GS- RT, RT GS, GS RT......

[JohnnyBoxer]

Seems to me that the GS and RT are a little too similar to justify owning both bikes. I’m amazed by the number of people on here who own both. Whilst I appreciate that the RT is a great bike, I’d only consider owning one if I sold my current 1150.

I’ve never ridden an RT but what exactly does it do that a GS with an aftermarket screen and comfy seat doesn’t?

I have both

Quite different.....................for a start the RT has more HP (1100 RT = 90HP v 1100GS = 80HP and 1150RT = 95HP v 1150GS = 85HP)

Power delivery is not the same either

That makes it able to attain a higher overall cruising speed

Against a stock GS, a RT has a bigger tank range, making it go further without refuelling. This means that less fuel stops per day equals a greater distance covered in a touring day

Having a fairing means that you can cruise 10-15mph higher on average all day than you can on a GS

Less windblast because of the fairing means you don't get as tired as you do riding a GS

The electric screen is a huge bonus, compared to any aftermarket GS screen

Having a fairing means you stay cleaner on a RT than you do on a GS

I rode last week in heavy rain, in jeans and trainers ( I know....ATTGATT) and I stayed 100% dry..................try that on a GS, you'd be soaked

RT and GS's are more different than they are similar................end of

 

[Twotter]

I've ridden both 1100 & 1150 RT's on test rides in the past and enjoyed them both. Although my current bike is a Varadero I'm thinking about selling it and this thread has sparked an interest in one of the older RT's (don't like the looks/can't afford a 1200).

So for the 1100/1150 riders I'd like to ask what sort of tank range you're getting and I'd be interested in your experiences of the benefits of the 5-speed 1100 vs 6-speed 1150?

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

I've ridden both 1100 & 1150 RT's on test rides in the past and enjoyed them both. Although my current bike is a Varadero I'm thinking about selling it and this thread has sparked an interest in one of the older RT's (don't like the looks/can't afford a 1200).

So for the 1100/1150 riders I'd like to ask what sort of tank range you're getting and I'd be interested in your experiences of the benefits of the 5-speed 1100 vs 6-speed 1150?

1100RTs

Tank range - 250 miles on a Motorway to 300 miles on B&C Roads

No Servo ABS brakes on the 1100's, which is a plus - just normal regular ABS2

Cheaper to buy than 1150's, with same toys

Cable Clutch...............................no slave cylinder to potentially fail

5 gears are adequate on this 90hp motor, you get sublime drive in 5th gear from the engine torque on a 1100RT

5000 rpm is 90+mph

 

[Trullion]

+1 on what Jonnyboxer says; the only point on which I differ (owning a GS, albeit an 850) as well as my RS is that the RS is in my view the best of the lot. Same power and characteristics as the RT but a bit more sporty. Shame that BMW don't make a 1200RS - and please don't tell me the ST was 1200 version of the RS; it was way too ugly. The GS is completely different to the RS, let alone the RT and I can understand why many have an example of each.

 

[Twotter]

Cheers chaps. Although I'm still very tempted by a Blackbird I also really like RT's.

I used to have a R1100RS and it was an excellent bike. I did around 50k on that bike and only changed because I fancied a GS. Hmmm, maybe time to go and have another look in Biketrader

 

[Flipfly]

Some cheap RT's around at the mo

 

[Twotter]

Too late, now I fancy a ZZR1200

I'm fickle I am