R1200RT vs. R1200GS--what should I do?

[bobbybob]

I currently own two 2007 R1200RT's. My wife's and mine. I am considering selling one of them and buying a used R1200GS (or swapping with someone). But I have 3 questions re. the GS first. And yes, I know I could take a test ride on one, but I need some opinions based on long term experience.

 

Note that I am referring to the plain GS, not the GSA.

 

First, just how much more "flickable" and sporty-handling in the twisties is the GS than the RT? Is it close to the handling of the R1200R?

 

Second, what about protection from the elements? On a scale of 1 to 10, if the RT is a "10", where does the GS fall? And why?

 

And third, dirt riding. Mine consists of fire roads and NF roads, mostly maintained fairly well, but some can get kinda gravelly and hilly. I ride a KLR on them now, which is already a pig (relatively speaking), so the GS is closer to an obese pig. Could I enjoy the GS as much as the KLR on those roads, or am I gonna feel much less in control because of the weight and height, and end up selling it as many have done (because it didn't really fullfill that mission?)

 

If it isn't as proficient in the dirt under my riding conditions, I probably would not make the switch.

 

And anything else I need to know re. the GS vs. RT is also appreciated.

[vfrman]

I had a 2005 R1200GS before I bought my RT.

 

I can only speak of my experience on the road, since I never took the GS on the dirt.

 

I rode the GS from northern California to Las Vegas... a 7 hour ride through the desert, and it wasn't much fun.

I got wind-blasted a lot, and the helmet buffeting was really annoying.

I rode the GS every day for 2 years (I didn't have a car) commuting and weekend rides. In general riding without strong winds, there was still quite a bit of helmet buffeting.

The seat also wasn't good for anything longer than 3-4 hours.

 

In terms of flickability, the GS is lighter and has wider bars, so it flicks into a corner faster and feels more nimble. However, I think the RT can easily out-handle a GS when pushed.

It has sport-bike tires, vs. trail tires for the GS, which I think is a large contributor to that.

Overall, I think the RT is much more composed when riding fast.

 

Beyond the handling, there's really no comparing those 2 bikes. They are so different.

 

The only thing I miss about the GS is pulling second gear power wheelies. That's it.

[RichEdwards]

Sold my '03 RT and bought an '05 GS which I just traded for an '09 GSA. Yes, the RT has better wind protection. I rode to Alaska with two guys on RT's and in heavy winds they had a better time. But that was where the comparison ended. I did better on the questionable Alaska roads, my GS Tourance tires lasted the whole trip (their RT tires did not).

On the twisty GA/NC mountain roads and other curvy routes, I find the GS much more flickable. Even my bigger GSA handles better than an RT. Everyone I know who has made the same switch (RT to GS) remarks on its superior handling on twisty roads. It's lighter and has narrower tires in addition to the aforementioned wide handlebars. My friend Mark was hit by a truck on his RT and the bike was totaled. The 'silver-lining' in this 'cloud' for Mark was the GS he found to replace his RT. He will never go back to an RT.

The things I missed in my RT (wind protection, etc.) I have in my K1200GT plus the added extra of smooth, REAL power.

As far as seats go, BMW never made a seat I like. Rick Mayer and Sargent fill that gap nicely.

For you, nothing beats a test ride. Try a GS. I bet you'll like it.

[Paul In Australia]

Buy both

regards

paul

[krussell]

Here are my thoughts on RT vs GSA. Not what you asked for, but I think they might be interesting regardless.

 

I put about 25k on a 2008 RT. I loved it. I found it cramped for me, even with peg lowers, bar risers, a Russell seat etc. I sold it last summer, and tried a V-Strom and another Harley EG. After the RT, I think I'll never be happy with the handling of an HD again. The V-Strom was OK, but very little protection and needed a lot of stuff to get it not quite right. I made the mistake of taking a GS for a ride at my local dealer around Thanksgiving last year. Then I rode a GSA, then I rode a GS, then I rode a GSA. :-) I really missed the boxer. I bought a GSA. It's got 7k on it. The HD and V-Strom have happy new owners. I'm really enjoying the GSA.

