R1250RT Vs R1250RS - any videos?

[Jesim1]

Basically as per title, I was wanting to see some videos of the R1250RT Vs the RS versions, there are lot comparing it to the GS, but not much about the RS.

If anyone has any links to videos of the R1250RT Vs the R1250 RS I'd appreciate the links

 

[wessie]

why not ride both and make your own mind up?

 

[EKIMYRF]

UsernameKate does some good modern BM videos not sure if she has done those two but worth a look

 

[casbar]

Basically as per title, I was wanting to see some videos of the R1250RT Vs the RS versions, there are lot comparing it to the GS, but not much about the RS.

If anyone has any links to videos of the R1250RT Vs the R1250 RS I'd appreciate the links

Think you may struggle as the two bikes are not in the same group. You will find RT vs K1600 but I haven't seen the one you are looking for

 

[Jesim1]

why not ride both and make your own mind up?

I've got the RT, Just wondering how much different the RS was? I was thinking of getting another bike for shorter solo trips/days out, but I'll probably just take the luggage off the RT if they are so similar?

 

[casbar]

I've got the RT, Just wondering how much different the RS was? I was thinking of getting another bike for shorter solo trips/days out, but I'll probably just take the luggage off the RT if they are so similar?

I never ride with the panniers if not on a trip, why carry boxes of air.

 

[L2RKE]

I have just traded my 1200RS for 1200 GSA and finding it quite heavy to wheel around in comparison. But then I had to wheel a 1250RT Blood bike around in my driveway, I found it even harder.
The RS is a very capable tourer with plenty of luggage capacity. Wind protection is good and you can adjust the riding ergonomics with numerous mods to tailor it to perfection if needed. I missing mine to be fair.

 

[wessie]

I've got the RT, Just wondering how much different the RS was? I was thinking of getting another bike for shorter solo trips/days out, but I'll probably just take the luggage off the RT if they are so similar?

the RS is quite a bit lighter as it does not have the telelever and fairing

I have not ridden an RT but I was riding a 1300GS for 2 days this week whilst my R1200RS was having a service and a new shaft fitted under the service bulletin.

You will also find the riding position more canted forward and the pegs higher. I have raised the bars and lowered the pegs to make it less of a crouch. The centre of gravity and seat height are lower than the GS or RT.

Personally, if I was getting a second bike for day trips I would be looking at one of the Japanese mid range twins. I had an MT07 for a few days when I owned a Super Tenere that was in for service. It was a great bike. Suzuki & Honda have some similar bikes that are also very well regarded.

 

[Akulaking]

I’ve had GS, RT and RS, they are very different animals with similar engines. You really need to ride all three to appreciate the differences. In my opinion the GS is the most versatile. It will do anything the others will do. The RS and the RT will wear each others hats, (even though they are quite different) but not the GS’s.
Stating the obvious, the RT feels like a tourer, the RS more like a sports bike/sports tourer. The only way you’re going to know is to ride an RS and draw your own conclusions. It certainly won’t feel like an RT without panniers!
As said above, there’s an awful lot of other stuff that would do the job admirably. Might be nice to have something non boxer for a different experience.

 

[Mallard]

I've never ridden an RT, but I've just swopped my GS for an RS. Akulaking is right. They are indeed different animals. Big difference I found was switching back from tele-lever to telescopic front suspension. Both the GS & RT have tele-lever. You can read as many ride reports as you like, but, as others have said, you need to put your arse in the saddle. It's the only way.

 

[Jesim1]

Thanks for the input guys, it was just a thought, I may explore something Japanese like a Z1000sx, but there is no rush, a house move is looming and the renovations may put an end to this till next year, but never say never, a jap bike is a lot cheaper than an RS

 

[Morety]

I own and RS and use an 1250RT for volunteer work. Little difference in engine feel as you'd expect. Slightly different gearing. RT more upright and oddly, felt slightly more cramped to me than my RS with sport seat. Riding position more comfortable on RT and slow speed stability/manners exceptional on RT (and K1600 come to that) partly as bars feel a bit wider and rake/trail is different. RS gives a bit more excitement and more of a visceral experience with excellent acceleration and very inspiring and stable high speed handling. It feels confident and planted with a little more road feedback thanks to conventional fork set up. RT has way better protection from the elements and far less buffeting from the screen. You really have to ride both to make your mind up. 2 up riding it would be the RT all day long for me, but as I have another bike for that, the RS is a belting all rounder; few better imho.

 

[littleade]

Thanks for the input guys, it was just a thought, I may explore something Japanese like a Z1000sx, but there is no rush, a house move is looming and the renovations may put an end to this till next year, but never say never, a jap bike is a lot cheaper than an RS

Give one a go and see what you think I had a go on the 1200RS and a Z1000SX back in 2018. I bought another GS in the end but from what I remember the Kwak was more towards the sports end than the RS though the demo bike I tried had stiffer suspension and a buzzy vibe to it, where as I thought the RS was the more complete bike of the 2, a bit of a gentleman's choice (though not perfect) rather than an ex sports bike rider still wanting to ride at licence threatening speeds.

 

[Morety]

Give one a go and see what you think I had a go on the 1200RS and a Z1000SX back in 2018. I bought another GS in the end but from what I remember the Kwak was more towards the sports end than the RS though the demo bike I tried had stiffer suspension and a buzzy vibe to it, where as I thought the RS was the more complete bike of the 2, a bit of a gentleman's choice (though not perfect) rather than an ex sports bike rider still wanting to ride at licence threatening speeds.

That's a very good summation of the RS. It's a refined, hugely capable "gentleman's choice". Not perfect but then what bike is?