I Bought an ex Police BMW R1200 RT Shaft drive - What’s it like as a used bike buy? (48)

BMW R1200RT in this video I do a review of the police version of the 1200RT. Is it good value as a second hand motorcycle bike buy? Is it a 110 hp shaft drive bargain? All of the riding seen in this video is for entertainment purposes only. Feel free to email me with any questions or leave a comment. Thanks for watching.
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[pcm]

Hi everyone,

just a few quick notes as add on to the bike and a few tips if you want to select a similar bike.

The bike ist great and runs without trouble. I am riding BMW bikes since 1977, first was a R45, followed by countless R100RS, I was using them up to 90.000 km and then exchanged it for the next until the first R1200RT came. Some years I did up to 30.000 km in mostly in the mountains between Austria, Germany Switzerland and Italy. From the R1200RT I had a 2008, 2012 and a 2018 Model.

Two milestones between the early and the 2008 models: The ABS System is modified and the later models got a better modulator. From 2010 on the engine and the instrument panel got as well a modification and some mechanics call it the best air cooled engine ever built. Later the Liquid / Air cooled engine came with 125 hp. From colleagues I heared that the problem with the fuel sensor foil of the early models is now history on the LC. I had with my 2008 once the trouble and the part got exchanged . That is not cheap when you do it at the BMW Service center is around 200 € all together.

Riding the Bike is as Steve states a piece of cake when you consider the weight of around 270-290 kg. Change of parts when you are able to do it yourself it is easy to maintain. The only problem is then that the service reminder on the instruments is illuminated permanently as you need the OBD to connect with the laptop to tell the bike it was in service and the next 10.000 km or 12 Months it is good again.

If you want to convert the single seater to a double seater again then look into Ebay, there you are able to locate some used back seat cushion at low price. If you are riding downunder you would not use the heated seat. The wiring is diffrent between the R1200RT and the R1200RT-P = Police version. Another diffrence is also that the frist gear is lower then the civil version to roll as slow as possible without pulling the clutch to find the exact grinding point. This is usefull to reduce the wear and tear. As a civil rider you rarely notice this but it is usefull when you escort during protocol visits in a cohort of 3, 5, 7 or even 15 bikes.

The BMW plant in Berlin has a seperate production line for the -P- version. Some of the wirings are diffrent and also the crash bars left and right, front and back. If the bike is laight on the side it is better protected then the civil version. The shortfall is later the civilian utilisation, the side case does not fit a helmet, the civil version does but you need to change also the case holder left and right, if you cannot locate those parts used then you run quickly in a price range where you could buy a used civil bike with lower mileage / kilometers and have it all standart. Also, at least for me in my free time, it is nice to listen to the local radio station and get some entertainment as well. Nice feature also together with the radio and the Navigator 6 is the live traffic information on the display in front. It warns you of accidents, objects on the road or any other hazard.

So far my add ons to the Steve´s video and comments. My next bike could be the R1250RT why? it comes with the cornering lights and has, at least here in Europe, a SOS emergency call system that automatically sends a 112 Call, like 911 in the US, and reports your position, it tries to built a voice connection as well but if the rider does not answer the position is located easier. Some riders who slide of the road into the slope on the side where found too late at the next day. If some would be found earlier they would be still alive. A feature my present bike has and the next also must have and I am more then glad if I never need it like the ABS and the ASC until today despite the far over 200 km / hr the bike travels if desired, happy that we are still able to do it now and then if conditions permit.

Ride safe and return home happy, your friends and family deserves this. Best wishes PETER

[DVfromthenorm]

I thought I would have to watch three or four videos to learn about these but you summed it all up in one. Well done! Your work is appreciated

[dave-]

Absolute gem of a video, really enjoyed it!!!
I bought myself a 2008 K26 model identical to yours a few months ago and everything you have stated is all true about the bike, such a marvelous machine they are!!!

Unfortunately I had a slight clunking noise towards the driveshaft area and it exploded on me and destroyed the swing arm aswell which was heart breaking. My advice if you hear any slight noises at all towards the driveshaft/final drive area stop and inspect immediately to prevent further catastrophe.
So far its been a very costly excersise to fix and am just aching to ride her again

[Suprafanatic]

I will be purchasing a 2006 R1200RT in just two days on June 22nd, 2022 so I appreciate the walk around and ride footage.

