BMW R1200RT/R1250RT Forum

Hi - newbie question so apologies in advance? Your advice on model choice would be appreciated.


I am looking for a new bike and have narrowed my choice to an RT.


The question is - which model to go for?


I have had the opportunity to ride a 2006 RT for about 150 miles through towns, motorways and country roads.


Overall I rather liked it, but found, as I have read about other peoples experiences, the seat was a tad hard and did not have the day long comfort that I was hoping for. I have also read about owners who have changed or modified their seats with good results so this is not a deal breaker. I felt that the pegs could have been a bit lower but I suspect that is a matter of adjusting to the bike as I am coming from a Harley Heritage Softail where the riding position is very different (and very comfortable!).


I thought that the engine and gear box was as I expected and the handling and performance was a very good for the type of bike.


Having now done some more research I am being drawn to the later models but have yet to test ride one.


Like many budget is always an issue but I am fortunate that I can afford to buy a later LC model if I raid the piggy bank and if I can convince myself that it is worth almost twice the price. This leads me to my question -


Can anyone who has owned both give me an honest comparison of how ownership of both models stack up against each other. Was the 'upgrade' to the LC really worth all that extra £££'s.


I will ride no more than about 5,000 miles per year but I want them to be done in comfort as they will be with a pillion.


Is the pillion arrangement significantly better  in the newer model?


Indeed, is the later bike significantly better in some or possibly all areas?


I do appreciate that I need to test ride the LC version but in the past a quick blast down the road and back from the dealer does not scratch the surface of the real world ownership experience. It's often not until you have put some decent miles in that you start to identify the plusses and minuses of the bike.


Hopefully a few of you will have had this dilemma already and I can benefit from your observations.


Many thanks

Ride the LC and you will forget all about all other earlier models.  More power , better suspension, better handling and better weather protection.  My pillion found the seat as comfortable if slightly less spacious round the peg area.

I've ridden a 06 with servo brakes, if the 07 still had them I would avoid it. 14 up LC a much more sorted bike, think refined,

RTman10 wrote: Ride the LC and you will forget all about all other earlier models.  More power , better suspension, better handling and better weather protection.  My pillion found the seat as comfortable if slightly less spacious round the peg area.

+1


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I was with my local dealer recently for a service on my 11 Rt and looked for a test ride on the new lc. He didn't have one available on the day B but his advice was not to ride it unless I was in a position to buy as I would definitely want one! The 11 is a big improvement on the older model but the Lc is in a league of its own.  The engine alone is so much smoother and responsive.

You get no interest on money in the bank anyway so get a bike ! If you are a bit budget conscious then go for nearly new as you don't get lumbered with paying for all the options. I have a '16 plate LC and can recommend it, great all round bike handles superbly, not too heavy, and performs really well, enjoys a good thrashing. All the electronics are very well integrated and add a lot of convenience to the bike. 

I would also look at the "twin cam" models, 2010-2013. they offer great value. and no radiators/hoses to leak, or coolant to change etc

ds99 wrote: I would also look at the "twin cam" models, 2010-2013. they offer great value. and no radiators/hoses to leak, or coolant to change etc

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I've had 2007, 2010 and 2013 air cooled RTs and now have a 2016 (2017MY) LE.
My opinion so far is that each one has been better than the last, but if I was on a tight budget I could be happy with one of the late hexheads - ideally a 2013 model.

Thanks very much for your replies.


This is how I assume things would be as you would like to think that there would be a steady flow of improvements as they get newer. I know that is not always the case so it's nice to have it confirmed!

gogs01 wrote: .
I've had 2007, 2010 and 2013 air cooled RTs and now have a 2016 (2017MY) LE.
My opinion so far is that each one has been better than the last, but if I was on a tight budget I could be happy with one of the late hexheads - ideally a 2013 model.

Just got to get out and test ride one now!


Thanks