BMW R1200RT/R1250RT Forum

Hi,


New at this Forum.


I will switch my RS to a new or used RT LC. Is there any major difference in a 2014 VS 2017? Both are fully equipped, including gear shift assistants.


R1200RT 2017 seems to have a softer gearbox, compared to my RS 2016


Joakim

Gearbox improvements and ABS Pro on 2017

That's about it, possibly a smoother gearbox and keyless wasn't available in 2014.  There will also be a considerable difference in purchase price.  Only you can say if the improved gearchange  is worth that difference. And yes forgot about ABS Pro.  In my opinion if you think you might find that useful you have bought the wrong bike in the first place. Think it was stolen from the 1000RR.

Only possible additional advantage I can think of for the 2017 model is the new black 'anti-corrosion' coating on the engine and swing arm. But it hasn't been around long enough for us to know that it really makes a difference. The 2017 model also has the full integration with the Nav V which the 2014 did not have, but I see that more as a 'nice to have'.

Paggers wrote: Only possible additional advantage I can think of for the 2017 model is the new black 'anti-corrosion' coating on the engine and swing arm. But it hasn't been around long enough for us to know that it really makes a difference. The 2017 model also has the full integration with the Nav V which the 2014 did not have, but I see that more as a 'nice to have'.

Better get the 2014, they don't rust  8)  But don't quote me on that, I might just be lucky. And make sure the 2014 is Quartz Blue as they were faster.

Casbar wrote: Better get the 2014, they don't rust 8) But don't quote me on that, I might just be lucky. And make sure the 2014 is Quartz Blue as they were faster.

It's only rust if it applies to iron/steel - on everything else it's corrosion. And it does sound like you are the lucky one, given the various stories that have been posted about other people's bikes.

Paggers wrote: It's only rust if it applies to iron/steel - on everything else it's corrosion. And it does sound like you are the lucky one, given the various stories that have been posted about other people's bikes.

Sorry I got that wrong, my 3 degrees are in computer sciences so not up on technicalities of rust or corrosion. I wouldn't say I was lucky, if you actually knew the number of bikes that corrode vs the ones that don't there are probably more that don't. It seems to be the later models that suffer more. But they defiantly don't all corrode, and if you check out the UKGSER forum, the black paint isn't helping, so stand by.

Casbar wrote: Sorry I got that wrong, my 3 degrees are in computer sciences so not up on technicalities of rust or corrosion. I wouldn't say I was lucky, if you actually knew the number of bikes that corrode vs the ones that don't there are probably more that don't. It seems to be the later models that suffer more. But they defiantly don't all corrode, and if you check out the UKGSER forum, the black paint isn't helping, so stand by.

Looks like someone needs a hug. The OP was asking about differences between the '14 and '17 models; I just provided my 2p worth - sorry if it somehow offended you or insulted your bike.

I have owned 4 BMW motorcycles, 3 of them bought new and one at two years old (full dealer history). They have all corroded to some degree or other - although never enough to need replacement parts so in that sense I guess I have been lucky too.

Paggers wrote: Looks like someone needs a hug. The OP was asking about differences between the '14 and '17 models; I just provided my 2p worth - sorry if it somehow offended you or insulted your bike.

I have owned 4 BMW motorcycles, 3 of them bought new and one at two years old (full dealer history). They have all corroded to some degree or other - although never enough to need replacement parts so in that sense I guess I have been lucky too.

Not at all, wasn't insulted  8)  My two R80RTs didn't corrode, but I do wonder how big a problem it is, as they say we only hear about the people who's bikes have corroded, I wonder how many don't. Surely if out of the 1000s sold if they all had issues it would cost BMW £££. I would have thought the paint etc must be the same on all their models and not just GS or RTs. If you want to talk poor paint and sub standard finishes, I can tell you about my 26k Harley, which even within its first two years, getting anything changed, took photos from the dealership, then loads of conversations. PS I won't mention rust again, I learnt something - so all cool 

Recent owner of a 2014 LC.  No rot or whatever it's called.  2011 1600 GTL, ditto, 2009 RT, ditto. 2007 RT, ditto, and 2005, 2003. 2000, 1997 and 1995 all the same.  Never used any type of these New fangled protective goose.  just washed and polished and never put away wet.  Now if you want a bit of corrosion try MuckOff.

I do completely agree that we only hear the 'bad' stories so it's sometimes hard to know how representative the problems are. I guess the fact that I keep coming back to BMW shows that I am not too worried about it.


Going back to the original question - unless there is something that's a deal breaker then my answer would always be to buy the newest bike you can with the lowest mileage and the highest specification. Even if it doesn't make a massive difference to you, it all helps down the road when you decide to move it on.

Paggers wrote: I do completely agree that we only hear the 'bad' stories so it's sometimes hard to know how representative the problems are. I guess the fact that I keep coming back to BMW shows that I am not too worried about it.


Going back to the original question - unless there is something that's a deal breaker then my answer would always be to buy the newest bike you can with the lowest mileage and the highest specification. Even if it doesn't make a massive difference to you, it all helps down the road when you decide to move it on.

Sound advice, just about sums it up, plus the newer bike will have manufacturers warranty left

Hi,


Thank you for the answers, I hope to switch to RT 2014, it has only passed 5000 km, fully equipped. Almost 8500 euros cheaper against a new 2017

Jocke-Sweden wrote: Hi,

Thank you for the answers, I hope to switch to RT 2014, it has only passed 5000 km, fully equipped. Almost 8500 euros cheaper against a new 2017

Sounds like a good option. Good luck with the purchase and hopefully you can soon be getting out and riding it!

RTman10 wrote: Recent owner of a 2014 LC. No rot or whatever it's called. 2011 1600 GTL, ditto, 2009 RT, ditto. 2007 RT, ditto, and 2005, 2003. 2000, 1997 and 1995 all the same. Never used any type of these New fangled protective goose. just washed and polished and never put away wet. Now if you want a bit of corrosion try MuckOff.

which is surprising given they're sponsoring Tyco's race team

http://tycobmw.com/team/sponsors/