Test ride on RT1200.

[shedracer]

Test rode the new RT12 yesterday, lovely bike, enjoyed it very much. It is a truely brilliant tourer, BUT it will not be replacing my GS12, its just not for me, yet. The GS is just a brilliant allrounder and although there are some area`s that could do with improving, namely the screen and front shock, I am more than pleased to stay with my GS12.

I will be looking at getting a bigger screen very soon, not decided yet (want to see some in the skin first) and am thinking of having the front shock fettled/revalved/differrent weight spring, by a suspension a expert (any recomendations in the Oxfordshire/Berkshire/Hampshire area). The rear suspension seems fine but the front seems to be way too harsh, set on the lowest preload setting. Done almost 9000 miles and its still too hard/harsh for my 13.5 stone.

Dealer did get my name down as his first customer for the GS12ADV, when that arrives. My bike will probably be approuching its second birthday by that time.

 

[Clive]

I will be looking at getting a bigger screen very soon, not decided yet (want to see some in the skin first)

I have a Secdem fitted - pop over and take a look
http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=37610

 

[TheJoker]

Shedracer,

Glad you decided to stay with the GS! I bet it was the fact that the dealer didn't throw in the electric slipper warmers and the pipe holder that made you stick with the GS...

Keep us posted on what you're going to do with the front shock - I find mine a bit harsh on small hard bumps too.

 

[shedracer]

I have a Secdem fitted - pop over and take a look

Will pm you Clive when I can arrange a meet.

Glad you decided to stay with the GS! I bet it was the fact that the dealer didn't throw in the electric slipper warmers and the pipe holder that made you stick with the GS...

Actually Jocke, it was the pipe holder, my big clay pipe didn`t fit.
Busy at work at the moment, so will be ringing around for quotes on the shock at the end of the month. Will keep you posted.

 

[MIKE R]

I took out Rainbow's RT1200 this morning for its first ride! I had to wait whilst they put the number plate on.

Very impressed. Powerful, handles, comfortable, great screen etc etc. The dash display even warned me of the possibility of ice. Heated grips a must but not too sure about the heated seat!

Would I buy one? Don't know in the long term. If I hadn't recently bought the 12GS I would have given it serious thought although I think the GS would still win.

One thing I don't understand is why BMW market a bike in 3 different colours with colour matched panniers, yet the large top box is only available in silver and the small one in black plastic, neither of which match any of the colour schemes. Must be German logic there somewhere.

Mike R

 

[charlie c.]

Test ride on RT1200

Shedracer,

Just got back from having my ADV. serviced by Challenge One in Agen, France. Nice cup of coffee and was then asked if I wanted to play on their rt demo for an hour or so. Why not?
Very good bike. Comfy, warm (heated seat and good wind protection, it was 3 degrees C and blowing a gale with horizontal snow showers) and quite quick. Handling and brakes; both very responsive with plenty of feedback and 'feel'.

Still, wouldn't swap it for the ADV. There's something about them that just inspires more confidence and I guess that equates to happy riding.

BTW, 18000 mile service was 105 quid including VAT with the bike properly cleaned (it was filthy) and really friendly staff. Makes a change from the last bxw dealer I tried in England.

Charlie C.

 

[Howard Millichap]

Test rode the new RT12 yesterday,

The GS is just a brilliant allrounder and although there are some area`s that could do with improving, namely the screen and front shock,

How dare you find faults with the glorious GS12! I think you should be stoned to death for heresy!

 

[Alphason]

Looks like Howard is bored again . Goodnight Howard.

 

[themadprofessor]

I test rode a 1200RT today. Took the Balderston demonstrator out for two hours on a cold afternoon.

Likes

1) The outside temperature gauge that warned me several times that it was close to freezing with the little frost indicator

2) The heated seat - I had thought it was a gimic. Then I tried it on setting one. Nearly cooked my piles!!! I did not try setting two - dealer said it was not advisable (I can believe him)

3) Seat was comfy and I felt I could have ridden for hundreds of miles on it.

Niggles

1) The gear lever is too high. On my R1100RT I have it in the lower setting. On the 1200RT it was so high for me that I was having to lift my foot off the peg everytime I wanted to change down. This resulted in a good few goofed down changes just before corners!

2) The outer edge of my legs seemed to receive a lot more wind blast than on my 1100RT - My lower legs and feet were actually getting quite cold by the time I got back to the shop.

3) In order to deflect the wind blast from my face I had to have the screen up very high and when in town I did not get any wind on the lid and the visor started to mist up.

4) I found it did not seem to want to turn in on right hand bends. I seemed to have to wrestle it around a few of them.

5) The suspension seemed very choppy after my RT. I know this is a new bike and my 1100RT suspension is probably very tired. However I went out on a 1200 GS immediately after riding the RT and thought the GS suspension was more compliant.

The new RT simply did not "Ring my bell".

So much so that I immediately took a 1200 GS out for a quick 25 minute pootle.

There was more wind blast on my legs, more wind blast on my shoulders. It turned in quicker. It was more nimble.

I came back with a smile.

I am sleeping on the decision

Chris

 

[Big Andy]

I took out Rainbow's RT1200 this morning for its first ride! I had to wait whilst they put the number plate on.

Very impressed. Powerful, handles, comfortable, great screen etc etc.

Mike R

Hi Mike,

how did it compare to your FJR?

Andy

 

[Yellow Peril]

I had a Rt from Ocean for 10 days whilst my GS12 was being fixed, must admit did enjoy it.

Some of the bits thought where a gimmick to start with. My mind was quickly changed.

Cruise control have to say it it is a great addition long rides effortless my dealer said on my next GS they could retro fit so am thinking about it.

The electric screen has some advantages.

Two drawbacks for me:-

The pure bulk of the machine, it is a big bugger..

The saddle peg distance appeared too small and I am vertically challegned and it felt cramped to me.

But all in all nice bike, but roll on the GS12 adv.

 

[MIKE R]

Just seen your post Andy after a month!

I prefered the RT to the FJR, but I prefer the 12GS to the RT and at the moment I still prefer my 1150GS (standard) to the 12!

Isn't life strange!

Mike R