BMW R1200RT/R1250RT Forum

Hey guys so I been looking around to answer my question and figured I ask It point blank since what I had found was pretty old, am looking at a Bmw r1200rt dont want anything older than 2010 unless something older than that is one of the "best" years to own, so what is the best year model to own in the r1200rt? 2010-2013 thank you.

Best year for a 1200RT is 2007. I’ve owned 2. Easy to maintain and very dependable.

2011 to 2013 because they did a model update late 2010 and changed to a fuel float instead of the problematic fuel strip, they also changed the front forks in that model update.

Have to agree, i have owned two 2007 bikes. The first 07 which i bought new. This one was sadly stolen when 8 months old. My latest 07 RT hasn't let me down and self-servicing is a doddle. Yesterday whilst my bike was in for the annual MOT, the dealer had a 2013 RT for sale. Apart from the said forks, the bike was really no different from mine. A tweek here and there but nothing special.

simbo wrote: ↑Sat Oct 08, 2022 8:34 pm 2011 to 2013 because they did a model update late 2010 and changed to a fuel float instead of the problematic fuel strip, they also changed the front forks in that model update.

That's good to know. I've worried about the potential fuel strip on my 2012. I didn't realise it doesn't have one!

2013 purely as a 2008 will possibly have time now against it sadly.

simbo wrote: ↑Sat Oct 08, 2022 8:34 pm 2011 to 2013 because they did a model update late 2010 and changed to a fuel float instead of the problematic fuel strip, they also changed the front forks in that model update.

Nothing wrong with the dodgy fuel strip. It just makes biking more fun when you forget to reset the trip meter

Personally, believe that the 2010 / 2013 bikes currently offer the sweet spot for RT ownership, and I'm convinced that in a few years the last of the R1200RT LCs will prove a similar "good purchase" as people will want the R1250RT keeping the price higher for those models.

I've done many miles in most conditions at most times of day on a 2013 oil cooled bike as a blood biker and it was awesome, I own a 2018 LC and the benefits are minimal (I prefer the seat and better integration of the gadgets)

Doctor T wrote: ↑Thu Oct 13, 2022 12:16 pm Have to agree, i have owned two 2007 bikes. The first 07 which i bought new. This one was sadly stolen when 8 months old. My latest 07 RT hasn't let me down and self-servicing is a doddle. Yesterday whilst my bike was in for the annual MOT, the dealer had a 2013 RT for sale. Apart from the said forks, the bike was really no different from mine. A tweek here and there but nothing special.

Bit puzzled about this one, apologies if I have read this wrong but surely the main, and big difference between a 2007 and a 2013 RT is the engine, the 2007 being the Hexhead and the 2013 being the Twincam ?.

Our Gee wrote: ↑Thu Dec 08, 2022 7:27 am

Doctor T wrote: ↑Thu Oct 13, 2022 12:16 pm Have to agree, i have owned two 2007 bikes. The first 07 which i bought new. This one was sadly stolen when 8 months old. My latest 07 RT hasn't let me down and self-servicing is a doddle. Yesterday whilst my bike was in for the annual MOT, the dealer had a 2013 RT for sale. Apart from the said forks, the bike was really no different from mine. A tweek here and there but nothing special.

Bit puzzled about this one, apologies if I have read this wrong but surely the main, and big difference between a 2007 and a 2013 RT is the engine, the 2007 being the Hexhead and the 2013 being the Twincam ?.

Correct, however, I believe and interpreted it as "looked similar and had similar equipment". I do agree that the 2010 was a step change in engineering terms, whilst looks and equipment were similar

Dreadnought wrote: ↑Thu Dec 08, 2022 6:39 amPersonally, believe that the 2010 / 2013 bikes currently offer the sweet spot for RT ownership.

Agreed, I had a 2010 and now got a 2012 Camhead.

My single reason to look at 2010 and newer models was the problems there have been with earlier final drives.

There were several very nice pre-2010 bikes available but I was too scared of the possible repair cost - perhaps unnecessary but nevertheless.

Every carnation of the Rt has had problems. The reason for my choice of an 07 model is due to owning two of them, my latest having 56 thou miles on the clock. Apart from the fuel sender and a coil breaking down that is it. After 2010 there are just too many electronics to go wrong. Also, a nut and screw are easier than shim's. This is my personal review.

Having owned a 2007 Hexhead and two later Camheads, I prefer the latter. The switch gear is probably more robust on the Hexhead. I do like the Camhead valve clearance adjustment method with shims, easy to check and replace if necessary.

"Best years to buy r1200rt"..


Usually the years you want to ride one



Until next time