PAL
Guest
Has anyone owned or ridden the 1200RT your comments would be appreciated.
PAL said:
I had one on test form 'NOG' Well! to say I was impressed
It was top of the range had everything on it. The electronic cruise controle is not to be missed. 50 mph up hill with no hands 
I liked it but it won't fit through my gate 
Comfy quick and spritley. My only criticisum is that the mirrors are not as good as the 1100 I used to use and not within a million miles of the 1300 pan's mirrors. But the 12 RT is a whole load lighter than the 13 pan.I'm a motorcycle instructor and good mirrors are inportant. If I had the space I'd be very tempted to get the 12 RT.
Dean Kent
Guest
I took my 1150 Adventure in for a service today. They gave me a 1200RT for the morning! Great!
In the first few miles I thought 'I don't like this very much'. I think this was just because it was a bike that I wasn't used to, very narrow handle bars compared to my GS, which made it feel very different.
Then from 5 miles upto the 80 miles that I did, I really liked the bike. Very comfy riding position, huge adjustable screen, no wind blast whatsoever at 80mph, heated seat, very easy to ride around town.
My adventure is the SE model that I only bought last month brand new. I am still very pleased that I bought the ADV, but I would like the RT if I could have 2 bikes.
My wife preferred the RT - more comfortable.
I guess it depends what you do on a bike!! Motorways down to the south of France would suit the RT.
In the first few miles I thought 'I don't like this very much'. I think this was just because it was a bike that I wasn't used to, very narrow handle bars compared to my GS, which made it feel very different.
Then from 5 miles upto the 80 miles that I did, I really liked the bike. Very comfy riding position, huge adjustable screen, no wind blast whatsoever at 80mph, heated seat, very easy to ride around town.
My adventure is the SE model that I only bought last month brand new. I am still very pleased that I bought the ADV, but I would like the RT if I could have 2 bikes.
My wife preferred the RT - more comfortable.
I guess it depends what you do on a bike!! Motorways down to the south of France would suit the RT.
I had one for a day. I won't comment on the handling because there was something wrong with that particular bike.
The bike I had was fitted with all the 'bells and whistles.'
As said before, mirrors not much cop for seeing much more than your hands. They might be forgiven for that if they offered decent hand protection from the elements but after GS handshields they don't.
Windscreen does do it's job well. Nice range of adjustment from visor up and high speed to down for air-flow in town, it works.
Heated seat. Very nice and not the toy I'd imagined it might be.
Fairing protection. Apart from knee to shin, I think it wasn't as good as sitting close up behind a 30 litre tank and decent screen on my Adv. Feet are definately more exposed (must be footpeg position compared to a GS).
I'd not consider an RT or equivalent over any GS unless my idea of motorcycling was purely to get me to my destination quickly in as much comfort as possible on two wheels and then I'd go for a 1200LT (more comfort and a reverse gear to avoid that paddling backwards stuff).
The bike I had was fitted with all the 'bells and whistles.'
As said before, mirrors not much cop for seeing much more than your hands. They might be forgiven for that if they offered decent hand protection from the elements but after GS handshields they don't.
Windscreen does do it's job well. Nice range of adjustment from visor up and high speed to down for air-flow in town, it works.
Heated seat. Very nice and not the toy I'd imagined it might be.
Fairing protection. Apart from knee to shin, I think it wasn't as good as sitting close up behind a 30 litre tank and decent screen on my Adv. Feet are definately more exposed (must be footpeg position compared to a GS).
I'd not consider an RT or equivalent over any GS unless my idea of motorcycling was purely to get me to my destination quickly in as much comfort as possible on two wheels and then I'd go for a 1200LT (more comfort and a reverse gear to avoid that paddling backwards stuff).
(RIP) Geriatric Germ
Registered user
Bought this in december, 1200 miles, plus 900 miles on the demo, Greeeeaaaaaaat machine, same as a 12GS with Nobs on, for a geriatric old fart the bees knees. Top bike. Good £££££££ too compared to K12LT, Panniers come of and top box too (how often do you go backwards FFs?)
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I bought one last year and think it's a great bike, it's a GS with weather protection, and a few other luxuries.
Riding position is exactly the same as the GS upright and comfortable, weight is exactly the same as my R1150GSA so what I've gained is the radio and weather protection. What I've lost is the shear fun and road presence of the GSA.
Both are fun and I suppose I'm lucky and still have both.
And SWMBO has the R1200GS so I suspect I've got the best of both worlds
Riding position is exactly the same as the GS upright and comfortable, weight is exactly the same as my R1150GSA so what I've gained is the radio and weather protection. What I've lost is the shear fun and road presence of the GSA.
Both are fun and I suppose I'm lucky and still have both.
And SWMBO has the R1200GS so I suspect I've got the best of both worlds
PAL
Guest
Nice one Rob thats the colour that I would choose.Wouldn't call myself a geriatric old fart but I am tempted on the RT.Rode it this week and was very impressed.
Awesome machine. But...and this is a serious BUT......if you like to throw the thing around, the ESA version is best. Unfortunately the cheap showa shock on the non ESA version aint good enough.
