markgoodrich Posted August 18, 2012 Posted August 18, 2012 ...for a replacement for an R1200RT (or even to a K bike), which would you consider? It would have to have luggage for two, 14 hour ergos, handling equal to or better than the RT (with good aftermarket shocks), and longer service intervals, i.e. lower operating cost. Oh, and weather protection equal to the RT. I frankly can't think of a bike that fits these parameters. But then, I haven't ridden any, either. The power of the K1300GT and the Kaw14 are extremely appealing, but they're a lot heavier, have luggage limitations, etc.
krussell Posted August 18, 2012 Posted August 18, 2012 I don't think there is any bike currently on the market with both RT level handling and RT level wind protection. That combination is unique. As mentioned, the upcoming Triumph Trophy could be an option.
Guest Kakugo Posted August 18, 2012 Posted August 18, 2012 Frankly? Right now there isn't a single tourer that can hold a candle to BMW's. I held hope Honda could impress me by building a Pan European replacement addressing the present bike's shortcomings (ergonomics ruined by poor shield design and unbearable heat, cheap suspension and too long of a wheelbase) but apparently they preferred spoofing the GS and then building so few dealers had to turn people away. Yamaha will allegedly show a new FJR later this year. This could be interesting: the FJR is a good bike but is starting to feel the passing of time. However all non-BMW tourers have two fatal flaws, at least for me: weight and fuel consumption/tank range. The Triumph so many people rave about may be aimed at the RT (so I take since they copied both styling and ergonomics) but it weighs considerably more. The same applies to the Kawasaki, just to mention the other presently available modern tourer. They are more in league with a K bike which, as good as it is, is a bit too heavy for me. I'll take the RT "featherweight" handling over the Kawasaki raw power any day. Fuel consumption is critical: with fuel close to 2€/l the RT excellent economy is a Godsend. Also tank range is critical for me: I want to cover at very least 200 miles before filling in, no matter if I ride highways or twisties. The only two bikes that can do that are the RT and the Pan European, and the Honda does so thanks to an enormous fuel tank. All in all the only bike I will probably consider over my Hexhead will be the new water cooled boxer. But it will come out in late 2013/early 2014. Give BMW a couple years to fix the most serious gremlins and that puts it back to late 2015/early 2016. Plenty of time to ride and enjoy my present bike...
Quinn Posted August 18, 2012 Posted August 18, 2012 New Triumph gives another cyclinder, more horsepower, wet clutch, probably better first gear ratio and seat comfort, and almost the same ergonomics. Only negatives I can see would be nearly same weight as my 1150rt and I don't know about the dealer network nationwide. -------
beemerman2k Posted August 18, 2012 Posted August 18, 2012 On the other hand, once you own an RT you're freed up to appreciate other aspects of motorcycling. For instance, the bike that most captures my fancy these days is the K1300S, followed by the GSA. I am aware of the other tourers, but since I already have one that I am happy with, I can't say I really care much about them beyond the gee-whiz factor.
racer7 Posted August 18, 2012 Posted August 18, 2012 As noted there is no equivalent of the RT unless the new Triumph turns out to be one. That's why I own an RT and not a J-brand bike. The fast new kwaker and the 1300GT are different ergonomically from the RT and each other. The length of the kwaker makes its riding position too close to a K1200RS to use it as anything other than a ahort distance play toy- which is what I do with the K1200RS I ride. I looked at the both versions of the 14 and rejected both.
RedMac Posted August 19, 2012 Posted August 19, 2012 I've always wanted a GS, but one of the things that was holding me back was the lack of cruise. I don't do the slab often, but when I do, the cruise is a godsend. I saw the Triumph Explorer at the show and I admit I'm pretty tempted. However, the recent rider review wasn't really glowing. They didn't seem to thrilled with the throttle by wire system... I wonder about the reliability of Triumph. Any feedback on that? It's going to be interesting...
