B787MECH wrote: GS means Gelande/Strasse i.e Off-road/Street or Dual Sport. As I said I've had one and yes they're nice bikes but will always be a compromise for road use.
Now I'm playing devil's advocate here because I currently own an RT and after the list below, you may ask why! But really it is just to argue the point that the GS is probably as good a touring package as the RT. Each has its pro's and con's but forget the labels on the tins, because they are inadequate at describing the contents!
I know what GS means. You are distracted by labels. Forget the term 'GS'.
You talk of compromises. Compromises only in the same way that the RT (maybe the [size=small]Reisetourer[/size][size=small] )[/size][size=78%] [/size][size=2px]is compromised?[/size]
[size=2px]RT Windscreen - Many folk change as it is unfit for purpose?[/size]
[size=2px]RT Handlebar height - many people change as it is not quite right (but a GS probably would be).[/size]
[size=2px]RT Storage space is lacking - however on the GS it isn't.[/size]
[size=2px]RT Rider to [/size]passenger[size=2px] ergonomics - the GS is roomier.[/size]
[size=2px]RT Seats not best as a tourer - whereas the GS seems to be more acceptable off the peg.[/size]
[size=2px]RT knee bend - the GS is easier on the joints.[/size]