GS vs LT/RT/GT

[Jaycee]

Further to my earlier questions, if anyone comes across an LT for sale could you let me know. I regularly check various classified sites : MCN, Autotrader, eBay etc. but have yet to find anything appealing, and my local dealer hasn't even been able to source one for me to even test ride in the 12 months I've been asking.

My requirements are :

1) Post 2004, the last facelift.
2) Lux version preferable - but would consider a standard or SE version with added extras such as sat nav & intercom.
3) Low mileage - preferably less than 5k.
4) Ideally Light Yellow (gold) in colour, but will consider anything except black or dark grey.

Thanks for any info.

 

[its all poo]

mmmmh sounds like a right BMW driver to me !

 

[Arsey]

I just replaced my 3 years old GS with a new RT with all the works (except radio) and I love it. The RT is more comfortable than the GS and a lot more maneuverable at low speeds.

I did a couple of test rides on BMW's before deciding on the RT. I had The GT for 6 hours and the GSA for 4. The GT, I found uncomfortable for my height (6' 1") even with everything at full height, I would have needed a bigger screen. The GSA I found better than my GS but still generally lacking in the comfort area.
I took 2 different RT's out from different dealers for 8 hours each and did what I would normally do (motorways,A roads, B roads and town work) just to make sure I was happy.

Best if you take a test ride on all that your looking for.


I wont be going back to a GS

I'm also 6'1" and on my GSA 12 had the OE screen set half way up,as full up just buffeted head and I would rather have wind blast than buffeting/turbulence.Have just fitted a Desierto III but yet to use in anger.

With the RT,have you managed to get clear air or do you still get the same problems as on the GS/A,screen-wise ?

Ta

 

[Navy Boy]

Arsey

I have a 1200RT which I've fitted the California Scientific screen to. I went for the medium option (2" taller and approx 1" wider) and now have low/zero buffeting, even with the seat in the higher of its two positions.

I'm 6' 00" and found that even the standard screen was very good however. With the CalSci screen I actually have to move it down an inch or two from it's top position to get the ideal balance between comfort and noise which wasn't possible with the standard unit.

In short the RT's weather protection is far better than the GS/GSA and the electric adjustment makes things so much easier when the weather warms up.

 

[Arsey]

Arsey

I have a 1200RT which I've fitted the California Scientific screen to. I went for the medium option (2" taller and approx 1" wider) and now have low/zero buffeting, even with the seat in the higher of its two positions.

I'm 6' 00" and found that even the standard screen was very good however. With the CalSci screen I actually have to move it down an inch or two from it's top position to get the ideal balance between comfort and noise which wasn't possible with the standard unit.

In short the RT's weather protection is far better than the GS/GSA and the electric adjustment makes things so much easier when the weather warms up.

Interesting !

I love my GSA and am going to extend the warranty in Sept when the 2 years is up-I can't see any point in buying an 08GSA as i don't like the colours and don't think the 'improvements' over mine are worth the extra outlay.


The only real issue I have with the GSA is that the OE screen is only good for anybody under about 5'10".

Above that and you get either buffeting/turbulence around head level with the screen fully up or you have to accept wind in yer face if you lower it down,which is what I preferred.

Got any pics of that CalSci screen ?

 

[Navy Boy]

Arsey

Take a look at www.ebbo.org

Under the topics on the LH side of the home page you should see a heading for the 1200RT and the Cal Sci screen underneath.

Open this up and you get a few pics and a good write up ref installation. The screen on the site is the same size as the one I bought.

I had similar issues to you with my 2004 12GS. Cracking machine but that screen does seem to cause its fair share of issues.

 

[Arsey]

Arsey

Take a look at www.ebbo.org

Under the topics on the LH side of the home page you should see a heading for the 1200RT and the Cal Sci screen underneath.

Open this up and you get a few pics and a good write up ref installation. The screen on the site is the same size as the one I bought.

I had similar issues to you with my 2004 12GS. Cracking machine but that screen does seem to cause its fair share of issues.

Ta.Will do.

 

[jimbo]

A mate of mine had an LT. I had a go on the back and it was a fantastic experience - like an arm chair! He sold it because it was 'just too much of a barge'

 

[scopevale]

My partner Michelle has had a direct influence on my decision to get a GSA. We hired the GSA back in May & then did back to back test rides of a GS & GSA a few weeks ago. She absolutely loves the GSA and says it's the most comfortable bike she's ever been on the back of, and I have to say as the rider it's the most neutral bike I've ever ridden 2 up - I found myself having to check that she was still there once or twice!

We haven't tested any of the tourers you mention, but I really can't see many passengers (or riders for that matter) not taking to the GSA like a duck to water.

To be honest if Michelle wasn't interested in riding with me, I'd be getting a Super Duke or a Hyper Motard, but that said I'm really looking forward to getting my GSA on Saturday and clocking up some serious 2 up mileage.

As others have said, you really need to set up some back to back test rides on the bikes you are considering, until I did I was convinced that I would prefer the GS to the GSA, but it was the other way round.

 

[Davel]

For what it's worth.