It tends to pogo and doesn't handle as well as it could, no matter how you tweak. But it still is damn good round the mountain
twisties, especially for a big thing.
You don't hear the press talking about it because most bikes do have ESA. Good thing too.
It tends to pogo and doesn't handle as well as it could, no matter how you tweak. But it still is damn good round the mountain
twisties, especially for a big thing.You don't hear the press talking about it because most bikes do have ESA. Good thing too.
Dave Price
Guest
I traded in my 12GS for the RT and can confirm what most of the other posts have said. It's just a bit stabler, faster, protective and tractable. The servo assisted brake system also seems a bit more suited to the RT as well.
It's obviously not as comfortable on the rough stuff and not as pleasing on the eye as well.
It's obviously not as comfortable on the rough stuff and not as pleasing on the eye as well.
I've got the RT as well after an 1150GS and 1200GS. Agree with comments above. Great bike. Very fast. ESA a must. Rest of the toys are good as well with the exception of the Onboard computer which I wouldn't bother with (not accurate enough) and the Radio/CD (too expensive and I gather the CD is very prone to skipping). SWMBO far prefers the RT which is the reason I changed.
Handles well especially on the Sports setting. Some people can find the aerodynamics a bit sensitive to lorry turbulence - nothing scary but noticeable in some set ups; particularly noticeable one up with the large top box. First boxer I've ever had where my feet can feel cool because of the fairing between the cylinder heads and feet. Good weather protection except perhaps top of knees - that can translate to being too well sheltereed in hot weather even with the screen down. Unlike Mike, I thought the hands were rather well sheltered but I imagine that's down to size and posture.
The heated grips are the best ones I've had on a BM. Its good having the cubby hole and some underseat storage. Bike looks OK without panniers (and that sharpens up the handling a fair bit). I've found the mirrors fine once I got them adjusted but some people just can't get on with them - try before you buy.
If you're not going off road, well worth considering. Most importantly, its a fun bike to ride (but very different to the GS). And Yes its great in France even on motorways (though on our last trip we only spent 50 miles on those - whats the point when you have so many much more fun roads in France?)
Paul
PS The red ones are fastest.
Handles well especially on the Sports setting. Some people can find the aerodynamics a bit sensitive to lorry turbulence - nothing scary but noticeable in some set ups; particularly noticeable one up with the large top box. First boxer I've ever had where my feet can feel cool because of the fairing between the cylinder heads and feet. Good weather protection except perhaps top of knees - that can translate to being too well sheltereed in hot weather even with the screen down. Unlike Mike, I thought the hands were rather well sheltered but I imagine that's down to size and posture.
The heated grips are the best ones I've had on a BM. Its good having the cubby hole and some underseat storage. Bike looks OK without panniers (and that sharpens up the handling a fair bit). I've found the mirrors fine once I got them adjusted but some people just can't get on with them - try before you buy.
If you're not going off road, well worth considering. Most importantly, its a fun bike to ride (but very different to the GS). And Yes its great in France even on motorways (though on our last trip we only spent 50 miles on those - whats the point when you have so many much more fun roads in France?)
Paul
PS The red ones are fastest.
swebb
Guest
My 12GS went in for an ABS Pump change (discovered at the "free check") and i was given an RT for 24hrs. Bearing in mind it was early January and the temperature was appx -3C I have to say I was NOT looking forward to it and figured i'd just ride home!
HOWEVER, once i got out on the road i was absolutely astounded at how nice the bike felt, how shielded i felt and and the sheer comfort even in those temperatures. I ended up covering about 300 miles and had an absolute fantastic time.
I'm 6ft, 13stone, i found the riding position VERY comfortable, the pegs were a little higher than the GS which surprised me, but the bars been substantially narrower felt great. The electric screen i thought was brilliant, offering fantastic protection and tailoring the angle/height whilst riding made life so much easier. I found the mirrors "ok" not as good as the GS but generally they were acceptable. I did find, perhaps due to the awesome wind protection that i didn't realise quite how fast i was going, and regularly found myself in the 90's without knowing, after the first 75 miles or so, i kind of got the hang of that a little better though.
My test RT didn't have the heated seat/radio but did have the ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) which i found quite fun, and it did make it far simpler to change the settings according to the ride style/conditions of the moment.
When i took the RT back to the dealer, i couldn't help but inquire on a "how much to swap" basis, now bearing in mind my 12GS is 10 months old, done appx 5000 miles and is in excellent condition, they still wanted over £4k to change!!!!
Guess i'll be keeping the GS then!! Had the change been £2-3k i'd have seriously considered it, but hey, the GS isn't a bad bike to keep now is it!!
Anyone who does a lot of touring, mile munching and not really any off-roading, i think should seriously consider the RT, if i'd have tested when i bought my GS, i think i'd have had the RT!!!
HOWEVER, once i got out on the road i was absolutely astounded at how nice the bike felt, how shielded i felt and and the sheer comfort even in those temperatures. I ended up covering about 300 miles and had an absolute fantastic time.
