bloody RTs

[spm0912]

Just to keep this thread in balance I have just sold my RT. Probably the most accomplished 2up tourer I've owned (Inc better than my ultra electraglide and 1200 LT). Don't own a car so it was my every day transport including commuting into Central London. It was ultra reliable, comfortable, quick enough for me and exciting enough when you wanted it to be. So why the f*** get rid of it? Well I bought a 660 Tenere as a second bike and suddenly realised after years of riding big tourers that unless you're hauling tons of gear and a passenger smaller bikes are just more fun! The Ten is a fine bike but doesnt tick enough boxes as an only bike for me so Just waiting on delivery of a new 800GS. If most of your riding is 2up on faster, less traffic infested roads the RT is a blinding bike but for me the smaller GS will suit most of my riding most of the time ( I will miss it for those mad peage dashes to catch the ferry though!)
Just my tuppence worth

 

[L]

My first ever bike was a brand new 1100RT which I used for two years and 60,000 miles commuting from Milton Keynes to London. I replaced it with a 1150RT which I then replaced with the GS. In my time with an RT I clocked up some great "adventures" including a ride to Frankfurt straight from work on a Friday night and a tour around northern france with some guys on rice rockets... who were amazed at the fact I was leaving them behind on the twisties!

No experience of a 1200RT and must confess to not liking their looks that much

If you're into touring or long distance commuting, the RT is the bike to have. It also handles brilliantly but its not so great off-road.

PS: my wing mirrors were also held on with wire... If I remember rightly, I used battery terminal circles at each end which could be used as a washer on a bolt underneath

 

[chrisfreeth]

i keep seeing them and the bastard things are growing on me

show me some pics of your to make it worse

I chopped my RT for a GSA for the same reason. The GSA has slowed me down so I'll keep me points low now

 

[JemandSi]

I picked up a a 1996 bike with around 112K on the clock and spent most of November and December working on the bike to get into a better condition,


Step 1 was to remove the tupperware and see what the bike was like under the covers, fortunately its in ok condition for the mileage, apart from a few patches of rust on the frame.



So job one has been to strip back bits of the frame to the bare metal in order to take the rust off and re-finish to stop the rot! Took quite a while to get to some of the areas around the back of the frame. I refinished it with Hammerite rust inhibiting primer followed by some matt black to try and match the colour. Hopefully the work done will fend the rot off for a few more years of use!









The old shock was pretty knackerd and replaced with a new Hagon unit that was coated in ACF50 and then inserted in replacement of the old unit. At the same time I replaced the torque arm for a good second had unit, the old one had a distinct lack of silver paint! - along with a new rear brake disc.







Now 114K on the clock and going well a oil weep from the left cylinder head and a sticking starter motor are the next jobs, looks like a week end of wrenching is coming up again!

 

[moly]

I don't have any pics... but I did ride a 2010 RT for a couple hundred miles... and I couldn't wait to give it back!!

Like you, I kept seeing them around and thought it would be great for doing the miles and still pretty good on the a/b roads... with the added benefit of big panniers on both sides, heated grips, easiliy adjustable fairing! But not for me - I just couldn't get on with the handlebars being set back from the top yoke. Fine when just cruising around but when trying to get a move on, I really struggled - including nearly hitting the verge!!

So take one for a ride - it's a kill or cure approach

oh dear i love my 1200rt its great blowing gs s into the giggly weeds then listening from the book of excuses see you soon mm

 

[John B]

bloody RT's

Weather picking up welcome to have a go if your'e in these parts!!John B

 

[chad]

Weather picking up welcome to have a go if your'e in these parts!!John B

chance would be a fine thing im bloody laid up with sciatica at the mo

thanks anyway

 

[John B]

Bloody RT's

Whoops, that's not a nice thing to bear, hope it clears soon, can always pm me when you're feeling chipper.
John B

 

[chad]

Whoops, that's not a nice thing to bear, hope it clears soon, can always pm me when you're feeling chipper.
John B

that would be a pleasure John many thanks

 

[John Roberts]

chance would be a fine thing im bloody laid up with sciatica at the mo

I used to have pains in my legs which my GP told me was sciatica. I mentioned it to another doc who was a biker and he qizzed me rather more closely. It turned out that it was due to me pushing my bike backwards out of the garage up a slight slope while sitting on it- you know- paddling it out backwards. I stopped doing that and got an instant cure.

Just thought I'd mention it, just in case you can find yourself a similar instant cure.

 

[chad]

I used to have pains in my legs which my GP told me was sciatica. I mentioned it to another doc who was a biker and he qizzed me rather more closely. It turned out that it was due to me pushing my bike backwards out of the garage up a slight slope while sitting on it- you know- paddling it out backwards. I stopped doing that and got an instant cure.

Just thought I'd mention it, just in case you can find yourself a similar instant cure.

its a nice thought mate , but this fecker is giving me the hiding ive never had before ..the pills supplied have kicked in easing the pain , now just got to solve the problem

then ill be straight over to john to ponce a ride on his steed

 

[JemandSi]

RT + Bank Holiday weekend - 150 miles covered so far many more to go!

 

[stubox]

Went to the dealer to have demo on the new k1600, rode it for an hour, came back and thought nice but ... Dealer said take out the RT....rode it, bought one. Epic touring bike for those that don't feel the need to wear a peaked lid. New engine feels more sprightly than my old GSA and nicer to throw around.

Stu

 

[ianboydsnr]

Thinking of upgrading my R1100RT to a R1200RT, will mean selling my 09 fz6 s2, and 06 thundercat to fund it, someone talk me out of it

 

[ianboydsnr]

RT + Bank Holiday weekend - 150 miles covered so far many more to go!

thats more miles than I put on mine last year

why is'nt there a RT section

 

[polecat]

thats more miles than I put on mine last year

why is'nt there a RT section

You are in the RT section

 

[ianboydsnr]

You are in the RT section

so there is

 

[1964Hall]

I have to admit I've tried more than a few GS's while my RT has been in for service. The >2010's are a lot of fun short term but I always love the solid feeling of the RT when I get it back, the GS feel a little light footed for my liking.
Each to there own I suppose.
\v/

 

[The smudger]

HERES MINE!

Taken in St Cenere last weekend, nice place!

 

[MGJ]

Can you pls stop posting pic's of RT's as I'm starting to miss mine