Test ride R1200RT LE (WC)

[Deleted account 210604001]

Had a test ride today at Pidcocks in Nottingham and absolutely loved the bike

Couldnt think of anything to criticise, felt really nice and planted on the road, lovely and comfy, cruise was ace, screen fabulous, heated seat perfect. The bike seems really refined and smooth and perfect for long distance days. Riding position seemed really neutral, and couldnt imaging getting fatigued sitting like that.

I tend to do more touring trips now, and my 46 year old knees moan a bit on my Ducati 899 on 500 mile days, so the R1200RT is definitely my next bike. Sadly couldnt make the pex work at Pidcocks, so will think about selling the Duc privately.

Actually I can think of a moan, why wont my helmet fit in the hoooge topbox .

Anyone fancy a Ducati .

RBW.

 

[DC]

i put my helmet in the side pannier , push the central locking button and its done

 

[simondippenhall]

Go for it. Got my first RT LC last August and love it - great to ride whether down little single track holy roses (was in Devon last week) or cross countries in motorway (did a 48 hour trip to Holland the previous week).

Great bike! Gear Shift Assist, keyless ignition and Hillstart are all good options to have.

 

[Cortina]

Had a test ride today at Pidcocks in Nottingham and absolutely loved the bike

Couldnt think of anything to criticise, felt really nice and planted on the road, lovely and comfy, cruise was ace, screen fabulous, heated seat perfect. The bike seems really refined and smooth and perfect for long distance days. Riding position seemed really neutral, and couldnt imaging getting fatigued sitting like that.

I tend to do more touring trips now, and my 46 year old knees moan a bit on my Ducati 899 on 500 mile days, so the R1200RT is definitely my next bike. Sadly couldnt make the pex work at Pidcocks, so will think about selling the Duc privately.

Actually I can think of a moan, why wont my helmet fit in the hoooge topbox .

Anyone fancy a Ducati .

RBW.

Helmets will fit in topbox ... BUT , they have to be in just the correct place !!!

 

[Nutty]

If you're 46, you're 40 years too young for an RT.

Don't walk into the light.

 

[Bmmike08]

If you're 46, you're 40 years too young for an RT.

Don't walk into the light.

Quite right - I'm riding my 2014 RT1200SE LC and I'm 75 this year!! Also ride my super R75/5 which I rebuilt a few years ago.

Safe riding,
Mike

 

[Troppo]

Great, great bike. I love mine.

 

[Deleted account 210604001]

Central locking ? How does that work with the panniers, and where is the button ? (It was a right faff working out how to open panniers and topbox - I even managed to pull out the lock barrel in the topbox accidentally.)

With regards to helmet in the topbox, I did try and move it around, and shuffled it to one side with the visor facing the rear, but it just wouldnt fit (I am a 61/62 so I know some helmet manufacturers have 2 different shell sizes). Might be technique, but it seemed to be a way off fitting.

Having reflected on the deal, the main issue is the price they are offering for my 899, and that the difference between trade price they are offering and retail price so I cant blame them for this. I could happily put mine up as the cheapest on ebay and still be £1K+ better off than the deal. The other thing that crossed my mind is that whilst Pidcocks provided a small discount, BMW dont currently have any offers on the R1200RT and Im sure at some point in the year they will (maybe topbox and pannier bags would get added).

The other thing they mentioned which I swiftly discounted was the 'Special Edition' Icon model coming out OMG .

After sleeping on it, its definitately my next bike, just maybe timing isnt perfect. I can afford to change, but think I might just have another few months on the 899.

RBW.

 

[MacJ]

The button for the Central Locking is on the top of the right hand grip. It works while the key is in the ignition otherwise use the button on the fob. It also locks the small 'Glove Box' which is useful for the satnav as the built in holder is not secure (someone wants a slap for that!).
Its always a sickener when you get the P/X value for you bike but try shopping around. I took my bike to the dealer I bought it from and walked out in disgust at the deal I was offered on an RT LC. I went to another dealer and had a much better deal, still not great but with the time of year and demand for the RT I had to swallow the loss for the bike I wanted.
You only pass this way once.
Go for it, I love the RT and so will you.

