Test ride - brand new 2014 R1200RT

[STeinar]

 
Well, coming from more than 200’km on a Honda ST1100, then 100’Km on a 1200LT and then 45’om a 1600GTL – I have been thinking of getting back to a “smaller” bike again.

Had the possibility to take 3 hour tour on a brand new RT, with all possible factory mounted options.

First – sitting on it – I felt getting back to the ST100 – sitting on a bike not in it.

The seat, dash and handlebars felt normal and well placed.

Handling in low speed was very impressive, butch better than the GTL.

Getting out of town – I immediately felt the vibrations, and sound of the bike.

Much more sound from the exhaust, in fact too much for me. 

And talking about the vibrations – well – I don’t say I could not get used to it, but it was far more than I hoped for.

On the highway – 100-120km/h – it handled very well – easy to ride, mirrors was perfect – and overall weary pleased to ride.

On smaller roads – I was able to find some small really curved roads – and the bike was handling surprisingly well.

I more than ones – finding me having 10-30 km/h more than I thought I had, and the bike was handling weary well.

In fact – don’t know what will touch ground first – cylinders/bags or feet’s – but was positive surprised . 

The power of the engine is more than I need – and overtaking was no issue – and more than inaf to get a nice feeling out of the curves.

BUT – vibrations – and more vibrations.

There was a little room between 2500 and 3500rpm where I could find myself thinking that I could cope with it, but as I was throttling up – I was telling my selves – nop – this is not for me.

Transmission is one of the best I have ever tried, and same with the brakes. Steering very precise – and gave a nice feeling on the curved roads.

The end of story is that I made a decision – boxer engines are not for me – I could not find myself riding this bike with this engine – hour after hour – as I often dos.

Everything else except the motoric and for me irritating vibrations was and is excellent. This is a weary nice bike, and if I could handle the vibrations – I would swap the K1600 into the 1200RT.

After entering my K1600GTL on the way home again – with all its klink/klunk from the transmission – I felt like going from a noisy/vibrating well handling sports car – and into a limousine.

I will stick to my K1600 until BMW is coming with the K1600LT one day  ;D

STeinar

[guest2360]

The bad vibrations might just have been on that bike.  They are obviously not as smooth as a 6 but I haven't come across many owners over concerned with engine vibration.  My chance will come next week to compare them.
I dont think your previous bikes would have prepared you well for a boxer experience as they are all very much an acquired taste. I would say try again. 

[Maz12]

The bad vibrations might just have been on that bike.  They are obviously not as smooth as a 6 but I haven't come across many owners over concerned with engine vibration.  My chance will come next week to compare them.
I dont think your previous bikes would have prepared you well for a boxer experience as they are all very much an acquired taste. I would say try again.

Agree totally,  I came for mainly four cylinder bikes and at first fount the boxer way too vibey,  agricultural even..
Now I can't see me riding anything else,  give it more time,  I'm sure you'll grow to love it

[Pope]

Yes, i agree the Boxer engine is an acquired taste to some...like Marmite.
However, i think my RT is the smoothest boxer i've ever ridden, and so very much smoother than the 1200GS i had as a loaner.


I know the K1600's IL6 engine is buttery smooth, but i actually prefer the power delivery and character of the RT now.

[David.]

Interesting comments about the vibration of the new LC RT, I too test rode one recently.

The bike I was comparing it against was a 2010 Twin Cam model, and after the ride on the LC, I preferred the TC.

In the end, I part-ex'd the 2010 bike with 38K miles on for a 2012 with 3K on the clock.