55 years in the saddle

[Beemerdude2026]

Started riding in the late 60s. Been on Triumph, Norton, and Harleys. Started riding Beemers in 76 with the purchase of a Daytona Orange R90S. Started riding K bikes in 85. Just traded my K1600GTL for the R1300RT. Lighter smaller with about the same power to weight. CG is lower than the K and my 71 year old body with replacement knee’s appreciates that.

 

[TomWNC]

Started riding in '71, first BMW in '73 (R75/5 long swingarm). June 30, 2026 took home a R1300RT (with clutch lever), 8th BMW (~340k miles) and 4th RT. (2015 1200RT was totaled by a deer). The BMW app is very good. It's not CarPlay but considering all the superb attributes of the 1300RT, it's not an issue. I'm gradually learning the menus and settings, etc.
Accessories, etc. :
-sport windshield works great in hot weather, the high screen will be installed this fall
-Clearwater tail lights: super bright, programmed to flash 5X
-put some lamin-x yellow film on half of each fog light
-BMW top case tail light added. Took that huge case off and hung it on the wall using the provided bracket. Using small tail storage from my old F900XR
-foam grip covers, don't need them but old habits persist
-Wunderlich TFT visor, not needed but looks very nice
-Wunderlich TFT protection film; came with two films. The clear installed nicely but actually increased glare. Installed the anti-glare film. I will try it soon. (the Wunderlich anti-glare should be called "adds-glare", it is worse than nothing. I just installed the BMW protector, no added glare, but ~$80!!!)
Future:
-Wunderlich bar up and back bracket: 38mm up and 27mm back (on back order), I hope the stock hoses, wires, etc. don't need modification. Side stand enlarger.
-slip on muffler to improve sound. Dealer thinks there is nothing out there that makes any difference. The internet seems to agree. Wunderlich has added Remus to their product line. I hope to hear a bike outfitted with a slip on before I buy it or at least hear some experiences from folks who tried different brands(I went and ordered a Remus slip-on: back order, Sept timeframe). Anyone change the muffler on a 1300?
FYI: I live about 5 miles from Wunderlich North America showroom and DC in Hendersonville, NC. Same with Andreani.. They are across the parking lot from each other.
Does anyone know how to set the windshield so that it stays up with the ignition off?

 

[TomWNC]

Updates:
-Wunderlich handle bar relocator works well. It's a little fussy to install at first (before you torque the Wunderlich pieces make sure they align with the BMW top bracket holes)
-Wunderlich front fender extender works fine. It's best to remove the fender and possibly separate it from the painted piece first.
-No one at the dealership thinks there is a way to keep the windshield up after the ignition is off.
-The Remus slip-on is high quality and easy to install. It is louder at lower speeds but I can't hear it on the highway. Sounds good, a little burbling when throttle is closed but the lower frequency sound is nice. No significant advantages in hp, torque or weight, just sound. Is it worth ~$1300? For me, yes. Tough call if money is tight.
-Due to my scheduling error I had to change the oil and filter myself. I have been changing the oil/filter on BMWs since 1974. The R1300RT is quite involved in comparison. The owner's manual shows how to get the body panels off on the right side, very helpful. The oil filter is behind a cover held by three T30 screws. These T30s are VERY easy to mangle or even break off. Remove any engine protection in the way. The shop instructions say to to torque to 10Nm, service manager said 9Nm at most.