I loved my 2002 1150RT and was not even thinking about buying a new bike. I started to read articles on the new 1200RT and was bit by the bug to go for a test drive.
So it's in the low 30's in March of '06 and I find my local BMW dealer. Off I go on their 05 demo. Now I had ridden my 1150RT 50 miles to get to the dealer, so I was fresh off my bike onto this one. So I knew the feeling of old vs. new. My initial reaction...not as impressed as I thought I would be. Performance is a little better. However, the seat and windshield were...YUCK. I missed my mostly comfortable seat. The new one seemed too narrow and stiff. The windshield shook like a...gulp...Harley at idle. The new on-the-fly suspension adjustment was so-so, take it if it is cheap...but for the price...NO THANKS.
It is not what I expected. So I get a trade in value for my 02 just because I was there anyhow.... Well, the dealer gives me one of those offers that are too good to be true. A new dilemma. My bike is going to need new tires, brake flush, spring tune up...and we know the costs of BMW stuff. So I am back to thinking about a trade because everyone is raving about the new 1200RT and they cannot be wrong!
I trip home to think about it. Next morning I call the dealership and ask about throwing in some goodies. A tank bag costs pretty penny and I will not pay for that. He throws that and some other goodies in and I say "deal"!
What have I done? I say to myself when I am riding my beloved 1150 to the dealer the following week for the trade.
I do the deal and get MY 1200RT. Off I go hoping I did not screw up. Shortly thereafter I am grinning EAR to EAR! What they say is true. Much better performance. Much smoother bike. Bike just, well, what can I say...is MUCH better. It's chilly so I flick on the heated seat...holy crap does this get warm.
Engine revs MUCH quicker and actually sounds like a motorcycle. I still like quiet bikes, but there is something about a LITTLE rumble.
The bike SHAKES much more when sitting at idle than my old 1150RT. Nothing serious, but my old one was so smooth. Dealer explained the new bike will shake more at idle because of the new fuel injection and they can't adjust the settings the same as the old. What he adds is the bike will perform much better and be smoother above idle. Heck, I can live with that.
Well, it's been too cold to ride much and besides, I can't take a new bike out in this March weather. So I have less than 200 miles on my new bike...I loved my old 1150, but love even more my new 1200.
So if you have an older BWM and are thinking of trading...you will not regret. Only thing that MUST go is the windshield. At my height, I need more protection. I needed to replace the one on my 1150 and when I did it made a fantastic improvement. I am sure it will be the same with the 1200.
Now go BUY one!
Upgrades/Accessories: heated grips and seat, computer, cruise control, tank bag, engine protectors, radio prep (did not want, but dealer thew it in) white side lights.
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