BMW R1200RT/R1250RT Forum

Hi, I have a 2018 GS Adventure low suspension. I’m short 5’5. I have had the bike 3 months - like it. The dealer is trying to get me into an RT. I only ever ride solo.


I live about 45 min ride away from some twisty roads- I do not use the bike for commuting. I ride about 3000 miles a year.


Is it worth swapping to an RT?

One has to ask why the dealer sold you the GS & now wants to sell you a RT,  guess what they only want your money. not  You say you like the bike you have got then stick with it until you fancy a change.

the old GS vs RT debate is one that crops up a lot on the forums


the only real answer is to ride both, and decide what fits you


the general opinion seems to be the RT is better for road touring, better wind/weather protection, better luggage, possibly lower. and the GS is the best "all-round" bike, better for any off-road/non tarmac roads


but, some people disagree. you need to ride both really


see these


[size=2px]https://advrider.com/f/threads/trying-t ... a.1192108/[/size]
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[size=2px]https://advrider.com/f/threads/rt-vs-gsa.1003491/[/size]
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[size=2px]https://advrider.com/f/threads/r1200-gs ... rt.605181/[/size]
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[size=2px]https://forums.bmwmoa.org/showthread.ph ... T-to-a-GSA[/size]
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[size=2px]http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread ... -versus-RT[/size]
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[size=2px]http://mail.ukgser.com/forums/showthrea ... for-The-RT[/size]

Khilan wrote: Hi, I have a 2018 GS Adventure low suspension. I’m short 5’5. I have had the bike 3 months - like it. The dealer is trying to get me into an RT. I only ever ride solo.


I live about 45 min ride away from some twisty roads- I do not use the bike for commuting. I ride about 3000 miles a year.


Is it worth swapping to an RT?

I have had 3 RT's and never owned a GS (the styling doesn't do it for me). With your usage, plus you like the bike and ride low miles, I would say that it it would be a waste of money to switch to the RT. The GS is a superb touring bike.
Plus the dealers are trying to get rid of RT's in the dealer pipeline.

It does seem a bit strange that you bought an enormous trail bike that required lowering in preference to the RT which, with the low seat option, would probably have suited you much better. Unless of course you do go off-road, but even then a GS Adv is so big you'd find it impossible to pick up on your own if you did drop it. Does sound like the dealer has had you over to be honest.
I was at my dealer the other day and witnessed a new owner taking delivery of his brand new GS Adv. Within seconds the weight got the better of him and it fell over causing quite a lot of damage. This was before he'd even ridden it! If I were you I'd take a RT out for a test ride (with the low seat option) and see what you think. I've had both and definitely prefer the RT.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

There do seem to be an awful lot of people that buy a GSA (or other large 'off-roady' bike) with all the boxes and accessories, to buy into the "lifestyle" of an "adventurer".


(I am not saying this is what the original poster is)

Might be heresy on this forum, but for what the OP is using his bike for another option might be the R1200R or for a bit sportier an RS. The GSA is a great bike, but I switched to an RT due to a combination of height and weight and my dodgy leg joints. Love the RT though.

After three RTs, which I loved, I had a change with a 2016 GSA. It is a super bike. Does everything well or very well. I am tall and find the GSA accommodates my legs better and therefore is more comfortable for me. I do miss the RT screen and fairing on the autobahn, particularly in bad weather. La petite pillion finds the GSA as comfortable as the RT and likes the additional height.
The GSA is a consumate touring machine. Equally at home on Alpine hair-pins as French D roads. Obviously loses out to the RT slightly on the motorways.
2 fantastic bikes. Take your choice!