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2004 R1150RT test ride - issues to please clarify ?
Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2013 12:59 am
by Mrchips
Hi there. I'm from New Zealand & looking to upgrade my bandit 1200 for a 2004 r1150rt (24,000km)
I took a ride out on it today & noticed a few things. I was wondering if the following are the norm please.
q1) A bit of a clunk in the final drive between 1st & 2nd when very slow / changing down between 2nd to 1st
q2) there is a radio case & wiring with connector block & an aerial but no radio... why no radio ?
q3) I can also feel a bit of engine vibe at 100km/hr thru the seat, is this typical... otherwise it's extremely smooth.
Any info appreciated.
Re: 2004 R1150RT test ride - issues to please clarify ?
Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2013 1:34 am
by sweatmark
Suggest you go to the following for dedicated RT info:
http://www.bmwrt.com/
Many characteristics are shared between the R1150** bikes, like that clunk dropping down into 1st. Same with the boxer motor vibration.
Good luck.
... Should add that final drive (really, the entire Paralever assembly) noises can be associated with various bearings problems. Do a search here, and at both Sport Touring and ADVrider for info.
Re: 2004 R1150RT test ride - issues to please clarify ?
Posted: Sun Mar 17, 2013 8:49 am
by macx
I'm sure the details vary somewhat from individual bike to individual bike,
but here's my experience with my 04 R1150R on the engine vibration.
First, good tuning does help reduce the range and severity, but I've never
been able to get rid of it all.
Tuning would include getting a good close set on valve lash, which seems
to need doing at regular and fairly frequent intervals.
Also, after setting the valves, checking sync on the TB's. That's probly
the biggest contributor to a smooth running engine.
And changing plugs when recommended also helps reduce vibration
as well as, of course, power and fuel economy.
I added some heavier bar end weights which helped incrementally,
but the 4000 rpm buzz was quite noticeable and quickly irritating
in the bars, pegs and seat.
And there are things like the trans input spline lube thing which
many folks do around ea 30k miles, not an easy or fun task.
And I did have to replace the clutch slave cyl at relatively few miles
which was an interesting exercise, especially trying to bleed that thing.
But overall it has been an enjoyable bike.
Re: 2004 R1150RT test ride - issues to please clarify ?
Posted: Mon Mar 18, 2013 3:20 am
by Mrchips
Thanks for your replies.
I ended up getting the rt... After i got the dealer to fit me some Pilot Road 2's, change the fluids & bleed the ABS i was on my way.... goobye to my bandito !
The rt is immaculate at 24,000km with the original colour matching bmw top box & panniers. Also has customised rider & pillion seats.... very comfy & looks absolutely delicious in full kit. Been using her for my 350 km/week work commutes. I took her out last weekend & achieved some scrapeage from both side stand & centre stand hile leaning her over with the wife on the back round some local twistes. Quite surprising how far the rt leans over esp. all kitted up !.. good to know my boundaries.
I changed the air filter & sparkplugs. Today i took it back to the dealer for a throttle body sync + cable adjustment due to issues with stumbling after cold start & a none functioning choke / fast idle.
The rt is a very smooth ride.
This one is a keeper + she keeps my sv1000 company at night
Will post some pitchures when i found out how