EffBee Posted August 19, 2012 Posted August 19, 2012 I've had the FJR and spent some time on a long ride swapping with a friend's ST1300. I've had a short ride on the new C-14 and it's a lot like the FJR, only more power. I love my RT, but the only bike I've been on recently that I truly miss is the 650 V-strom. Even properly prepped it has weather limitations that the RT doesn't have. But it's comfortable on the slab and more fun in the twisties. I do miss the torque, but the engine is smooth and with 72hp on a 480 lb bike, it's not too bad.
OlGeezer Posted August 19, 2012 Posted August 19, 2012 Since this is purely a hypothetical conversation, I'll play along. I would probably go with a Connie or FJR. Of course, I consider even my recent venture in considering a K bike (K13S) nearly blasphemous.
OlGeezer Posted August 19, 2012 Posted August 19, 2012 On the other hand, once you own an RT you're freed up to appreciate other aspects of motorcycling. For instance, the bike that most captures my fancy these days is the K1300S, followed by the GSA. I am aware of the other tourers, but since I already have one that I am happy with, I can't say I really care much about them beyond the gee-whiz factor. Beemerman - you and I are a LOT alike. I nearly fell for the siren call of the K13S before I returned to sanity and got the GSA. When I took one out for an extended demo ride (Saturday afternoon to Monday morning), it was just a well mannered super beast. It was happy when I just wanted to cruise along. I noticed that it got better fuel mileage the faster I went. When I was stopped at a light and a sport bike would pull up to me (I even got a few "thumbs up" from some young riders), it was like the bike said to me "If you want to dust this gentlemen off, sir, just let me know". No ego, no chest thumping. Nothing to prove. It took several weeks for that test ride to get out of my system. I then returned to my senses and got the GSA. Whew! That was close!
hopz Posted August 19, 2012 Posted August 19, 2012 Great question Mark... May I suggest at least one modification to the specification list? A potential replacement needs to have "character". By that I mean something... ummm.. interesting. I tried an SV650 and it was a pretty good bike but frankly rather boring. The SV 1000 variant did not warrant a serious look for that reason. Changing back to specification as you posted it, like so many others I have been on the same (mostly theoretical) search. Where I ended up was retrograding back (not to be redundant all over again)... to the K1200GT of the 2003 to the 20005 time periods. Lots of power, much the same ergos, Cruise, style etc. Styling is beginning to show its age but a totally cool bike. Beyond that... there are plenty of K1200LTs out there. With a fellow of your size the weight would not really be an issue. The power is there. The comfort and amenities are top shelf. And, I personally think they are attractive. Given the reverse gear and electric center stand they are pretty handy. With the release of the the new GT and GTL models there are quite a few LT's available at reasonable prices. Just a thought. OBTW, count me in the Triumph category. I had a 2000 955i RS and thought the engine was really great. A larger variant ought to be pretty persuasive, along with the other features. Our dealer here said they would be in the showroom in January...
eddd Posted August 19, 2012 Posted August 19, 2012 I thought this over as well given the fact that I'm over 170,000 on my RT. Whatever I purchase will be used. I'm too practical (OK, cheap). I'm leaning toward a long distance bike that doesn't have to have the handling or character of the RT. I get those things from my Ducati. So, if I had to do something now it would be the second generation FJR. Reliable, fast, decent handling in the twisties, good wind and weather protection, carries plenty of fuel, able to handle typical electrical needs. Of course the fact that I'm much closer to the great roads I like out west makes a huge difference. But the reality is that after some seat time on the Ducati I look at the RT in a different light.
