Newbie to this forum from Kings Island, OH

[PaulHealey]

I am new to this post. I currently have a '09 FJR, but am doing my research now in anticipation of a Beemer in Spring 2011. Considering the purchase of either a K1300GT or R1200RT. Any and all advice will be considered and appreciated. Prior to my FJR, I had a '06 Kawasaki Nomad and "08 HD Ultra Classic.

Thanks in advance for your guidance. Paul Healey

[Dave_C]

welcome aboard. Well, everyone has their opinions. Between the GT & the RT, it comes down to what you want most. Both are plenty fast and plenty comfortable. The RT has better wind protection and is tuned a bit more toward comfort. The GT is quite a bit faster, but comfortable enough for long trips. I also like the "old school" boxer, and will probably keep buying a BMW with that motor as long as they make it.

[Quinn]

So what was wrong with the FJR? And what kind of riding do you want to do?

 

Oh, and welcome to the board.

 

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[PaulHealey]

Dave C,

Thanks. I am not familiar with the Boxer engine, yet. I recently started my Internet research. Any idea how the RT compares in performance to the FJR? I have read the hp and dyno specs on the bikes, but that does not comapre to real-life riding.

[PaulHealey]

Quinn, thanks for the welcome. There is nothing inherently wrong with the FJR. I think I'm looking for more creature comforts for the long haul. I am using a throttle meister for a mechanical throttle lock, no heated seats or grips, and a Scala Q2 for comm purposes. I guess I'm looking for some more factory available bells and whistles. I like the smoothness and performance of the FJR, but it feels more sport than tour. I'm looking for something that will be a better balance of sport and comfort/conveniences.

[VinnyR11]

Can't speak for the GT other than knowing it's faster, but the RT is a terrific tourer and handles great. Plenty enough power as well for two up touring. Great weather protection, and I was surprised that I really like the heated seat. IMO it makes a big difference in cold weather because I almost never wear thermals if I'm going to a destination vs. just a ride out and back (too hot when I get where I'm going and don't want to bother changing).

 

Heated grips, ABS, and movable fairing are now must haves for me.

 

Good luck in your search.

[Alan D]

Paul. my son has an FJR, I have a r1200rt. We do a lot of long distance riding together.

If you like the power of the fjr you will be disapointed with the RT. My son has added heated grips, bigger windshield, highway pegs and throttle locks. He is comfortable on the machine. The only advantage I see on my RT is easier valve adjust, I have heated seat and cruise control. The bigger gas tank on the rt give me a little more range.

Again, if you like the raw power you should probably look at a K1300GT.

The local BMW club will let you join with your fjr. Google GCBMW club for where we ride. first Sunday of the month.

good luck

[JustJean]

Welcome to the board!

[Quinn]

Quinn, thanks for the welcome. There is nothing inherently wrong with the FJR. I think I'm looking for more creature comforts for the long haul. I am using a throttle meister for a mechanical throttle lock, no heated seats or grips, and a Scala Q2 for comm purposes. I guess I'm looking for some more factory available bells and whistles. I like the smoothness and performance of the FJR, but it feels more sport than tour. I'm looking for something that will be a better balance of sport and comfort/conveniences.

 

When I started looking at bikes, I did the pluses and minuses to see what I wanted. The FJR had a lot going for it--cheaper, more power, smoother, dealer availability, etc. But the deal breaker was the poorer gas mileage and the ergonomics. My knees just don't like to stay that bent for a long period of time. Same for the Concours and the Honda ST1300. So, it came down to the RT for me. The handling abilities of the RT are more than I will ever exceed; kinda like me dating Pamela Anderson. The RT is comfortable, dependable, and as much fun as I could ever want to have. I guess I think of it as a Cadillac with a racing suspension; a sedate luxury ride but with the fun stuff when you want it.

 

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[Paul In Australia]

"Pamela Anderson is dependable". Dependable for what??

Where do i sign ?

regards

Paul

[boatzo]

Welcome aboard Paul. You will probably get as many opinions as there are posters. Dave C says everything I would say. I have test ridden a K1300GT and was smitten however, for the long haul I'll stick with the RT. I love the boxer engine.

[Casey]

Paul, welcome to the forum. There's a knowledge base on here that's second to none. The GS is a really tall bike. 35" seat height or something like that. The RT has a couple of options available for people who are vertically challenged, like me. Don't know if it'll matter to you, but it did to me.

 

Also, if you're looking for a dealer, there's one in Ky. The BMW dealership is moving in with HD of Louisville. Open 7 days a week.

 

Best of luck on your motorcycle selection. Try on everything and test ride them all.

 

Casey

 

[Haynes]

I see that Paul in Australia has beaten me with a welcome from Downunder. Well, I guess I can say welcome from further Downunder in the south east.

 

Good luck with your choice if you decide to change to BMW. Either bike is great.

My friend has just bought a near new K1200GT and his comments support what others have said. His main comments are that he does not find the GT as comfortable as the RT. His wife as passenger says the same for her seat. He is not happy with the wind buffeting from the screen on the GT but how relevant that is to you comes down to your height etc. He claims that the GT has ridiculous amounts of power and cannot see why anyone would want a more powerful 1300.

[beemerman2k]

Welcome to the board! All of today's sport tourers are good; I can't think of one that isn't. So establish your priorities and go from there