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Getting a round in
Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2017 8:18 am
by DonVulpes
Morning All.
I'm coming off a Tiger Explorer and I'm still undecided on which bike to go for. Pretty sure it's going to be either the R1200RT or a K1600GT. I've tested both ( for about 30 minutes each ) and even though the GT was my favourite, I keep hearing how fantastic the RT is and I should give it another go.
With that in mind, I thought I should join the forum, say hello and get a round in. Then I can hopefully get some gems of info from you guys ( and girls ).
So whatcha drinking ?
Re: Getting a round in
Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2017 10:30 am
by ds99
I've never ridden the GT, as I own an RT, but I think the general consensus online seems to be is the RT is more versatile, lighter, and easier to move around that the GT.
The GT has a higher top speed, is more powerful, but it a lot heavier (330kg!)
see these links
https://www.reddit.com/r/Motorrad/comme ... r_r1200rt/
http://www.k1600forum.com/forum/bmw-k16 ... grets.html
http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/2 ... ck.987059/
http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/k1600gt-gtl ... 00gtl.html
Re: Getting a round in
Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2017 10:31 am
by ds99
you could also look at the Suzuki Vstrom 1000?
Re: Getting a round in
Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2017 10:36 am
by beemerboy9
Both the RT and GT are fantastic bikes. I am a little bloke and prefer the light weight of the RT (on my 3rd one now). If I was a big bloke, did more two-up riding or spent a lot more time north of 80 mph I might prefer the K16.
If you want the K16, then get it. It's a great option for those who firmly believe that, "If enough is good, then more must be better". Don't for one minute think that that the RT is the lesser option - it's just different.
I was in my local Ducati dealership recently (it's where I get my Italian-made Honda serviced) and there was a 600 Monster-owing punter who had just test-ridden a Multistrada 950 and pronounced himself totally happy. But the salesman was a good mind-reader. He told the punter that the 950 was a girl's or a learner's bike and told him that he needed the 1200 just in case - which was just what the punter wanted to hear.
Re: Getting a round in
Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2017 1:09 pm
by michaelc2710
DonVulpes wrote:
Morning All.
I'm coming off a Tiger Explorer and I'm still undecided on which bike to go for. Pretty sure it's going to be either the R1200RT or a K1600GT. I've tested both ( for about 30 minutes each ) and even though the GT was my favourite, I keep hearing how fantastic the RT is and I should give it another go.
With that in mind, I thought I should join the forum, say hello and get a round in. Then I can hopefully get some gems of info from you guys ( and girls ).
So whatcha drinking ?
Hi DonVulpes
I have a Tiger but since I got my first RT this year (17LC ) I haven't been back on the Tiger since. I've covered more miles on the RT since picking it up than I have on the Tiger in 18months. I love it
The RT is perfect for me as the K16 is just to big and bulky.
Re: Getting a round in
Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2017 1:16 pm
by DonVulpes
beemerboy9 wrote:
Both the RT and GT are fantastic bikes. I am a little bloke and prefer the light weight of the RT (on my 3rd one now). If I was a big bloke, did more two-up riding or spent a lot more time north of 80 mph I might prefer the K16.
If you want the K16, then get it. It's a great option for those who firmly believe that, "If enough is good, then more must be better". Don't for one minute think that that the RT is the lesser option - it's just different.
I was in my local Ducati dealership recently (it's where I get my Italian-made Honda serviced) and there was a 600 Monster-owing punter who had just test-ridden a Multistrada 950 and pronounced himself totally happy. But the salesman was a good mind-reader. He told the punter that the 950 was a girl's or a learner's bike and told him that he needed the 1200 just in case - which was just what the punter wanted to hear.
Funnily enough the 950 was on the shortlist, and then I found out what service costs are like and changed my mind, very quickly.
Re: Getting a round in
Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2017 1:16 pm
by DonVulpes
Those are great. I'll enjoy going through those. Thanks
Re: Getting a round in
Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2017 1:17 pm
by DonVulpes
michaelc2710 wrote:
Hi DonVulpes
I have a Tiger but since I got my first RT this year (17LC ) I haven't been back on the Tiger since. I've covered more miles on the RT since picking it up than I have on the Tiger in 18months. I love it
The RT is perfect for me as the K16 is just to big and bulky.
