds good but I have no personal experience; Heated grips - - Sure but heated gloves are better when it's really cold; Cruise - - Great on the highway but I also want a Throttlemeister for rides when I'm using the throttle more; Dual accessory sockets - - Sure, but they might not be able to power all that you want them to. Take a look at the Powerlet website and also think about an aftermarket fuseblock like a Centech; 49L topbox - - Ouch! Expensive and more than I ever need. Pose your question on BMWSportTouring.com and you'll get plenty of responses.

[Chuey]

CVA42, May I ask for a report on the bike? I've been tempted by that bike mostly. I have a 1984 R100RS that I use as a traveling bike. I love the bike and have done a lot of cool things to it that make me emotionally attached to it. So far, 680 miles is the most distance I can cover on that bike. It is too hunched over and I end up with a lot of pain in the upper back and neck.

I've been thinking a more upright bike will make it so I can do a thousand miles in a day. Something about that appeals to me. Thing is, I love the looks of the R100RS and the 1200RT looks kind of wide, high and ungainly but still pretty in its own way. I know my hurdle would be to achieve the feeling that it is "mine". I have been watching the used ones for that reason. Something about buying a new machine doesn't fulfill my "I've done tons of cool stuff to this bike" mindset.

All that, above, has been whining. Sorry. Mostly, I'd like to ask if it is comfortable for long rides. The other bike that appeals to me is the K1200S. I wish I could ride them both back to back for three or four hours.

Chuey

[CVA-42]

Chuey - - I'm sorry - - I just saw your post. I don't check the Hexhead section here all that often. Anyway, to try to answer your question(s) - - I love the 1200RT for what it is but it can get to be a bit of a handful compared to an R100 at low speeds, like paddling around the shop. It's quite a bit heavier for one thing. I can't do RS's for any length of time anymore because of the ergos but the upright RT is superb for me. The 1200 came equipped with barbacks and footpeg lowerers. I had a similar set-up on my 1150RT and got rid of the footpeg lowerers because I didn't like the way they felt (I'm 6'1") but for some reason, I like them on the 1200. I really had no plans to swap the 1150 for a 1200 but a deal I couldn't refuse came along on a nicely equipped, immaculate, low mileage '05 so I went for it. I thought the 1150 was a great all-weather bike but the 1200 is actually better, IMO. I flew down to Florida last November and rode it back to North Georgia. The last 100 miles was in a driving rain on the slab. I was wearing perfs and goretex-lined boots and didn't feel like stopping to dress out any further. I raised the Cee Bailey shield up about halfway and cranked that baby on. When I got home, the only parts of me that got appreciably wet were my elbows. It does have some quirks that take a bit of getting used to in certain ways - - CANBUS electrics for one. I installed a Powerlet outlet wired direct to the battery for charging and to supply more juice than the stock outlets. Also a CenTech relay box for easier hook-up of accessories. Changing the final drive oil is a bit of a pain because the early 1200's do not have a drain plug due to the "permanent" final drive oil. I thought the 1150RT was as pretty a sport-tourer as BMW ever made but the overall look of the 1200 has really grown on me since they first came out. As competent as the 1150 was, I think the RT does just about everything a little bit better. Even the operation of the sidecases. Anyway, I just got back from a five-day tour up the Blue Ridge Parkway, then crossing over VA, and riding eastern W.VA almost up to Deleware. Lots of twisties and quite a bit of rain. New Metzeler Z8's. Couldn't have asked for more from the bike and, I have to say, very competent in the twistie bits. And, again, superbly comfortable. The stock seat wouldn't have been so great on that ride (no surprise) but the Russell Day-Long that came with it was perfect.