rt vs gs
- Thread starter fatgser
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1150 RT VS 1150 GS
Ggot rid of my gs couple of years ago and fancy a bike again now.
love the gs bit have a hankering for the rt have any one done the same?
I got rid of my 1150RT as I could not get used to the linked brakes, it used to catch me out as I slowed down on very light rear braking, and then the front would take a sudden dip.
Everybody says ah it's no problem, you'll get used to it, but I never did, so.... make sure you test drive first, or make sure it's not the linked version.
I personal view I know but...........
RT for me.....
ive had 1100 / 1200 gs's but now ride an 1100 rt which i much prefer riding. it handles better , has an unbeliveably good fairing and brillant electric screen which is the best idea ever
the only thing i miss is the ability to go across the odd field or green lane but 99% of the time the rt is the right bike for me
also when the roads are wet you get dirt and wet sprayed all over you on a gs where as a rt you keep clean
ive had 1100 / 1200 gs's but now ride an 1100 rt which i much prefer riding. it handles better , has an unbeliveably good fairing and brillant electric screen which is the best idea ever
the only thing i miss is the ability to go across the odd field or green lane but 99% of the time the rt is the right bike for me
also when the roads are wet you get dirt and wet sprayed all over you on a gs where as a rt you keep clean
Pip_UK
Registered user
I had an 1150 RT for a year before going back to a GS. The RT was excellent for comfort, practicality & motorway-chomping, and with the trademark 'R' bike sweet handling when the road gets twisty. But personally I missed the GS sensations of involvement and big trailie ride-me charisma & hoonsomeness. Also, the RT felt a bit wheezy on overtakes when loaded with passenger and luggage (although my 1100GS isn't exactly the friskiest kitten in the basket either )
)
Shipwreck
Registered user
Depends on the type of riding you do and if it is 2 up or not. If you regularly ride 2 up, tour and ride on the road go for RT. If road riding,,the odd 2 up ride with the occasional green lane is thrown in then stick with the GS. The type of riding you do should make your decision easy.
I went from a Hayabusa (not GS) to an R1200RT and have not looked back. Different nut to crack then you. but I mainly ride 2 up and tour a lot so for me the decision was easy.
I went from a Hayabusa (not GS) to an R1200RT and have not looked back. Different nut to crack then you. but I mainly ride 2 up and tour a lot so for me the decision was easy.
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It's very much a personal thing. I test rode the RT first and hated it (coming from 14 years of Blackbird ownership). Then I test rode the GS and loved it.
So I'd recommend you test ride both to see which floats your boat.
So I'd recommend you test ride both to see which floats your boat.
ive had 6 gs ers ,and now have an 1100 rt ,its the best bike ive owned ,for me , no it doesnt have the LOOK AT ME IM OF ON A WORLD TRIP (well im not really im going to sainsburys),kudos, but for most people who ride 95% on the road its brilliant ,
excellent fairing ,brilliant screen ,and for me it feels half the size of the 1200 gs i had ,im not saying ill never have another gs ,but ill never get rid of the RT ,its allways my go to bike .
excellent fairing ,brilliant screen ,and for me it feels half the size of the 1200 gs i had ,im not saying ill never have another gs ,but ill never get rid of the RT ,its allways my go to bike .
Pauly S
Registered user
hmm
It's a tough call, ive had 2 gs's, an 1150gsa and a 1150gs , i still have the standard one now.
Ive had a 1150 rt and i must say the screen, seat and fairing are fab, i gave it up to try the 1150gs, i got fed up with the servo brakes, which i recently learn can be removed.
Another PITA with the 1150rt is the side loading panniers and the naff standard original top box, that you cant put a full face lid into cos of the bulge in the bottom.Pannier bags help, but still an odd shape to fill properly, but the rt cruises all day at a ton no sweat.
i recently tried the 1100rt and couldnt gel with it, and i felt hemmed in,also i missed the overdrive top gear on the 1150rt.odd init, i loved the 1150rt.
i must say the space and freedom on the 1150 gs is much better and less enclosed and is much more in touch with the world around you.
I'm quite looking forward to a blast of the 1200 rt next year.
It's a tough call, ive had 2 gs's, an 1150gsa and a 1150gs , i still have the standard one now.
Ive had a 1150 rt and i must say the screen, seat and fairing are fab, i gave it up to try the 1150gs, i got fed up with the servo brakes, which i recently learn can be removed.
Another PITA with the 1150rt is the side loading panniers and the naff standard original top box, that you cant put a full face lid into cos of the bulge in the bottom.Pannier bags help, but still an odd shape to fill properly, but the rt cruises all day at a ton no sweat.
i recently tried the 1100rt and couldnt gel with it, and i felt hemmed in,also i missed the overdrive top gear on the 1150rt.odd init, i loved the 1150rt.
i must say the space and freedom on the 1150 gs is much better and less enclosed and is much more in touch with the world around you.
I'm quite looking forward to a blast of the 1200 rt next year.
I test rode the rt for a day as a loan bike. Loved it. Weather protection was phenomenal and so comfortable to ride. Felt though that it was a bit too much for every day in and out of work. Had the gs for a day as well and loved it. Much preferred the riding position and felt that it offered me a better view of the road. I came from a 650 gs though so possibly a bit biased. Ended up getting a new gs and have loved it
The only downside to the gs compared to the rt is low speed handling. Lot more weight higher up. When moving it in and out the garage once it overbalances there is no stopping it. As I have found to my annoyance. Goad I had the engine protection fitted!!!
The only downside to the gs compared to the rt is low speed handling. Lot more weight higher up. When moving it in and out the garage once it overbalances there is no stopping it. As I have found to my annoyance. Goad I had the engine protection fitted!!!
I love riding the GS as a loan bike, but am always pleased to be back on the RT at the end of the day. The ergonomics are really quite different and one is either an RT person or a GS person.
But I do admire the courage of those who have one of each
But I do admire the courage of those who have one of each
BBB61
Registered user
I love riding the GS as a loan bike, but am always pleased to be back on the RT at the end of the day. The ergonomics are really quite different and one is either an RT person or a GS person.
But I do admire the courage of those who have one of each
It's not courage, it's having the best of both worlds
I went the other way - had an RT for a good few years but much happier with the GS. RT is like a rolling armchair - comfortable and easy with the electric screen etc and it chews up motorways. I really liked it until I tested the 1200GS. GS is much more involving and fun. Also less cumbersome in the garage. Both good bikes - all a matter of taste. I wouldn't go back.
Omias
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I test rode both, two up earlier this year. The RT is lovely when your moving but i found it a nightmare at walking pace going back into town, even stalled it twice!! The GS on the other hand gave me so much more confidence through control, even my wife preferred it and that surprised the salesman! We're both quite big though, both over 6ft, so with the best part of 34 stone on board i guess the wide bars of the GS had an effect on my control. Go test ride some, one mans choice does not suit all! My GSA is mega though!
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