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
Test ride - brand new 2014 R1200RT
Test ride - brand new 2014 R1200RT
Last edited by STeinar on Sat Aug 16, 2014 6:50 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Test ride - brand new 2014 R1200RT
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.
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.
Last edited by guest2360 on Sat Aug 16, 2014 7:55 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Test ride - brand new 2014 R1200RT
Agree totally, I came for mainly four cylinder bikes and at first fount the boxer way too vibey, agricultural even..RTman10 wrote: 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.
Now I can't see me riding anything else, give it more time, I'm sure you'll grow to love it
Re: Test ride - brand new 2014 R1200RT
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.
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.
Garage: 2016 BMW R1200RTLE Iconic #26, 2016 Ducati Diavel Titanium, 2015 Ninja H2 missile, 2013 BMW 640d Ragtop, 2014 VeeDub T5 180 Sportline
- David.
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Re: Test ride - brand new 2014 R1200RT
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.
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.