[FreddyPires]

I have the fortune to own one from 2006 with ONLY (yes only) 43.000 km, and I think its a FANTASTIC BIKE. Had some thoughts about a GS 1200, but I'm a tarmac guy, so I choose this RT, and I'm not regretted. 😊😊
Greetings from Portugal 🇵🇹

[kidplayinginthemud]

I’m a happy owner of a 2009 BMW r1200rt. Bought it three years ago with only 6236 miles on it but now it’s got 32, 000 miles. Awesome bike and I actually bought the repair manual to learn how to do my own maintenance. . Only one issue I wish BMW would change is the seat height. Even at the lowest setting I’ve got to one leg it when stopped. Otherwise I’m glad I own one.

[brianpike]

Enjoyed your review, I'm from Australia and own a 2012 rt1200 the last of the air cools, the switch gear for the blinkers have now changed to the left handle bar only, they also have esc and cruise control fitted as standard I know it drives like an old tractor but for me that's fine being an old rider in his 60 tees

[ohno]

I bought a 2006 1200 RT civilian model with only 28k miles (approx. 45k kms) on it last year. It's in 'as new' condition with a full service history. It is a stunningly nice bike to ride and is every bit as good as you say they are. 👍

[dwarfrex]

Very informative video! Just for reference, in the U.K. we have four main classifications of road: Motorway, A road, B road and unclassified. We would refer to that type of road you were riding as a small or single carriageway 'A road'. A 'B road' tends to be a narrower road, often without and centre road markings. The kind of road you could imagine pottering along riding a Bantam on a Sunday afternoon.

[pgVeritas]

Really interesting video, thank you. I didn’t realise the RT was so competent off-road, though I’m guessing the Police often have to venture onto the loose stuff to apprehend/chase criminals. I have a 2021 RT with the fancy 10.25in screen radar cruise, amongst other goodies (except the radio). I didn’t want the radio when I bought mine, so had to buy secondhand to get the radar. (I bought it in November 2022, when the factory shut down and was only selling stock bikes. I’ve got a brand new loan RT at the moment, and it’s has the radio. I wish I’d specced it now because it is a bit like having a pillion on my 230km round-trip, daily commute.

[pacibaco]

Owner of a 2012 RT . Absolutely fantastic at everything. I could ride it for hours everyday. The bike handles very well even with two up . I’m stunned there are not more of them on the road !

[AndyPutt]

Just test rode one of these and found it amazing. The indicators will take some getting used to but I don't think it is anything major or overwhelming.
Really enjoyed this video.

[TheKnobCalledTone.]

I reckon the best thing about riding an ex-cop bike is that it'd scare the crap out of other traffic, especially on motorways and country roads.

[leuvenlife]

You'll also find that the oil cooler has a big-a$$ fan on it, something the normal RT misses (at least, here in Europe) I work on police bikes, I'm often impressed with the Government spec bikes well thought out details. An RT-P is often a good secondhand buy. It was interesting to see how good they are off road...

[jasonshortphd]

I love those bags. I wish the newer version had those same lids. The clam style side opening just isn’t as practical to me. Nice find. I got a 2018 RT, impressive bike for sure.

[darrenmyers]

Im a retired Vic copper, I road these bikes and the newer ones for years. For your info, the speedo is calibrated so what you see is the actual speed. And yes we worked them all day for hundreds of kilometres, fantastic bike, I have an 08 RT and love it just as much as the work bikes.

[newroads]

I currently have a R1200RT SE year 2012.Only just back from the Faroe Islands where I traveled from Ireland. Achieved 209 kmh on the autoban ( GPS ). 5.4km/L for the 4300km trip.Heated seat /grips / cruise control/ electric screen and high level satnav mount made the trip as comfortable as possible.Tempitures from 2° to 24°.

[MrHugawa]

I have a 2010 RT and you nailed it, the dash screen is awful. I can never see my speed. Also, nothing irritates me than that gas cover, it is a royal pain in the ass when fueling it up. Thank god it is so good on fuel, my average currently shows 4.7 l/100 k. I can easily get 4.4 during a highway trip. Now, the best thing about it is the electric windshield, I love it. I must say, at 6 ft 1, my legs are a little cramped as well.

[christopherherreen]

Very Professional !
And local SA !
Looking forward to next show
Tar 👍

[xavierstainier]

Hi. Bought a 2007 (civilian version) 4years ago. 142.000kms on the Clock today and still fresh and smooth. Marvelous Bike !