 

The GSA is more flickable, which I suspect makes it easier to ride, which I suspect makes me more confident on it. The GSA is geared lower, and weighs less, which makes it more enjoyable in low speed tight maneuvers like parking lots, u-turns, etc. I think this is all even better with the GS.

 

The RT has phenomenal protection. The stock GSA has little by comparison, and what protection it does have seems to just create turbulent air. I put a Z-Technik shield on mine, that helped, but still wasn't great. I put an Aeroflow on it. Bingo! Very RT like. My feet up to mid calve get messy when it's wet. It doesn't bother me. I added a BestRest spray stopper to the rear, without it my back, hips, rear of helmet etc, got road goo all over them. With the spray stopper and the aeroflow I'm very happy with wind management on the GSA. There's more air moving around in the cockpit with this setup than on the RT, but I think that's a good thing. The RT could be considered to sterile by some, and it got really hot with the limited about of air moving around. When it's 90-100 here in August, I can pull off the aeroflow and go naked or very minimal on the GS.

 

I put 5k on an 09 KLR last summer, maybe a few hundred miles of gravel. I've put probably 2-300 miles of gravel on the GS. I'd rather have the GS, strictly from a suspension perspective. It handles extremely well on this stuff and the suspension more than makes up for the weight. BTW, KLR is 432 lbs, GS is 447.

 

I had a cruise on the RT, missed it a lot at first on the GSA. I got a throttle lock, that helps a bit. There is a company that makes a real cruise for the GS, it's nearly a grand though. At this point I don't think about it unless I'm comparing it to the RT.

 

I've got the Adventure cases on mine, which work on the GS as well. They cost about 4MPG. I get 42ish without them, 38ish with. The top case does not impact mileage. I got mid-high 40s with all cases on the RT.

 

I miss the RT glove box.

 

The GSA looks fine with dirt, the RT longed to be washed.

 

My knees like the geometry of the GS more than the RT, and the GSA more than the GS.

 

The GS battery is pitiful, needs to be RT sized! Alternator is still great though.

 

Working on the GS is simpler. No tupperware, easy headlight replacement, ... This would not be a decision point for me, but is something I noticed.

 

I ride two up pretty regularly. My pillion prefers the GSA over the RT. She says it's roomier, both width and length.

[outpost22]

First, just how much more "flickable" and sporty-handling in the twisties is the GS than the RT? Is it close to the handling of the R1200R?

 

Second, what about protection from the elements? On a scale of 1 to 10, if the RT is a "10", where does the GS fall? And why?

 

And third, dirt riding. Mine consists of fire roads and NF roads, mostly maintained fairly well, but some can get kinda gravelly and hilly. I ride a KLR on them now, which is already a pig (relatively speaking), so the GS is closer to an obese pig. Could I enjoy the GS as much as the KLR on those roads, or am I gonna feel much less in control because of the weight and height, and end up selling it as many have done (because it didn't really fullfill that mission?)

 

If it isn't as proficient in the dirt under my riding conditions, I probably would not make the switch.

 

And anything else I need to know re. the GS vs. RT is also appreciated.

 

After spending time riding my buddies 2005 1200GS {which is currently for sale for $7500) and riding my RT & little GS, I can give you these impressions;

 

1. I find the GS very flickable in comparison. The RT is more "plan ahead" whereas the GS changes corner lines effortlessly.

 

2. Protection from the elements is marginal on the GS. If the RT is a "10", then the GS would be a "5".

 

3. Off road, the 1200GS is a handful in soft sand or gravel. It does fine on packed roads, but it's not much fun in terrain that requires a standing position (my F650 is much better for comfort in a standing position than a 1200GS). First gear is tall too. Lots of clutch slipping=not good for that dry clutch. I would look more at the F800GS for off road work with the 21" front wheel and lighter weight, if you're looking for two-up travel.

