2009 BMW R1200RT 2 up Ride Review

[@decocatani]

Love this review! It’s respectful on her opinions and very useful for most riders. Thank you for that!

[@TRCAdventures]

Thanks!

[@billybonehead7598]

Thank you for the two up review. I’ve watched many other reviews, but none like this. My wife is nervous to go on the back, but watching you both getting on and off will put her mind at ease. Thanks a Million!

[@TRCAdventures]

Thanks for the feedback! We we both wanted to get this one out, she is so much more comfortable on the bike now! And it’s great to be riding together

[@michielgoud1245]

I own a 2009 myself. Love this bike!

[@TRCAdventures]

it seems like they got everything right with this bike!!! we are having so much fun on this bike, just love it! Thanks for checking out the video!

[@mybikegarage1040]

Best bike out of 35 bikes I ever owned. A 2009 for sure. I really want to experience the newer model.

[@akroguy]

Very handy tutorial on two-up boarding! I'm picking up a '17 RT tomorrow and Momma gonna see it for the first time. The superb wind control of the RT fairing will really impress her. Our GL1800 absolutely sucks in that regard. Helmet buffet is terrible and the mileage on that beast is sad. I saw 47 mpg on the RT display when I test rode it and I was HAMMERING it.

[@TRCAdventures]

A note on the boarding method, on your 2017 if the bike is in 2 person mode with luggage the bike can be a bit more tipsy, I would only attempt on level ground in that mode. We found this out on our 2014 in an off-camber parking lot, the bike started to get quite light. It did not go over but we now only do it on level ground!! Wonderful bike I'm sure you will both have a great time with it!!!

[@jimmeyer9075]

You make her feel safe and secure and both of you have a enjoyable day. The difference between a motorcyclist enthuses and a biker. Great ride video.

[@TRCAdventures]

Thank you Jim! I convinced her to take a ride up through the sierras this weekend "camping" I booked us in to a nice lodge instead! I think she will be pleased CA Hy 70 through the Feather river canyon on the way up and Back on Hy 49 should be a fantastic ride! hope to get some Video footage of the ride

[@MrSebfrench76]

Totaly seconded. That's a ride for 2, not for your own only.

[@Minieken1]

That sidekick step-up procedure , whaauw! I like it !

[@TRCAdventures]

super handy, I will give a cupel of warnings I should have included, #1 if your bike has ESA and is set in two passenger mode or two passenger with luggage, the bike will be more prone to tip on the side stand. also #2 if the bike is not on level ground it is also more prone to tip, (we almost tipped our new 2014 over in Yosemite last year, Yikes, we still use the procedure, just only on level ground ! thanks for checking out the video

[@TheGoldenchild68]

I love this review and the simple way to get off and on!

[@TRCAdventures]

Thank you!

[@edwinrosales986]

Great video! And thank you for sharing those tips with the actual demonstration on how to mount. Safe riding!

[@TRCAdventures]

Thank you! You are welcome Thanks for checking out the video

[@ladremosdeperrosmonterrey4530]

Just the review I needed. Thinking about going from HD ultra to RT1200, but really looking for comfort and safety for my wife on long roads. Thanks! Best wishes from Monterrey, México

[@TRCAdventures]

Both great bikes finding the bike you and your wife both like is key, I started asking my wife lots of questions about our rides, focusing on comfort and safety. It makes a big difference to have my wife feeling safe and comfortable, and we tend to ride a lot more and a lot farther. And happy at the end of the day! Is that Monterrey Nuevo Leon ? Looks like it could be a great ride out to the coast from there

[@ladremosdeperrosmonterrey4530]

@@TRCAdventures Monterrey, Nuevo León yes! Sadly, the roads have become dangerous in México and that's limited our destinies, but still have some nice rides

[@decocatani]

Leaving an HD for an RT is a REAL step up. It’s another world.

[@TRCAdventures]

@@decocatani definitely a different experience, both great bikes, but I do appreciate the experience on the RT!

