R1200 RT vs TT1200 SE

[Lubedude]

Comparing these two bikes and trying to decide which way to go before I plop down a whole bunch of coin. Any words of wisdom? I know I'll probably get some biased opinions since you guys all ride the German brand. Having trouble making up my mind.happy

[Steve F]

Hi Lubedude,
I haven't ridden the 1200 Trophy, but Bennetts (UK insurer) had this to say about the two bikes last year....
http://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/news-and-views/features/bikes/2014-bmw-r1200rt-meets-triumphs-trophy-1200/

[richardbd]

I tried the Trophy before choosing the RTLC.


The Trophy is a decent first effort and the engine is fantastic, although personally I still think that the triple is at its best in the 675 version.  Everything else comes second to the BM; a few things are close but most are a way off - IMHO

[guest2360]

We had one with us on our Austria tour this year.  He had switch gear problems.  They are more top heavy than the RT.  Mileage is a big deal on resale as well. Things like MPG are no match either.

[Spencert231]

I am a massive Triumph fan and love the triple having owned several they are great reliable bikes. I fancied a change like you and rode ST1300 (still trying to fathom out why it's so expensive) FJR1300 (good price, great ride, but just lacked something? 1400GTR Fast and furious (needed to ride to exclude it from the list. Now then the Trophy it seemed like I was riding a giant Lambretta it gave me that feeling and turning was like turning a barge or even an ice-breaker (not that I have, but I can imagine it). I have a 2014 RT and love it to bits. The downside is I have to plan my routes and avoid green lanes as I don't trust my Z8s can't wait to change them.

[David.]

Coincidentally, I was at the NEC Birmingham for Motorcycle Live 2015 yesterday.

The only two Bikes which I sat on were, the R1200 RT & the Triumph Trophy SE.

I wanted to look at the new 2016 RT Colour which I thought was very nice, but unfortunately as already well documented on here, I just prefer my current 2012 TC.

Checked out the TT SE, cosmetically, I do like it's appearance, very much like the TC RT at the front end & the panels are more wrap around.
I haven't Test Ridden the Bike & am aware that it is heavier than the RT, but Triumph do make some nice Bikes & Folks do like them.

If at any point I do decide to pursue looking at replacing my TC, then the TT would be one to look at.

[Crater]

I looked at the Triumph and the BMW very closely. Test drove both for extended periods. The Triumph is a great bike but in every respect I thought the RT was the better machine. Some of the differences were small but I didn't think the British bike did anything better. The BMW felt lighter and you could throw it around a bit more. It's a smaller bike in big clothing. The Triumph is just big. Period.

[David.]

Checked out the TT SE, cosmetically, I do like it's appearance, very much like the TC RT at the front end & the panels are more wrap around.

[David.]

I wanted to look at the new 2016 RT Colour which I thought was very nice.

[Our Gee]

Nice uncluttered pictures David. They do give good view of what the bikes actually look like. My own judgement in order of preference is as follows. 1st and best by a country mile, Twincam RT. 2nd Triumph Trophy althought the fairing lower section and section where it joins the upper looks a bit "after market" to me. Last I'm afraid is the WC RT. The fairing looks unfinished like someone forgot about the lower section, but knowing BMW they'll probably fill the gap in after a year or two.

[David.]

The fairings are obviously designed around aerodynamics & engine cooling.

With the RT LC & TT SE both being watercooled, the panels are more open for air flow across the radiators.

The RT TC is as we all know aircooled, therefore the panels are more wrap around & also cover/protect the tubular frame etc.,
giving smoother lines & good allround weather protection for both rider & pillion.

IMO, it also makes cleaning easier too.

[guest2360]

Nice pics BUT. The TT is a design clone of an out of production 11 year old design. Triumph over the years have spent lots of money buying BMW bits, I can recall panniers and shaft drives and complete bikes.

[David.]

Triumph over the years have spent lots of money buying BMW bits, I can recall panniers and shaft drives and complete bikes.

You are absolutely right, I know someone who works at the Triumph Factory, that's exactly what they have done.

[Spencert231]

You are absolutely right, I know someone who works at the Triumph Factory, that's exactly what they have done.

The above is not all about pinching design they are also examining the quality of their competitors parts it's not uncommon in the automotive industry. I have been the Safetyman on many a car plant project and seeing Aston Martin, Jaguar, BMW cars being analysed by the production crews of what we would consider a competitor would not be unusual.

[guest2360]

There's analysing and then there's cloning.