2005 BMW R 1200 RT review from United Kingdom

Major fault with the gearbox - dangerously jumps out of gear regularly without warning. See below.

Lots of niggly faults;

Light units/indicators misted up.

Corrosion on various visible bolts.

Cruise control switch very stiff.

CD won't accept copies / skips over bumps on shop CDs.

Headlight needed adjusting downwards, which meant revisiting the dealer on the second day of ownership.

Tank panels have no guards like the R1100RT, and mark easily.

Stupid pannier box webbing, not elastics like on the R1100RT.

Box locks repaired under warranty - locked me out.

For a big tourer, it is peerless and superb for long distances. Disappointing finish and quality control for BMW, and not as solid as the R1100/1150RT.

Compared to my previous model, the clocks on 1200 reflect in your face, tank knee guards are missing, boxes are inferior and have daft straps rather than elastics, the seat is not as comfortable, and it has a very different riding position.

Feels more Japanese than BMW - lighter, quicker, more agile, but poorer finish and corner cutting to save weight.

I spent 2005 on it, but had to sell it when I was nearly killed for the third time by the daft gearbox jumping out of gear mid bend, sending me into oncoming traffic again.

BMW checked everything, adjusted the gear pedal, nothing worked, ordered a new gearbox.

Other riders in my club are having the same issue with the 1200 'box, plus a Bike magazine staff rider is on the third 'box with the same issue.

Lovely bike, big problem.

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