Any problems appearing with higher mileage on DOHC RT?

[MisterB]

Hi all,

Having previously owned a 1200GS I now find myself with tinnitus so am very keen to protect my hearing. That being the case, a few test rides have convinced me that a touring bike with an adjustable screen is the way to go, and the shortlist of course includes the 1200RT.

I've seen a couple of 10 or 11 plate bikes with around 30-35k miles on them, so higher than average mileages. As a general rule, are there any issues that crop up with higher mileages on these bikes? Clutch? Final drive? Anything?

Thanks in advance

 

[adventuredon]

Yes, look out for the over polished ones, they ll have been seriously under ridden. It's a tourer, expect at least 6 k per annum

 

[Wrigsby1]

Recently bought an 07... Usual FD stuff and just fixed a leakng FD seal... Thats the one weak point but can be fixed quite easily and is not hard to remove/refit yourself... 45k and counting and to be honest, it has been pampered before and hides the miles seriously well... Sadly now its with me it will be out in all 4 seasons and had its 2nd wash in 2 months yesterday... Well thats what they're for isn't it...

On my GS's I could ride the length of the country no probs. but with the RT this will be carried out with excessive ease and comfort... Behind the screen is a near perfect bubble for the rider and I can ride without earplugs even though with previous ear probs similar to you I usually wear earplugs as I have for 20+ years on any but the shortest hops...

 

[MisterB]

Thanks Wrigsby1. Like you I ride all year round - I generally rinse off the worst of the crap with a hose after each winter ride and give the bike a proper wash after every few times out. I'm with you - it is what they're for

Being 6'2" I need a taller screen. I tried an RT recently with a huge barn door V-Stream screen - from a noise perspective it was incredibly quiet! I do have some mates with RTs and GSs though that have had lots of issues, hence the question. I love both these bikes but they do appear to have more than their fair share of mechanical and electrical issues...

 

[ducatiparts.110mb]

I had one for 4 years and loved it. A bit soul-less but a very effective mile muncher. I found the oe screen was noisy but fitted a Cee Baileys +2" (IIRC) and it was completely silent at speed.
The only problem was the switchgear.
LH failed twice, RH failed three times, once at lunchtime in the middle of France and the bike wouldn't restart :-(
No mechanical woes at all. Keep it serviced at the recommended intervals and it'll go on forever.
Mark