Talk me out of a 1200 RT

Nin · Jul 25, 2019

Fellas

I’m being irresistible drawn to an RT, and can’t work out why.

It’s been GS all down the line for me, apart from a short dalliance with a K1600GT (super comfy but v short service intervals and a bit scared of it going bang). Now onto KTM adventure which is lovely but I just cannot get a quiet screen.

So flirting with the RT now. I mostly do a v long commute of mixed Motorway and A roads, and 10 days a year blasting around Asturias & Galicia.

6’3” means I need a big bike.

Why shouldn’t it be an RT?

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casbar · Jul 25, 2019

Try one, taller riders sometimes find them a bit cramped.

mw3230 · Jul 25, 2019

I've had a RT, a K1300 and a K1600. Now on my second GSA but I have fond memories of the RT and wouldn't rule out another in the future. Excellent bikes and for a long commute as you've described I think it has to be a very serious contender, especially as the weather protection is undoubtedly better than on a GS or GSA. Another thing, the RT is easier to keep clean.

I wouldn't dream of talking you out of it

Nin · Jul 25, 2019

casbar said:
Try one, taller riders sometimes find them a bit cramped.

Back to back 1250 and 1200 happening tomorrow ...

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Deleted account 200417001 · Jul 25, 2019

They’re shit, might as well buy a car

Malcvtr · Jul 25, 2019

Nin said:
Back to back 1250 and 1200 happening tomorrow ...

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Well, I love my 1250. The pull from the engine is more than enough for any road situation I have found myself in, the handling is agile and stable, the front end feels planted, the brakes are excellent (see below), the seat is comfortable (after a little bedding in) and the fuel consumption is mid-to-high fifties (but, to be fair, I hardly ever check it). Weather protection is as brilliant as RT weather protection has always been.

For the first few hundred miles, I believed the brakes were a bit on-off - i.e. plenty of power, but not very progressive. After a period of time, I realised what it was I had been feeling: my predecessor bike was a Harley Street Glide with excellent Brembo brakes - and fork dive when applied. So, the difference in feel was due to the no-dive telelever and the Harley's conventional forks.

As a final comment, I had cause to battle-test the brakes just the other evening: on one of the fairly narrow country lanes round here, I was entering a downhill left hander, moderately leant over. Suddenly, at a furious rate of knots, a huge 4x4 with trailer appeared in the middle of the road coming in the opposite direction. I freely admit to panic-grabbing the brake. ABS kicked in, the RT tracked without fuss onto the tighter line and death was avoided.

simondippenhall · Jul 25, 2019

RT

Great bikes...go buy it.

Done 21,000 flawless miles on mine and it’s equally good in twisty back lanes

Posh Pete · Jul 25, 2019

Rode from So'ton to Embra in a oner last week. Couple.of stops for coffee etc. Petrol consumption 57.9 at steady 70mph on motorway. Still fresh enough to enjoy a few overtakes and corners on the A7 North of Galashie!s. Bit tired at the end but many a bike would have left me crippled.

casbar · Jul 25, 2019

Nin said:
Back to back 1250 and 1200 happening tomorrow ...

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Enjoy, I had a 2014 and did 18k on it in two years. Made the mistake of testing a 1250 and now have a 1250 which I have covered 2k. Great long distance bike and still fun on the shorter sprints. I don't go off road at all (intentionally) probably like a lot of GS owners as well

Mr Bean · Jul 25, 2019

They feel much heavier than the GS for little benefit - and the seat to peg distance is less than the GS.

JJH · Jul 25, 2019

I find mine a little cramped. Thinking of a F850GSA. Dealer wants my bike for a song. JJH

Malcvtr · Jul 25, 2019

Mr Bean said:
They feel much heavier than the GS for little benefit - and the seat to peg distance is less than the GS.

It's funny how we experience things so differently. I've owned a GS, ridden other GS's and GSA's and I never felt that either of my RT's felt heavier. It just goes to show we all have to try these things for ourselves - tyres are another classic example

Malcvtr · Jul 25, 2019

JJH said:
I find mine a little cramped. Thinking of a F850GSA. Dealer wants my bike for a song. JJH

It's eyewateringly bad the offers you get sometimes.

Waiting until the end of a sales target quarter seems to yield benefits, depending on the dealer.

casbar · Jul 25, 2019

Mr Bean said:
They feel much heavier than the GS for little benefit - and the seat to peg distance is less than the GS.

Little benefit

Mr Bean · Jul 25, 2019

casbar said:
Little benefit

For me there was little benefit - the luggage capacity was no more than my LC with Trekker 58l top box. I always ride with full protective gear so the extra plastic of the RT makes no difference to me being cold - the GS is pretty good. I replaced the screen of my LC for a taller one, which sorted out the noise.

I covered 50k miles on my RT and was generally happy.

What are the big benefits of an RT over the GS?

twizzle · Jul 25, 2019

You will find it cramped and uncomfortable - you’ve met me / I can’t even fit on one....

Nin said:
Back to back 1250 and 1200 happening tomorrow ...

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twizzle · Jul 25, 2019

scotboxer said:
Rode from So'ton to Embra in a oner last week. Couple.of stops for coffee etc. Petrol consumption 57.9 at steady 70mph on motorway. Still fresh enough to enjoy a few overtakes and corners on the A7 North of Galashie!s. Bit tired at the end but many a bike would have left me crippled.

If I’d have known you were down here - I’d have bought you a pint...

Nin · Jul 25, 2019

twizzle said:
You will find it cramped and uncomfortable - you’ve met me / I can’t even fit on one....

Hi Twizzle, hope all is well? You have nailed it I suspect. But let’s see tomoz.

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twizzle · Jul 25, 2019

All well thanks!!

Hope you get on ok!! But.... well we shall see - I did test ride a 1600 GT a few years back and that was super comfy...

Nin said:
Hi Twizzle, hope all is well? You have nailed it I suspect. But let’s see tomoz.

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Nin · Jul 25, 2019

Yeah the 1600 was lovely but 6k service intervals and £900 for a valve clearance check, and cleaning out the radiator every service kinda put me off.

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Talk me out of a 1200 RT

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