[@jadesmith6823]

It's a perfect ride with sitting a pillion on and to go for a decent ride ❤️

[@TRCAdventures]

We have been getting some great rides in!!!

[@EKLNH]

Very helpful, this video has me changing my mind.. definitely thinking RTV now!

[@TRCAdventures]

Thanks I'm glad the video is helpful, thanks for checking out the video

[@MultiBikerboy1]

Best bike BMW ever made. Put a Corbin seat on it and it’s heaven. 😍

[@TRCAdventures]

They are excellent bikes! And the Corbin and saddelman seats can make a big difference. Thanks for checking out the video

[@matthewkimpton4865]

Considering buying of these, this video really helped, thanks 👍🏼

[@TRCAdventures]

They are excellent bikes! I highly recommend it!! Glad you liked the video. Thanks

[@pinkies_up_garage]

Great video. What helmet are you wearing? I dig it😊

[@TRCAdventures]

Thanks! In that video I have a scorpion helmet, I can't seem to find the design name, fun helmet

[@lipsee100]

Haha I had got my wife to ride two up,,, but I took off the top box and after a ride without said box she said never again(oh yeah I have an RT too) also we have covered distance when fully loaded (maybe overloaded with wifes cosmetics) the bike rode like a dream ,it carries the weight so well,,I have a rear orlin shock and can honestly say I have never had to adjust...My front is getting abit floppy so have seen a police bike front shock(I suspect its abit stiffer) and its cheap so may pull the trigger....regards

[@TRCAdventures]

I did the Ohlins shock front and rear on my GS it was a big improvement I'm sure it would be great on the RT too! I suggested we take a ride with out the top box and my wife became suspiciously uninterested in the ride, BOX back on and she is all in!!!

[@MotoMiceDiaries]

Hi there ! Very nice video You made! Could You explain me , What accessories You used ? Thanks for advance!!!

[@TRCAdventures]

accessories? for the bike? or camera gear?

[@hi8383]

Thanks for the video. How you get the bike on the centre stand if you both sit on it and than step off?

[@TRCAdventures]

humm, im not sure I follow... but we put it on the center stand when we are off the bike, we can get it off the center stand with both of us on it, but don't normally get on when its on the center stand. I should mention that using ESA especially on newer bikes, can changed the stability of the bike, making it lean farther over when set in two person and luggage setting, this can make the bike more likely to tip over having your passenger getting on first as we demonstrate. we nearly tipped our newer bike over when we had it set up for two riders and were on a slight slant, could have ended badly... close call Thanks for checking out the video

[@jadesmith6823]

Got the same ride... The rider first. Pillion second to hop on. Do reverse to get off. 🙏

[@TRCAdventures]

The technique, made it much easier for my pillion to get on the bike!

[@ivicastambuk2010]

When you get on the motorcycle and it's on the central stand....How do you move forward from the central stand

[@TRCAdventures]

I just rock the bike forward!

[@rivernet62]

I teach my wife to always reach around to the tank if she moves forward. Best brace available.

[@TRCAdventures]

Good point! My wife did that on other bikes, probably the best possible thing to do! I need to talk to her about that! Thanks

[@rivernet62]

Well, it’s easier to stay with the handles, but even the tidiest wife will get heavy during a quick stop. ;)

[@TRCAdventures]

This is true!

[@county_bear9509]

I was looking at the new 1250s but they just had so many damn electronics and many owners complained about them not working as they should. But i started looking at the 08 and 09 and the camhead models and they seem like much more analog bikes similar to that of my fjr1300. Heated grips, cruise, abs, and TC. Nothing more just as i like it. Any issues, and any preference between this year hexhead and the later camhead? I understand they do have more valve clearance checks than many bikes but the task seems easy thanks to the boxer 2. Thanks.

