My RT dilemma is different to Wrigsbys, so rather than adding to his thread and diverting its purpose, I thought I’d put this out there.
I’ve started to do a bit more touring on my bike, a 1988 R100GS. It’s enough for me for most trips, but on a 380 mile, cool and wet run back from Belgium last year took it out of me and I started to think I needed better weather protection for longer trips.
I may have overreacted, as in November I bought a fully loaded 2016 R1200RT. It’s a great bike for sure, but I have reservations about its size and weight, and I’m not sure I’ll be making use of all the extra performance. For context, I do most of my riding on the GS or old British bikes, and rarely get much above 70-80mph.
I don’t know why I didn’t think of it before, but I’m now wondering whether an airhead RT wouldn’t be a better fit for my needs. I guess I always thought they were a bit of an old man’s bike - but actually that’s way more appropriate now than it once was! I’d end up with a bike that’s 38kg (84lb) lighter, with the weather protection I’m after and all the speed I need. I would also be able to fix it myself for the most part, or take it to Mikeyboy if not, so avoiding the lottery that is the main dealer experience. I’m thinking of trying to find a late Monolever, as suspension, brakes and electrics were developed over time.
So my actual question - does anyone here use a R100RT for its intended purpose still? Is it up to the job of a bit of classic touring, but able to keep with motorway traffic if required? Anyone back to backed one with a R1200RT?
Thanks all
I’ve started to do a bit more touring on my bike, a 1988 R100GS. It’s enough for me for most trips, but on a 380 mile, cool and wet run back from Belgium last year took it out of me and I started to think I needed better weather protection for longer trips.
I may have overreacted, as in November I bought a fully loaded 2016 R1200RT. It’s a great bike for sure, but I have reservations about its size and weight, and I’m not sure I’ll be making use of all the extra performance. For context, I do most of my riding on the GS or old British bikes, and rarely get much above 70-80mph.
I don’t know why I didn’t think of it before, but I’m now wondering whether an airhead RT wouldn’t be a better fit for my needs. I guess I always thought they were a bit of an old man’s bike - but actually that’s way more appropriate now than it once was! I’d end up with a bike that’s 38kg (84lb) lighter, with the weather protection I’m after and all the speed I need. I would also be able to fix it myself for the most part, or take it to Mikeyboy if not, so avoiding the lottery that is the main dealer experience. I’m thinking of trying to find a late Monolever, as suspension, brakes and electrics were developed over time.
So my actual question - does anyone here use a R100RT for its intended purpose still? Is it up to the job of a bit of classic touring, but able to keep with motorway traffic if required? Anyone back to backed one with a R1200RT?
Thanks all
