BMW R1200RT/R1250RT Forum

Hello, I am (was?) intending to purchase a 2016 RT. Reading the forum there appears to be a number of issues around how reliable they are in general. I am planning a trip through Spain and Europe in 2017. Does anyone think that I am being a little paranoid ? and that the pros would outweigh cons and that this bike is well up for such a trip.
Thanks.

No.
Not a little paranoid.
Paranoia by the gross might cover it.
I have yet to see a post where a new RT has been towed due to breakdown. Issues? None that seem to be in the reliability column. Issues having to do with owners figuring out how to work the controls and features? Name a bike that doesn't have that. In fact, it seems that BMW may just be back on the right track where they are building very reliable machines after taking a decade or so off......

Totally paranoid. 7,500 miles on mine and apart from putting on fuel, I haven't had to do a thing.


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Mine has done 15K in just over a year and has been totally reliable. As far as I'm concerned I would ride it anywhere.

Richmac  Ive been touring for the last 20 + yrs on BMs,  R100 rts  R1150 rts and R1200rts  mostly 2 up and heavily laden. Between 10 and 14 day trips.

To be honest these bikes have never missed a beat,  2 yrs ago my mate on a GS broke down in Germany with a electrical fault but it was fixed within 2 hrs.

I would be so confident as to say I would set off on mine,(11 plate) now and go anywhere in Europe and wouldn't have any concerns whatsoever.

Richmac,
I'm inclined to agree with the other comments thus far, that this bike is more than well up for the touring job!

Have done 10,000 miles in 11 months including frequent long day rides all over UK and a 2,000 mile Alps trip. RT is absolutely the best thing I have ever ridden and the first bike I expect to keep for ever (or until I buy another RT). I am also of the opinion that BMW provide higher quality service and response to those problems which might inevitably hit some owners from time to time.

BMjoe64.  +1 to that.  I have had RTs since 1996 with a shirt break for K1600s. Only the Ks ever gave me trouble. 
There have been items over the last 5 years or so that have resulted in some loss of confidence amongst owners. These were fuel guage and switch gear failures. This now seems to be a thing of the past.

RTman10 wrote: BMjoe64.  +1 to that.  I have had RTs since 1996 with a shirt break for K1600s. Only the Ks ever gave me trouble. 
There have been items over the last 5 years or so that have resulted in some loss of confidence amongst owners. These were fuel guage and switch gear failures. This now seems to be a thing of the past.

There are other gremlins to be added to the list. I myself have had experience of the Fuel Gauge and Switch Gear problems you mention and also can add faulty Final Drive Unit (2), Fuel Pump Controller, Rearview Mirror Glass, Brake Fluid Reservoir Cap and Footrest Hangers replaced due to paint defects. Luckily I seem to have escaped the dreaded Oil Seal failure between the engine and gearbox. BMW to their credit, did perform admirably in sorting out the problems.

Thanks guys, bad experience with the K 1600 left me wary. Order confirmed today. Cheers for all comments.

Richmac wrote: Thanks guys, bad experience with the K 1600 left me wary. Order confirmed today. Cheers for all comments.

Welcome to the forum  Richmac, and enjoy the new `Ride'.......

I picked up my 2016 RT Christmas Eve. Even with the weather down South I have managed to put 1500 flawless miles on it. I installed a Werks quiet ride windshield and Iliam Works handlebar risers and it is a totally different bike. No wind in the face and no sore back, love it.

Got 81 miles on mine and not a lick of trouble !!

Well, guys I must be really unlucky.  560 miles into new ride and ESA went.  Dealer couldn't sort out the error code so I left bike in shop. I hear what you all say but 560 miles  REALLY ?