 

[Deleted account 210604001]

Ah, thanks for that MacJ, the only button I could see on top of the RHS switchgear was the mode button, but I wasnt really looking for it.

Yes, the SatNav is a pain, especially as they found a good solution with the K1600 range (also I have just purchased a 590LM, which I assume isnt compatible be c'est la vie).

I agree with you about trying a different dealer, may try this today, also about living for the moment (I'm good at saying it, just not very good at doing it).

Oh, and to Nutty's comment above, I'm pretty honest about what I want in a bike, and whilst I might like the GSA fuel tank, I'm pretty sure that the R1200RT will be better for the riding I do, even if that involves the occassional unpaved road. The R1200RT has been an itch I wanted to scratch for a while...

RBW.

The button for the Central Locking is on the top of the right hand grip. It works while the key is in the ignition otherwise use the button on the fob. It also locks the small 'Glove Box' which is useful for the satnav as the built in holder is not secure (someone wants a slap for that!).
Its always a sickener when you get the P/X value for you bike but try shopping around. I took my bike to the dealer I bought it from and walked out in disgust at the deal I was offered on an RT LC. I went to another dealer and had a much better deal, still not great but with the time of year and demand for the RT I had to swallow the loss for the bike I wanted.
You only pass this way once.
Go for it, I love the RT and so will you.

 

[MrMcNamara]

Hi
Give the GS LC TE a test - I was amazed how good they are for touring / general use - I was going for an RT (brilliant bike) but found the general all around usability / wind protection absolutely superb. I always swore I would never buy a GS having had 2x RT's Got one & love it!

 

[richardbd]

Had a test ride today at Pidcocks in Nottingham and absolutely loved the bike

Actually I can think of a moan, why wont my helmet fit in the hoooge topbox .

Anyone fancy a Ducati .

RBW.

Crikey - you must have a big helmet...

Isn't that top box supposed to have room for two???

 

[GS TRV]

If you're 46, you're 40 years too young for an RT.

Don't walk into the light.

He's right you know!

 

[Deleted account 210604001]

The topbox looks huge, but its double skinned and not that big inside. It may have been technique, so I will try again when Im next at a dealers with my helmet. I think its supposed to allow two helmets in, but I do have an XL head.

RBW.

Crikey - you must have a big helmet...

Isn't that top box supposed to have room for two???

 

[Deleted account 210604001]

I have tried a couple of GS's, the previous gen and a WC version more recently. Great bikes, and they are why I joined this site, but not what I'm looking for after the Ducati (If I was I would also consider the Multistrada or the new KTM GT).

I'm in no rush, as have a brilliant fun bike at the moment that sounds epic, but I know I will regret it if I dont try a RT. Another option I could consider is spending the equivalent cost to change to a new one instead on a second hand RT and keeping the 899, so that may be an option, but I do really like the WC model.

RBW.

Hi
Give the GS LC TE a test - I was amazed how good they are for touring / general use - I was going for an RT (brilliant bike) but found the general all around usability / wind protection absolutely superb. I always swore I would never buy a GS having had 2x RT's Got one & love it!

 

[Deleted account 210604001]

Went to see this today, lovely nick, and would mean I could keep the 899.

RBW.

 

[Nutty]

Went to see this today, lovely nick, and would mean I could keep the 899.

RBW.

It would, but it's completely different to the WC RT you've test ridden.

 

[Deleted account 210604001]

Different in terms of engine and frame, but with the same intent. A test ride would be in order, but I have ridden a R1200RT MU before, and liked it. Slightly less refined with a little less power (110 as opposed to 125), but a great touring bike.

I had a great blast out to Peterborough on the 899 today, and quite like the idea of keeping it.

RBW.

It would, but it's completely different to the WC RT you've test ridden.

 

[GS TRV]

Or combine the both and get a 1290 SA - tour and hoon in the same package so no need for 2 bikes.

 

[GSTourer]

Went to see this today, lovely nick, and would mean I could keep the 899.

RBW.

Same as mine but done about 10,000 less miles, I love it!