BMW R1100RT left field buy

[MAC87]

Hi guys,

Thought I'd stick some pictures up of my left field Covid transport, bought off ebay and I have now started to really enjoy:

Would love to hear from anyone who's had one, best bit is BMW are sending me a letter to send to TFL so it will hopefully become ULEZ compliant (Even with decat and Delkavic on it!)

[black-k1]

It looks like it's good at going up very steep hills!

[MAC87]

Given up reading about how to rotate

Edited by MAC87 on Tuesday 19th January 15:19

[zzrman]

RT is a really good bike. A few years ago I was working part time for Cotswold BMW when we bought back a fairly new RT1200. I was sent to pick it up and ride it back to the dealership. I thought what a barge and it was a miserable winter's day. But within no time I realised that it handles really well with the CoG being quite low, and with heated grips a heated seat and an electronically operated windscreen, it was a peach to ride. I suddenly understood what so many owners already knew.

[mike-v2tmf]

I like these , like the GS version even more but inside leg too short sadly

[underwhelmist]

black-k1 said:

It looks like it's good at going up very steep hills!

That's why it's a left-field buy. You have to tilt your head to the left to look at it.

Nice bike OP!

[gareth_r]

Here you go.

[black-k1]

They are a great "functional" bike. If headline numbers performance is important to you then they're not the bike to pick but if covering miles efficiently, comfortably and with ease, then they offer great value for money.

That looks like a good one and I'm sure you'll be very happy with it.

[MAC87]

Gareth_R,,,, Thanks a lot, was dreading the lots like its got good grip jokes!

Cheers guys, it was bought to commute into Camden on office working days, I think a few people have done this but in reality we are working mostly at home. So a spontaneous ebay winter commuter has turned into something I am really enjoying, I had never even seen one let alone ridden one before buying but its quirky retro looks have grown on me and its really fun to ride, especially in London which i know sounds mental, but no problem filtering and most of my route is along bus lanes.

The pannier lids I have swapped for narrow city lids for commuting and painted them to match the bike. Sounds much better with a Delkavic and no Cat, was dreadful as stock, very odd noise. Also have a chip coming to replace original for a bit more power and smoother throttle etc.

A little bit different so thought I'd stick up some pictures.

[MAC87]

Also forgot to add, I was heading down the GS route but thought it will never go off road, why not try the 'same' bike but in road format, not as fashionable but I think that's a good thing.

[GriffoDP]

Lovely! I imagine weather protection is excellent there too. I'd like to try one of these older boxers one day.

What does the magic chip promise?

[Dr Jekyll]

MAC87 said:

Also forgot to add, I was heading down the GS route but thought it will never go off road, why not try the 'same' bike but in road format, not as fashionable but I think that's a good thing.

Interesting you say that. I test rode an RT for just that reason but it felt very front heavy, then tried a GS and it inspired much more confidence as well as being more roomy. What I'd really want is a road bike with the same legroom as the GS.

[MAC87]

GriffoDP said:

Lovely! I imagine weather protection is excellent there too. I'd like to try one of these older boxers one day.

What does the magic chip promise?

Weather protection has surprised me, I have never ridden a bike with a large fairing and screen like this, I keep the screen low then when i hit the M1 raise it and life remains completely calm, and surprisingly dry! You are completely covered.

The magic chip seams to be very popular with other owners, promises include:

Up to 20% increased torque and 15% horse power throughout the RPM spectrum, leading to a faster, lighter-feeling and quicker starting bike. Top speed increases as well.
- Smooth engine function and quick acceleration with reduced engine noises throughout the RPM spectrum.
- Fuel enrichment. It is commonly agreed that the stock fuelling is lean, resulting to poor engine operation. You can now open the throttle fast with quick engine response and acceleration. This also eliminates the common surging issues.

The blurb goes on better consumption, lower temps etc etc etc,

[SalsaJason]

I have a 2005 R1200GS that is now on close to 100K miles.

Even at 15 years old and massive miles its still the bike I choose to ride most of the time.

[MAC87]

Dr Jekyll said:

Interesting you say that. I test rode an RT for just that reason but it felt very front heavy, then tried a GS and it inspired much more confidence as well as being more roomy. What I'd really want is a road bike with the same legroom as the GS.

You might not be wrong, a friend lent me a 2 year old GS, so was looking at a much newer bike but I did feel like I was on something way OTT for a trip to the office and the off road pretenses of something that will only every be used on road kind of made my teeth itch, but then I am in the minority there, I totally appreciate adventure bikes are replacing sports tourers etc. I am behind the curve,,, even at 33.

[Max5476]

MAC87 said:

Also forgot to add, I was heading down the GS route but thought it will never go off road, why not try the 'same' bike but in road format, not as fashionable but I think that's a good thing.

That's why I'm on the lookout for a nice R1200RT this year as well, although looking at second hand prices they are both expensive to start with, and those in the know understand how much they have to offer - as long as you can get over the image.

[SalsaJason]

Max5476 said:

That's why I'm on the lookout for a nice R1200RT this year as well, although looking at second hand prices they are both expensive to start with, and those in the know understand how much they have to offer - as long as you can get over the image.

I don't disagree with this at all, as they are less popular they go for a bit less money.

My GS is set up entirely for the road - rebuilt shocks for Road riding and I run it on Michelin Pilots.

The long travel gives me confidence to push on without worrying too much about the road surface - it can soak up mid corner bumps that would give something sportier problems.

[MAC87]

GS looks great!

RT for sure was a punt, so far i'm happy, I feel like I've broken the matrix with the sound it makes now and filtering down to regents park on the sofa, great feeling. Then on way home grips on, screen up, would love to have these quirky looks with the new tech! once again i think they would only sell about 5

[ssray]

I had a gs1100, with a stage 8(i think) John's chip, made a huge difference, just take your time opening the ecu, think I broke something but was able to bodge it

[GriffoDP]

MAC87 said:

Weather protection has surprised me, I have never ridden a bike with a large fairing and screen like this, I keep the screen low then when i hit the M1 raise it and life remains completely calm, and surprisingly dry! You are completely covered.

The magic chip seams to be very popular with other owners, promises include:

Up to 20% increased torque and 15% horse power throughout the RPM spectrum, leading to a faster, lighter-feeling and quicker starting bike. Top speed increases as well.
- Smooth engine function and quick acceleration with reduced engine noises throughout the RPM spectrum.
- Fuel enrichment. It is commonly agreed that the stock fuelling is lean, resulting to poor engine operation. You can now open the throttle fast with quick engine response and acceleration. This also eliminates the common surging issues.

The blurb goes on better consumption, lower temps etc etc etc,

Ah OK, at least it should run nicely with more fuel going in .

And yeah, I love having a big and adjustable screen! I'm on a GS 1250 but as of yesterday hankering for the flipping XR!