BMW R1200RT/R1250RT Forum

My new bike finally arrived and I picked it up yesterday.
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Having ridden a 2016MY Iconic, it was interesting to note the (many) similarities and the (few) differences on my 2017MY LE, eg the basic elements are exactly the same, even down to 1st gear engaging with a slight clunk, and the absence of an audio system (radio) on my bike means I don't get the second cubby-hole with charging socket for a mobile phone.
I've only done a few tentative miles on very slippery looking roads, so lots still to learn, but I've already noted that this bike is designed to run on 10% ethanol, 95RON fuel with 5W40 engine / gearbox oil - which doesn't get replaced until the bike has done 6000 miles. Tyre pressures are now 2.5 / 2.9 regardless of load and there are no recommendations in the handbook on tyre make / type - see your BMW dealer. Mine has arrived with Metzeler Z8s which I'm sure will be fine.
It's going to be a long wait for warmer weather and grippier roads, so lots of time to plan trips to Spain (April / May 2017) and, hopefully, Romania (July or August 2017).

The winter gives you plenty of time to add head guards and a front fender extender.  All your quotes on levels and fluids are unchanged from 2014.  Your smile says it all.

gogs01 wrote:Mine has arrived with Metzeler Z8s which I'm sure will be fine.

Happy new bike, interesting to see that 2017 models are still being supplied with Z8's & not the latest 01's.

gogs01 wrote:5W40 engine / gearbox oil - which doesn't get replaced until the bike has done 6000 miles.

Interesting, this maintenance schedule suggests that the oil & filter are changed at the running-in check, circa 600 miles.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B17GVF ... FuU0E/view

T6pilot wrote:I've been able to negotiate the run in service with the purchase of new bikes. On this side of the pond the cost is in the $250 price range, should include oil, filter and final drive fluid change.

Perhaps it's different in the US, rather than the UK.

DaygloDavid wrote: Happy new bike, interesting to see that 2017 models are still being supplied with Z8's & not the latest 01's.

I guess that's where all the old stock goes !
When the time comes, I'll either go back to my old favourites (Michelin PR3) or try the latest Metzelers. I got some amazing mileages out of the PR3s, so if the Metzelers don't wear well I'd be very tempted to go back to PR3s.

Have you found it down on power in the mid range? Thread here that a guy has posted about the niggles with this 2017 and down on mid range power seems to be his biggest niggle, apparently due to Euro 4 - http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread ... ates/page2

Casbar wrote: Have you found it down on power in the mid range? Thread here that a guy has posted about the niggles with this 2017 and down on mid range power seems to be his biggest niggle, apparently due to Euro 4 - http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread ... ates/page2

Not yet - too early to tell (16 miles on the odometer).
I'll be very disappointed if I do find any dip in power, but I probably won't waste time talking to BMW if I do.  First line of attack would probably be to replace the exhaust with a no-cat option then maybe try a re-map from Hilltop if that isn't a complete cure.
I'm not really going to know for some time yet because the roads up here look really slippery - ok for driving my car, but I have a dread of losing the front wheel on the bike.
Once I get the running in check carried out (next Spring ?) I should be able to pass comment on mid range power - it's what I use most of the time !

Casbar wrote:Have you found it down on power in the mid range? Thread here that a guy has posted about the niggles with this 2017 and down on mid range power seems to be his biggest niggle, apparently due to Euro 4.

It'll be even worse with Euro 5 in 2020, http://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/2016 ... lly-means/

DaygloDavid wrote: It'll be even worse with Euro 5 in 2020, http://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/2016/january/mcn-plus---emissions-impossible-what-euro-4-really-means/

If we are out of Europe we can have our own emissions - lol

I see you have reflectors on the front forks,  do they come as standard now or have you had them fitted?

They are fitted to all 2017 spec bikes now. 

Ta

Maz12 wrote: I see you have reflectors on the front forks,  do they come as standard now or have you had them fitted?

I think that's the norm in the US...?

Steve F wrote: I think that's the norm in the US...?

Yes it is.

I have seen the bikes being built in Berlin. All types roll of the line every hour to any customer in the world. The specs may be different a bit but the engines are the same. DEFINITIVELY need the oil te be changed at 1000km/600 miles a metal filings would have been gathered. I just purchased a hanes Worksop manual  which is a world wide publication- states 600 miles also.  If you want to look after an engine chenge the oilo more often than the recommended distances. Once upon a time I owned a petrol (gas) station. One of my clients came in every 2000 miles. I met him many years later with0ver 600.000 km on the clock (ford)
Priviously I owned a R100GSPD from new (1991) and sold it with 225.000 km on the dial. With the new owner we took off the heads to replace the valves , when we looked down the cylinder the factory honey marks were still visible. I always yes the same Valvoline 20-50 oil and changed around 3000 km instead of the recommended 5000. Oil is cheap compared to wear-just saying  cheers