2014 gs v 2014 rt1200

[dogmaboy]

Some advice please? I currently have the 2014 gs and love it. My only concern, my wife is not too happy on the back. What I would like to know - would she be more comfortable on the rt? Does the RT handle as well as the gs especially on back roads and twisty mountain passes? Is the performance comparable? Next question is- I guess the wind protection is better which is great in winter but does it make it hotter in summer as I live in Southern Australia. Any other thoughts/advice would be appreciated. (except ditching the wife!) Cheers, Dogmaboy

 

[tanneman]

There was a write up on here or ADVrider about that very question. I'm sure someone will put you out of your misery or just search the topics.

Found something

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php/380676-GSA-versus-GS-versus-RT?highlight=rt

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php/364982-Gobsmacked-RT1200-owner-Priceless!?highlight=rt

Failing all options leave her at home, less bitching and less weight makes for a better journey or get the GSA

 

[Davey B]

The only real way to find out is to test one. My wife and I did and altho there was a bit more space, it wasn't sufficient for me to swap. I'd rather spend a bit on a slightly re-jigged seat and lowered pegs on the GS or do the same to another ADV bike as I prefer the ride over the RT

 

[burgman]

Two up RT every time . I have 2014 GS which replaced 2012 RT . Solo GS more fun but with pillion RT is just so much more nimble.

 

[sven]

Two up RT every time . I have 2014 GS which replaced 2012 RT . Solo GS more fun but with pillion RT is just so much more nimble.

I made exactly the same change and agree about the GS being more fun solo, but I don't think there's much in it two-up.

Test ride both and then decide. I much preferred the 2012 RT to my 2009 GS, but I've fallen in love with my GS LC - it's the first keeper since my 2000 VFR800 because it puts a smile on my face every time I ride it

The Puig screen on my GS is actually more quieter than the standard and CalSci screens on the RT, especially for SWMBO. It's the first screen which reduces windbladt to a level where it doesn't activate her intercom microphone.

 

[batman1]

I couldn't decide either so I ended up with one of each, I have covered 7000 miles on my GS in the last 7 months and 1600 miles on the RT in the last 2 months.

We have decided that the GS suits us best because it's more fun. The RT is possibly the better bike, but on the grin factor the GS has it. My partner prefers to ride pillion on the GS, and for 3 reasons, the GS is more exciting, has more attitude and she can see over my head, where as she cannot see over my head on the RT and has to look around my shoulders to try and see up front.

However she prefers the heated seat of the RT.

The RT is a warmer bike, about 3 degrees warmer, so if you are comfortable on the GS at 6.0 degrees you will have the same comfort (warmth) on the RT at 3.0 degrees.

Handling? on long fast bends say 85mph onwards (where legal!) I think that the RT feels slightly more stable, but I think that this is probably down to the brilliant aerodynamics of the bike and not the suspension, plus it's heavier, it certainly handles very well indeed and is very quick through the twisties, however it is not going to leave the GS behind which I think is a bit more flickable though the tighter stuff.

We have been running our bikes back to back for the past couple of months deciding on what we liked best about each bike, it's been very close call, both of these bikes are totally brilliant and you will love which ever one you buy.

We have decided to keep the GS and are going to let the RT go, if I lived in OZ I would definitely have the GS to get more breeze, however if you are unfortunate enough to hit a Roo the RT will give you a bit more protection.

IMHO There isn't a 'better' bike, what it boils down to is what is the better bike for you and your pillion.

Give the RT a very long test ride, then jump straight onto your GS and see how it feels, it's a personal thing.

Good luck ride safe and please let us know how you get on.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

I couldn't decide either so I ended up with one of each, I have covered 7000 miles on my GS in the last 7 months and 1600 miles on the RT in the last 2 months.

We have decided that the GS suits us best because it's more fun. The RT is possibly the better bike, but on the grin factor the GS has it. My partner prefers to ride pillion on the GS, and for 3 reasons, the GS is more exciting, has more attitude and she can see over my head, where as she cannot see over my head on the RT and has to look around my shoulders to try and see up front.

However she prefers the heated seat of the RT.

The RT is a warmer bike, about 3 degrees warmer, so if you are comfortable on the GS at 6.0 degrees you will have the same comfort (warmth) on the RT at 3.0 degrees.

Handling? on long fast bends say 85mph onwards (where legal!) I think that the RT feels slightly more stable, but I think that this is probably down to the brilliant aerodynamics of the bike and not the suspension, plus it's heavier, it certainly handles very well indeed and is very quick through the twisties, however it is not going to leave the GS behind which I think is a bit more flickable though the tighter stuff.

We have been running our bikes back to back for the past couple of months deciding on what we liked best about each bike, it's been very close call, both of these bikes are totally brilliant and you will love which ever one you buy.

We have decided to keep the GS and are going to let the RT go, if I lived in OZ I would definitely have the GS to get more breeze, however if you are unfortunate enough to hit a Roo the RT will give you a bit more protection.

IMHO There isn't a 'better' bike, what it boils down to is what is the better bike for you and your pillion.

Give the RT a very long test ride, then jump straight onto your GS and see how it feels, it's a personal thing.

Good luck ride safe and please let us know how you get on.

That sums up my GS v RT experience too

Overall when you're riding a RT - you will wish you were on a GS, especially in the Alps or twisty bits

If you want better weather protection try a GSA

BMW sell more GS bikes than RT's for a reason & have done so since 1995 with the introduction of the 11 GS - they are more fun & more versatile

If you buy a RT - you will wish you bout a GS in reality

 

[sven]

That sums up my GS v RT experience too

Overall when you're riding a RT - you will wish you were on a GS, especially in the Alps or twisty bits

If you want better weather protection try a GSA

BMW sell more GS bikes than RT's for a reason & have done so since 1995 with the introduction of the 11 GS - they are more fun & more versatile

If you buy a RT - you will wish you bout a GS in reality

I'd agree about the handling solo, but two-up and fully loaded the RT was better in my experience. It was superb in Northern Spain in 2013 and came back with zero chicken strips on the rear tyre.

The GS is almost as good fully loaded, but a lot more fun. Solo it'd be a GS everytime for me.

 

[dogmaboy]

A change go heart

I would like to thank everyone who replied to this thread.I rode the RT and enjoyed the ride,to me though It was almost to good ,to exact,It lacked that little bit of mongrel that the GS has.At the time I was riding the RT the dealership had worked out such a great price on 2014 Gs i bought the 2015 model Gs instead.Love the quick shifter and the sat nav was thrown in for free.One happy new owner,again thanks again for your input,regards Dogmaboy