 

Just my impressions, for what they're worth

[lvnvbiker]

I had an 07 RT which I traded for an 06 GSA, and I could not be happier with the swap. The RT is a great bike, but here in Vegas it has too much wind protection in the summer and I felt like I was missing out on a huge portion of the available riding by not being able to go offroad. The wind protection on the GS is pretty good for what it is, and with some minor mods it can be really good (not RT good, but close.). The offroad feel of the bike is not bad at all IMO, and I have had it on some single track that it had no real bussiness being on. It is far more capable than alot of folk give it credit for, and it can definitely go places that I don't have the skills to take it. At a moderate pace it eats up some pretty rough terrian with out breaking a sweat and feels lighter than it is, as for graded and maintianed dirt roads it thinks it's on pavement. It is a handfull in the softer stuff, and I agree that 1st is too tall also. But if you want a bike that does fire roads as well as it does pavement, and one you can do comfortable 1000 mile days on than the GS is it ( after you put a aftermarket seat on it that is). I would love to have another RT for winter but I only have the funds for one bike at this time and needed one to "do it all", and IMO the GS fits the bill.

[CoarsegoldKid]

 

First, just how much more "flickable" and sporty-handling in the twisties is the GS than the RT? Is it close to the handling of the R1200R?

 

GS versions are more "flickable" and very swift. Rt versions are less "flickable" and very swift. The way I see it riders of equal skill over the same twisty roads at the same speeds the riders on GS will expend less energy but they won't get away.

 

Second, what about protection from the elements? On a scale of 1 to 10, if the RT is a "10", where does the GS fall? And why?

 

You will want the RT in inclement or cold weather. You will want the GS when it is hot. Scale is useless. You can install a smaller windscreen on the RT for summer but taller ones for the GS won't come close to keeping you as dry in the wet.

 

And third, dirt riding. Mine consists of fire roads and NF roads, mostly maintained fairly well, but some can get kinda gravelly and hilly. I ride a KLR on them now, ... so the GS is closer to an obese pig...

 

If it were I wanting to ride fire roads I'd get a bike just for that purpose. GS versions are heavier than a KLR but likely just as tall. Neither is suited for it in my area. Fire roads differ from area to area. I'm not so long of inseam either. Your mileage may vary.

[Matts_12GS]

I went from an 1100RT to a 1200GS and it has been what I want a motorcycle for. I have had 2 1100RTs, 2 650 and a 1000cc VSTROM, and the 12GS is superior to the all, even with it's servo brakes.

 

The GS might be for you if you prefer riding a "standard" style bike and don't need all that wind protection. The GS is plenty capable as a long distance mount and handles well enough to surprise many a squid with a competent pilot aboard. Even on the dual sport tires...

 

I've taken my 12GS off road in loose sand, graded gravel and some hard dirt. It's a big heavy motorcycle, more so than your KLR. I deemed it too big for me to use as a learning platform for riding off road so I bought a DR650 for dirty work. The will do fine for most stuff on tourance or similar tires. If you're going to be in soft or muddy conditions often I'd recommend a set of good knobbies.

 

It takes a little adjustment after being on the RT because you are in more wind, but if that's what you want then I cannot recommend the GS enough.

[Dietrich]

After a number of RTs I went last year to a 2007 GS. I never looked back, but it is primarily for the fact that the GS was lowered by about an inch and a half. I have a 29" inseam and this was perfect for me. The bike is lighter, wider bars, easier to manoever at slow speeds. The seat is equally bad vs. the RT. First gear is shorter (no stalling). The bad was the wind exposure. Got an Aeroflow medium height w/shield and lower fairing. ($500) Now I am all smiles. Rear suspension has a longer travel and is softer, the wife likes the ride better. The sound of the exhaust is great without spending money on an aftermarket can. The centre stand was too tall, I just shortened it a few days ago and now it is no problem to lift it on the stand, whereas before you got a hernia.

Overall, I like the GS, I am not a speed freak, but if I want to go fast, it can do 200km/h plus. I don't go off-road much, but can if I want to.

 

In your case, a testdrive is a must. Then decide. Good luck!

[Ken H.]

Echoing most of what’s already been said...

 

The GS is a bit more nimble than the RT, but in the right hands in a race through the twisties it would darn near be a wash. The GS just makes the job a bit easier.

 

Obviously the RT rules in protection, just look at it. But sometimes you don’t want/need all that protection, then what? As mentioned a lot of the wind buffeting issue on the GS can be solved with different wind screens.

 

ISFA as the GS in the soft stuff = waaay too much work! If you think a KLR is a pig, you’re going to hate the GS in the dirt!

