I washed my R1150R this morning , removing the film of road dirt and agricultural excrement from the front engine cover. It has both a fender extender AND a mud flap. The previous owner was a bit of an accesssory fiend.
Then read the December issue of MSL over lunch. The new R1200R has a large radiator right behind the front wheel. Apart from looking ugly and blocking access to the alternator belt it sure is going to look very scruffy.
I much prefer the tucked away twin oil coolers of my current bike.
I've just had to get the the coolant radiator on my Passat changed at less than 5 year old, owing to external corrosion. I think the BMW will go that way as well.
I was disappointed with the positioning of the R1200R's oil cooler as well, but this position is used by motorcycles with liquid-cooled engines (which the new R1200R is not). I really haven't had any issues with my SV650 that has its radiator just behind the front fork, for instance. Having said that, I agree that I like the side positioning of the R1150R's oil coolers. I think BMW is cutting its costs (while raising the base price of the bike). The new setup looks like it requires less parts and maintenance. My biggest disappointment with the cost cutting is the new telelever fork. It's no longer the elegant scupture that it is on the R1150R. It's now just a single-cast piece like the R1200GS.
As for your Passat, do you drive in harsh climates? I have a Toyota truck with its original 13 year old radiator and a BMW that just hit 5 years of age. Neither have had any problems with its radiator, either inside or out. Knock on wood anyway.
Member #93, June 2002
'14 BMW R1200RT "Wethead"
'77 BMW R100/7 "Airhead"
The photograph in the magazine definitely shows a stripe of road dirt on the exposed fins of radiator. It is definitely not tucked out of the way as per Japanese bikes. The suspension limits the mounting position and forces it to be mounted low.
My Passat is 5 years old and has done 89,000 miles. Guess there is plenty of road salt around in winter which helps cause the damage. Do you use salt on the roads in the USA? One reason I am a summer rider only.
After 800 miles, I haven't noticed much in the way of dirt, but a couple of the fins were dinged by a stone somewhere. No big deal. Once the cooler gets banged up enough I'll replace it. It looks pretty much like a DIY job. I probably won't be able to get one under warranty unless I start leaking oil from it.
Gregor - yes we do. It depends on the state. The environmentalists in charge of Oregon for example won't allow salt reasoning that it's bad for the environment. Therefore they spread lots of gravel which deteriorates the roads and forces a repaving every couple years
Most other states however use salt as well as gravel. It's a pretty nasty combination for paint finishes.
Member #93, June 2002
'14 BMW R1200RT "Wethead"
'77 BMW R100/7 "Airhead"
Massachusetts used a combination of some substance which was not salt but had the same effect, combined with sand and gravel. The stuff simply ate cars, and left a slime on the road, which, along with the sand and gravel, always made winter and spring riding very exciting. I always had to wash my bike very thoroughly after riding in winter.
We have lovely slimy salty cruddy roads from first frost till it gets finally washed away in April ish. I rinse it all off when I get to work in the morning with my hot water hose.
yjleesvrr wrote:My biggest disappointment with the cost cutting is the new telelever fork. It's no longer the elegant scupture that it is on the R1150R. It's now just a single-cast piece like the R1200GS.
I couldn't agree more. I stopped by the local dealer Monday to look at an RT they had on sale my father was eying, and noticed they STILL had all 3 1200R's there. I saw one at a motorcycle show the previous weekend but was certainly underwhelmed. The Telelever seems to have lost it's 'character' I told this to the sales guy when he urged me to trade in my R, and he looked at me like I was nuts. Also having the charcoal canister stuck up behind the forks?? The radiator stuck down low almost looked like an afterthought.. I'm surprised they don't have an expanded metal guard in front of them to help protect it more. Sorry if I hijacked this thread a bit, but I was glad to see that I wasn't the only one who noticed the Telelever.
Logo - Mikecam is the first person to observe this on this board. I took a look after his remark and had the same opinion. Aesthetically, I think the R1150R is the better bike for sure.
Member #93, June 2002
'14 BMW R1200RT "Wethead"
'77 BMW R100/7 "Airhead"
I was at a dealer (a new to me dealer, BTW) on Sat & again sat on the R1200R in black.
Very sharp bike IMHO. Looks to me to be worth the extra $$ than the old 1150, as many parts of the bike are better. My test ride awhile back was nice too.
I'm currently torn between keeping my R1150R & buyng a Ducati S4Rs, or a R1200S, or selling by R1150R & buying a R1200R, R1200GS, or R1200ST. Just have not decided.
The new ABS appeals to me, particularly on the S as it can be shut off, but the Duc (I like the pearl white / red trellis frame) is sweet & sounds terrific & rides pretty fun too.
I just saw where you can get standard handlebars for the R1200ST. Might be a perfect sport tourer.
Then again the R1200R may be the perfect single bike to own (if I got a GS I would be hankering after a Duc when finances permit).
Oh the agony.
Bike show in LA next weekend, maybe that will help. Or not.
Rob - agony is right. There are so many great bikes out there it's painful to contemplate and make a decision. If I get super rich, I'm building a warehouse just for motorcycles to store.
Would the R1200R suffice as a do-it-all bike? I'm finding that there is no such thing to my appetite!
Member #93, June 2002
'14 BMW R1200RT "Wethead"
'77 BMW R100/7 "Airhead"
Boxer wrote:I don't see much salt here in Atlanta either...even when it IS icey. But GDOT does use a lot of sand and gravel.
Here in Central Illinois they salt the roads like they were making Margaritas. In fact they came up with a bunch of liquid salt spreaders lately to PRE treat the roads every time it looks like snow. Really a terrible thing on the roads and vehicles.
Boxer wrote:I don't see much salt here in Atlanta either...even when it IS icey. But GDOT does use a lot of sand and gravel.
Here in Central Illinois they salt the roads like they were making Margaritas. In fact they came up with a bunch of liquid salt spreaders lately to PRE treat the roads every time it looks like snow. Really a terrible thing on the roads and vehicles.
geo
Been so warm up till this week we haven't had any salt down. That all changed two nights ago so next time I go out the bike will get it's first taste of the crap it'll have to live with till May...bugger.
Also having the charcoal canister stuck up behind the forks?? The radiator stuck down low almost looked like an afterthought.. I'm surprised they don't have an expanded metal guard in front of them to help protect it more. Sorry if I hijacked this thread a bit, but I was glad to see that I wasn't the only one who noticed the Telelever.
