GS to RT - Opinions?

[MikeP]

I've owned my 2004 Twin-Spark GSA from new and always envisioned being buried with it but I've always hankered after a similar age RT.

This urge is growing. As much as I love my GSA and it has been one of the most enjoyable bikes to own and ride, I think that an RT might be as pleasurable.

One of the things that the GS permits is the back lanes exploration, taking to dirt tracks and the knowledge that the occasional toppling-over in such places doesn't lead to pricey repairs.

However, I'm starting to think that that sort of thing is losing its attraction (for me).

I could still get all my camping gear on and in an RT, it would still be the sort of bike that encourages using minor roads but would be better on the occasions that covering distance quickly via motorways demands.

The attraction of keeping the GSA is that I know every little bit of it and how every mile on the odometer was added. That's something that I obviously wouldn't be able to say about an 1150RT.

Another downside is that it would make my K75 pretty redundant and having tarted it up, I'd be loathe to see it go.

I have thought about just keeping the 75 as it's probably just as capable as an RT would be but I'd miss having a Boxer. Just using the 75 as I would an RT and hanging on to the GSA would render the latter a 'Garage Queen' (and as much as I like keeping the GSA in tip-top condition, I don't mind when it gets knocked about a bit and dirty).

The other alternative is to replace the 75 with an RT but then I'd possibly end-up not using the GSA (having two Twin-Spark 1150's would make sense from a parts and servicing perspective).

So who has both or who has swapped from GS to RT, or RT to GS? What are the real-life experiences of RT -travel? How much does all that 'tupperware' weigh and how long does it take to remove it all to get at the oily bits?

 

[Deleted account 250319001]

That is exactly how I feel. Two friends of mine have now gone down the RT route from the GS. I feel it’s only time for me now, although I’m only forty, surly this is for the more elder of the motorcyclist
The RT fills all the needs for my touring.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

RT - is a GS with a fairing and 10 more bhp................Simples

Both good bikes.......................if you're a road warrior - the RT is a better package (weather protection/screen)

You will arrive.....................More Relaxed & Cleaner................on a RT

Removing the tupperware......................about 10-15 mins

If i were you................i'd sell the K and keep the GSA and add a RT (1100/1150).................there's no need to buy a 1150RT, because the 1100's are just as capable and retain some charm (think a more modern K)

Check out my ride report http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=219023

I did over 500 motorway miles from 4.45pm - 11.10pm on the first day of the report in temps over 30c across the middle of Spain and for mile munching, the RT was the only bike I would have wanted to use (glad I wasn't on the GSA)

When we got to the Pyrenean and Gorde du Tarn twisties, the old R11RT wasn't ever disgraced with the newer R12GSA's and on the final day up through France, the R11RT was able to do those intial m/way miles in more comfort and speed than the 12GSA's

Just my take

I'm glad that I have the choice of both types of Boxer

As for longer trips and a bit of RT on the rough....................sit back and watch this guy

<object width="400" height="300"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=7780879&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" /><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=7780879&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="300"></embed></object><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/7780879">Driven , The Arctic Circle</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user383158">Mundo Bravo</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>

 

[thauma]

GS vs RT......... Interesting question.

To my mind there's not a lot to it, depends where you spend most of your time (lill roads vs big roads).

RT is a mile muncher with more comfort that GS
GS is more capable on the smaller roads (and offroad - but that goes without saying).

I thought the gearing was different - certainly feels like it, and I have to say that I felt that the RT also felt underpowered compared to the 1150 Adventure. But that is probably perception rather than actual.

I do try to ride down the small, nadgery, dirty B roads whenerver I can, and whilst the RT can do it, I didn't have the same confidence as I do on the GS (again personaly opinion)

having said that on the swiss passes the RT will hold its own with most, and wouldn't be disgraced. I guess the rider makes the difference there.

I guess I would be happier with either, but at present feel it's the GS for me. I can forsee an RT in the future though (probably with a small trailee for fun on the dirtier back roads).

 

[Flipfly]

Had both, loved both!!

GS for exploring back roads and off road lanes

RT for twisty roads and motorway munching.

Both have their appeal, but the RT is very underated. On normal roads the RT is a better handling bike than the GS. Yes I know it has the weight of the fairing, but the 17" front wheel and road biased tyres make it a far better option when hooning around on the a roads.

Only issue I had with the RT, and the reason I sold it, was that I was going everywhere too fast and even with my flip front up you could get to 3 figure speeds without realising. I just got worried for my license.

For a day to day ride and touring, the RT is unbeatable IMHO

 

[bladerunner]

I have an 1100rt and 1150gsa. Both iconic bikes.
The rt is for when I go north , the GSA when I head south. The rt fairing can be too good in south France/ morocco etc when temps are above 32'c. The rt is certainly more relAxing for motorways and easier for a short arse. It is a much easier bike for me to ride.
However, for heading into the wild with a tent the GSA has so much attitude she gives me the confidence thAt I will give up before she does.


Nice to have both. And despite an adequate slush fund for another bike, I can't see me changing soon.

Cheers

 

[ebbo]

I had an 1100RT which was great, then changed to a 1200RT which is even better. In between, for 2 weeks I had a 1200GS hire bike to ride the Pyrenees, it was great fun in the mountains and I was very nearly converted until it rained riding home 1000 miles in little more than 2 days… how I wished I was riding the RT then!!!

