Gobsmacked RT1200 owner. Priceless!

gramshep

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Today met up with a great RT exponent mate for a ride out, we swopped, him on my GS LC me on the RT. Well as he effed off into the distance and I nearly went into t.he first field on the first corner. I have never seen somebody so amazed at how different two bikes could be. He could not believe the engine, the handling, grip and how as he said "frigging fast that thing is.!" I meanwhile eventually began to understand the RT, screen goes up, screen goes down. He is now thoroughly confused as he was going for the new RT but I think the seeds of doubt have been sown.....by the way to the guy on the M27 tonight, if you can't see a GS with spots and the rider in hi vis.... Should you really be on the road....?
 
I just don't get the RT at all, other than for an AA or Police runabout. It's a dull ride. It feels like a scooter, but is overpriced for that market. The mirrors are in a weird place but I guess you get over that.

Personally I'd rather polish my tongue with a cheese grater or ride a CZ than ride an rt ever again.
 
Jumblemo said:
I just don't get the RT at all, other than for an AA or Police runabout. It's a dull ride. It feels like a scooter, but is overpriced for that market. The mirrors are in a weird place but I guess you get over that.

Personally I'd rather polish my tongue with a cheese grater or ride a CZ than ride an rt ever again.
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Strange fellow, still it takes all sorts I suppose :blast
 
I was very surprised at how "bland" (is the correct word) it was. I was so busy trying to keep up and not crash it my arms ached from counter steering, overtakes just felt underpowered and scary, nothing in hand so to speak. Once I slowed down I kind of got it but it is a utilitarian piece of kit and, bless it, it ain't the prettiest of babies.
 
Jumblemo said:
You only have to ride any bike other than an RT to realise how mind-numbingly bland it is.
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Quite possibly why they have now put the new WC engine in it, ive never ridden one myself. but each to their own.

Terry
 
Swapped my RT for a GSA and the RT is, for me a far, far better bike. I'd hankered after a GSA for some time. I'm already regretting the switch.
 
The WC engine will help it. But putting a decent engine in a step-thru doesn't make a motorcycle.
 
There's f-all wrong with my RT, compared to my old GS MU, except it makes me look 10 years older :P There's no better two-up bike and it'll destroy its chicken strips even fully loaded, but I love the GS styling and LC engine, so I'm switching back in a few weeks.

Did you try twisting the throttle - admittedly it's not as quick as a GS LC, but it'll reach three figure speeds without trying and it handles well once you change from the awful OE BT-021 tyres.
 
sven said:
There's f-all wrong with my RT, compared to my old GS MU, except it makes me look 10 years older :P There's no better two-up bike and it'll destroy its chicken strips even fully loaded, but I love the GS styling and LC engine, so I'm switching back in a few weeks.

Did you try twisting the throttle - admittedly it's not as quick as a GS LC, but it'll reach three figure speeds without trying and it handles well once you change from the awful OE BT-021 tyres.
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Yes I did and I did begin to get it on the second go, it was going a lot faster than I thought in that big bubble of still air behind the screen, but even wringing its neck behind the GS , obviously it did not keep up. I may appear to have maligned it but it obviously does what it is supposed to do very well but I have never been on two motorcycles so obviously poles apart, that yet come from the same stable. :eek:
 
I know exactly how the OP feels - I was loaned one while my GS was in for a service - f**kin scariest ride of my life.
The front was so vague, I had no idea what was going on under my hands.
 
An interesting comparison. Perhaps the new WC engine is actually better suited to a tourer ? I believe the RT is approx the same weight as the new GSA (?) and probably less when you add full luggage and the inevitable bling. Why are the bikes chalk and cheese ? I've never ridden an RT but with the shorter suspension and better aerodynamics perhaps making it the better choice for the road. I understand it's top heavy but are you suggesting the GSA isn't ?

Other than the effective fairing (and lets face it half the bods here end up with a GSA screen and winglets in any case) - what is the downside ?
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
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