I'm 6ft, 13stone, i found the riding position VERY comfortable, the pegs were a little higher than the GS which surprised me, but the bars been substantially narrower felt great. The electric screen i thought was brilliant, offering fantastic protection and tailoring the angle/height whilst riding made life so much easier. I found the mirrors "ok" not as good as the GS but generally they were acceptable. I did find, perhaps due to the awesome wind protection that i didn't realise quite how fast i was going, and regularly found myself in the 90's without knowing, after the first 75 miles or so, i kind of got the hang of that a little better though.
My test RT didn't have the heated seat/radio but did have the ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) which i found quite fun, and it did make it far simpler to change the settings according to the ride style/conditions of the moment.
When i took the RT back to the dealer, i couldn't help but inquire on a "how much to swap" basis, now bearing in mind my 12GS is 10 months old, done appx 5000 miles and is in excellent condition, they still wanted over £4k to change!!!!
Guess i'll be keeping the GS then!! Had the change been £2-3k i'd have seriously considered it, but hey, the GS isn't a bad bike to keep now is it!!
Anyone who does a lot of touring, mile munching and not really any off-roading, i think should seriously consider the RT, if i'd have tested when i bought my GS, i think i'd have had the RT!!!
1200 ST
Well I feel I must mention the Little brother too the 1200 GS and 1200 RT.
The 1200ST, I sold my 1200 GS last year, nothing wrong with it just like spending money.!
The ST has all the GS bits for the Tarmac rider, including 10 BHP more.
I really like it though the GS had more road presence. Handles like a sports bike, headlight is the best I've ever had on a bike, ok looks are different but so are the GS's, The screen does a good job as well.
Only down side I miss Being a full up member of the GS-er.com.
Well I feel I must mention the Little brother too the 1200 GS and 1200 RT.
The 1200ST, I sold my 1200 GS last year, nothing wrong with it just like spending money.!
The ST has all the GS bits for the Tarmac rider, including 10 BHP more.
I really like it though the GS had more road presence. Handles like a sports bike, headlight is the best I've ever had on a bike, ok looks are different but so are the GS's, The screen does a good job as well.
Only down side I miss Being a full up member of the GS-er.com.
kiwiAdventure
Registered user
Traded my 13 month old GS on a 1200RT. I should pick up the RT tomorrow. The RT is one great bike. My wife says it's great on the back . She did not like the 1200gs at all.
The RT is great on gravel roads as well.
. She did not like the 1200gs at all.The RT is great on gravel roads as well.
Greg Tucker
Registered user
1200RT
I bought an RT last March and have had an 1150GS and 1100RS.
The RT is one of the best bikes I've owned because it is light (For a tourer) handles extremely well and there's a great amount of grunt from the engine.
We tour a lot and therefore it's great with the wife on the back but even solo its a very swift and nimble bike.
I tried a Pan Eurpoean and although a very stable and quick bike under 90mph when you went quicker there was terrible turbulance pushing you in the back and I think the bike needs a different screen or something because it feels horrible.
The GS is, I think, more fun because of its light weight and great riding position, but doesn't offer the same weather protection for high speed mile munching.
I bought an RT last March and have had an 1150GS and 1100RS.
The RT is one of the best bikes I've owned because it is light (For a tourer) handles extremely well and there's a great amount of grunt from the engine.
We tour a lot and therefore it's great with the wife on the back but even solo its a very swift and nimble bike.
I tried a Pan Eurpoean and although a very stable and quick bike under 90mph when you went quicker there was terrible turbulance pushing you in the back and I think the bike needs a different screen or something because it feels horrible.
The GS is, I think, more fun because of its light weight and great riding position, but doesn't offer the same weather protection for high speed mile munching.
JAY
Guest
paddy said:
Good on you Paddy
I've done the same - well sold the 1150GS, ordered a 1200GS, couldn't get the ST out of my mind, cancelled the order and now have the ST! Great fun it is too.
As far as the downside of not being a full up member of the GSers is to do what I did. Get an airhead GS as well!
My question to you is - would you at least road test the R1200RT before buying the Pan or would you dismiss it without a second thought?Meath said:
PAL
Guest
I have looked at the Pan,have yet to get a test ride on one.I don't think the build quality is as good as the RT,I also like the concept of a BMW bike I am on my 5th one.
I have had negative feedback about the Pan's handling from police riders!
Booked another test ride on the RT to confirm my initial feelings about the bike.
Then its a case of how much to change the 1200GS for a 1200RT.
I will keep you posted,thanks for all the feedback.
PAL.
I have had negative feedback about the Pan's handling from police riders!
Booked another test ride on the RT to confirm my initial feelings about the bike.
Then its a case of how much to change the 1200GS for a 1200RT.
I will keep you posted,thanks for all the feedback.
PAL.
Dave Price
Guest
I ride an ST13 Pan at work and own a 12RT. The handling/stability, at least on the police bikes, has now been fully sorted with suspension mods. Overall the Pan is a very capable bike, but very bland and boring. I know it's very subjective but the 12RT has a certain ownership factor, like the 12GS.PAL said:
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