 

Bottomline IMHO; the GS will do everything the RT will, except for the protection issue. OTOH the RT will not (at least not without a lot of work) do everything the GS will.

 

[Joel]

...

3. Off road, the 1200GS is a handful in soft sand or gravel.

 

True dat. Add steepness, too, w/r/t the tall 1st gear.

 

I can attest that when this happens

 

(and it will), you're gonna want friends around to help you pick up the >500lb pig.

[mistercindy]

I've ridden an '05 12GS for 4 1/2 years and 57,000 miles, and here's my take:

 

 

First, just how much more "flickable" and sporty-handling in the twisties is the GS than the RT? Is it close to the handling of the R1200R?

I can't speak to the R12R, but I traded my R1150R for the 12GS, and the 12GS handles and "flicks" way better. I certainly don't have the skills to "flick" the 12GS to its potential. But even with Tourance tires it leans beautifully.

 

 

 

 

 

Second, what about protection from the elements? On a scale of 1 to 10, if the RT is a "10", where does the GS fall? And why?

I believe you'll get some disagreement here. With the stock screen I found the R12GS barely ridable at highway speed in any kind of cross wind or heavy traffic turbulence. The buffeting was so bad that there were times I seriously wondered if I could keep it in a lane. It was also so loud that I'd have ringing in my ears and sometimes headaches long after a one hour ride on the highway. And I wear earplugs!!! I tried several cheap solutions such as a Laminar Lip, etc..., but finally bit the bullet and bought an Aeroflow which transformed the bike. Its quieter and far smoother, with plenty of clean air in the summer. Without question its the best mod on my bike. Without the Aeroflow I'd have gotten rid of the R12GS for an R12RT.

 

So, to answer your question. If the R12RT is a "10," I'd put the stock screen R12GS at a "2" at best. With the Aeroflow I'd put the R12GS at an "8." Since the R12GS sits higher you'll always be more of a target for wind. And no matter what you do your legs will be more exposed than on an R12RT.

 

In the interest of full disclosure, though, there are a lot of people who get along just fine with the R12GS's stock screen. However, I have a long torso, and from what I've read, those with longer torsos tend to have more buffeting issues. YMMV.

 

 

 

 

 

And third, dirt riding. Mine consists of fire roads and NF roads, mostly maintained fairly well, but some can get kinda gravelly and hilly. I ride a KLR on them now, which is already a pig (relatively speaking), so the GS is closer to an obese pig. Could I enjoy the GS as much as the KLR on those roads, or am I gonna feel much less in control because of the weight and height, and end up selling it as many have done (because it didn't really fullfill that mission?)

 

If it isn't as proficient in the dirt under my riding conditions, I probably would not make the switch.

There's no way the R12GS will be as proficient on dirt as a KLR. But your off road riding sounds like mine: decently maintained gravel and dirt. I have no issues on those roads with the R12GS. But I wouldn't take it on serious unmaintained dirt roads. Its too much of a pig. IMHO the R12GS is a superb road bike that's darn good for decently maintained off road riding. For the offroad that you describe the R12GS is just fine.

 

 

 

 

 

And anything else I need to know re. the GS vs. RT is also appreciated.

I do a lot of commuting on my R12GS on big city highways. A lot has been written about the R12GS, but not much on how good it is as an urban machine. You sit fairly high so looking around traffic and all of the SUVs is fairly easy. Since the bike is fairly naked scratches and parking lot lay downs aren't a big issue, whereas with the R12RT it might be a fair expenditure. And the high clearance and long suspension is great for crappy inner city roads with potholes and jumping over curbs and medians when getting out of traffic jams.

 

Along those same lines, when I was in London a couple of years ago I was amazed at the number of enduro bikes used for inner city London riding. Certainly the bike riders in central London have concluded that the R12GS and other larger enduros are great urban machines, too.

 

For me and the way I ride, the R12GS (with the Aeroflow) is the perfect bike. If I did a lot more long slabbing I'd get a R12RT for both the ride and the range. If I was largely an inner city small street rider I'd get something smaller, perhaps a big scooter. If I was on serious dirt more often I'd get something more off road worthy. But for my riding its the ideal "do everything" machine.

 

Good luck, and let us know what you do!

[Ken H.]