Thankfully I don't find thw eight an issue as the Explorer is hugely top heavy so I found the GT easily manageable. What it would be like with SWMBO and stuffed luggage is a different matter :wonder:
Re: Getting a round in
Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2017 1:19 pm
by DonVulpes
ds99 wrote:
you could also look at the Suzuki Vstrom 1000?
I have given it thorough consideration, but I would like shaft drive again. I do some big tours and chain maintenance isn't something I want to be thinking off.
Re: Getting a round in
Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2017 1:26 pm
by ds99
Personally I think if you wanted a comfortable versatile bike for touring, the RT really can't be beat. It's a little heavy when parking (like all big bikes are), and the BMW servicing/maintenance cost can be pricey (although good independent garages are around), but once you have got that electric screen up, the heated seat/grips on, and the cruise control on..you will not want to go back to another bike.
Re: Getting a round in
Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2017 1:45 pm
by pkpilot
ds99 wrote:
Personally I think if you wanted a comfortable versatile bike for touring, the RT really can't be beat. It's a little heavy when parking (like all big bikes are), and the BMW servicing/maintenance cost can be pricey (although good independent garages are around), but once you have got that electric screen up, the heated seat/grips on, and the cruise control on..you will not want to go back to another bike.
Service costs can be misleading. BMW dealers are expensive, no doubt, but they are not necessarily significantly more than others. If you are willing to do the minor maintenance (e.g. oil and filters), then the costs come done significantly. Also look at the scheduled intervals for the different bike manufacturers. Longer intervals on the BMW reduce the overall costs and make the total operating costs much more similar.
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Re: Getting a round in
Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2017 2:55 pm
by DonVulpes
ds99 wrote:
Personally I think if you wanted a comfortable versatile bike for touring, the RT really can't be beat. It's a little heavy when parking (like all big bikes are),and the BMW servicing/maintenance cost can be pricey (although good independent garages are around),but once you have got that electric screen up, the heated seat/grips on, and the cruise control on..you will not want to go back to another bike.
The biggest thing for me is that I tested with no panniers or topbox and no SWMBO.
Having all that on top could well be the tipping point. When I tested the S1000XR I was sorely tempted ( that was wonderfully light and agile ), but SWMBO wasn't taken with it and if I'm doing a second US trip on the bike, it has to be comfy for her too.
Reading the links that you posted and speaking to a few mates makes me think I need to do a longer ride on the RT and K16, because buffeting wasn't an issue on either bike for me, but the pillion seat might be a whole different place to be.
Re: Getting a round in
Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2017 3:38 pm
by Sprintgull
I came from a K1300GT to the RT last year and also considered the K1600GT. The old K13 was a very quick bike, but to be honest the RT does not seem that much slower at sensible speeds and is a lot more relaxing to ride. The weight is carried much lower and this (imho) makes the bike feel a lot more nimble and it is easier to paddle about. I just thought the K16 was too much.... In a good way, yes, but for me the RT is the better bike.
Re: Getting a round in
Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2017 3:49 pm
by T6pilot
I came off a GT for a RT
Plus for GT fast, great handling, good weather protection, would accelerate in any gear without complaint
Negative- heavy not a easy bike to walk around
Plus for RT- great handling, good weather protection, lots of power one up, easy service and 200 pounds lighter than GT
Negative-engine has a bit of vibration at 3000+ rpm',more RPM sensitive than 1600
Overall RT gets the Vote over the GT in my opinion, could be why the RT
Outsells the GT ten to one in US
Re: Getting a round in
Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2017 5:51 pm
by Royal
I did the same as T6pilot and changed from a GTse to an RTle and would agree with all his points, once moving there's not a lot difference silky smooth inline 6 against a 'characterful' vibie boxer twin. RT light and agile, GT very heavy, service costs from BMW dealer are very similar but you do wear a rear tyre out sooner on the heavier GT.
Both great bikes the GT loses more in residual costs against a similar mileage RT and if it was my money I'd buy the RT again. Hope this helps
Royal
