R1100RT to R1200RT early model - worth it or a mistake?

[fatnfast]

As much as I love my old R1100RT, I am considering changing it for a 'new' R1200RT. My budget is not huge, so it would likely be an early 2005-ish model or ex-plod bike. The twin cam and wc are obviously way out of my price range.
Reliabilty is important as I ride for a living. So far, all my 1100rt has needed is a new final drive input seal (not a show stopper though) along with normal maintenance.
I just have an urge for something with a more modern feel to it as well as being a little more sprightly. I know there have been issues with servo brakes and final drives on the 1200gs, are these equally an issue with the 1200rt or are they the exception rather than the rule?
Im sure some of you guys have made the leap in the past, did you regret it in any way?
many thanks.

 

[JJH]

Of course it's a personal choice but I have had an rt1150 and 2 1200's. I tend to do a few miles about 20000 a year and have had gs and gsa fjr but I seem to come back to bmw for various reasons. I have a f800 gsa which I cannot fault in 18000 miles (31000 kms). My last rt I did about 56000 miles in 3 years only problem I rembmber was rear drive bearing and a bad connection on indicators. The servo brakes never gave any bother nor battery or anything that stands out. About 53-54 mpg. I seem to ride almost every day and I feel that the bikes last better with constant use. There's one on here for £4500 which I'd be looking at if I was in the market. JJH

 

[(RIP) Mark H]

I had a 1200rt 05 model from new for about 5 years and 30k It had all the toys, cruise heated seats ect, I loved it and sold it regretfully after redundancy to fund a new self employed role, once out of warranty I did all the maintenance myself including a timing cover repaint featured on here with 31k views, when I sold it I held back a bit of cash and went back to I bike I also had great respect for and had previously owned a R1100RT I found the right bike in Lisburn, Ireland and flew over and rode back, I haven't regretted "stepping back" to the R1100RT its done 3 euro tours and hasn't missed a beat.

Both bikes are good imho for more cash the R1200RT will serve you well, but if you don't want tie up funds stick with the R1100RT

My old R1200RT is currently on ebay here http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2005-BMW-R-1200-RT-/151308641651?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item233ab2a573 but cannot vouch for its current condition although it was a good bike when I owned it.

My old RT featured in timing cover Repaint http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php/136102-Front-cover-corrosion-pics

My 1200RT just before I sold it

R1200RT by BMrider2012 Over Half a Million views! Thankyou :-, on Flickr


My current R1100RT in the Pyrenees;

R1100RT Pyrenees by BMrider2012 Over Half a Million views! Thankyou :-, on Flickr





.

 

[ebbo]

Bonus with an early 05 1200RT, it should have a float type fuel level sender. Beyond that try to find a cherished low millage machine thats never seen a salty road (like the one I sold last Spring).
Check for:
Disc wear both front and rear (they wear faster than the pads), a set of three can be very expensive.
Servo brakes, has the fluid been chaged regulaly.
Rear wheel bearings.

 

[Bmmike08]

I have owned all models - R1100RT, R1150RT and R1200RT.

All were good bikes but each new model was an improvement over it's earlier brother.

The R1200RT had most improvements, a big point being it was lighter. It handled superbly. The screen and fairing in my opinion were better too.

I traded the R1200RT(2005 with servo brakes) after 36,000 trouble free mile. No disc problems and I never had any pads replace front or rear! The dealer kept it in his showroom as it was still immaculate.

I will add after a R1200GSA (2010) I sold privately after 35,000 and bought the latest R1200RT SE LC - yes I went through the two months recall but was very well looked after by BMW.

Safe riding,
Mike

 

[Cortina]

Just buy mine for sale on here, only ...... includes free (ish) trip to NI !!

 

[JJH]

It's yours I was thinking of. Jjh

 

[Cortina]

It's yours I was thinking of. Jjh

Ah ... grand .......... just the wrong price threw me !!

 

[fatnfast]

Many thanks everyone. I would really like a sub 50k one. Although high miles doesnt put me off, when the time comes to sell (and with the miles I will add) it can be difficult to move on unless its very cheap. The ex-police ones are tempting, but I'm guessing, even with a service history, they lead a very hard life.

 

[JJH]

I can say that they thrive on miles. Jjh

 

[Cortina]

I can say that they thrive on miles. Jjh

I agree , but the "average" customer does not think like that. There is a lovely example on ebay .com (USA) at the moment ... a one owner from new Goldwing , with 319,000 miles on it .... probably runs great , but can you see anyone from here bidding on such a thing ... starting price $3299 from memory

hmmmmmmmmmmm

 

[JJH]

I agree , but the "average" customer does not think like that. There is a lovely example on ebay .com (USA) at the moment ... a one owner from new Goldwing , with 319,000 miles on it .... probably runs great , but can you see anyone from here bidding on such a thing ... starting price $3299 from memory

hmmmmmmmmmmm

That's worth more to break. Jjh

 

[Cortina]

That's worth more to break. Jjh

In America ???? ... No chance , running wings sub 100K miles for $2000 there.

 

[Bendy toy]

My 08 R1200GSA has just had its final drive rebuilt at 50K miles. The main wheel bearing seal had just failed and begun to leak so I sent the whole thing off to Mikeyboy.
The rear shaft UJ was stiff over most of its movement but slack in the middle few degrees. Nee UJ needed. All internal bearings were worn though showing no symptoms. I also had a new rear disc and trunnion bearings fitted. Total bill was over £700.
I don't believe my bike has had an unusual life. But the FD does get some stick from those thumping big cylinders.
I personally believe that low revs will do more harm than keeping it spinning. Also gentle riding never allows the suspension to really move so the needle rollers rub themselves a dry spot and wear accordingly.
I'm not advocating ham fisted thrashing but gentle use might actually not be as benign as some believe.

 

[Bendy toy]

My 08 R1200GSA has just had its final drive rebuilt at 50K miles. The main wheel bearing seal had just failed and begun to leak so I sent the whole thing off to Mikeyboy.
The rear shaft UJ was stiff over most of its movement but slack in the middle few degrees. Nee UJ needed. All internal bearings were worn though showing no symptoms. I also had a new rear disc and trunnion bearings fitted. Total bill was over £700.
I don't believe my bike has had an unusual life. But the FD does get some stick from those thumping big cylinders.
I personally believe that low revs will do more harm than keeping it spinning. Also gentle riding never allows the suspension to really move so the needle rollers rub themselves a dry spot and wear accordingly.
I'm not advocating ham fisted thrashing but gentle use might actually not be as benign as some believe.