R1100RT swap to GS

[duckspeed]

Hi everyone, new to this forum.
Currently ride an R1100RT and Boxer fan, thinking of swapping to a 1200GS. Question is, how does Gs shape compare to the full fairing of my RT??

 

[Ozzie3]

Now that's a question I shall be able to answer soon. I trade in my 1150RT for a GS on the 1st Sept and knowing my luck it will be peeing down.
GS riders tell me the weather protection is good but good compared with what.
I rode from Paris to Calais on my RT in the most incredible rain last year and when I got there my boots were still dry. I don't think the GS will beat that.

 

[garfield]

Hi everyone, new to this forum.
Currently ride an R1100RT and Boxer fan, thinking of swapping to a 1200GS. Question is, how does Gs shape compare to the full fairing of my RT??

I'm the same don't pick up my GS until 1st Sept, so will tell you what it's like later.....

Having only had a few hours test drive on a 12GS, I fell in love, fantastic bike and I don't think you'll regret making the change if you decide to , maybe it doesn't keep you as dry as other bikes, but what the heck

anyway, welcome to the site, hope you have fun here and find the answers you're looking for about that 12GS you're buying

 

[GS TRV]

If you prefer a big fairing then you'd be better keeping what you've got

Then again if wind protection's the most impt thing then get a car

 

[mikepg]

The simple answer is that it doesn't.

Italian Trev is right and to add - the GS is different in allot of ways and best to take one out for a long test ride to help make your mind up.

 

[Ash]

came from an rs1100 to the gs1100 chalk/cheese etc
with standard screens you'll get more blast on the chest[fit an MRA]many others available if needed.
dont notice wind blast on legs.
use heated grips more.[but i'm a southern pooofter]
but then again an rt is the uber tourer.
i did have an rt and i still prefer the gs for everyday use.
for constant touring or long distant you will not beat the rt but for allround i would choose the GS.

 

[GS Chris]

Compared to a Blackbird (full faired with double bubble), wind is more noticeable at higher speeds, and you are a little more prone to side gusts.

There is much more sensation of speed doing the ton on the GS, whereas a sports tourer remains unruffled.

Get a test ride of at least several hours to appreciate the differences and appeal of the GS.

Chris

 

[GADGET]

I`ve got both, simple answer: RT = full weather protection+ comfort.
GS = no protection, but is more fun, as long as its not tipping it down. john

 

[Bernt56]

I changed from an R1100RT to a GS. Both bikes are totally different. the RT kept me dry but the GS is much more fun to ride, not much rain protection but a much much better fun bike. Just do it - you know it makes sense!

 

[Womble]

I rode from Paris to Calais on my RT in the most incredible rain last year and when I got there my boots were still dry. I don't think the GS will beat that.

You can get foot flaps which will keep your feet a lot drier.

Reading other peoples' posts, 1200s seem prone to throwing up spray as well - there are several options which may help including a hugger, a fairing liner and removing the fender from the rear wheel. If you intend going offroad, the hugger might not be a good idea

 

[shready]

I`ve got both, simple answer: RT = full weather protection+ comfort.
GS = no protection, but is more fun, as long as its not tipping it down. john

Same here and I agree.

On the RT today, 80 on the motorway, screen up full, visor fully open and radio on, lovely.

Not as involving or as fun to ride than the GS though.

 

[Harry Palmer]

From GS to RT then back to GS

I’ve just ordered a 1200 GS , returning to the Clan so to speak.

Trading in a RT for the GS
(I traded in a GS some 3 years ago for the RT it’s a long story, very boring )

Had a test ride recently on a GS, followed by a reasonable trade in offer
for the R T, then there are the free panniers and T ‘ Box,
well what can one say.

GS due to be delivered mid October, can’t wait.

Whilst I found the RT to be very comfortable, superb tourer
And it’s weather protection cannot be beaten,

but …!!!!!!!!

I hate, loathe, detest, the servo brakes. I find its a bit cumbersome and awkward to push around and manoeuvre at times (I missed out on the Charles Atlas course for bodybuilding ). The new GS shows a weight saving of 55 Kg over the RT which is an a hell of a lot.

Overall I still miss the previous GS which was , very forgiving, very versatile and great for giving one confidence, it also toured well, getting me to Garmisch for a long weekend away, ( and more importantly getting me back as well ) plus numerous other trips and tours.

 

[moley]

I'm also thinking about trading my 1150RT for a new GS.

The RT is great at what it does but it's never really stirred me!

However I ride 40 miles each way to and from work every day and I'm concerned about swapping to a GS and getting frozen & wet in the winter. I'm prepared to lash out on top grade Rukka winter clothing but still not sure it'll give me as much protection as the RT.

I've ridden an 1150 GS on my route a few times and really liked it but tough to tell what the difference is on a cold winter's day without trying it out first hand.

Any thoughts anyone?

 

[Twotter]

I'm also thinking about trading my 1150RT for a new GS.

The RT is great at what it does but it's never really stirred me!

However I ride 40 miles each way to and from work every day and I'm concerned about swapping to a GS and getting frozen & wet in the winter. I'm prepared to lash out on top grade Rukka winter clothing but still not sure it'll give me as much protection as the RT.

I've ridden an 1150 GS on my route a few times and really liked it but tough to tell what the difference is on a cold winter's day without trying it out first hand.

Any thoughts anyone?

Of course it won't give you as much protection as an RT - one's got a big fairing and one hasn't - but you already know that

I use Rukka kit on my 1150GS and ride all year round without too many dramas. When it's really cold then I fit a set of bar muffs and if you get really cold you could always go for the (in)famous Steptoe's Shite Bag (do a search).

Happy GS'ing

 

[mikepg]

I'm also thinking about trading my 1150RT for a new GS.

The RT is great at what it does but it's never really stirred me!

However I ride 40 miles each way to and from work every day and I'm concerned about swapping to a GS and getting frozen & wet in the winter. I'm prepared to lash out on top grade Rukka winter clothing but still not sure it'll give me as much protection as the RT.

I've ridden an 1150 GS on my route a few times and really liked it but tough to tell what the difference is on a cold winter's day without trying it out first hand.

Any thoughts anyone?

Moley,

I used to have an 1150RT and rode it all year around - great bike etc etc.....

I see that you live in the South and although you will get some cold days, it is nothing compared to the cold windy days we get up here on the East Coast - so it's really a matter of getting the right sort of winter kit for those few really cold ones and perhaps some lighter stuff for the 360 other days when it is warm!!

 

[TheWarlock]

I swapped from an 1150 RT to a 1200 GSA with no problems. The GSA has better protection than the GS and (I think) is a better bike. I ride all year round and while I get a bit wetter on the GSA than the RT, I don't notice a whole lot of difference in wind protection, but then the later generation RT fairing is not a patch on the old R100 RTs either.

Try a GSA if you get the chance. I don't think you will walk away from it (not to be taken literally ).