I do a lot of commuting on my R12GS on big city highways. A lot has been written about the R12GS, but not much on how good it is as an urban machine. You sit fairly high so looking around traffic and all of the SUVs is fairly easy. Since the bike is fairly naked scratches and parking lot lay downs aren't a big issue, whereas with the R12RT it might be a fair expenditure. And the high clearance and long suspension is great for crappy inner city roads with potholes and jumping over curbs and medians when getting out of traffic jams.

You’re right. I didn’t bring it up because the OP didn’t mention intra-city riding. But with exception of a long trip once a year; it’s the primary 'mission' of ours. And I think it is a great urban warfare machine.

[bobbybob]

Wow. Thanks to all for some great comments! AND--its what I wanted to hear, too!

 

There was one area I am not quite clear on: one person stated that the GS's 1st gear was "shorter" than the RT's, but everyone else said they were both too tall, I suppose meaning they are the *same*.

 

Can anyone clarify this for me? Did the ratios change at some point?

[outpost22]

one person stated that the GS's 1st gear was "shorter" than the RT's, but everyone else said they were both too tall, I suppose meaning they are the *same*.

 

Can anyone clarify this for me? Did the ratios change at some point?

 

I don't know the ratios, but when I said 1st gear was too tall on the GS, I meant it in relation to finger-clutching around obstacles off road, usually not done on an RT (unless you're stubborn like me and refuse to backtrack 65 miles at the end of a paved mountain road-but that's another story). For off road work, the GS gearing is too tall for tight work. You will work the clutch too hard.

 

The RT 1st gear is just too tall as well, but mostly 'cuz I'm 2-up a lot.

[krussell]

Wow. Thanks to all for some great comments! AND--its what I wanted to hear, too!

 

There was one area I am not quite clear on: one person stated that the GS's 1st gear was "shorter" than the RT's, but everyone else said they were both too tall, I suppose meaning they are the *same*.

 

Can anyone clarify this for me? Did the ratios change at some point?

 

I think the GS is geared lower. I have no data to prove it. It is simply based on feel between the GSA and RT.

[RichEdwards]

one person stated that the GS's 1st gear was "shorter" than the RT's, but everyone else said they were both too tall

 

The GS's first gear is about the same as the RT's. The GSA has a 'shorter' first gear.

p.s. Lots of the wind buffeting mentioned is handled with a new windshield. I loved the Cee Bailey offering on my GS. The stock windshield on my GS Adventure is fine and I don't anticipate replacing it.

[motoguy128]

I believe the GS has the same gear ratios as the RT but a shorter final drive. I think it's the same as the R1200R. I thik the GSA has a even shorter 1st gear ratio and possible shorter final drive. But I haven;t looked at hte specs in a while.

 

Go to BMW's site. There's online data sheets with the detailed specs.

 

THe diameter of the GS and GSA's rear tire might be different as well. So comparing gear ratios on paper might not work without factoring wheel circumference.

 

WHen I test rode both, I thought the GS had noticeably shorter gearing... combined with it's lighter weight. I thought the GS also had a nicer exhaust note.... but as mentioned above, the wind protection was not even in the same league as the RT. At 70mph, the GS feels like it's going 70mph... the RT feels like it's doing 50mph. Wind protection was not significantly better on the GS than it was on my R1150R with a medium sized "sport" windscreen.

 

[Little_Brit]

I've just done a little fact finding on the internet. The GS has slightly shorter gearing than the RT in each gear and is slightly lower geared overall. The net result is overall gear ratios as follows:

 

2008 GS: 1st - 6.91:1, 2nd - 4.79:1, 3rd - 3.77:1, 4th - 3.1:1, 5th - 2.73:1 and 6th 2.47:1.

 

2008 RT: 1st - 5.97:1, 2nd - 4.14:1, 3rd - 3.30:1, 4th - 2.70:1, 5th - 2.26:1 and 6th 2.12:1.

 

The GS is kind of pulling half a gear lower in each ratio which does make it much more user friendly in town, in traffic and on slow roads. I find I can just kind of feed the clutch out and drive away without any consious effort to balance revs to clutch bite, really easy to use.

