Which bike for tour?

[mikef]

I am going on a 1 week tour of Slovenia and Croatia next week with some mates. We've booked with a tour company and I have the choice of riding a 2008 R1200GS or an almost new 2010 R1200RT. We did this tour last year and we know that road surfaces and weather can be variable, in fact so variable that I managed to come off a 1200RT last year on a wet slippery bend at relatively slow speed and so did the guy behind me, also on a RT. Luckily we were undamaged but my bike was a near write off. All the other guys on GS's rode through the bend without mishap. There was a lot of discussion afterwards about the tyres fitted to the RT's which in truth were fairly well worn.
I've owned both RT's and GS's in the UK and I currently ride a 2010 GS so I know that both bikes handle well, although the GS is slightly better IMHO. I am tempted to ride the RT again this year because it offers more weather protection but at the back of my mind is that spill I had last year.
What does the forum think? Assuming, both bikes have good tyres, has the GS got more wet weather grip on poor road surfaces than the RT or am I worrying unnecessarily

 

[Giles]

I think you are worrying about it (unnecessarily!), but as you clearly are, then the bike to take is the one that will give you the most confidence. If yer gonna stuff it going round a corner, the likelihood is that you'll do it through a lack of confidence, rather than the tyres failing. (usual thing, target fixation, stiff arms, grabbing the brake in panic...). So my advice would be, take the bike on which you feel most confident. (And then you'll relax and enjoy it more ....).

 

[rodsharp]

As you ride both RT and GS and have been before maybe you are in a better position than anyone else to decide which bike will be the best for your trip.
However ,if you just cant decide ,maybe toss a coin and pretend it comes down on whichever side you want.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

I am going on a 1 week tour of Slovenia and Croatia next week with some mates. We've booked with a tour company and I have the choice of riding a 2008 R1200GS or an almost new 2010 R1200RT. We did this tour last year and we know that road surfaces and weather can be variable, in fact so variable that I managed to come off a 1200RT last year on a wet slippery bend at relatively slow speed and so did the guy behind me, also on a RT. Luckily we were undamaged but my bike was a near write off. All the other guys on GS's rode through the bend without mishap. There was a lot of discussion afterwards about the tyres fitted to the RT's which in truth were fairly well worn.
I've owned both RT's and GS's in the UK and I currently ride a 2010 GS so I know that both bikes handle well, although the GS is slightly better IMHO. I am tempted to ride the RT again this year because it offers more weather protection but at the back of my mind is that spill I had last year.
What does the forum think? Assuming, both bikes have good tyres, has the GS got more wet weather grip on poor road surfaces than the RT or am I worrying unnecessarily

I'd ride a RT anywhere (including some offroad tracks in the Vosges, this year) and ride it in the company of GS's too

However the only time it struggles is on really tight roads, with constant bends and on crap road surfaces......................then you realise the extra weight/poorer lock of the RT and you wish you were on a GS

So much so......................I've sold the RT and now run 2 1150GSA's instead of a GSA and RT..............side by side

In most solo situations, I prefer the GSA

If I did more 2-up, I'd have another RT

 

[mr badger]

See Giles. Touring on dubious roads you need confidence, no matter what your experience.

Sounds like the G to me.