New R1200RT owner

[Randee]

Just sold my custom Victory Hammer and purchased a 2009 R1200RT... Though I loved my Victory dearly, the comfort of the BMW pulled me over.. "walk toward the light"...  I feel I paid a fair price at, 8k US and less than 10K on the odometer.  Can someone direct me to a list of items I need to be particularly aware of such as high failure items, maintenance cautions, CANBUS issues.. anything that well versed owners like yourselves can suggest.  I have a very, very diverse and accomplished mechanical back ground,so all maintenance will be done by me, unless  there is an ECU issue.  Also,can anyone recommend a soft top luggage bag, it only has the saddle bags and I feel the BMW case is a bit over priced at 1K.  Thanks for your consideration..

[Paggers]

Hello Randee and welcome to the forum and to RT ownership. I can't answer any of your questions unfortunately as my ride is a newer model than yours, and I haven't had it that long myself. But they are a helpful crowd on here (for the most part) so I'm sure someone will be along with useful suggestions.


Regarding the top-box, you can get the earlier 49 litre top-box on places like eBay for a lot less than BMW will charge you for a new one. Or go for an after-market one - I have a Givi top-box on my bike, carried over from my previous GS.


Enjoy riding and don't forget to post us some pics of your new ride!

[guest2360]

Welcome.  I owned a 2009 from new.  It has no issues except for a very early fuel guage failure.  You will read lots about failing switchgear.  Not on yours.  Enjoy.

[guest4031]

I have one of these on my '08.
Easy on and off. I found it for $150.

https://www.amazon.com/BMW-Genuine-R1200RT-K1600GT-K1600GTL/dp/B004LTJG7E


Almost forgot to add that it will go on the rack or the back seat.

[Randee]

Thanks guys.  Appreciate all the input.. I'm Looking fwd to getting on some of the FL back roads I road down as a kid growing up.

[guest4031]

Where in Fl. I am up in Jacksonville.

[Randee]

Safety Harbor, right next to Clearwater.  Let me know if your ever in my neck of the woods..