I sold my GS for a H/D Night Rod Special.

It looked, sounded and rode great but was bloody uncomfortable.

So, I sold that and bought the K1200 GT-SE and have just recently bought an '08 GS.

I have to say that it's great to be back on a GS again.

The GT was a great tourer but the GS, to me anyway, is the better everyday bike.

 

[Voyager]

Further to my earlier questions, if anyone comes across an LT for sale could you let me know. I regularly check various classified sites : MCN, Autotrader, eBay etc. but have yet to find anything appealing, and my local dealer hasn't even been able to source one for me to even test ride in the 12 months I've been asking.

My requirements are :

1) Post 2004, the last facelift.
2) Lux version preferable - but would consider a standard or SE version with added extras such as sat nav & intercom.
3) Low mileage - preferably less than 5k.
4) Ideally Light Yellow (gold) in colour, but will consider anything except black or dark grey.

Thanks for any info.

Jaycee,

Did you find an LT ?

The BMW Owners Club often have them advertised, either on the web site or in the Journal. None for sale at the moment though

http://forum.bmw-club.org.uk/index.php

Bob.

 

[Felters]

For what it's worth.

I sold my GS for a H/D Night Rod Special.

It looked, sounded and rode great but was bloody uncomfortable.

So, I sold that and bought the K1200 GT-SE and have just recently bought an '08 GS.

I have to say that it's great to be back on a GS again.

The GT was a great tourer but the GS, to me anyway, is the better everyday bike.

Is that your HD in Bahnstormers? Looks the business but I'm not surprised to hear it was uncomfortable...

 

[GADGET]

Just to add my 2 pence worth, I have owned several BMWs over the years, my first was a R60 with Earles forks, but in more recent times I have owned 4 GS`s (1100, 11150ADV, and 2x 1200) I have also owned both the new and old model K1200GT, 3x K1200S and the K1200R also R1100RT 1150RT and 2x R1200RT, having recently changed my 05 for an 07 in blue. Of course I haven`t owned these all at the same time and have also gone throught several Japanese and KTM`s too. (could perhaps come close to matching Nick for bike changes, but probably not!)

My own conclusion, is that whilst BMW`s are by no means perfect they are a good bike and the best overall out of all of them for me is the R1200RT, if you are serious about going places in comfort (particularly for your pillion) and still want to have some fun on the hilly/twisty bits), admitted it does not fare well off road, but then most of us don`t need that ability.

My other current bike is the K1200S, to satisfy the occasional need for speed, though will be looking with interest when the new VFR comes out. john

 

[Jaycee]

Jaycee,

Did you find an LT ?

The BMW Owners Club often have them advertised, either on the web site or in the Journal. None for sale at the moment though

http://forum.bmw-club.org.uk/index.php

Bob.

Hi Bob, I've seen quite a number of LTs in various places, (although I wasn't aware of the website you mentioned until now) but I just couldn't find the right bike, and on a few occasions when I came close they were Dealer stock and sadly at stupid prices. BMW couldn't come up with one to test ride and I was getting a little frustrated with the wait. I even checked out a few in the USA where supply is plentiful.

On the plus side I managed to get hold of a 1200RT last week, a 2006/56 SE model with just 1800 miles on the clock, ESA, cruise, large top box, alarm, and in beautiful condition, I'm looking forward to getting out on it and so is the girlfriend. We recently rode a GS again just to check out her previous opinion that she felt too high up and exposed, and she still felt the same unfortunately.

The LT will have to follow later.

 

[Navy Boy]

Jaycee

Enjoy the RT. My 2008 SE model has been fabulous so far and I'm really enjoying it.

Any Qs then let us know.

 

[Jaycee]

Hi Navy Boy, will do. Does your SE have the CD/Radio fitted? I'm led to believe that this is standard fit on the SE but mine hasn't got it, and at over £850 for the whole kit I don't think I'll be retro-fitting it either!

The Girlfriend's first request (or is that 'instruction') is an Italy trip, so the next job is to fit the Zumo and Autocom which I've ordered.

 

[Chrisvh]

Bike Review

Does anyone have a copy of the Bike Review?

Thanks

 

[Navy Boy]

Hi Navy Boy, will do. Does your SE have the CD/Radio fitted? I'm led to believe that this is standard fit on the SE but mine hasn't got it, and at over £850 for the whole kit I don't think I'll be retro-fitting it either!

The Girlfriend's first request (or is that 'instruction') is an Italy trip, so the next job is to fit the Zumo and Autocom which I've ordered.

Jaycee

No, mine doesn't have the stereo/CD fitted and I didn't want it either.

I use my Garmin 2610 on mine (Without the sounds) and that seems to work really well.

The SE doesn't get the stereo as standard. it has:

Cruise Control
ESA
Heated seats and grips
Clear indicator lenses

That's enough for me to be getting on with!

 

[Jaycee]

Although the Zumo I've just fitted can play mp3 files it would be nice to have a radio facility. As I said I won't be paying BMW's asking price and I haven't noticed any on eBay either, anybody have any suggestions?

That extras list checks with the ones on mine too - good.