Test ride R1200RT LE (WC)

[simondippenhall]

Or save yourself even more money by buying Steve Brazier's 1200RT advertised for sale on this site - 10,000 more miles but a few thousand £ less

 

[Deleted account 210604001]

That looks like a good buy for someone, but no cruise (If I'm buying a tourer, its going to have to have cruise). Also, I like the one I linked too because as well as being the typical '1 owner' bike, it has a 12 month BMW warranty (which doesnt in itself justify a £3K+ difference, but newer, later engine etc..).

Or save yourself even more money by buying Steve Brazier's 1200RT advertised for sale on this site - 10,000 more miles but a few thousand £ less

 

[Decompressing]

central locking....FFS....it's a motorcycle. Do the seatbelts come out to meet you as you sit on it too?!

 

[Deleted account 210604001]

I did wonder about that, but as I managed to pull the lock barrel out of the topbox trying to undo it, maybe its not a bad idea !

So, I've spent a large part of this weekend on the 899, as the wife wasnt feeling well so Ive had a free weekend pass. Head says enjoy the 899 this year, then line things up to change it next year to the RT, as I cant really squeeze 3 bikes into the garage (Also got a little Honda SH125i for occasional commuting). I consider myself really lucky to be able to buy the bike(s) that I want, but changing after 2 years feels a bit too frequent.

On top of it I was getting annoyed at not being able to install my new Garmin 590lm onto the Ducati because of the multitude of leads and lack of space in the bodywork, but I've sorted that this afternoon and even managed to get the USB charging lead to exit under the pillion seat so I can use it.

So, nothing to see here , although I will get an RT next year as this is definitely my next bike. I loved everything about the RT, so I will be back.

RBW.

central locking....FFS....it's a motorcycle. Do the seatbelts come out to meet you as you sit on it too?!

 

[Deleted account 260111001]

central locking....FFS....it's a motorcycle. Do the seatbelts come out to meet you as you sit on it too?!

Aye, it's not the same since they added that advance and retard to the magneto, and them extra gears are no use to man nor beast, keep old school and don't bother with them new fangled gadgets.

Us RT riders are a more genteel bunch than proper tossers, we know you only let us in to take the piss out of and use as a crumpet rack

 

[Decompressing]

Aye, it's not the same since they added that advance and retard to the magneto, and them extra gears are no use to man nor beast, keep old school and don't bother with them new fangled gadgets.

Us RT riders are a more genteel bunch than proper tossers, we know you only let us in to take the piss out of and use as a crumpet rack

:scotsman

 

[geordielad]

Aye, it's not the same since they added that advance and retard to the magneto, and them extra gears are no use to man nor beast, keep old school and don't bother with them new fangled gadgets.

Us RT riders are a more genteel bunch than proper tossers, we know you only let us in to take the piss out of and use as a crumpet rack

Aye Wobble - and don't forget those new-fangled indicator thingies that we have to contend with.

I don't suppose they will catch on either!

 

[Deleted account 260111001]

He's right you know!

Don't listen to them Luke.... Feel the power within, and buy the RT, only then will the be strong in you.

 

[richardbd]

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

RBW.

IMHO the air-cooled RT is a poor comparison to the LC. Like you, I'd had the RT itch for a while but every time I tried one, I came away respecting but not loving the bike. The LC changed that completely. Most people that are anti-RT have never ridden one. I love mine and reckon that in the real world, I'm quicker on this than I was on my Multistrada. There's just something about the way it performs that puts a grin on my face every time I ride it...

 

[Troppo]

Got new rubber on mine the other day. What a great bike they are. Handles so so well for a big girl.

 

[Boxed-in]

Don't forget it not only has central locking, it has the equivalent of a handbrake as well.

Initially I was sceptical as well, why.....

Then you find the central locking works off the alarm key fob, so as you walk away, you lock and alarm.

 

[Wonkey donkey]

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.

Pidcocks well what do you expect from them with the last 5 letters
Tried them too but didn't rate them so tried, Wollaston, in Northampton. Night and day, great service, and great deal. Thing is you have to shop around send an email or give several dealers a bite at the cherry NOT just one. I will be looking in next few months and although Wollaston is my favourite I will try nearest 5 dealers and pick the most competitive. Dealt with Alex in sales last time give them a try you never know. Just my 2p worth

 

[Deleted account 210604001]

Thanks Wonkey, I was thinking of doing a tour of dealers to get some comparisons, probably starting with Rainbow's, but Wollaston is another one I will check out.

Got a new helmet hopefully being delivered today (Schuberth C3 Pro) to try and cut down on some of the noise I'm experiencing on the 899 (mild tinnitus, but I think most of it is caused by wind noise rather than engine noise and I know the Schuberth is one of the quieter helmets out there). If that doesnt fix the issue, I will use it as another reason to jump ship to the RT.

At least I now know both the PEX value, and retail value of my 899 (I also checked where I purchased the bike to get a value to sell it to them, and its exactly the price that BMW Pidcocks offered). Retail value being £1K more.

RBW.

Pidcocks well what do you expect from them with the last 5 letters
Tried them too but didn't rate them so tried, Wollaston, in Northampton. Night and day, great service, and great deal. Thing is you have to shop around send an email or give several dealers a bite at the cherry NOT just one. I will be looking in next few months and although Wollaston is my favourite I will try nearest 5 dealers and pick the most competitive. Dealt with Alex in sales last time give them a try you never know. Just my 2p worth

 

[Yonkyo]

IMHO the air-cooled RT is a poor comparison to the LC. Like you, I'd had the RT itch for a while but every time I tried one, I came away respecting but not loving the bike. The LC changed that completely. Most people that are anti-RT have never ridden one. I love mine and reckon that in the real world, I'm quicker on this than I was on my Multistrada. There's just something about the way it performs that puts a grin on my face every time I ride it...

Thats exactly how i was with regard to old RTs. They were decent enough tourers, but lacking performance and didn't excite me. However, when i tested the RTLC, I was blown away by the extra performance.

 

[Boxed-in]

Thats exactly how i was with regard to old RTs. They were decent enough tourers, but lacking performance and didn't excite me. However, when i tested the RTLC, I was blown away by the extra performance.

I sold my RT with a view that I was returning to UK, as it turned out, I'm staying one more year, bought a second hand 2011 GSA, and it's a good bike make no mistake, but somehow performance wise, it's just dull compared to the RT.