[@TRCAdventures]

@county_bear9509 Great points on the latest iteration of the RT, each year, they become more like the K1600 and less like, what I feel the RT had become. There is something about the way the RT makes a connection with the rider that makes you love it more each ride, that's why, I think, you see so many miles on RTs and much less on the k1600s. To answer your questions, there are issues with the pre 09 bikes breaks, they use a electric pump to assist breaks, if the motor is off they don't work, problematic if you stall the bike or move it around when it's not started, also they fail and cost more than the value of the bike to fix. 09 this is fixed 09-2013 are the best bike at the best price, value for the money just can't be beat. Suspension was improved over the years, making the 2013 the best bike for the money. 2014 and the water boxer, you get more power you will only notice at full throttle. There are more reported problems with the newer bikes, but i have never run into any issues. The sift cam bikes even more power, but honestly that's not why we buy these bikes and the cost of service on these bikes is extremely high. If someone is after power you can't beat the k1600. I sold my newer RT to go out and buy a 2013 as I felt that was the best of the best for the RT. I did end up buying a honda F6B for a totally different experience. But that is another story!

[@county_bear9509]

@TRCAdventures thank you for the response. I'll look into the cam head generation, particularly the 2013. My FJR tries to do the sport and touring but just ends up being too stiff for fun. Figured I'd get a new hayabusa as a sport-sport-tourer and the r1200rt as a sport-tourer-tourer. As for the F6B I looked into those too although it's not really my thing, I'm only 20 though. They're still cool bikes and with and exhaust sound mean!

[@1hdoilfielddad244]

totally knew you guys were from california without even saying it. nice review, very informative.

[@TRCAdventures]

Thanks!

[@MrSebfrench76]

I thought exactly the same, and i am french. You can feel the level of education compared to the same review recorded in , let's say, Texas. That's rather caricatural for a comment, but you know that it is also rather exact.

[@1hdoilfielddad244]

@@MrSebfrench76 i know plenty of well educated and successful people who speak with a southern drawl.

[@1hdoilfielddad244]

@@MrSebfrench76 and ill say that isnt at all what i was referring to. i find your comment extremely ignorant and offensive.

[@MrSebfrench76]

@@1hdoilfielddad244 that wasn't my point. This was about the coolness of the owner. No pathos, no loud voice, no drama queen. Empathy, against nervousness; Sorry if you find me ignorant. But have a surf on youtube, and you see that i am not far from being right. Plus , i am 56 and the happy owner of a BMW K 100 RT, so this very type of review is my cup of tea. Hope i made my point clear.

[@keithtomalin3172]

Interesting video.. Good quality..Well done from the UK.. Question..About pillion mountin and unmounting if I can.. I've never seen a pillion mounting the bike with the centre stand in the down position. I've also never done this. If you and your pillion get on when the bike is on the centre stand can you get the bike off the centre stand easy, with you both on it?? Having just sold a Triumph Trophy I would not have the strength to do this on that bike and if I did manage it I doubt I would not have the strength to hold it on such a top heavy bike.

[@TRCAdventures]

For me, I just rock back a bit then forward and it drops off the center stand. One warning about the side stand mount with passenger first is that it be on level ground and if your bike has esa that the bike is not in the high position, as it makes it a bit tipsy!

[@Tax2Me]

Excellent. Love this bike. A perfect upgrade for my CA R1150RTP. Where did you mount and get that 360 camera.? Awesome shots

[@TRCAdventures]

My wife was holding the 360 camera (insta 360 oneX2, with telescope stick from insta 360. I bought from insta 360. Thanks for the feedback, and checking out the video. I have one coming out on the 1150rt Friday. Also working on two long distance video’s for each bike should be out over the next three weeks. There are some great advantages to upgrading to the 09 or newer but the 1150 is still a great bike

[@mybikegarage1040]

So wait a minute. If you get off first, who is holding the bike for passenger to get off? Bike is not on the center stand, so how can the bike remain securly on two wheels when you watching, off the bike?