 

Derek

[HighAngleHell]

Hey Bobbybob,

 

I went from a 2003 1150RT to a 2009 1200GS (low version) last year. I am still enamoured on how much lighter the GS is vs the RT. I was never really comfortable with the RT due the its weight and high center of gravity. I put an aftermarket seat on the RT but was still sliding forward even with the seat jacks. I find the GS much more maneuverable in all situations and a downright blast to goose the throttle. I look back on wishing I would have had the GS on some of my past rides. There is more wind flow without a doubt. However, it is much cooler on the hot days. For some reason it seems like more people are approaching me with questions about the GS than anyone did with the RT. I wanted to like the RT. Maybe I should have gotten the newer version but I'm glad I went with the GS.

 

DH

 

[bobbybob]

OK--just test rode a 2010 R1200GS. I LIKED IT !

 

It felt light. The motor was SO much torquey-er than my 2007RT. To those who have said the new "Camhead" motor isn't worth making the switch to a 2010 model, I say--it depends on what you're looking for. My main complaint with the RT is having to constantly row the gearbox in mountain twisties. This motor feels like it will fill that "RPM gap". The gap between 2000 rpm & 3000 rpm. Yes, I was riding a GS which is 60 lbs lighter than an RT, but the difference would be quite noticeable in an RT. This may be the route I will go. Just need to decide how to "enhance" the wind protection....

[Paul Mihalka]

I had many-many miles on my R1100RT. Now I have the R1200GS. I have on it a Givi windshield and the wings from the R1200GS Adventure. With that and a very nice relaxed riding position, I like it better than the RT. In summer it is a bit cooler, in winter I click the Gerbing one step higher. Airflow is as smooth or better than the RT was.

Check GSpot section in advrider.com. If you can work your way around the BS, there is a lot of good information.

[BerndM]

I have an 06 R1200GS which I really like, but because I never ride it as it was intended, as a DUAL sport, I thought that maybe a 2005 R1200RT would be a better choice for me, since 99.99% of my riding is on pavement. WOW, was I ever wrong!!! Compared to my GS, the RT handles like crap at anything over 45mph. It feels as if the back end is not connected to the front, Just plain squirmy, as if on a slippery surface. I've only had the RT 3 weeks and am seriously considering selling it and keeping the GS. I did stuff to my GS to make it a lot better for wind protection. I installed the Aeroflow medium height windshield and mini fairing. What a wonderful improvement. 90 mph with my visor open and NO earplugs needed. WOW!

Good luck in your selection process. I think you'll like the GS a lot!

Regards

Bernd

 

[tallman]

BB,

Glad you like the motor.

A recurring theme on your quest is "weather protection".

Are you looking for completely quiet, no air, behind the barn door, experience?

The fully faired bikes like the RT/LT are going to provide that.

Trying to convert one of the other sportier bikes into that type of ride can be frustrating, or so I've been told by those who try to do that.

How tall are you?

Up to 6' x" the RT provides quiet behind the fairing and screen.

The GS is another story, there is going to be more airflow to manage, which can be addressed in many ways.

Paul found something that worked for him.

But Paul also mentions warm weather and wanting some airflow.

I've found maany riders like the RT because there is basically no air to contend with when riding, unlike some other models.

If that is what you want, keep the RT or get a new one, IMO.

 

Question.

When you say constantly having to row the gears on the RT in the mountains, that is confusing to me because I've seen many folks hwo can ride all over them in 2nd/3rd which covers everything from 10mph to almost everything else in technical riding

If you're constantly running 4th and 5th gear, what rpm's and speeds on which technical roads?

Not trying to come off negatively, just trying to understand your current riding aversus what you are looking for.

If your riding 4th and 5th gear above 5ooorpms in technical riding, you may need the new 1000, .

[bobbybob]

Tim, without going into a lot of detail, the mountain roads I ride pretty much require my RT's RPM's to stay above 3000 (3500 is even better). The 2010 motor seems to offer much more torque starting at 2000 RPM's---at 2K it feels like my current 07 feels at 3K. So it should enable one to keep the bike in a higher gear with a much wider torque band. Have you ridden one? If not, "just ride the damn thing" (as quoted from a recent BMW adv.--sounds kinda Harley-ish doesn't it? ) I think anyone currently riding a Hexhead would be pleasantly surprised, if not amazed, that a boxer can perform like this.

