BMW R1200RT/R1250RT Forum

Our Gee wrote: ↑Fri Nov 15, 2024 5:57 pm Each to his own, but I would be interested to learn just what makes the GS "a far superior bike".

Take a test ride on one

I am new here. My longest RT (not a 12xx) was new to me in April 2017 (I was 4th owner) and kept it until August 2024. The one I am getting soon (R1200RT/17) I plan on keeping until 2030 at least. Ask me then

I've owned my 2006 Rt from new so that's 18 years with 35000 miles on the clock. I do all the maintenance with oils changed regardless of mileage including a brake fluid change to both wheel and control circuits every 2 years. What do I think of it ? absolutely amazing, as all Rts are thats why we ride them.Now I'm going to touch wood before I say this what has gone wrong, well nothing worth mentioning, 2 batteries and 2 headlamp bulbs that's it ! they just don't make them like the used to. Would I change it I guess not, but somtimes think a twin cam would've been nice ,the comments on the twin cams are always good.

I've owned a R80RT, a 2007 1200 RT with all the bells and whistles but that got stolen after a year with less than 2000 miles on the clock. My bike now is another 2007 1200 RT SE that I bought as a trade for £750. Since then I've covered over 35000( now with over 62000 on the clock) miles on her, mostly touring Europe. Only let me down once.The battery went dead overnight in my garage. I had already ordered one as the seller said it was the original and didn't hold charge. After a full service since then it has never missed a beat. You may ask why a bike of this age. I don't like all the fancy electronics the newer models have. Ok my bike may not be the prettiest but it's given me many enjoyable miles and if it falls over its not a bike thing am going to lose sleep over.

simbo wrote: ↑Fri Nov 15, 2024 9:44 pm Take a test ride on one

That doesn't really answer my question now does it. Test Ride not necessary as I have owned a GS so I was particularly interested in how you have formed your own personal opinion.
Thanks.

Leave it to him to make his reply.

I traded my 1250GS for my RT just over a fortnight ago. Initial impressions, I'd say the GS (not GSA, which i haven't owned) has some advantages:
- lower gearing makes it feel quicker off the mark
- lighter, but not much
- possibly due to wheel size, or handlebar width, but the GS felt quicker steering, more nimble
- more exposed engine gives a sportier sound when having fun
- legs have more room, + easier to stretch on long runs
- more reliable phone connection to TFT, no flashing map symbols etc.

Obviously, RT has other advantages, or I wouldn't have swapped .

3 yrs I think for a 19 1250RT LE. Before that I had a Honda ST1300 for 16 yrs which was a record for me. I do very little mileage though, mainly short Saturday morning runs with the wife as pillion.
Not sure what we’re doing going forward, plan was to change for a 24 plate 1250 but plans change.

It is my first year of ownership, 9,000km on mine and 1,000km on rented one on a holiday.
After communist two-stroke 350 and Honda 250 thumper, it is the best bike I ever rode (without surprise).

The bike is "third" hand, but previous owners treated it amazingly. I've just clocked 30,000km, so it might stay for as long as I can physically and financially manage. I'd happily pay for a reverse gear, having to park on gravel!

I've owned my '13 RT since Feb 2014, bought it new. It's got 91,000mi on it now and does just about everything perfect for me. I may move up to an RTW after I reach 100K next year but I'm a little reluctant when everything on the camhead is so good and reliable. I've been riding since 1965 and have owned many bikes and this RT is probably my favorite with my '81 Honda CBX being a close second.
Here's a photo of my RT with 78,000mi taken last year:

What a fine looking Rt. "In your own word's that you posted"
Does just about everything perfect, is so good and reliable, this Rt is probably my favourite bike. Flipping heck I hope you talk yourself out of replacing it with a Rtw. You could end up with a bad case of seller's remorse, you definitely don't want that

Our Gee wrote: ↑Sat Nov 16, 2024 4:27 pm That doesn't really answer my question now does it. Test Ride not necessary as I have owned a GS so I was particularly interested in how you have formed your own personal opinion.
Thanks.

By owning 3 GS's whilst owning a 2011 RT and riding the later model RT's for comparison. It's not really rocket science is it? I prefer the GS.

I've had my 1200 RTW for just over a year. It actually replaced a 1250GSA, which was fantastic, but a bit top heavy for a 50 something with a back problem. I also missed the barn door fairing as before that I had a 1200TC which I commuted and toured on, had that for about 4 years. I'm interested in what the 1300 will be like, but it will be expensive to swap.

simbo wrote: ↑Mon Nov 18, 2024 9:44 pm By owning 3 GS's whilst owning a 2011 RT and riding the later model RT's for comparison. It's not really rocket science is it? I prefer the GS.

I prefer my Skoda Yeti over my previous Ford Focus because. 1. Having bad knees the higher Yeti seat allows easier access. 2. The Yeti rear seats are removeable from the car giving a vastly greater luggage area over the Focus. 3. The Yeti 2 litre diesel pulls like a train, returns 50mpg and corners like on rails, all points better then my Focus, and so on and so forth.
Now do you get the idea.

Our Gee wrote: ↑Tue Nov 19, 2024 4:13 pm I prefer my Skoda Yeti over my previous Ford Focus because. 1. Having bad knees the higher Yeti seat allows easier access. 2. The Yeti rear seats are removeable from the car giving a vastly greater luggage area over the Focus. 3. The Yeti 2 litre diesel pulls like a train, returns 50mpg and corners like on rails, all points better then my Focus, and so on and so forth.
Now do you get the idea.

Lovely. I'm glad you're happy with the Yeti.

Do I get the idea?. Yes, I got the Idea you wanted me to explain my comment on the GS being imo a superior bike after your first post.

Maybe I'll do a write up one day as to why "I" think it's the
Better bike.

simbo wrote: ↑Tue Nov 19, 2024 5:30 pm Lovely. I'm glad you're happy with the Yeti.

Do I get the idea?. Yes, I got the Idea you wanted me to explain my comment on the GS being imo a superior bike after your first post.

Maybe I'll do a write up one day as to why "I" think it's the
Better bike.

Brilliant, we'll look forward to that.
Thanks and Regards