[@TRCAdventures]

Good observation! On level ground the bike is just as stable for you as it is for the passenger to get on, I do normally stand next to the bike to support it just in case, but it has been quite stable for may passenger and a much easier way to mount, it is worth saying that this should only be done on level ground. And bikes with ESA set in passenger and luggage mode will be less stable, as the lean over too far in that mode.

[@carlosparra382]

Nice bike for me i have same bmw r1200rt highway patrol motorcycle good 🍀

[@TRCAdventures]

Thank you, they are great motorcycles!

[@easyrider4x]

How do you get it on the center stand before getting off?

[@TRCAdventures]

Well the idea would be to get on that way then use the side stand when getting off at your destination. We sometimes get on with it on the side stand as well, just a bit more careful not to tip it over!

[@Priestonwheel]

Just curious... that's north California?? I just got a low miles r1200rt and would love to take that road.....

[@TRCAdventures]

Yes out of Livermore CA, if your in Norther CA, I have some great rides for you to try, I can send you links to the videos, depending on where you are and what types of things you want to see or type of roads you like. congratulations on the new bike!

[@TRCAdventures]

hear is a play list with Norther CA rides kzbin.info/aero/PLV4whtdwMbIQlFIeL06SplKqybZbViRr3

[@gauvardhan]

I am planning to buy 2005 1200rt for $3000. It is in a nice shape. The only thing I am worried about is Servo. I remember seeing your comment in one of the videos to go for 1998 (or before) or 2009 (or after). May I know the reason please? Would you recommend buying 2005 or no? Please let me know.

[@TRCAdventures]

The reasons are mainly the servo breaks. The cost to have them fixed can be over $3,000. But you can also bypass them with standard brake lines and a new rear master cylinder. (That would all be DYI as not many shops will do that work. This said I had an 05 and GS with the same breaks, they never failed but we're a bit questionable with spirited riding. Test the breaks in your test ride, by applying just the front break then get on and of the rear break, if the bike starts letting the front break off during this procedure, the breaks are starting to show signs of failure. If they act normal that is a good sign they will be OK. Also listen, if the servo unit is making a lot of noise, this will be hard to know if you don't already know how loud it should be, You should not hear it over the bike while riding, but it's perfectly normal to hear them at a stop. Other than that the 05 is a great bike!

[@TRCAdventures]

To simply answer the question would I recommend an 05...No. I would buy an 09 or newer, the price point should be close and the benefits are better more reliable breaks, it's a safer bike

[@ceesklumper]

Is that sidestand designed to take the weight of the bike and two people? Not so sure ...

[@TRCAdventures]

Well, it's quite a strong stand and very securely mounted, but I'm certainly not part of their engineering team so.... always at your own risk!

[@jameslaughlin3298]

Beautiful country. Where is it? I ride an RT in SoCal, but there’s traffic 24/7.

[@TRCAdventures]

That is Livermore CA, we are lucky to have some great roads right out of town, that particular road "mines road" leads from Livermore up to my hamelton and down to San Jose, a loop trip is " 100 miles of Twisties" Thanks for checking out the video

[@jameslaughlin3298]

@@TRCAdventures Thank you!

[@thurstonhowelliii9501]

How do you "get off first" ? Bike can't be on the center stand when you arrive at your destination.

[@TRCAdventures]

That's true! We just use the side stand, as long as you are on level ground I can get off first she slides forward and does the same. Only on level ground! I hold the bike for safety! A good point I did not mention in the video! Thanks

[@michellel3200]

Just wondering….. What is the longest ride you’ve done with her on the back? My husband wants to go on a 306 mile ride from CA to OR. I’m a little nervous about the length of trip still and that’s just one day out of an 8 day trip. Never been on this bike before. Thanks for the great video. Very helpful.

