I've recently started searching and was rather excited and impressed by the ride of the new 800GT. But all the bells and whistles on the 1200RT are just too friggen awesome. So, like you I have changed direction and am looking at a used 1200 instead of a new bike.

From my research, the final drive on the late 90's bikes has had some issues (oil leaking) with some (not most) riders. That may have more to do with the storeage and maintenance of the bike. So a good garage kept, bike should not see these issues. A repair of the final drive should be in the neighborhood of about $600 - $700 by a BMW certified shop for the gasgets, boots, etc... That's not too bad. But the engine, clutch and tranny are very solid. But those all depend on the other owners and how they rode.

Also make sure if any recalls were out and that they have been taken care of.

I must be getting old and set in my ways. Although it's a gorgeous bike, everything about the test ride was intimidating bordering on nerve-wracking.

I've been riding my old GS750 for 20 years, and have owned a variety of japanese standards before that, so I am very used to that paradigm.

By contrast, everything about this bike seemed alien (why are there three buttons to control the turn signals?) - including riding in an unfamiliar urban/suburban setting.

I really can't tell you why I didn't buy it, logically I should have.

You get used to it.

You'll find one that fits you, I'm sure.

Such a bike is a good thing, but too strong for me. I would go with a "smaller caliber" like e.g. 125 ccm.

Last edited Sun Sep 10, 2017, 03:13 PM - Edit history (1)

No fairing, but I added a windshield. Nice bike. My only issue with boxers is that the torque makes you tip to the side when you rev it at a stoplight, due to the shaft drive. I'm used to the torque edging me ahead on chain-drive bikes.

I sold it because I never did get around to touring -- it was a bit too beefy for the backroads.

EDIT TO ADD: Didn't realize this was a zombie thread. Given how high it was on the post list, I guess there isn't much activity in this group. Anybody out there?

R1100RT is a great bike, though I sold mine because I bought a car.