R1200RT TC joins my 1150gs in the garage

[fatnfast]

Having sold a few bikes including my trusty 1100rt, I managed to raise enough to buy this:



I bought it sight unseen from Pidocks, but quized them about the condition as it seems they can suffer badly with corrosion. No problems with this one, its a credit to its previous owner, no corrosion anywhere at all. A great service from Pidocks as well.

It supposidly has the low seat option and the SE spec which is nice. A top box has been sourced although Ive opted for the smaller one as the panniers are huge compared to what Im used to.

Despite its sheer size it really is very easy to ride quickly with impressive handling. It is a nice upgrade in engine performance and gearbox slickness from the 1100, but more of just an 'evolution' from 1150 (which makes me glad I never got tempted to trade the 1150gs in for a 1200gs). I spent an hour or so today fitting a socket direct to the battery so I can use my old optimate charger and fitting some of nippy normans protective clear tape for the panniers and tank.

The only disappointment so far is that the tool kit is very lmited, so I will have to sort out enough to at least remove the front and rear wheels as well as the usual oil filter tool and spark plug spanner. Any recommendations?

Next up will be to find some slim pannier lids, assuming they are available, for when its working and not on touring duties.

Overall very impressed with just a few doubts about long term reliability compared with the 11xx's. Still, that will all be tested at the end of May when she will be off round Europe .

 

[chopper_harris]

There are no OEM low profile 'City' lids available for the 12 RT or K 12/13 GT panniers.

You can get thin lids from these guys, but they are not up to the OEM quality, pricey and seldom available second hand.

http://www.nedplex.fr/city-Lids-r1200rt,us,4,R1200rlids.cfm

 

[fatnfast]

Thanks chopper, your right they are not cheap!

 

[bisbee]

http://www.madauto.co.uk/motorbike-front-wheel-removal-tool-r1200gs-rrtsts-k1200s-p-63.html

Front wheel removal tool small enough for toolbag/box £3.99

 

[ebbo]

That does not look to be the low seat to me, my mate had one, I'm sure it was radically lower than that.

Toolkit is disappointing but the only thing I ever needed on the road was the Stop n Go tyre plugging kit and that was for a mates bike

Nice bike, get your topbox colour matched if you can.

 

[busy builder]

I think that's a standard seat as it looks similar to mine.

 

[fatnfast]

Thanks, I think you are right about the seat. Lowest setting and my feet just about touch down. Looks like I need a low heated seat as well then.
Just ordered one of the front wheel things, cheers bisbee.

 

[Bendy toy]

My brothers GS was pristine when he bought it and most of it still is. But the engine front cover went from the odd bit of lifting paint to seriously bad on a few months. The engine cases are fine so I'm sure it's an issue with the front cover paint process.
Anyhow keep a close watch and get it sorted immediately you see signs of paint lifting around screw heads.

 

[Malcvtr]

Thanks, I think you are right about the seat. Lowest setting and my feet just about touch down. Looks like I need a low heated seat as well then.
Just ordered one of the front wheel things, cheers bisbee.

Before you do, take a look at the comfort seat. Some people love them, so hate them. I love mine ��

 

[Buckingham]

Same as my RT - the comfort seat is low but wider at the front, so not so good for getting your feet down - better for the pillion though. The best mod IMO is a pair of GS mirrors - you'll need the switchgear caps with the boss too - these transform the bike as, for many, the standard mirrors are crap. I never look in the standard mirrors now.

 

[Buckingham]

Mirrors

Just like this - dunno why it's rotated, it's the right way up in my album.

 

[fatnfast]

Thanks for posting that, did you just order the parts for the switchgear from BMW? I take it its just a simple bolt on job?
Cheers.

 

[fatnfast]

My brothers GS was pristine when he bought it and most of it still is. But the engine front cover went from the odd bit of lifting paint to seriously bad on a few months. The engine cases are fine so I'm sure it's an issue with the front cover paint process.
Anyhow keep a close watch and get it sorted immediately you see signs of paint lifting around screw heads.

Thanks for that. Gave it a good clean today, no paint flake anywhere at the moment so I applied plenty of ACF grease to it and fitted an extender fender to reduce the road crap that gets flung onto it.

 

[Buckingham]

Yes simple installation, you replace the caps holding the switchgear - I got mine from a mate who gets a discount on BMW parts, but the adaptors are available from Nippy:http://www.nippynormans.com/product...rror-adaptor-r1200rt-2010-to-2012-wun-4600055

Although my mirrors are genuine GS ones, Nippy does these Wunderlich:
http://www.nippynormans.com/product...ich-ergo-adjustable-mirror-each-wun-23640-000

If you prefer genuine, pm me for a list of part numbers.

Cheers
John

 

[fatnfast]

Thanks John, just ordered from Nippys. Ive already got some mirrors that will fit. Im also thinking these adaptors could be used as a sat nav mount as well
Cheers,
Phil.

 

[Buckingham]

How you finding the mirrors Phil ?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[fatnfast]

Well, I fitted just one off the caps and added just one mirror. Deffo and improvement over the standard ones which are pretty restricted unless you like checking your panniers are still attached .
However, I recently removed the mirror because the cap has a threaded tops which made an ideal mounting point for a PTT swith (with a home made bracket) which I need for training. I think it will be pretty easy to slightly modify my bracket and have the mirror fitted as well, so that the next thing to do.
A worthwhile mod to do though and you get that Lambretta look with all the mirrors
Thanks again, I would never had though of fitting those caps at all.