 

[(RIP) Mark H]

Go for it ....you know it makes sense

 

[bsogri]

RT OR GS

I had a 1100 rt for 114000 miles what a great bike which only required a new speedo cable, one front bulb and a new hall sensor,
It was great in the bad weather handled good and took me across the USA on two occasions as well as all over Europe.I wish i kept it.
I have a gs 1200 2005 which has now done 100000 miles, with a few of the usual problems but what a bike, handles, goes, stops what more can you want.
The only reason I got a new gs 1200 was, on the back roads the 1100 rt kept up with the lads on 1150 gs's no problem but when the 1200 came out
no chance, i was nearly killing meesell trying, so I gave in and got 1200 gs, weather protection not as good as rt but not bad.
If you are going for a new 1200 rt i think you will love it, handles good, faster, weather protection are all better your choice

 

[moly]

had both no doudt about it rt is the best of the both of them for road trips gs wont live with one when the going gets fast 17" front tyres ect ect rt round nurburgring 8m-50secs dont think gs will do that on std tyres!!!!!!

 

[ovenpaa]

I have moved to the R1200r, it is light, nimble and goes/handles very nicely, add to this a comfortable seating position for two of us and good fuel range with performance not so far off my HP2 and it is an ideal and it can carry what we need for a few days away.

Interestingly I found myself stopping earlier in the cold season and starting later the following year on my previous bikes and yet I rode the R1200r virtually right through (A frozen lock and some serious snow stopped me for a few days)

Best of all no fairing so it feels like a proper motorbike to me and I am less tempted to hammer along at illegal speeds. It is fully loaded but I am sure ABS is no bad thing and the rest of the buttons keep me amused. The electronic suspension is a revelation as well

All in all the nicest bike I have ever owned

EDIT - Build quality is up as well, I usually see some minor signs of corrosion after a winter like this but the R1200r is looking just fine.

 

[Wrigsby1]

Don't want to piss on the Rt'gasm going on too much but....

I worked for a dealer for a couple of years in a 15 year spell in various parts of M/C related work. I loved the Rt's we had and as a ride home bike after 10 hours of work they were perfect. I once sold an 1150RT which came back a px with lots of extras to make it the perfect RT and I loved it. Even so i like my GS more. You can make a GS 90% of an RT with better screens and things like Aeroguards. You can do the RH pannier trick and i have a air seat for big miles comfort. Mine has K bars as well and i couldn't fit the Gaucho I have on an RT

You have an identity on a GS and when you hit a bumpy B road you can still enjoy it in the full especially with the softer 1100's and the ADV's.

I have covered 800 mile days no probs

I am 6'6" and my 11GS is perfectly good, cheap to buy and cheap to mod. AND when you drop it you don't cry over cracked plastic

NEXT...

 

[MikeP]

1200? No thanks. I'm a committed Luddite where the 1200 is concerned.

I'm tempted by the idea of keeping the GS and buying an RT but I'm concerned that they are too similar and one of the two wouldn't get used.

My K75 is different enough that I use my bikes for completely different types of journey. An RT would do both (with a few limitations). I guess I have to decide whether I would begin to find those limitations galling.

I've just been out to look at a very, very good 54 plate RT.

 

[shready]

I have both, an 1100GS and an 1150RT.

Both great bikes, but on the whole I prefer the GS, or do I

My RT may well be going soon anyway as I need the money for a van.

 

[Steptoe]

RT's are lovely.

The two side fairing panels don't take long to remove, but the tank is a pain.

They look nice and shiney, but when you remove the fairing panels most of them are badly corroded underneth.
The exhausts fall apart from the inside.
A simple job like fork seal replacement can be a drama if the bolts that hold the bar brackets snap off in the top yolk. First thing to do if you do get one is take the bolts out and copperslip them.

Nice and low, fairing is a beaut in bad weather. The handling doesn't feel as good as a GS, when flicking through the bends the RT feels like the front tyre is low on air.

I aquired a very low mileage damaged RT last year. Just waiting for the parts to appear at the right prices and i'll be toodling around on it.

 

[nick.ct]

Had an 1150 RT a few years ago, a mile muncher? You bet.
Did over 2000 miles in less than 2 days........ in the UK.......... in January....... coz I could......... but only on such a bike.
And that's why I sold it, could not see the point in a bike that was just so competent.
If that's what floats your boat, buy one, you wont regret it.

Nick

 

[its all poo]

RT better for mortals, imortals ride GS errr I am a mortal like most others !
grown up bike for people who do miles ! I am no ruffty tuffty.

 

[steveh]

err it will

had both no doudt about it rt is the best of the both of them for road trips gs wont live with one when the going gets fast 17" front tyres ect ect rt round nurburgring 8m-50secs dont think gs will do that on std tyres!!!!!!

with time to spare

 

[bakerlonglegs]

RT's are lovely.
....
They look nice and shiney, but when you remove the fairing panels most of them are badly corroded underneth.
....
Nice and low, fairing is a beaut in bad weather.

True, true and true!

I had a lovely 04 1150RT twin spark. Did the GOTC weekend, 500+ miles each way, then quite a few miles on a ride-out on the Saturday, easy as.

Super comfy. Taller seat available, even bigger screens.

But Steptoe's point about corrosion certainly applied to mine. It looked lovely with the plastic on, but underneath a lot of the silver engine paint had corroded off.

I sold mine last year as I wasn't doing the big miles to justify such an uber-tourer.

 

[shready]

Had an 1150 RT a few years ago, a mile muncher? You bet.
Did over 2000 miles in less than 2 days........ in the UK.......... in January....... coz I could......... but only on such a bike.
And that's why I sold it, could not see the point in a bike that was just so competent.
If that's what floats your boat, buy one, you wont regret it.

Nick

Don't get it sorry

Do you also wear hair shirts?