[@TRCAdventures]

Thanks for asking, my wife and I were just talking about that.Time and mileage spent on the back as a passenger. The direct answer is 400miles. We are talking now, she says it depends on a lot, the bike, the RT with the top case on helps and she would not likely do it without that. Type of road, interstate 5 is boring just going straight for so long and she gets sleepy. Ad some twisty roads and a few interesting stops and a good communication system and she is happy all day long.(we both are) The difference between taking hy 5 vs 101 with lots of interesting stops might take longer but you will be much happier!! Getting some time on the bike will help before a long ride. If you can't do that then, I would suggest the first stop after about 30miles get coffee and sit for a bit, then back on for an hour and another good stop with a walk, after that you will probably be at home on the bike. A good communication system like cardo will make all the difference in the world!

[@michellel3200]

Wow, 400 that’s great! Its reassuring to know that the ride would be comfortable enough to do that. We are renting an RT with the top case. I can’t imagine going without the top case either. We are taking 5 for a small bit to 36 then to 101. The first day will be the longest leg. We’ll have to make sure to get a few stops in. Once I get a feel for the bike I’m hoping to be good. Thanks for all of your input and feedback. It helps a ton!

[@TRCAdventures]

@@michellel3200 have a great trip!

[@michellel3200]

Thank you!!!

[@Randomaction93010]

Nice review. How are you filming it? Drone?

[@TRCAdventures]

Thanks for checking out the Video, I use a gopro 8 black and a insta360 one X2 this video has a bit more of the 360 footage in it, provides some interesting footage kzbin.info/www/bejne/rITFYqOdg8pkm7s

[@Randomaction93010]

@@TRCAdventures thanks!

[@matthatter93]

Random question but how comfortable is the seat for the passenger?

[@TRCAdventures]

@@matthatter93 my wife finds it to be quite comfortable, we also had a 2014 model she felt it was also quite comfortable (about the same) with rides up to 4 hrs she still felt is was a good place to be!

[@matthatter93]

@@TRCAdventures thanks for the fast response! My moto guzzi v85tt seat leaves a lot to be desired for my wife as we go on 5+ hr road trips and she is making me find a more dedicated road trip bike lol. These model bikes are much more affordable than gold wings in the NC area so I will keep that in mind! Thank you again

[@FxRiderST]

I'm looking at 2009 like that with 13k miles. Are there any know issues I should be aware of?

[@TRCAdventures]

The 09 is a great bike, that is very low miles. As for known issues yes, just a few and they are simple maintenance issues for the most part. #1 is the fuel indicator, ( the fuel strip, can, over time start to act up, there is a fix/ repair or it can be replaced fairly easily. #2 the fuel pump relay needs to be replaced in most of the bikes, when they were assembled the o-ring was set incorrectly and can let water in and they stop working. A new one is replied with two screws, super easy. That's about it, The symptoms of the fuel strip is the fuel gauge only showing full, half and near empty. Symptoms of the relay are intermittent stalling of the motor.

[@ffilmpalmer8498]

How exactly are you meant to get the centre stand up while she’s still on the bike? That makes no sense at all.

[@TRCAdventures]

That is a very good point lol! Only getting on, when it's on the center stand of course, sometimes I open my mouth and who knows what comes out lol! Note: the side stand mounting this way should only be done on level ground. I always have a hand on the bike... Don't want it tipping over!

[@b-rye8134]

how was the engine heat?? roasted or not so much?

[@TRCAdventures]

I have never noticed any engine heat

[@pippipster6767]

I force her to get on and make her get off. What a charmer 😂

[@TRCAdventures]

I don't think "force" is any part of the options available she can choose the option that makes her feel more comfortable and safe, it's not the same for every situation, options are good. I hope I did not say force in the video!

[@jadesmith6823]

One question?

[@TRCAdventures]

Did you have another question ❓

[@jadesmith6823]

9:20... ❤️

[@TRCAdventures]

Thanks

[@suertedeti6404]

No entiendo nada

[@TRCAdventures]

Thanks for checking out the video