GT looking at switching to RT, comments

[GTDAVE]

yes the Gt is a great bike, but I do alot of touring and 1/2 day trips, feel like the RT may suite me better, Ive not rode the RT yet, 5k miles on my GT 07. any comments from those that have rode both.

[krf]

Hello GTDAVE,

 

I am in Gainesville...interested in checking out the GT....we should compare notes. I'll PM you my landline.

 

Keith

2006 R1200RT

[99Roadster]

I have toured with the RT and test rode the GT several times, once 2-up.

 

The GT is a great bike, easy to manage and of course fast but the ergonomics are quite a bit different. I really wanted the GT but could not get used to the seat and the reach especially for long stretches. Also, the windshield position was never quite right and noisy. We also found it to be very loud engine and wind wise.

 

If you're considering the RT give it a test ride. It won't have the initial get up and go of the GT but not under-powered either. The torque is very strong on the RT. The weather protection is slightly better as well with the grips being shielded.

 

Welcome to asylum.

[AceVentura]

I recently purchased an RT. I did not get the GT because of the extra horsepower and the fact that I have not been riding for about 5 years. My fear with the GT was that the power would get me into trouble (in more ways than one), I may want a bike with more power than the RT in the future. So far the RT is perfect for me. It is comfortable, handles well, stable, and has basically become a bike that does what I want when I want to do it as if we have become one. I have about 400 miles on it and have not riden with a passenger yet.

[dt20]

i checked both bikes out as well. in the end i ended up with the RT as well. I like the speed of the GT but it would just get me in trouble plus my RT is plenty quick for me anyways. I had issues with the seat on the GT i was sliding into the tank more and more just made it uncomfortable for me. I also notice that at slow speeds going through busy city streets the throttle was a little jumpy just made me a little concerned. dont get me wrong i think the GT is a great bike but i just found the RT more to my liking.

in short you wont really know which is better for you until you give both of them a chance. My opinion may very vastly from what you feel after you have ridin both of them.

best of luck on you decision its a tough one but either way your gonna end up with a great bike.

[PODMAN]

i checked both bikes out as well. in the end i ended up with the RT as well. I like the speed of the GT but it would just get me in trouble plus my RT is plenty quick for me anyways. I had issues with the seat on the GT i was sliding into the tank more and more just made it uncomfortable for me. I also notice that at slow speeds going through busy city streets the throttle was a little jumpy just made me a little concerned. dont get me wrong i think the GT is a great bike but i just found the RT more to my liking.

in short you wont really know which is better for you until you give both of them a chance. My opinion may very vastly from what you feel after you have ridin both of them.

best of luck on you decision its a tough one but either way your gonna end up with a great bike.

 

Have to agree. I have had many (three K12RS's, LT, GS etc)and the RT fit's me the best. The difference between the new/old RT is pretty huge and I just think the style of the new one is cool. I'm at the point where I don't need the fastest (RT is fast enough) and it handles very well. It's lighter than alot of other bikes I have had, carries just as much or more, is easier to work on etc.

 

Mike

Dublin, Ohio

[onedae]

I've had both. 06 RT - sold for an 07 GT - sold and went back to an RT. For me the RT is an all around more suitable bike. Better ergos, more comfortable on long days, a bit better handling due to the shorter wheelbase, and most of all - the bugs are all sorted out and it works like its supposed to. While the new GT is a great bike and the motor is simply awesome, it has a few significant negatives. The slab sided body makes it very succeptible to turbulence. Put a bigger windshield on it, as many do to get rid of buffeting, and the wind effect is even worse. There are still engine management software issues with this bike, although BMW will deny it. Erratic high idle, on/off throttle jerkiness, and occasional engine stumbling still haunt the GT. The transmission is the clunkiest gearbox I have ever had and no amount of finess will make that go away. Finally, the seat - not just the cushion, but the whole design of the pan is terrible. It simply is not suited for long distance riding. You need to ride them both to evaluate but, in my opinion, unless you are a real speed freak or a boxer hater, the RT is the better bike.

[roadshadowww]

I'm similar to Onedae, I had a 05 R12RT sold it to go to a 06 K12GT.......1700 miles later and sold it to go back to a R1200 model......... I selected a R12GSAdv..... I've owned way too many RT's, GS's and just have never warmed up to the K models.

Just Me!

[BamaRider]

In my experience of miles ridden, and hanging around sport touring bikes, the 1200 RT, in terms of function, is the finest sport touring bike available.

 

Comfortable, ample power, and all the amenties a touring bike is suppose to have, the only issue I'm gonna hold the jury out on is its long term reliablity. Mine only has 25k miles, with no issues, but that hardly qualifies it as reliable.

[RichEdwards]

I went the other way--an '03 RT to an '07 GT. Couldn't be happier. Smoother and more powerful engine, great handling, and the weight is the same as my old RT.