Thought I'd share a few initial thoughts on the latest RT. This is the first time I've ridden any RT since my 1981 air head R100RT!
Actually, it wasn't a dealer ride but was part of a check ride for the BB service on one of their new liveried bikes, which has all the bells and whistles.
Likes: Riding position; bike is more compact and better balanced than expected; Instrument TFT huge! Very easy to navigate and to read, so a big thumbs up. Engine is nice and smooth but didn't feel any better than the 1200 motor in my RS, possibly due tot the extra mass of the RT. At no time time did it lack power or want for more though. Bodywork design I think is much improved, especially the front looks of the bike, over the older model. Slow speed stability was excellent as was overall balance and neutral turn in. If anything, it's more flickable than my RS which came as a big surprise. I can easily see the attraction to one of these over a GS or RS. Nice to be able to flat foot it too. Suspension was very good, very well damped and gave a very plush ride.
Dislikes: A little too much plastic everywhere, all of it shouting for 3M protective film covering to prevent the inevitable. Pannier opening a little fiddly (maybe because it was new and a bit stiff). No standard set up for Navi 6 and onboard navigation via TFT I was reliably informed wasn't really that useful imho compared with a good stand alone, hence the one I rode was fitted with a Zumo. I prefer my Navi 6 as it's a much brighter, more easily read screen. Only other dislike was slow speed there was a fair amount of vibration coming from the transmission at just over 3K revs in low gears. My GSA was the same, but the RS is smoother in this respect. It could be a one off, could point towards shaft alignment issues (which will be picked up if that is the case) or "they all do that sir". On the whole though, this is not picking and there's very little to dislike about these bikes. Controls still the relatively cheap affairs used on all the other bike beemers with still no attempt to backlight them which is an opportunity lost for the facelifted model. It's a bugbear of mine and no-matter who says what, night riding, it's a definite safety bonus to have backlit switches. It all works fine although I'm told the wheel control can be a bit temperamental
On the go, it is much easier to control than anticipated, ergos are excellent with no need to change anything (for me) and handling is superb. Mirrors are useful and a decent size. I like the lower mirror position too. These things can change a line as easily as they hold one and remain super stable. Really impressive. You sit in it rather than on it and the fairing, even on low didn't buffet and provided excellent protection. K1600 aside, this I think is the best screen set up BMW offer as standard.
My ride took in mixed roads, from rural single track to dual carriageway, town and rural A and B roads. I felt immediately at home on the RT which hides its bulk really well. I thoroughly enjoyed my ride on the bike and it's a serious contender when I come to trade in my RS, although I have a big soft spot for the RS which is a little more sport oriented and feels a little more exciting to ride.
Oh, the check ride was passed so looks like I'll be spending a fair few hours riding the new RT. It gets my thumbs up and I can't think of a better bike for blood bike duties.
Actually, it wasn't a dealer ride but was part of a check ride for the BB service on one of their new liveried bikes, which has all the bells and whistles.
Likes: Riding position; bike is more compact and better balanced than expected; Instrument TFT huge! Very easy to navigate and to read, so a big thumbs up. Engine is nice and smooth but didn't feel any better than the 1200 motor in my RS, possibly due tot the extra mass of the RT. At no time time did it lack power or want for more though. Bodywork design I think is much improved, especially the front looks of the bike, over the older model. Slow speed stability was excellent as was overall balance and neutral turn in. If anything, it's more flickable than my RS which came as a big surprise. I can easily see the attraction to one of these over a GS or RS. Nice to be able to flat foot it too. Suspension was very good, very well damped and gave a very plush ride.
Dislikes: A little too much plastic everywhere, all of it shouting for 3M protective film covering to prevent the inevitable. Pannier opening a little fiddly (maybe because it was new and a bit stiff). No standard set up for Navi 6 and onboard navigation via TFT I was reliably informed wasn't really that useful imho compared with a good stand alone, hence the one I rode was fitted with a Zumo. I prefer my Navi 6 as it's a much brighter, more easily read screen. Only other dislike was slow speed there was a fair amount of vibration coming from the transmission at just over 3K revs in low gears. My GSA was the same, but the RS is smoother in this respect. It could be a one off, could point towards shaft alignment issues (which will be picked up if that is the case) or "they all do that sir". On the whole though, this is not picking and there's very little to dislike about these bikes. Controls still the relatively cheap affairs used on all the other bike beemers with still no attempt to backlight them which is an opportunity lost for the facelifted model. It's a bugbear of mine and no-matter who says what, night riding, it's a definite safety bonus to have backlit switches. It all works fine although I'm told the wheel control can be a bit temperamental
On the go, it is much easier to control than anticipated, ergos are excellent with no need to change anything (for me) and handling is superb. Mirrors are useful and a decent size. I like the lower mirror position too. These things can change a line as easily as they hold one and remain super stable. Really impressive. You sit in it rather than on it and the fairing, even on low didn't buffet and provided excellent protection. K1600 aside, this I think is the best screen set up BMW offer as standard.
My ride took in mixed roads, from rural single track to dual carriageway, town and rural A and B roads. I felt immediately at home on the RT which hides its bulk really well. I thoroughly enjoyed my ride on the bike and it's a serious contender when I come to trade in my RS, although I have a big soft spot for the RS which is a little more sport oriented and feels a little more exciting to ride.
Oh, the check ride was passed so looks like I'll be spending a fair few hours riding the new RT. It gets my thumbs up and I can't think of a better bike for blood bike duties.
