BMW R1200RT/R1250RT Forum

Just watched it, didn’t you do well?

Did another bike test ride. This time it was a change for me. A 2024 Harley Davidson Street glide. Now am comparing it to the Bmw transcontinental I tested last year. Both are around the same weight and size. I loved the BMW for the low down power But hated the rear shock. Every bump went straight though my back and foot position and hip being too cramped and that's coming from a person with a 29" inseam. After a weekend it nearly crippled me.
Now to the Street glide. It feels bigger than it is And felt strange with the fairing turning with the handlebar. The Transconti is the same. On turning on the bike, it is quit. First thing I noticed was the large " infotainment" screen. So much info on there but surprising easy to use. The weight is higher up than the BM. The road was damp so the dealer told me to start in rain mode then as I get used to it try changing. After the first hour, they gave me a whole morning to test as they were quite. In all the modes it just pulls like a train with sport feeling like I should be on a baked sports, It was fast with second gear hitting 75 mph before the limiter came it and spoiled the fun. The riding position took some getting used to with the forward boards and with the wind shooting up my legs.The handlebars were in a near perfect position for my short arms. People always told me keep away from Harleys as they don't handle. Purhaps that was true years ago but this bike handled just as good as my RT.
Cons:- the dream is crap. It needs to be higher. There is way too much after market goods that I could see emptying my wallet quickly.
Pros:- I loved the bike and could see me continuing my long European trips on this.
Could this be a replacement to the RT in a couple of years.Well out of the 10 odd bikes I've tested in the last 2 years, this bike is at the top so far, so YES.
Am trying hard to get a test ride on an Indian but there is only one dealer in the Southeast and have a very limited bikes to test. They couldn't even give me a date on a Pursut. Also the back up worries me due to the lack of dealer in my part of the UK.

Steve398 wrote: ↑Wed Oct 02, 2024 10:39 am Just watched it, didn’t you do well?

Not seen it,nor do I want to.

After 3 days I finally finished me small greenhouse (top tip,don't bother trying when it's windy )

And picked my 1st ever grown from seed chilli
The chilli plant is now in the greenhouse,hoping I get a few more before the inevitable. Chuffed with meself as this is the 1st real thing I've ever grown from scratch.

Off to join 5600+ other bikers today at the National Memorial Arboretum https://www.rttw.org/ Remembering the crews of 3 Kinloss Nimrods lost XV256, XV239 & XV230

Ventured into town, I don’t make a good passenger , went to Specsavers to have the new lenses put in my prescription sunglasses, an hour service which was great, it woukd of been even better if they hadn’t put the lenses in the wrong way around .

Toke the wife for a Birthday lunch. Then told the grass needs cutting.
Can't believe the weather forecast. It was meant to rain on Saturday and Sunday. Today was meant to be strong winds and heavy rain. But it's nice outside with hardly a cloud in sight. 20c. So what's the betting they get it wrong again tomorrow.

In the middle of a ride round the Scottish Highlands. Bit chilly but the weather has been kind so far.

You're always on holiday MikeS!!

Hope you have a great time.

Went to a militaria fair in Chatham for the first time,have to say I was suprised at the vast quantity of original WW arms(decommissioned) you can legally buy.I was there to dip my toe into military knifes and the like.

German WW1 bayonet

British commando WW2



Some period dressed erm,,,,people, there was a lot of them

Couple of nice early Indians




Definitely go to another to add to my collection

Visited the grandkids,had a cuppa, mowed the grass, had a cuppa, swept out the garage , had a cuppa and went to do the weekly shop. Washed the windows and had a cuppa. Then pigged out on a homemade fish curry and had a cuppa. Now thinking about a shower then bed. I may have another cuppa. Some people have a problem with alcohol with me it's builders Tea.
I seem to do more work than I ever did before retiring.

Today I did nothing!

Just worked the best part of 140 hours in 9 days!

Time for a rest and have a week's holiday too

Washed, hoovered, and polished 3 cars… amazing what boredom can do.

In the meanwhile I’ve been buying things-

A full set of pads and discs for the bike, the discs were brand new genuine Brembo but cheap via an EBay purchase and another bike forum’s wanted/for sale board @£214 the lot. I’m also trying different pads this time, Brembo Long life sintered on the front, and Brembo Carbon ceramic on the rear.
The total cost was under £400, BMW wanted just under £1k to supply and fit.

A couple of HD speakers for my Sena 10R comms, much clearer and louder, which is good when you’re a bit old and deaf.

A replacement Arai Pro-shade visor, which I didn’t like when I first had one and certainly didn’t like the look of it, but it works.

And finally a mini air pump from Aliexpress

Doctor T wrote: ↑Sun Oct 13, 2024 6:25 pm Visited the grandkids,had a cuppa, mowed the grass, had a cuppa, swept out the garage , had a cuppa and went to do the weekly shop. Washed the windows and had a cuppa. Then pigged out on a homemade fish curry and had a cuppa. Now thinking about a shower then bed. I may have another cuppa. Some people have a problem with alcohol with me it's builders Tea.
I seem to do more work than I ever did before retiring.

That sounds like a good day. Perfect. Down to a…

We both got out on Artie today. Just 63 miles is all we were able to do.
When we got to Tintern Abby the heavens opened and even at under 30mph i lost the road ahead of me.
Got onto the A449 heading towards the M4 i kepts my speed up so to keep my visor clear-ish.
Got stopped at the traffic lights at the end of the A449 and boom i could not see a thing.
I tried to open my visor and the rain was that hard it hurt my face.
Both the wife and i were very happy to get home after that ride.
We only went out today as we are busy all the other days this week.
photo taken at chepstow about 15 mins before we hit the hard rain.