 

As for wind, I am not seeking the "RT experience" but would like to mitigate as much turbulence as possible. I realize the trade-offs. Several good suggestions above.

 

I am def. leaning towards the 2010 GS.

 

Edit: fyi I am 6'0", 31" inseam.

[OoPEZoO]

You actually ride a boxer motor at 2000-3500 RPM? Wow, no wonder you are rowing through the gears. There is absolutly no power from a boxer motor at those low RPMS. Use the RPMs, they are your friend. The only time I let my RPMs get that low is when I'm sitting at a stoplight.

[bobbybob]

I have an 06 R1200GS which I really like, but because I never ride it as it was intended, as a DUAL sport, I thought that maybe a 2005 R1200RT would be a better choice for me, since 99.99% of my riding is on pavement. WOW, was I ever wrong!!! Compared to my GS, the RT handles like crap at anything over 45mph. It feels as if the back end is not connected to the front, Just plain squirmy, as if on a slippery surface. I've only had the RT 3 weeks and am seriously considering selling it and keeping the GS. I did stuff to my GS to make it a lot better for wind protection. I installed the Aeroflow medium height windshield and mini fairing. What a wonderful improvement. 90 mph with my visor open and NO earplugs needed. WOW!

Good luck in your selection process. I think you'll like the GS a lot!

Regards

Bernd

 

 

Bernd, I find the RT's are very intolerant of squared off and/or worn & cupped tires---or of specific tires it just "doesn't like". What kind of tires are you running? Same applies to worn shocks; my 07 RT at 8K miles had dead OEM shocks which I replaced with Ohlins and it transformed the bike! The "disconnected" feel you describe was exactly how mine felt prior to replacing the shocks. Pilot Road II's work well on mine...although I'm sure the GS will always handle somewhat better than an RT due to the difference in weight/setup/etc.

[bobbybob]

You actually ride a boxer motor at 2000-3500 RPM?

 

NOOOO! Thats not what I said at all. I CAN'T run in those lower rpms, which requires me to row the gearbox above 3500. Re-read my post.

 

But the 2010 motor WILL run at 2K. Try one!

[Matts_12GS]

+1 for the GSA wings on the 12GS.

I have those and have finally found what seems to be a good mix for me with the stock shield in getting to the quieter air.

 

At 6'4 I find that I can make it work well for me, to the point of even doing my first 1000 mile day on this bike without any major discomfort.

 

Bobby, CLT isn't that far away. Buy me lunch, put me up for a night I'll let you compare my 05 GS to your RT back to back all day one weekend if you want.

[outpost22]

You actually ride a boxer motor at 2000-3500 RPM? ... The only time I let my RPMs get that low is when I'm sitting at a stoplight.

 

Do you say "Vroom Vroom" under your helmet over the sound of "vrrt vrrt"?

 

If I raise the idle at a stop light, I usually fall over on the right side from the torque effect. Very embarrassing.

[OoPEZoO]

You actually ride a boxer motor at 2000-3500 RPM?

 

NOOOO! Thats not what I said at all. I CAN'T run in those lower rpms, which requires me to row the gearbox above 3500. Re-read my post.

 

But the 2010 motor WILL run at 2K. Try one!

 

OK, gotcha. As far as trying one, not a chance in hell! I won't even ride a 1200 hexhead. I prefer to live in my little 1100 protective bubble for the time being. Right now, I would like a new bike but I do not HAVE to have a new bike. If I went and rode a 1200 I know I would then need a new bike. I'm just not ready for that level of commitment yet

[BerndM]

I have an 06 R1200GS which I really like, but because I never ride it as it was intended, as a DUAL sport, I thought that maybe a 2005 R1200RT would be a better choice for me, since 99.99% of my riding is on pavement. WOW, was I ever wrong!!! Compared to my GS, the RT handles like crap at anything over 45mph. It feels as if the back end is not connected to the front, Just plain squirmy, as if on a slippery surface. I've only had the RT 3 weeks and am seriously considering selling it and keeping the GS. I did stuff to my GS to make it a lot better for wind protection. I installed the Aeroflow medium height windshield and mini fairing. What a wonderful improvement. 90 mph with my visor open and NO earplugs needed. WOW!

