How is the 1150RT on the Interstate ?

patiodadio

patiodadio

Motorcyclist
Joined
Mar 19, 2008
Messages
121
Location
KY
Bike
ST
I have a 94 R1100RS that I think is the greatest touring bike ever (for backroads) but no so good on the Super Slab. My 06' ST1300 is super smooth on the Interstate Highway (I think maybe the smoothest bike ever). But, I saw a nice very low milage 04' R1150RT for sale and I might try trading my ST1300 for it. I have ridden the 1100's on backroads but have not tested the 1150's on the Interstate Highways. Can any R1150RT owners tell what they think?
Thanks and I have my flame proof underware on :)
 
I avoid interstates, but prolly 15K of my 35K on my 1150 RT was on high speed highways for long stretches.

The 1150 RT has nice highway manners. You can set the suspension to soft and it will still track rock steady at speed. They all PTTR, so most riders learn to load the left bag heavier. If you can learn to live with it, and I think most do, you should be happy. [I grew less fond of PTTR as time went on]

Also, the RT handles aerodynamic forces really well. While it acts like the ST in side winds, it was hardly affected by the dirty air 150-200' behind semis, again feeling more steady than the ST in that area. Wind protection was better on the outer shoulders than the ST because its shield is more rounded. You will sit slightly more upright, a position many riders like.

Finally the 04 is the best 1150, not only because of the twin spark, but also because BMW finally got rid of the useless top-heavy speakers and fugly antenna after 03.

Good luck
 
Thanks Bill, I try to avoid the Interstate too but lots of times when we are far away from home on vacation and running out of time we have to do a couple of days on the Super Slab.
 
BendBill said:
Finally the 04 is the best 1150, not only because of the twin spark, but also because BMW finally got rid of the useless top-heavy speakers and fugly antenna after 03.

Good luck
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Not many know this but BMW actually confused the 05 model year by releasing some 200 or so 05 R1150RTs before the Spring of 05 and the release of the 05 R1200RT, so there are two years of twin spark Oilhead RTs, identical to each other.
 
What do you guys think about the R1150RT vs the R1200RT ? I have found a very nice 05 R1200RT with only 3000 miles. A lot more money tho.
 
patiodadio said:
What do you guys think about the R1150RT vs the R1200RT ? I have found a very nice 05 R1200RT with only 3000 miles. A lot more money tho.
Click to expand...

I have had both... currently ride the 1200RT. Love it. It is a significant step up from the 1150RT in several key areas:

1. Cruise control. Nuff said.

2. Lighter

3. Counter Balanced Twin, so it is smoother than the non-counter balanced 1150RT

4. More horse power (95 BHP to the 1200RT 110 BHP)

5. Better lighting

6. More comfortable cockpit... there is NONE better. NONE.

7. Slightly bigger luggage capacity (slightly, especially with the available 49L BMW Top Case)

8. CanBus (some will disagree here, but I think the simplicity of this electrical system allows for better reliability over the 1150 wiring harness... have you seen that before?)

9. ESA, if so equipped is very nice. Not available on the 1150RT, although a good set of Ohlins will cure that.

10. Subjective things follow: Better looking, I get more compliments on the 1200RT than either my old 1100/1150RTs or the ST1300 for that matter. More flickable than the 1150RT, probably due to the weight for one thing. I like the dash and readability over the 1150RT, especially with the Bike Computer option, integrated into the dash. Very complete info.

Couple of things on the 05R1200RT to check out... there was a recall on the EWS electronic immobilizer ring on the ignition switch (there is a VIN number range to check with a dealer, they can check that out)... make sure that this has been done. Also, there was a software and Oil level sensor update through early model year 06, that recalibrates the sensitivity and accuracy of the Oil Level sensor if the bike has the Bike Computer option.

Good luck. If you get it, you will like it, if not love it. Mine has 30,000 miles in just over 2 years and am still getting the grin everytime I ride it.
 
Thanks Chris, I have taken a couple of test rides on the R1200RT and really liked it.
I will let you know what happens. Thanks again :)
 
The trade did not go ....they sold the bike to someone else :( Still looking for a nice clean low miles RT tho :)
 
I just bought an R1200RT, take it home next week. I tried it for a couple of hours on test & just was completely impressed. I had been going to get a new ST1300, but the equipment level of the BMW just took me by the hand and led me to bad places. I had had some weaving on my ST1300 on the motorway, but it varied, so was never really a problem, you just had to be brave. The BMW just sat there, Even my co-pilot was impressed. Be warned though, from the co-pilot seat, speedo & gear indicator are visible.
 
Mad Sapper, I too love the R1200RT . Maybe when I get my daughter out of college I can get a R1200RT. :)
 
Put me in the R1200RT category. i have had multiple 1100RT's and 1150 bikes. I also previously owned an ST1300. The 1200RT is a completely different animal over the 1100 and 1150 bikes. I have also owned an 04 dual spark as well. The 1200 is smoother, more powerfull, better handling, increased comfort and just better in every aspect. I have now had my 1200RT for about 7 months or so and I just fall in love more and more. The 1200 fixed so many of my gripes of the old RT. The transmission is buttery smooth now, smoother airflow and quite possibly the best headlight (stock) on the market. I would try to save the few extra dollars for a 1200 if you can. One thing to warn you that it appears you have already found out, used 1200RT's go fast. To say the difference is night and day would be an understatement.
 
cali_rider said:
Put me in the R1200RT category. i have had multiple 1100RT's and 1150 bikes. I also previously owned an ST1300. The 1200RT is a completely different animal over the 1100 and 1150 bikes. I have also owned an 04 dual spark as well. The 1200 is smoother, more powerfull, better handling, increased comfort and just better in every aspect. I have now had my 1200RT for about 7 months or so and I just fall in love more and more. The 1200 fixed so many of my gripes of the old RT. The transmission is buttery smooth now, smoother airflow and quite possibly the best headlight (stock) on the market. I would try to save the few extra dollars for a 1200 if you can. One thing to warn you that it appears you have already found out, used 1200RT's go fast. To say the difference is night and day would be an understatement.
Click to expand...

Thanks Cali, a friend of mind traded his R1150RT for a new R1200RTand said the same thing you did. :)
 
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