R1200RT Mods

[MisterB]

Hi all,

I'm about to move from an 07 R1200GS to an 11 R1200RT Are there any mods you guys think are essential or really worth doing to the RT please?

 

[zoltan]

If you have a CD/Radio fit a Dension iPod kit . Autocom and front mud extender that it

 

[Our Gee]

Twin Horns, Fuel Pump Controller "Awning" (stops the controller being flooded), Bigger Screen if you are over 6 feet tall, Rear "Infill Panels" (keeps the muck off pillion's feet and legs).

 

[MisterB]

The one I'm looking at doesn't have audio.

I've seen a fuel pump bypass cable but not the pump controller awning - who makes that please?

I'm 6'2" and will definitely need a bigger screen. I was thinking of the tall VStream screen...

 

[Myke Rocks]

The one I'm looking at doesn't have audio.

I've seen a fuel pump bypass cable but not the pump controller awning - who makes that please?

I'm 6'2" and will definitely need a bigger screen. I was thinking of the tall VStream screen...

V screen is superb. Even at your height, probably go for the small one.
Re: the other garbage, I had the tuberware off mine 3 weeks ago after 9 years, no water in round the fuel pump controller, though this was changed by myself about 4 years ago. Takes about 30 mins to do.
You are taller than I am, but you might like to fit handlebar backward/upward spacers. I found them necessary for a comfortable riding position, but I am shorter than you, so it may not apply. When replacing rear brake pads, be sure to fit sintered or they will not last between tyres.
The only things that bug me on the bike are the stand and gearing.
The stand is very badly positioned compared to previous RTs or 2007 on Gses. Much harder to get bike onto it than previous models, and the rearward location makes it difficult to "ride off" it.
Gearing is for dragstrip, not cruising. First too high, so when taking off with a passenger on a hill, clutch smokes. 6th is far too low for extremely economical cruising. (BMW do this to petrol cars as well as motorcycles) Others on this site will disagree about the gearing, but they probably have not studies just what could have been done with proper selection. These points aside and excellent bike.

 

[MisterB]

Gearing is for dragstrip, not cruising. First too high, so when taking off with a passenger on a hill, clutch smokes. 6th is far too low for extremely economical cruising. (BMW do this to petrol cars as well as motorcycles) Others on this site will disagree about the gearing, but they probably have not studies just what could have been done with proper selection.

That's interesting. At motorway speeds in top gear my GS is doing about 4500rpm but at the same speed on the RT I tested in top gear it was doing about 4000rpm?

I didn't really notice the stand but I only used it once at the start and end of the test ride!

 

[Deleted account 260111001]

Consider the Cee Bailey screen from Mike at Sporttouring, I have the taller and wider.

 

[Martyn H]

The one I'm looking at doesn't have audio.

I've seen a fuel pump bypass cable but not the pump controller awning - who makes that please?

I'm 6'2" and will definitely need a bigger screen. I was thinking of the tall VStream screen...

I had the loan of a V-Stream RT, & I didn't like it, although I like their GS screen. The trouble with screens is that there are so many variables that what suits one rider is not good for another.
The C Bailey's screen is just right for me; others may hold a different opinion.

 

[Our Gee]

Hello again Mr B. The Awning is a home made thingy I cobbled up after having two Controller failures on other RT,s. It made look a bit Heath Robinson but it does the job. As for my suggestion being "Garbage" next time you have the Nearside Upper Fairing panel off try pouring a steady stream of water over the Tank Cover to simulate heavy rain or washing the bike and watch just where it goes !.
I too would recommend the Z Technik V Stream. I have the larger version and find it superb.

 

[Puggy]

Hello again Mr B. The Awning is a home made thingy I cobbled up after having two Controller failures on other RT,s. It made look a bit Heath Robinson but it does the job. As for my suggestion being "Garbage" next time you have the Nearside Upper Fairing panel off try pouring a steady stream of water over the Tank Cover to simulate heavy rain or washing the bike and watch just where it goes !.

This is an interesting point. Just to check I have understood correctly: the fuel pump controller is designed in such a way that water collects around it and corrodes it to the point of failure. Your mod keeps the worst of the water off it. Is this a common problem? I had an 1150RT and 12RT and whilst I am the world's living expert on ABS failures, coil pack failures, can-bus problems with aftermarket accessories etc etc I haven't come across this one. Can a hole be drilled in the bottom of where the water is collecting or is that not possible due to the design.

Is this problem the same on the new 12RTWC?

 

[stever1]

Our Gee, definitely agree about the horn and infill panels, I had mine sprayed to match the bike colour.

Mike, I think you will find that you shouldn't ride off the stand anyway, so why would it be designed for it

 

[MisterB]

The Awning is a home made thingy I cobbled up after having two Controller failures on other RT,s. It made look a bit Heath Robinson but it does the job.

I'm a huge fan of simple fixes for potential problems! Once I get hold of mine I'd be interested to find out more

 

[dr nosh]

Interesting in the shelter for the fuel pump controller. Will investigate this one. Mine is a 2013 RT.

Fitted Cymarc stainless steel muck guard to the lower front of the engine. Very effective.

Also, by taking off both side panels gives access to the nose over the oil cooler radiator. I found that even after only a short time in use it was full of dead files, general road dirt etc, and some of the very thin vanes were distorted. Needed a good blow out with the airline. I got some fine stainless mesh cut on the diagonal, made a cardboard template and then folded the mesh to fit in behind the nose panel. Its proved successful and then is easy to keep clean.

