2012 R1200RT

[Edmund Kean]

Looking for a bit of advice.

Took an RT out today and inside the first few metres I was struck by the vague handling. After a mile or so I had toggled the damping from Comfort to Sport; this certainly helped tighten things up. I should say for the last few months I've been solely riding a newish Fireblade so perhaps my senses of handling character might have unfairly frowned at what the RT was delivering?

The preload was set at 1 x helmet and luggage.

I was also surprised at the ponderous and wandering slow speed balance (2-3mph). I remember my 2010 GS Adventure was impressively stable at slow speed work.

The bike had Bridgestone 021 front and back and looked they had 5K miles on them with the rear a little squared; although not the the worst I have seen.

Tyre pressures were indicating 2.6F and 2.9R.

Any ideas anyone please why the slow speed balance was poorer than I remember my old GS. And was I being a little unfair on my immediate impression of the bike's handling and not putting into perspective what I've been riding (Fireblade) for the past 3K miles?

Thanks in advance.

 

[richardbd]

My guess is either tyres or user error

My RT is rock-steady at slow speed and you don't normally see plod wobbling around do you?

Mine had Z8s on when I got it. Swapped them for PR4 GTs. Not much to choose to be honest, both great tyres for the bike.

 

[stonehenge]

Yep - the 021's are rubbish and makes the RT handle as you described. You can find more about the issue from posts I made back in 2011/12 about the same problem

 

[Edmund Kean]

I read your past posts...

Thanks for your contribution. I am seriously considering purchasing this bike (it's in very good nick to boot) but hesitated today because of this slow speed balance issue I experienced.

I have ridden on a lot of different tyres but never the 021; at 5200 miles on the bike presumably these were the original tyres at manufacture?

 

[stonehenge]

I read your past posts...

Thanks for your contribution. I am seriously considering purchasing this bike (it's in very good nick to boot) but hesitated today because of this slow speed balance issue I experienced.

I have ridden on a lot of different tyres but never the 021; at 5200 miles on the bike presumably these were the original tyres at manufacture?

I would think so.

 

[dr nosh]

Yes 021's O.E.

They did square off early, both F & R.

Later they recommended 023's.

I'm currently using 023GT. No low speed handling issues to report.

 

[JoeBiff]

The pressures seem a little higher than I recall for one-up riding? Maybe I've forgotten so happy to be corrected.
Also, if you're solo, you should just have 1 X helmet, you don't need the luggage symbol selected?
Having said that, I couldn't discern any difference at all, when toggling between sport, comfort and normal. That was a 2011 bike, in 2011.

I, too, had 021 tyres as OE, and they squared-off quite quickly and gave an uncertainty and vagueness to the machine; the tyres were finished by 6,000 easy miles. I changed the covers to 023 and it felt a different bike, and the tyres lasted a darned site longer, as well; the rear still started to square, but not so soon.

 

[GFJ]

The rt's handle well for what they are.

If bike has only done 5k then I don't think there would be much wrong with it.

Sport mode will tighten up the susp when you want to push along a bit. Difference is certainly noticeable at higher speeds.

My tyres were normally finished at between 5-6k, and i think that is more likely the issue.

That said, it ain't no blade!

 

[Edmund Kean]

Well thanks for the input everyone. Just got to try not stress about the switch gear as I make my mind up; noticed an invoice showing switch change from malfunctioning cruise control performed a couple of months ago. Read up on it and found some forum entries on this matter; a little bit alarming.

 

[richardbd]

noticed an invoice showing switch change from malfunctioning cruise control performed a couple of months ago. Read up on it and found some forum entries on this matter; a little bit alarming.

Don't get forum posts out of proportion. The only thing I've had to do to mine in 10,000 miles is wash it - and even that I haven't done too often!

 

[andy5329]

Well thanks for the input everyone. Just got to try not stress about the switch gear as I make my mind up; noticed an invoice showing switch change from malfunctioning cruise control performed a couple of months ago. Read up on it and found some forum entries on this matter; a little bit alarming.

I have a 2013 model,covered shy off 15,000 miles in the year through rain,sleet,bit of snow and the occasional sunshine.Although not a bike I intended on getting,i can't fault it,covers the miles with ease,handling is superb.I found when i first bought it a slight twitch when dropped into corners which I found to be the tires that had squared a little.
I change them every 6,000,still plenty of life left but include it with the service keeps everything hassle free.

I really don't think you can go wrong with them,great bikes for all day comfort,weather protection and confident riding in all weathers.Buy it and enjoy it.

 

[JoeBiff]

Well thanks for the input everyone. Just got to try not stress about the switch gear as I make my mind up; noticed an invoice showing switch change from malfunctioning cruise control performed a couple of months ago. Read up on it and found some forum entries on this matter; a little bit alarming.

If it's had the switchgear changed then it should be fine.
I enjoyed mine, and it did everything a good tourer should do, including having the character which comes with a boxer twin. At 5,000 miles, I'd say it's only just been run-in. At the end of the day, even if the switchgear failed again, it won't stop you riding it somewhere till its fixed?

 

[Edmund Kean]

Thanks for the input. Happy to say I bought the bike and am very pleased with how the new tyres (PR4 GT) have transformed things very favourably.

 

[haggetty]

I have just bought a 2013 RT and too have worn out, flatted off BT021s. Handling was not as expected. Vague on the mway and flops into corners before tucking. Can't wait to change tyres which should restore what existing owners call 'normal' service! Tyres are still the originals.
Will try Metzeler Roadtec 01 and see how we go. If the new tyres fix the issues then I will be pleased but a little surprised that the bike is so sensitive to worn tyres.