GS1150/RT1150 comparisons please

[Ben]

Hi

my brother has asked me to seek serious comparison between BMW 1150RT and GS1150. How many of you keep one tucked away or have had enough time on one to offer a view.

He knows my oppinion (horses for courses etc..) but would value yours

Ben

 

[BawdyMonk]

Horses for Courses it is....

I bought an RT1150 (single spark) new in Feb this year and traded it back in August after 13500kms for a GS Adventure (twin spark), on which I've done 6500kms. Here's my £0.2's worth...

On the motorway/dual carriageway the RT rules, top (220kmh)and cruising (170-190kmh) speeds much higher than the Adventure (200kmh/140-170kmh). Extra BHP and higher gearing can't be beaten.
On the really twisty stuff the GS Adventure has an edge it's much easier to move around on the bike and the GS can change direction a lot easier, making it more nimble when hustling through the mountains.
Rider comfort I've found to be similar but arrived at differently, the long seat on GS allows more movement while the RT seat is like a sofa, both benefit from a sheepskin seat pad though! For the pillion the RT is better but the sheepskin pad levels it up quite a bit (according to my wife anyway) but the grab handle is much better on the RT (according to my son!).
Wind and weather protection is fantastic on the RT, love the electric screen! On the Adventure, Sh*te! Tobinators and a big screen (CeeBaileys +7/+4) can give you about 85% upperbody but thats about as good as it gets for me.
City traffic.. the RT is narrower but I don't have any problems splitting lanes with a GS, the nimbleness of the GS does help at times, but the lower centre of gravity of the RT helped it as well... I rode with the RT seat on highest setting so don't really think I see anymore on the Adventure.
On lousy potholed roads and gravel tracks the RT loses out big time to the GS, it doesn't like them and makes itself bloody tiring to ride.. Forget about taking an RT off road!
Brakes, I liked the fully linked brakes on the RT, when I switched to the GS and used the foot brake I thought the servo was shagged! I'm used to it now, no problems with either set up after the first day or two.
Where the GS scores for me is that you can get about 90% of the RT's on road abilities (with a few mods) PLUS having rough/off road ability, which the RT just hasn't got.

If you loved your brother you'd weigh in a few quid and let him buy both!

 

[Ben]

Thanks Bawdy Monk for taking the time to give your two cents.
He is not really interested in the rough stuff and always used to switch off when I started on my tales of Africa etc..

Although it appears sacriligeous to say so, I put him onto the RT because he seemed to like bits of the GS and not the height..he also found the styling a bit wayward.

The question is, "is the RT enough of a real motorcycle to satisfy". Granted it will handle, but is the overall package satisfying?

Ben

 

[BawdyMonk]

"is the RT enough of a real motorcycle to satisfy".

On the basis that the excellent side of the RT is the most boring aspect of motorcycling... possibly not.

If he's going to stay with B*W, and doesn't want any rough stuff capabilities then any of; R1150R/RS, R1100s or a K1200RS/GT might be more dynamic for him.

 

[roadrider]

RT Ver GS

Ben, I had an RT for 3 years 45 thousand miles, went all over Europe,me and the missus could sit on it all day, even fully loaded
high speeds were easy, it handled really well, but like most fully faired bikes it's a bit hot in the summer especially abroad. the electric screen was utilised every time I went out, fully up on motorways, dual carriageways. A roads adjusted to top of screen just below eyeline, and when in towns etc it was fully down. Set the suspension right and it handled very well. I would recommend one to anyone who wants a tourer.
Bought the GS at easter, and straight away went to the French Alps, it's much cooler to ride and so much nimbler, quicker to turn and slow speed manouvers are much easier, and on the tight narrow back roads were we live it;s such fun to ride, the missus calls it the "fun bike". Funnily enough we can pack enough gear on the GS in it's panniers and top box for 2 weeks touring, the RT packs only slightly more. My only gripe of the GS is the turbulance which is well documented on this and other sites. Two great bikes and for the moment the GS wins, but only just, measured by the fact I smile more when I get on and off it
John

 

[(RIP) Geriatric Germ]

NOT QUITE THE SAME, BUT

I recently had an R1100RT as well as an 1150GS and found the RT to be a comfortable, plump and cuddly 48 year old woman, who would let me do most things, and the GS a lively 23 year old nymphomaniac where anything and everything goes. (if my memory serves me right)

:goof

I now have a K12LTSE and an ADV and nothings happened to change me mind!

 

[roadrider]

Re: NOT QUITE THE SAME, BUT

I now have a K12LTSE and an ADV and nothings happened to change me mind! [/B][/QUOTE]
Damn, if I'd have known I could have sold you mine, complete with everything, I mean everything, chrome, pass footboards, multi cd,all inner bags, tank bag, the lot.

John

 

[BiggaPope]

GS/RT comparisons

RT - didn't like the seat. I always felt like I was sliding up on it. Wind/weather protection much better on the RT. Hated the RT brakes, they required a softer foot than I'm used to using. They were really scary. RT is very capable of going faster than I should ride. The RT is a beautifully styled bike and comes with panniers.

GS - seating ok, better with some sheepskin. GS gearing better suited to my riding (slower). Brakes are more friendly. I get no wind pounding me on it, it's a big complaint with others.

 

[Ben]

The analogy of the RT being the big old girl amuses me. It's often the big old birds where everything goes, rather than the young'uns.

My brother likes them big.

In the past I have had a lot of fun hustling big bikes round the twisties. It can be tiring I know. I rode an RT1100 last year and was suprised how quickly the urge came to hammer it round bends in hot pursuit of my own GS being riden by a mate. I wasn't sold on the seat as my GS had a Corbin...nothing comes close.

I found my old Pan brilliant but ultimately rather square. Because I like the 1150 motor....on the GS anyway...I should have thought the RT would be more fun.
than the ST1100.

Ben