Missouri Bob Posted August 19, 2012 Posted August 19, 2012 A potential replacement needs to have "character". By that I mean something... ummm.. interesting. I tried an SV650 and it was a pretty good bike but frankly rather boring. The SV 1000 variant did not warrant a serious look for that reason. Bob's comments illustrate an important consideration when choosing a bike: tastes are subjective. I've had an SV650 for about six years and still marvel at its mechanical goodness every time I ride it. My point is not that Bob is wrong (well, maybe he is), but that we don't all drink the same brand of beer. There are many truly great bikes available. Buy what you think will push all of the right buttons. If it doesn't work out, you can always repeat the process until it does work, and without the expense of child support or alimony. Bob
na1g Posted August 19, 2012 Posted August 19, 2012 Triumph Trophy looks like a strong contender. We'll see about the price, but it will certainly be in the RT's ballpark. Apparently the Trophy will only come to the US as the loaded model so $20K seems likely. I've had the ST1300 (too hot and heavy)and the FJR (too uncomfortable but fast), and now ride a 2011 RT so I guess that shows my preferences. Like many, I'm waiting, and waiting, for the next Honda sport-tourer. pete
upflying Posted August 19, 2012 Posted August 19, 2012 I ride both brands. Each has their good and bad, depends on what kind of riding you plan to do.
markgoodrich Posted August 20, 2012 Author Posted August 20, 2012 Interesting comments, all, and aligned with my own thinking, that for my purposes, there isn't a current alternative to the RT that offers all the features I want right now. If Suzanne ever quits riding with me, I'll look at something lighter. I didn't start this as a complaint about the RT, just curious as to others' thoughts.
bmwk100 Posted August 20, 2012 Posted August 20, 2012 I wonder about the reliability of Triumph. Any feedback on that? I owned a 2006 Sprint ST that I put 44K miles on it. I loved the triple and the cost of parts was significantly cheaper than BMW, BUT I had some major issues with it. Warped rotors (huge expense), wiring harness needed to be replaced (mechanic placed gas tank on a wire and shorted it out), tie-wrap placed by mechanic melted on exhaust pipe downtube which led to the melting of the starter relay. I was stranded on numerous occasions and lost all confidence in the bike.
Firefight911 Posted August 20, 2012 Posted August 20, 2012 I wonder about the reliability of Triumph. Any feedback on that? I owned a 2006 Sprint ST that I put 44K miles on it. I loved the triple and the cost of parts was significantly cheaper than BMW, BUT I had some major issues with it. Warped rotors (huge expense), wiring harness needed to be replaced (mechanic placed gas tank on a wire and shorted it out), tie-wrap placed by mechanic melted on exhaust pipe downtube which led to the melting of the starter relay. I was stranded on numerous occasions and lost all confidence in the bike. Just to balance it and, NO, I'm not playing a he said, she said, but... warped rotors - 5 sets on two BMWs for me. Oh, and it was a manufacturer issue as evidenced by multiple TSBs. wiring harness - not manufacturer related as you state it was a mechanic issue tie wrap/starter relay - same as above, not a manufacturer item left stranded - why? reason?
wbrissette Posted August 20, 2012 Posted August 20, 2012 I did own a bike that I absolutely loved for touring outside the RT. My Buell Ulysses saw nearly as much time as my long hauler as did my RT. The only things BMW had over the Buell were wind protection, and the luxury items such as cruise control, heated seats, ESA, etc. The stock wind protection via the windscreen on the Ulysses was fixed by a third-party adjustable bracket with the stock touring windscreen. However, that didn't fix the rest of the wind protection. But it got better fuel mileage (although it had a smaller fuel capacity thanks to the fuel in frame), and it was smoother on the road (just not at idle stops). The dealer network was iffy. Not every HD dealer would work on them, but in a pinch, most could order parts and since the sportster and Ulysses shared some common engine parts, they sometimes even had them in stock. I like the idea of a touring bike which you can take off-road if needed/wanted. I think that's another reason I liked the Uly so much, and definitely the reason why when I traded in my RT last week, I went with the GS. There are a few things the GS doesn't have the RT did, but overall it's better suited for what I'm looking for in a bike right now. Wayne
