BMW R1200RT/R1250RT Forum

So there much be loads of things you like about the RT.
You would not of spent so much money on buying one and be using this forum.
But since owning the RT what have you found that you don't like about it.
I've not had mine long enough to really say what i don't like about it yet.
So come on tell the rest of us what you dont like and think could of been done better.

I hate my bike in the summer. It's the only time I don't want all the wind protection. Whilst in France I even had to remove the screen to breath fresh air. If I was a total that, which am not I would have rode in shorts,T shirt and flip flops. But then I remember falling off hurts and flies sting at over 30 mph.

For a tourer there is simply a lack of adjustability in almost everything, meaning your having to buy after market parts to make it fit properly. Even the range of touring accessories BMW have is poor when almost all of us who tour will have to fit after market risers/seats/windscreens etc.....

The way the sat nav works with your phone is appalling, BMW say it's the app they use - so change the app! My phone works in my car ok, and BMW cars don't have this issue, so why the bikes?

Poor torque at low revs, I've been in second gear at 15mph on a roundabout and stalled it trying to pull away in traffic in 2nd gear, yes, learn the engine/gearing I hear you say, but it's bloody annoying having to be in first gear for speeds well above your average cyclist

Other than that it's fine, but I'd like to see them put in a lock on the side stand like HD have so the bike cannot roll off it if parked on a slope.

Buy a Harley then you will know all the bits you will have to get

Geared too tall, mainly 1st gear.
Transmission clunks loudly going into first.
Nav setup w/ phone leaves a lot to be desired. Better off with an alternative.
XM radio had very poor reception prior to self install of another ant.
Radio switches itself back ON after ignition cycle even if it was turned OFF prior to shutting down.
Radio setting are sometimes erased after ign. cycle.

gearing too tall as mentioned! I don't have the same slow speed control on the throttle and in the gears on this as I had with the FJR on the RT I am constantly feathering the clutch at low speeds

The lack of a handle on the top box and the fact you have to lift the rider and pillion seat to disconnect the wiring on the top box

apart from that no real gripes

1) The quality of finish on the engine, final drive, and wheels leading to corrosion.

2) The abysmal satnav, which was so clunky that I replaced it thinking it was faulty. I then sold the replacement on within 2 weeks… it was just as bad.

I love my bike but there are areas that need attention


I agree, it's a hot bike to ride in the summer.
If you have short legs, putting your legs down is a bitch. (BMW needs to pay more attention to shorter riders).
Foot pegs need more variability.
Limited adjustment on handlebars
The stock seats are very uncomfortable.
The bike should run on regular gas
BMW should supply a repair manual at a reasonable price.

I agree will all except one. I find my low seat on my 07 very cosy on a long run

I'm pretty happy with mine, but to make it even better, I'd like to see:

1 - A better standard of finish and more robust paint finishes. Especially on the centre stand etc.
2 - Stainless bolts everywhere . Surely wouldn't add much ex-factory cost to an already expensive bike.
3 - A full-length engine undertray of some sort. Like most modern cars.
4 - Return to the unpainted, grained finish pannier lids, like the R1100/R1150RT bikes.
5 - Longer front mudguard as standard. It's a touring bike!

All that said, I think that part of the 'joy of ownership' is adding extras and modifying the bike to make it fit your own needs.

Full length under tray on cars is only there due to emission noise. Another EU rule. I agree on the paint and a longer front mud guard should be standard.
Paint and fixings quality comes down to pen pushers trying to squeeze every penny of saving unlike the 70/80s bike where quality was the main quest

As i started this thread, I will add what i don't like about the RT or any bike i've owned.
It's how much money you end up spending on it to make it like you want.
This is money you know you will never get back a bit like VAT

RTs4me wrote: ↑Thu Mar 21, 2024 7:33 pm I'm pretty happy with mine, but to make it even better, I'd like to see:

1 - A better standard of finish and more robust paint finishes. Especially on the centre stand etc.
2 - Stainless bolts everywhere . Surely wouldn't add much ex-factory cost to an already expensive bike.
3 - A full-length engine undertray of some sort. Like most modern cars.
4 - Return to the unpainted, grained finish pannier lids, like the R1100/R1150RT bikes.
5 - Longer front mudguard as standard. It's a touring bike!

All that said, I think that part of the 'joy of ownership' is adding extras and modifying the bike to make it fit your own needs.

I'd enjoy it much more, if all I had to do was make a few adjustments, rather than buying farkles

Steve398 wrote: ↑Tue Mar 19, 2024 8:44 pm 2) The abysmal satnav, which was so clunky that I replaced it thinking it was faulty. I then sold the replacement on within 2 weeks… it was just as bad.

Which yr. model is your bike? What did you replace?

Totaled TL wrote: ↑Tue Mar 26, 2024 12:19 am Which yr. model is your bike? What did you replace?

2018 RT… here’s the thread with my trusted Tomtom and adapter.

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