Hello! New member intro...

[mrburns]

Good day all,

A new rider, been on two wheels and sport touring for a little over 5 years, first bike was a used mandarin/silver 99 R1100SA, had almost 50k when I parted ways with that beauty. Then moved on and picked up a used 05 K1200S (bumblebee). It's a great machine as well, can and will do anything you ask of it. Just might not be the right ride for me and now my wife! So I ask you wise and kind folks out there...as I've had my eye on an RT for quite some time - what are the notable differences (if any) between the 05 & O6 RT's? I'm ready to pull the trigger on a well-equipped 05, but maybe not so fast if the 06 has some significant improvements. Pending some experienced opinions...Thanks for the help! Be safe out there - Mike

[Jerry Duke]

My first thought, going from a K1200S to any 11XX RT is, WOW, are you going to be surprised when you try to pass your first car, or power out of your first curve.

Don't get me wrong, the RT is a great bike for what it is, a big, two cylinder, air cooled touring bike. But coming off the K1200S and getting on the RT, well, just be prepared for some major readjustments to your riding style.

I think your wife will love it though. Perched back there in the lap of luxury, listening to the radio, watching the world pass by.

[tallman]

Jerry,

He was talking R1200.

But, even w/that model, yes, the zoom factor will be less.

Comfort for passenger much better.

If you want zoom and comfort, try the GT.

If you want the RT, go '07 or later.

Best wishes.

[mrburns]

Thanks guys - I must agree, I have given the significant decrease in zoom factor heavy consideration. The way I have the KS set up, don't believe I can squeeze much more HP out of it (full Remus titanium exhaust and Evoluzione air filters) It really zips, I imagine the GT would be the logical step down, but my thought process was to maybe swing back to the oilhead. I've never ridden a GT. While the R1100SA can't be compared to the KS, something had to be said about it's balance, smoothness and just the way it felt. I'm not expecting to twist back and have my next bike rip out quite like my KS. It's an experience. I was hoping too to find something under $13k and maybe keep the KS and or not. (I have it up for sale on the bmwmoa.com). Should I really be looking at 07s or later??? There appear to be some very nice deals out there on the 05s & 06s and yes, my wife would love to be back there taking it all in and not be knocking helmets!

[keithb]

Hello and welcome to the board. No real difference between the 05/06. The 05/06 RT's still have the servo assist brakes (power brakes). The 07/08 do not have servo assist. I came off a 93 K1100RS for 11 years so I totally understand smooth. With the RT you will get more upright seating, more wind protection, more comfort for the passenger, and it is easier to service than the K1200S. I have been on an RT now for almost 4 years (04 for 1 yr.) and I NEVER thought I would be as satisfied as I am. I would recommend renting for a day and see what you think. There are some smokin deals out there on 05/06's. You should be able to get one for abour $11K-$12K. Good luck and welcome.

[Mister Tee]

I don't know that I'd agree that the real world "zoom factor" is noticeably less on an RT compared to a K1200. Maybe in an outright drag race, but throw some curves in the road and it's really the rider. The K1200 I rode (admittedly, just one ride, not much experience) felt heavy and sluggish to me. A couple months ago I did a track day with the RT, and let me tell you, without the side cases, and the ESA set to "Sport", it's a completely different bike, and it's capable of beating novice ridden sportbikes. It has almost the power of a 600 cc supersport, with a weight penalty of about 150 lbs. It's basically like being a fat guy riding a 600, and I've seen some pretty fast fat guys on 600s before.