Test Ridden 12RT LC -brief thoughts.

[Davey B]

I have tested a number of bikes in recent weeks as my 63 plate Hexhead GSA just isn't inspiring me anymore. I rode the new RT yesterday and was left hugely underwhelmed. I find this weird because when I look at all that it does, I should be saying WOW.
Rode it for about 60 miles over maybe 80 minutes, mainly with my wife on the back. Made progress but nothing daft. Gearshift assist thingy is addictive but I doubt I'd pay extra for it. It rode really well and I could hardly tell she was on the back. Effortless at Autoroute speeds, draught free with the screen up, loads of toys (most I don't actually need)
I wanted it to be brilliant, to make me grin a bit but mainly for the wife to say WOW that's comfy. It was OK but not much more.
Back to the drawing board. (I've tried the Multistrada, hated it. The Tiger 1050 Sport, loved it but no good for her who must be obeyed. Tried the 1200 Exp. Grinned, loved it. Just the KTM 1190 left out of the bikes I actually like...and maybe the K1300GT)

Maybe at 49 I am simply too young for one....

 

[batman1]

I think that you need a GS-LC if it's fun that you require, the RT-LC does the job brilliantly to perfection, but lacks the character and fun factor of the GS-LC.

 

[Davey B]

Rode the LC straight after. Not that much different to my TC to be honest. It won't be one of them

 

[Arsey]

Try a KTM 1290 Super Adventure! Strangely it didn't float my boat but my god does it go, stop and handle!!!

 

[spm0912]

Ditch the wife off the back and give it some welly. The New RT is a joy to ride fast on the twisty's, fast, agile and great handling. Currently on a response course in North Wales and it's getting universal praise from everyone who rides it, including dyed in the wool sports bike riders. It's a wolf in sheeps clothing, you've just not unleashed the wolf yet

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

This

............

Maybe at 49 I am simply too young for one....

and this

Try a KTM 1290 Super Adventure! Strangely it didn't float my boat but my god does it go, stop and handle!!!

Andres

 

[richardbd]

Ditch the wife off the back and give it some welly. The New RT is a joy to ride fast on the twisty's, fast, agile and great handling. Currently on a response course in North Wales and it's getting universal praise from everyone who rides it, including dyed in the wool sports bike riders. It's a wolf in sheeps clothing, you've just not unleashed the wolf yet

What he said...

I switched from a Multistrada to the RTLC and I LOVE it. Sounds daft but the RT is more fun.

 

[stanley]

Search for my report; I thought it was a big let-down too.
Have you tried a TC RT?
I'm on my second 1200RT; love them. First one bought when I was "only" 42. They hustle really well; I am rarely passed: It is great fun to burn off supposedly faster bikes on a big-old tourer

Compared to an LC, you could buy a TC RT, spend the ££s saved on a re-map and some better suspension. You'll still have enough left for a spare missile of a bike if wanted.

 

[Vrodash]

I swopped from a K1300GT to an RTLC and was worried about it.....
No need, it makes the GT seem very Lardy (although a fantastic bike,with bags of power )
So much easier to throw around and makes me grin each time I ride it,
The difference in weight has made a massive difference to the joy of the ride for me.
I test rode the GSLC too before buying, I was surprised to find it uninspiring as I really fancied one.
Salesman said try RT?, did, loved it, bought one.

No regrets

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Some say the new KTM 1050 is a peach

Come over to Teasdales and try their demo

 

[Davey B]

Rather ride out there than traipse into Dewsbury!
I cant see the point in the 1050 over the 1190. I could run the 1190 on the lower map but not vice versa.

 

[FD2]

Why not try the R1200R, it's getting great reviews, or wait for the RS.

 

[Arsey]

Why not try the R1200R, it's getting great reviews, or wait for the RS.

Or buy something without water-based paint that won't start flaking and corroding before christmas !!!

 

[strod]

Rather ride out there than traipse into Dewsbury!
I cant see the point in the 1050 over the 1190. I could run the 1190 on the lower map but not vice versa.

Me neither, the 1190A is a cracking bike and I love it. I also think the RT LC is up there too, amazing how it handles 2 up almost the same as 1 up, and pretty agile for its generous dimensions.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Rather ride out there than traipse into Dewsbury!
I cant see the point in the 1050 over the 1190. I could run the 1190 on the lower map but not vice versa.

Ride all 3, they have them all and see which you favour

 

[Our Gee]

Fully satisfied with my Twin Cam RT, but if I was in the market for something "GS" like I would be having a long hard look at the Aprilia Caponord. One of those "under the radar" bikes which has had some really good reports from testers. Incidently, recently had a call from my friendly dealer enquiring if was thinking of "up-grading" to the WC RT as they are offering really good money for low miles clean Twin Cam RT's as they are in demand !!.

 

[cookie]

the KTM 1250 SA is not going to have the wind protection of an RT, but feck me, it flies

funnily enough, i've noticed the KTM 1050 is picking up some pretty positive reviews now....i wouldn't buy one either, but i can see why some do. 95% of the time it has all the power most people ever want.

 

[DrFarkoff]

New R1200RS LC

Despite my dislike of the "modern" (i.e. post 1150 ) bikes due to their crap design and maintenance plans

The 1200RS makes me want to go test ride one That's the first in about 6 or 7 years

 

[stever1]

Or buy something without water-based paint that won't start flaking and corroding before christmas !!!