I'm Thinking of trading in my F800GT for a R1200RT

[guest2360]

Richard is obviously starting to feel his age. 

[TJRL]

I disagree with that. BM data shows that the RT is 274kg (604 lbs) fully fuelled, the F800GT 213kg (470 lbs). Thus the RT is 61kg (134 lbs) heavier than the F800GT which is about 29% more. I'd call that a great deal heavier.
I'm not knocking the RT, it's a great bike, I'm on my third and find that the current LC model is the best of them and I enjoy it immensely for all the sorts of reasons mentioned, but you need to consider whether it matters to you that it is substantially heavier than the F800. Any big tourer is going to weigh a lot more than an F800 but the RT is one of the lightest in the big tourer category.

I have to say the weight difference is indeed noticeable. Back in 2014 after I had I sold my 2008 RT there was a planned gap of about 9 months before my 2015RT was due in. In a moment of curiosity I took a F800GT for a test ride and was so impressed with how light and flickable it was that (in a moment of weakness!) I ended up buying the now ex-demo bike from the dealership.
Yes my 2015 RT is fun and easy to use on my daily commute complete with lots of lane splitting etc. but the F800GT is lighter and more nimble the weight stats tell the story. But the OP's two issues are real and no aftermarket windscreen will be as good the one on an RT (let alone an aftermarket RT screen) I know I have tried. Vibration is a personal thing and it seems that some RTs may be better than others, my RT does have a vibration but my GT is worse, so far neither have been bad enough to made me look at bigger bar end weights. YMMV.

[juniorswailing]

As far as being a novice rider is concerned, I bought my RT about 9 months after having passed my m/c test and moved to it from a Triumph Tiger Sport.

The Tiger was/is a great bike but the RT is a step or two up. I've had no issues with it with my lack of riding experience and if anything I would argue that the RT is making me a better rider.

[Casbar]

No bike makes you a better rider, experience and training does 

[Masq85]

Also don't forget that, regarding weight, it depends on where the centre of gravity is.  My last bike (V-Strom 1000) weighed 236kg but most of this was a lot higher than my new RT.  So despite being 38kg heavier I find the RT just as easy (if not easier) to push around the driveway.

[richardbd]

Richard is obviously starting to feel his age.

too true!


:alas:

[MacJ]

I traded in my second R1200 GS for an F800 GT in 2014. My rational was that as I was getting a bit older the GS was too heavy to manhandle around the garage etc and the 800 was just as quick and capable.
Well it was certainly lighter and a dream to manoeuvre at low speed. It was also pretty quick and could hold on to my mates 1200's in most circumstances. True it was a bit buzzy and not as comfortable as the GS but still a great bike.
Two months ago I took it in for service and the crafty gits gave me a new RT to play with for the morning. What a revelation! I realised that the bike had a real presence on the road, handled superbly and had power in fists full.
I'm now back on a 1200 - an R1200 RT LC. I'll manage the extra weight until someone designs  a lighter bike that's as good as the RT.

[daverj]

I had a F800ST loved it except for the engine sounded rough and felt fragile.  Now have a R1200RT LC absolutely love everything about it Only thing I miss from the F800ST is the light weight when pushing it in and out of the garage etc. Just make sure you are happy with the size and weight at a standstill. Then do it you will not regret it

[Tango]

My rational was that as I was getting a bit older the GS was too heavy to manhandle around the garage etc

Solved the turn around in garage problem with a turntable from Easyturn. Superb piece of kit and then test rode a used 1200RT after nearly committing to a new 800 GT. Glad I did, chalk and cheese.


Marty

[MacJ]

I usually do a shuffling multi-point turn on the drive and then push it backwards into the garage. A neighbour had his GS on a four wheeled dolly and when he passed away I helped his widow to sell the bike but I couldn't get to grips with the thing! I was always terrified of it falling off. The F800 was a doddle but I'll put up with it for the RT. I've already taken it to Normandy plus I'm off to the IOM in 2 weeks then Garmische in June. Can't get enough of it! ;D

[Tango]

I leave my easyturn on the garage floor, drive in over it ,put bike on main stand, spin it round and leave it on the easyturn till ready to go out again, 45 seconds tops. Best £80 I ever spent.

[Jimmygsrthusky]

I made the upgrade from the 2009 800ST to the 2015 RT1200 and it was the best decision ever.  Stability on the RT1200 is superior in the wind.  The comfort for long rides is amazing compared to the 800.  Make the move to the bigger machine.