BMW R1200RT/R1250RT Forum

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..

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!

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.

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.

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.

Where in Fl. I am up in Jacksonville.

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