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Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
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  #1  
Old 6 Mar 2007
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Smile Bmw Rt
I find myself in the happy position of being told to get myself a new bike.

As it happens I'm perfectly happy with the one I've got- a 1982 BMW RS- we understand each other, it does what I want and it's got all the goodies I need on it.

The thing is, however, I'll be going to the Italian Alps later this year and my wife would be a lot happier if I got something newer, or new. I've only had BM's for the last 30 years and and I'm thinking of the RT. From what I've read there seems to be a problem with the final drive with the latest 1200GS, so I would guess that that would apply to the 1200RT's as well. Could anybody tell me if the 1150RT might be a better bet, or is newer better?

Cheers,

John
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  #2  
Old 6 Mar 2007
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Bmw
If you know and happy with the bike why change? I have a 1978 R100/7 but sadly needs loads of work doing on it I know it completly and would love to be able to justify the costs of a makeover, am using a R80gs similar motor nothing out there makes me feel I'd like to change from Aircooled BM's
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Old 6 Mar 2007
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Much much ceaper to keep the old bike. Tyres on the newer bikes cost twice that of the older bikes.. and you need the computer to look at them every now and then .. If she wants a new bike ... let her know its' running costs will be highter too. Oh they weight more too...
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  #4  
Old 6 Mar 2007
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RT Final Drive
I seem to remember reading somewhere that the problem with the final drive on the GS was partly due to the increased angle of the shaft to the gearbox ( if that makes sense) to accomodate the longer suspension travel of the GS models. This causes extra load on the universal joints etc etc!! The RT models don't share this problem ( I'm told).
I'd love an 1150RT but a) the budget won't stretch to another bike (3 already) and b) If I can't easily repair it myself ( no fancy electrics or ABS etc) then I won't keep it long.
I'm putting my efforts into my 1979 R80/7 (Police) which I consider almost bulletproof ( if maintained!!) and so simple I'm surprised the Japanese never thought of it!! Even I, with limited mechanical skills, can keep it purring along nicely with just a ball of string and a Swiss army knife. Not surprising really since the Boxer engine pulled airplanes around quite succesfully so had to be simple and reliable..
I think I will ride her across Russia next year.. just to warm her up..!!
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Old 6 Mar 2007
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John , you can't have too many bikes !
AND you have permission from the mems'ab , Ye Gods man ,what are you waiting for .

Patrick says buy a Beemer too [and we all know what he thinks of Beemers - nudge nudge wink wink !]

I've done some non scientific research and tried to get to the bottom of this Beemer final drive problem and it seems that the 1200 has a different design which incorporates a splined shaft .The 1150s had the same set up as the Airheads , but more power and more suspension travel combined with heavy loading shortens service life of the large diameter bearing .
The problem on the 1200 seems to be with spline wear between wheel hub and driven shaft and it seems that this is a much less common problem .
I'd buy one and give it a go .

All the Best .
Dodger
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Old 6 Mar 2007
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Thumbs down Rt
Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
Newer is always better. Treat yourself, get the new RT. It's a fantastic bike if you can afford it. Very capable. Your wife will love it. Very posh...and backs it up with good performance.

You know BMW offer free test rides....why not have a go? I promise you will never look upon your R100RS the same again. (I owned an '81 RS, put 70K miles on it...not all trouble free).

Go RT. No question.

Patrick
Newer is always better...really? better the devil you know etc etc ... Go buy the new RT and if/when you get a problem/drop it/crash it and then find out the costs involved, repost here with whether the right decision had been made in the first place!
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  #7  
Old 7 Mar 2007
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I've seen a lot of 1150 rt's with some serious milage on em, chatted with the owners for opinions and comparisons with other bikes in the same class and none have ever mentioned a problem with the final drive.
sometimes the press are quick to pick up on potential faults on new bikes and can blow them out of all proportion.
take a test ride and check out a few bmw forums.
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