New RT as a loaner (compared to my GS)

[DanielM]

While my 07 (57 reg) GS is in for is 12k service (and to have HIDs fitted - currently offered for £149) at SBW in Hertford, they have given me a new R1200RT as a loaner, and I felt compelled to write a quick note comparing the two bikes.

All I can say is that I wish my GS has the same fuelling as this RT, it is sooo smooth and easy to drive, the gearbox is a delight, with each gear snicking in with the mearest touch of my big toe, clunks a thing of the past. So, if they can make the boxer so smooth, why dont they for the GS? Also, it is much quieter (not necessarily a good thing, as I do like the growl of the GS).

Its not all plain sailing though, if feels sooo very wide, the mirrors are sh1te, as they only show me my knuckles if I want to see whats behind me! Also, the gearing is good and bad, the 5th & 6th gear are lovely, with 5th being the general purpose gear that falls between 5th/6th on the GS, and 6th gear a very effective for motorways, where 100mph sits at 5k. The downside is, for all the fuelling changes, the boxer engine still has a major flat-spot at 5k rpm, so it is a conscious effort to go over the ton.

One other niggle, the electric screen on the RT is also pants, to give effective wind protection it needs to be up high, but it really restricts your view of the road when the speed drops to filtering speed. Good job its electrically adjustable, but an annoyance all the same.

ESA didn't seem to make much difference, but I've not really had chance to test this out fully. There doesn't seem to be much difference between comfort, normal and sport.

With SBW reporting that the headlight adjuster broke whilst fitting the HIDs, I've had the RT for another day.

So, all in all, lovely bike, but not a patch on the GS, however, the GS fuelling, and gearbox not a patch on the RT. Looking forward to getting the GS back. But if you need to do a lot of miles, whilst staying on tarmac, the RT would be ideal.

Before I start getting comments that the 2008> bikes are better, I had one as a loaner for my 6k service in January, and I wasn't impressed with the gearbox and fuelling, it actually ran rougher than my one.


Thanks for reading. Dan

 

[Ragnar]

You might want to try out a later GS. I borrowed an 09 GSA while my 57 was in for service and the fuelling and gearbox both felt much smoother.

 

[GSmonkey]

I test rode an RT back-to-back with a GS, as I was sure I wanted an RT next. I found that the fueling appeared to be better on the RT as well. I put it down to the higher gearing of the RT rather than any real differences.

The GS(A) won hands down for me - but I know which one I'd rather ride in bad weather.

 

[DanielM]

I test rode an RT back-to-back with a GS, as I was sure I wanted an RT next. I found that the fueling appeared to be better on the RT as well. I put it down to the higher gearing of the RT rather than any real differences.

The GS(A) won hands down for me - but I know which one I'd rather ride in bad weather.

True, I know what you mean. I felt I just wanted to let people know what I think. Certainly, the GS is a much better package, and doesn't have too many toys, especially with BMW reliability/cost.

I was just really impressed on how smooth you can make the boxer...

 

[IanNicky]

I have just got myself an 09 GS and gear changes are super slick

 

[njbhorn]

I was thinking of an RT after having had my GS for a while. Test rode one at SWB incidentally and although I like it being 6' 5" my legs were up against the fairing and it would have got on my nerves long term.

Would have loved an RT but too tall

So test drove a GSA and found that to be the one for me

 

[Brooner]

I have an 08 GS, my other half got me an Akrapovic (BMW badged) can as an early birthday present.

The bike feels like it has ditched a pillion and the fueling feel much smoother too.

Just a thought, if you can get one, have a shot a GS with an aftermarket can and see what you think.

 

[MattSwain]

Also had a RT loaner...

...when my GS was at the dealers recently.

First thing I noticed was how cramped I was when it came to changing gears. I find my GS borderline too big for me (I'm 5 foot 11 an yes there'll be plenty of shorter folk that have no problem with the GS, personal preference...) but I guess I'm kind of getting used to being able to stretch out. Maybe there's some adjustment can be done, didn't have the time to investigate.

Looks, ewwww no not for me. Some sort of 70s retro sci-fi look going on. No thanks.

Agree with the original post about the mirrors - useless. Maybe they can be adjusted but I prefer them up high like on the GS.

One thing I did like when it started to rain was the electric screen. I pressed the button and the screen kept rising and rising up like a huge glass barn door. Can't have done much for the aerodynamics but it sure kept the rain off!!!

The RT was never likely to be on my shopping list, just not the sort of bike that interests me but I'm sure is very competent if that's your thing.

 

[Ibex]

Recent RT vs GS decision made

I was contemplating my third GS after 6 years and about 55k miles on an 1150 and more recently a 1200GSA. Hardly ever been off road with them- but lots of long motorway hauls into Europe on business. So I borrowed a new 1200RT SE for a weekend. I loved the cruise control and the heated seat. The ESA was a bit of a gimic but it was fun to play with. The motor seemed to rev out better than my 06 GSA and it was certainly more economical. The great attraction however is that electric screen for those real wet days on the road with hundreds of miles still to go.

The only reason I didn't buy one was that I found it physically too small for me. I'm only just over 6ft 3ins, but with a 36ins inside leg. After a long ride I felt crouched over on the RT. No good at all. Why would BMW create this when the 1150 RT appears to have much more room. Don't they realise people are getting bigger by each generation, not smaller! I also think the seat on the 1200 is not as good as the comfort seat on the 1150.

So I bought a 500 mile old 09 GSA instead. The differences between this and my 06 bike are probably quite small on paper, but I've just returned from a trip to Budapest and the real world differences are very real. I put 900 miles into my last 22 hours in order to avoid a final day riding in heavy rain. I succeeded, but doubt whether I could have done so on my 06 bike. The new one is smoother and more powerful, and adequately big enough for me to relax on long runs. And when I get a sore bum, I can always stand on the footpegs for a few miles, which always strikes consternation into the eyes of following motorists but is almost as good as getting off and walking around for a couple of minutes. No, it looks like I've been spoilt by the GSA and its derivatives and will continue to enjoy them, until they make a full sized RT anyway!

 

[Myke Rocks]

RT legroom?

Just a thought for the mutants who find the RT too small.
Was the seat raised to it's full height?
Myke