2013 or 2014 RT?

[Bobbob455]

Hi guys, I'm looking to purchase an RT, what are the main differences between the 2013 & 2014 models? Many thanks.

[David.]

Air cooled vs water cooled engine.

Separate engine & gearbox with a dry clutch vs an integrated engine & gearbox with a wet clutch.

Generally more technology & options available on the 2014 model.

[Danno]

Less maintenance on a '14 and newer, no alternator belt replacement, no throttle body sync or separate transmission lube to change on '14. Dash is much easier to read, especially in sunlight on '14. Fifteen more horsepower with tad more torque on '14. 

[David.]

If the alternator fails on a 2014 (Wethead),  it's an engine out job.

The valve clearances on a 2013 (Camhead) are much easier to adjust than on a Wethead, not requiring the cams to be removed.

[PatM]

Which is better?
'13 is the last of the air-oil cooled. I think the worst case problem would be a clutch replacement. You need to remove the whole rear part of the bike.
'14 The first of the wetheads, new tech at that time, first year issues as David has written, a new stator was introduced in May '14. Early ones may have a problem. I say "may" as a few owners have reported the issue.


Other than that, both are good bikes.

[Casbar]

Exhaust flap sticking on 14 onwards+ can be left if stuck open, but £1200 if you want it fixed. Alternator replacement at 48k on our 14 bike cost £2k to fix at mates rates. But I still prefer the wet heads. But I would also be happy with the 13

[David.]

As PatM has pointed out, some new models may suffer from teething problems.
From what I can remember on the 2014 Wethead, there was the rear shock absorber recall and the gearboxes weren't great, some were replaced.

By 2013, the Camhead had been in production for 3 years and was well sorted out by then.

The 2013 vs 2014 bikes are very different with the 2014 being a completely new model, whereas the 2013 was more of a facelift on the previous Hexhead.

My preference is the 2013 Camhead, amongst other things, the cosmetic appearance is more to my liking but then, I'm old school and like retro.

[Our Gee]

Camhead pretty, Wethead ugly. (No offence intended)

[Casbar]

Camhead pretty, Wethead ugly. (No offence intended)

The old if you don't look back when leaving your bike etc etc. I never look back at any RT, it is a good bike, but it is a tool, it is not a looker

[MikeS]

The old if you don't look back when leaving your bike etc etc. I never look back at any RT, it is a good bike, but it is a tool, it is not a looker

Doesn't look too bad on an unlit road on a moonless night.
Bit like me thinking about it.

[David.]

When the 2014 RT was launched, BMW had to add some "eye candy" to make you look back.
https://www.cycleworld.com/2013/11/06/2 ... ew-photos/

The 2010 RT (same as 2013) just looked good on it's own, https://www.cycleworld.com/2009/11/11/2 ... d-r1200rt/

There are also some technical specs. etc. included in both articles!

[BoB21]

Generally things improve as devloped so if you can afford newest and best go for it.

[David.]

I remember going to my local BMW dealer in March 2014 to view the new Wethead. Both my wife & I said to each other, "is that it", we came away underwhelmed.

Later in the year, decided to have a good around 100 miles test ride, didn't like it. There was a nice low mileage Camhead in the showroom, bought that instead.

If I want a brand new 2021 Shifthead 1250RT with all the bells & whistles, I could have one but choose not to.

[Steve398]

Initially I felt that the wethead looked a bit nose-heavy when it was launched in 2014, but either I've got used to it or it's grown on me (like warts?) as I now think it's a good looking bike... enough that I bought one anyway!

[David.]

A completely new model rather than a facelift is likely to be a dramatic change in appearance. Having to accommodate the two radiators for water cooling would probably have had a big impact on styling.