BMW R1300RT test ride and review

[Doctor T]

[Steve398]

That much money and you’ve got to fiddle around with the funny side panel wind—directional things? The front has a visage that only a Mother would love, to the rest of us it’s merely painfully unattractive.

Overall it’s an evolution to what? Presumably another EU dictated cleaner engine standard, the engine is meant to be wonderful but I just don’t get the styling. The 1300 GS’s and GSA’s look like something designed by an 8 year old using a Meccano set, the RT is marginally better but not much.

Apart from the fact I could never afford it, I don’t think I’d want one anyway. The only 1300 model that I feel is reasonably attractive is the RS.

IMG_7004.jpeg (223.27 KiB) Viewed 6935 times

[Doctor T]

Totally agree with you, Steve. Starts to make a Chinese bike a better choice.

[Ed Harley]

I think that the looks of the new generation R-bikes will eventually grow on one just as the earlier ones have done. Just need to give them some time. That RS looks great.

I remember when the R1100RT was presented and it looked really weird. It still does but I'm used to it. R1200RT looked strange too at first but quite soon it started to look good.

Pricewise all these new bikes are either out of reach or desires.

[Steve398]

Warts also grow on you… and I don’t like or want one of those either!

[Doctor T]

I think that the looks of the new generation R-bikes will eventually grow on one just as the earlier ones have done. Just need to give them some time. That RS looks great.
I remember when the R1100RT was presented and it looked really weird. It still does but I'm used to it. R1200RT looked strange too at first but quite soon it started to look good.
Pricewise all these new bikes are either out of reach or desires.

The R1100RT was a jelly mould bike just like the first Mondeos.

[MikeS]

Local dealer is going to ring me when they've got a demo bike in, next couple of weeks he thinks. I'll have a test ride but the price would restrict me to a basic white bike with only the comfort pack (from the configurator).
Don't like the idea of the rear brake also operating the front, I think I had that on a R1150RT and didn't get on with it.

[Steve398]

Being an old fart (over 75) means I can’t get a test ride.

The Honda linked brake system had front/back linked, but as it was explained to me was that the rear brake could be operated on its own to a certain degree, controlled by a pressure sensitive valve(?) so a bit of back brake rubbing in a corner or slow riding manoeuvre wouldn’t bring in the front. I had 5 ST1100’s when I worked for Honda and found no problems with the linked brake system at all.

Dunno if the BM one is similar.

[simbo]

I think the extending panniers might be a good addition, hopefully they'll work like the vario panniers with the single operation lever from small to large without be the new knob turn method of the new GS panniers. I don't think I'd part with any money for one if I had 21+ model though.

[Doctor T]

My 07 had linked brakes before the ABS packed in. Thought since then all RT's had it.

So, if you're 70-plus, how can you test ride a bike before deciding to buy it? Are you meant to take a gamble?

[Steve398]

So, if you're 70-plus, how can you test ride a bike before deciding to buy it? Are you meant to take a gamble?

…and therein lies the rub! That would make £28k a hell of a gamble wouldn’t it?

Bahnstormers declined to let me ride K1600 last year because I was 74, also asking me what ‘big’ bikes I’ve ridden in the past, which is a bit surreal as I’d ridden in on the RT.

[TheWeeDonkey]

So..

Is ageism no longer a thing?

[Stu]

You will find that it will be to do with insurance and not the dealers

Some won't allow 25 and under and under 1 year licence holders! Some don't allow pillions either

[TheWeeDonkey]

You will find that it will be to do with insurance and not the dealers

Some won't allow 25 and under and under 1 year licence holders! Some don't allow pillions either

Ah, yes. That makes sense.

[BoB21]

Bahnstormer showing one off on Saturday, will try to have a gander in the flesh.