Good luck in your selection process. I think you'll like the GS a lot!

Regards

Bernd

 

 

Bernd, I find the RT's are very intolerant of squared off and/or worn & cupped tires---or of specific tires it just "doesn't like". What kind of tires are you running? Same applies to worn shocks; my 07 RT at 8K miles had dead OEM shocks which I replaced with Ohlins and it transformed the bike! The "disconnected" feel you describe was exactly how mine felt prior to replacing the shocks. Pilot Road II's work well on mine...although I'm sure the GS will always handle somewhat better than an RT due to the difference in weight/setup/etc.

 

Hey Bob

My tires are both brand new Michelin Pilot Road 2s. Lest than 500 miles on both. When I bought the bike, it had the new Pilot Road 2 in the back and the older Pilot Road (no #) in front. THAT was horrific. I asked Michelin via email if these were incompatible, and they responded with a definite "Possibly". Dealer replaced the front ire and it got better but not totally. Suspension is ESA and I've tried all 3 modes, no real improvement.

Going on a little ride today WITHOUT the side panniers. Maybe its just turbulence. We'll see.

(Sorry, didn't intend to hijack the thread)

Regards

Bernd

 

[Matts_12GS]

As far as trying one, not a chance in hell! I won't even ride a 1200 hexhead.

 

Riiiiiiide the Geeeeee Essssss Keeeeith.... Nobody will knooooowww! It'll beeee sooooooo easy to riiiiiide.... voice>

[bobbybob]

Bernd, I find the RT's are very intolerant of squared off and/or worn & cupped tires---or of specific tires it just "doesn't like". What kind of tires are you running? Same applies to worn shocks; my 07 RT at 8K miles had dead OEM shocks which I replaced with Ohlins and it transformed the bike! The "disconnected" feel you describe was exactly how mine felt prior to replacing the shocks. Pilot Road II's work well on mine...although I'm sure the GS will always handle somewhat better than an RT due to the difference in weight/setup/etc.

 

Hey Bob

....Suspension is ESA and I've tried all 3 modes, no real improvement.

 

Regards

Bernd

 

Bernd, the ESA is most likely your problem. I actually have two 07 RT's, wifes (with ESA) and mine (without ESA). Mine has the Ohlins I put on at 8,000 miles. Wife's still has the OEM ESA, with 20K miles. She started lagging back in the twisties and complained that "it just didn't turn right" (woman-speak for bad shocks). I rode it and it felt just like my RT did at 8K miles. Someone else might say its OK, but not for me (or her either apparently).

 

How many miles on your ESA? The lack of difference between the 3 modes is another symptom of worn ESA shocks. You can disconnect the ESA and replace with non-ESA aftermarket like Ohlins with no issues. Other than transforming the bike--it will feel NEW again!

[OoPEZoO]

As far as trying one, not a chance in hell! I won't even ride a 1200 hexhead.

 

Riiiiiiide the Geeeeee Essssss Keeeeith.... Nobody will knooooowww! It'll beeee sooooooo easy to riiiiiide.... voice>

 

My local dealer currently has an '08 1200GS with 26k miles on it for under $10k right now. I seriously considered it, but I think I am going to ride this one out through the rest of the season and start shopping this fall/winter. I also think I can do a little better on the mileage Vs. price thing. I know exactly what I want, so now its just waiting for the right deal to pop up. It will happen eventually, but I still don't want to speed up the process by going out test riding anything.

[SuperG]

Interesting topic and read. It seems most of you like the GS.

I would not mind swapping my RT for a more sporty GS, if the GS would not be so darn UGLY>

 

PS: I do realize that my post adds zero value to this topic, but I had to say what was on my mind. ( sorry)

[Matts_12GS]

Interesting topic and read. It seems most of you like the GS.

I would not mind swapping my RT for a more sporty GS, if the GS would not be so darn UGLY>

 

PS: I do realize that my post adds zero value to this topic, but I had to say what was on my mind. ( sorry)

 

Who you callin' ugly, Junior?

[ollka]

My yellow Adventure isn´t ugly if you remember it´s a mutation of motorcycle and giraffe.

OK, it still is ugly but you dont see it while riding and riding is THE THING to do with it!