There is a post/picture in this section (somewhere).

Twin horns is the next modification. Looks like there is room to mount them on the tubing of the fairing framework, one each side then switch off the existing horn connection with a relay, powered from the battery. (I am assuming canbus will not power two horns).

 

[dicktheleg]

I've only had my 2007 RT a month, it came with a Vstream screen fitted, I'm 6'1" and I don't need it on the highest setting to get perfect protection - coming from 18 years of GS ownership it's a revelation.

I've fitted the twin horn conversion, got a couple of used horns from Motorworks - they are loud.

This morning I've just fabricated and fitted the fuel pump protector, took less than an hour and it looks like it should provide extra protection in this great British summer weather.

 

[Our Gee]

[

Twin horns is the next modification. Looks like there is room to mount them on the tubing of the fairing framework, one each side then switch off the existing horn connection with a relay, powered from the battery. (I am assuming canbus will not power two horns).[/QUOTE]

I fitted BMW Twin Horns to my 2008 RT and this was an easy job as that year still had the wiring "spur" complete with plug to mate up with the extra Horn. There is even a bracket ready to accept the extra Horn.
I removed the Twin Horn set when I changed to my present 2013 Twin Cam. Re-fitting was a more complicated affair as BMW has seen fit to omit the Wiring Loom "Spur".
There a number of ways to mount the extra Horn so it will depend on your individual skill and dexterity. To wire the extra horn I spliced into the original wiring loom "in parallel". I asked my dealer if I need a relay and he said "no".
Never had a problem in 10 months of use.

 

[MisterB]

Consider the Cee Bailey screen from Mike at Sporttouring, I have the taller and wider.

Thanks, I'll have a look at that too! I reckon I need the screen about 3" higher than stock to be able to get fully protected with the screen fully up. Any idea how much taller your Cee Bailey screen is over stock please?

 

[MisterB]

I've only had my 2007 RT a month, it came with a Vstream screen fitted, I'm 6'1" and I don't need it on the highest setting to get perfect protection...

What size VStream screen do you have and how much taller is it than stock please?

...coming from 18 years of GS ownership it's a revelation.

Ah that's interesting What do you prefer, or are you just talking about the screen?

This morning I've just fabricated and fitted the fuel pump protector, took less than an hour and it looks like it should provide extra protection in this great British summer weather.

Did you use your own design or have you found a guide somewhere?!

 

[BeemerBaz]

[

Twin horns is the next modification. Looks like there is room to mount them on the tubing of the fairing framework, one each side then switch off the existing horn connection with a relay, powered from the battery. (I am assuming canbus will not power two horns).

I fitted BMW Twin Horns to my 2008 RT and this was an easy job as that year still had the wiring "spur" complete with plug to mate up with the extra Horn. There is even a bracket ready to accept the extra Horn.
I removed the Twin Horn set when I changed to my present 2013 Twin Cam. Re-fitting was a more complicated affair as BMW has seen fit to omit the Wiring Loom "Spur".
There a number of ways to mount the extra Horn so it will depend on your individual skill and dexterity. To wire the extra horn I spliced into the original wiring loom "in parallel". I asked my dealer if I need a relay and he said "no".
Never had a problem in 10 months of use.[/QUOTE]



The Stebil Nautilus fits nicely under the left side bodywork.

 

[Our Gee]

What size VStream screen do you have and how much taller is it than stock please?



Ah that's interesting What do you prefer, or are you just talking about the screen?



Did you use your own design or have you found a guide somewhere?!

Reply to point No 3.

If you look at the picture that should give you a pretty good guide. The "Awning" is cut out from an empty Mer Polish container. I used this as it had the required 90 degree lip to fit behind the Upper Fairing Panel lip. As can be seen it is secured with a couple of M4 Screws. The fiddly part was getting the nuts in position behind the Fairing lip. I also used rubber washers under the Screws as can be seen. Although it looks like the "Awning" is sticking out too much in the picture, the "Outer" fairing panel (The one which hides the Pump Controller) pushes this down to quite a steep angle when in position. You will of course have to drill a couple of holes in the Upper Fairing Panel lip to accept the screws.
Have Fun !!.

 

[dicktheleg]

What size VStream screen do you have and how much taller is it than stock please?



Ah that's interesting What do you prefer, or are you just talking about the screen?



Did you use your own design or have you found a guide somewhere?!

Hi
Re screen, the bike arrived with it so I've no idea how much taller it is but I'll be in Pullborough on Thursday if you'd like to take a look?

I just prefer the bike, I've had 4 GS's starting in 1996 with an 1100 then 1150, 1200 and then another 1150, I've enjoyed them all and done some long haul stuff too like Barcelona but the RT is in a different league, more comfortable, smoother, quieter, easier to handle at low speeds and far more fuel efficient - maybe I'm just getting soft in my old age. I'd describe it as going from a Land Rover Defender to a Range Rover!.

I just fabricated my fuel pump controller cover from a piece of plastic iced cream tub lid, scored it lightly where I needed the 90 degree bend and diced it with 2 small nuts & bolts.

Off to Germany on Friday so hopefully all will go well, I'm far more confident about long distance comfort with the RT.