BMW R1200RT/R1250RT Forum

Hi folks. I recently sold my beloved Honda ST1300 that I had for 17 years and bought a 2015 RT. So far, I love it, but I admit that the ST will be a hard act to follow. Cruise, heated grips and seat, and less engine heat are immediate positives. I hope to glean many good suggestions from this forum. Cheers from Canada!

Welcome to BMW and this site

Hi and welcome to the forum

Welcome aboard,

You’re following a well-worn route as several of us have moved onto the RT’s from the ST’s for similar reasons - primarily weight and heat, but for me the ST was kinda getting old, with none of the features one would expect from a modern day touring motorcycle.

Hope you enjoy your new bike, it’s a whole lot different from the turbine-like Honda V4 but has good acceleration, great brakes and is a good deal more nimble than the Pan, especially at low speeds.

Have fun and take care

Steve398 wrote: ↑Sat Aug 27, 2022 7:45 am
You’re following a well-worn route as several of us have moved onto the RT’s from the ST’s for similar reasons - primarily weight and heat, but for me the ST was kinda getting old, with none of the features one would expect from a modern day touring motorcycle.

Sounds like I have been spoilt!

I had an FJR before the BM and was thinking of the ST as an upgrade to the FJR! it sounds like I have made the right choice

I was looking for a replacement for the Honda ST1300 due to the bikes weight combined with ongoing shoulder problems, for about 3 years before I moved over to the RTLC 18 months ago.

In the process I tried -
BMW 2005/2011 RT’s, GSA, Suzuki Bandit 1250, V-Strom, Kawasaki GTR/ZZR1400, Versys, Honda Crosstourer, CB1300, Varadero, Africa Twin, Crossrunner, Aprilia Caponord 2007/2014, Moto Guzzi something… GTX?
I did try an older Yamaha FJR belonging to a mate but didn’t find it comfortable so tried to get a test ride on a new one… no chance, Yamaha UK didn’t have a demo FJR, anywhere, and the local dealer wouldn’t let me test ride an almost new one ‘cos he’d just washed it!

A major factor in our search was a decent pillion seat for my long-suffering wife, it is surprising just how many ‘Touring’ bikes have a little more than a token pillion seat that I certainly would not want to perch on for more than about 20 mins. The ST and the RTLC both have decent sized seats, allowing my wife to shuffle around to her butts content on long journeys. Happy wife = happy life!

Welcome to the forum , i,m sure you will enjoy many happy miles on your RT and you will get excellent advice form everyone on this forum .

Thanks folks. So far the Beemer is great. If Honda had kept the ST up to date I believe they would still have a great bike, but they certainly let things slide in the tech department and they just don't make a touring bike that I like. I've had a couple of Wings and they are a great bike but since I ride solo I wanted something with sportier handling. The RT LC fit the bill!