hopz Posted August 20, 2012 Posted August 20, 2012 Bob's comments illustrate an important consideration when choosing a bike: tastes are subjective. I've had an SV650 for about six years and still marvel at its mechanical goodness every time I ride it. My point is not that Bob is wrong (well, maybe he is), but that we don't all drink the same brand of beer. Bob Bob Sheehan has a point... but I need to confess the reason I even tried to like an SV 650 was his raving about the attributes... He is also right in that it started everytime I asked, it did all the things I wanted... but not for me in the longer run. His point is valid... everything depends on everything else... you can quote me on that. However I digress. There is a really nice looking Connie 14 for sale in this mornings KSL listings here in Salt Lake... http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad=21777247&cat=144&lpid=&search=Connie
kmac Posted August 20, 2012 Posted August 20, 2012 Not sure it fits all of your parameters, but holy cow the new Ducati Multistrada 1200S is a crazy cool bike that is VERY comfy, has great storage in the factory side boxes and an available top box. Is really good 2 up. Very adjustable suspension and needs NO shock replacement to better than an RT. Is MUCH lighter and MUCH more powerful, Gets similar fuel economy. Is a bit cheaper to buy. Has good parts suppoet and trick parts from the dealer. A bit LESS dealers but still good national coverage and big in Europe. It surprisingly a 12K plus service interval unlike the old motor which had very short service intervals. It has incredible adjustability on the suspension and engine managment. Anywhere it is not as good as the RT is FAR outweighed by the places it is superior. Worth a look and still has TONS of euro character.
lkchris Posted August 20, 2012 Posted August 20, 2012 I might switch brands if Porsche or Mercedes gets into the bike business. Otherwise not a chance.
cali_beemer Posted August 20, 2012 Posted August 20, 2012 Well, I have seen the FJR thrown out a few times on this thread. I can say that the FJR doesnt match the RT in handling or in wind protection. While it has descent wind protection (mine has an aftermarket cee baileys), its still not quite there and the lowers dont come close. The handling...well,....the RT has more ground clearance, wider bars and what feel like a lower center of gravity. Peg scraping is common with the FJR. The suspoension is the big area that the FJR is no where even on par with the RT...we wohnt discuss ergonomics becasue everyone is different but I will just say I find the RT much more comfortable. I have also had an ST1300 and I dont find that bike to even be on par with the FJR so that will let you know where I stand on that bike. Personally I dont think the japs make a bike on par with the RT.
CoarsegoldKid Posted August 20, 2012 Posted August 20, 2012 ...for a replacement for an R1200RT (or even to a K bike), which would you consider? ... I frankly can't think of a bike that fits these parameters. I can't either. Plus it's paid for. Gee, Mark, BMW just got it sorted out. I would like to thank all the beta testers that made it so. I think I'll give it another 8 years before I switch bikes.
tvpierce Posted August 21, 2012 Posted August 21, 2012 The only other brand that even looks interesting to me is Guzzi. The Norge and the Stelvio look to be very nice, capable bikes. (and the Griso is drop dead gorgeous -- albeit not the most practical!) The older Quota looks like it would be an interesting alternative to a GS1100 or GS Air Head.
beemerboy Posted August 21, 2012 Posted August 21, 2012 ...for a replacement for an R1200RT (or even to a K bike), which would you consider? .....For instance, the bike that most captures my fancy these days is the K1300S, followed by the GSA...... [beemerman - you and I are a LOT alike. I nearly fell for the siren call of the K13S before I returned to sanity and got the GSA. When I took one out for an extended demo ride (Saturday afternoon to Monday morning), it was just a well mannered super beast. It was happy when I just wanted to cruise along. I noticed that it got better fuel mileage the faster I went. When I was stopped at a light and a sport bike would pull up to me (I even got a few "thumbs up" from some young riders), it was like the bike said to me "If you want to dust this gentlemen off, sir, just let me know". No ego, no chest thumping. Nothing to prove. It took several weeks for that test ride to get out of my system. I then returned to my senses and got the GSA. Whew! That was close! Well, as long as it's available in yellow and black I guess it could be anything HOWEVER, it would be hard to best this beast. I never get to return to my senses!
Ponch Posted August 21, 2012 Posted August 21, 2012 Well, a better question might be "what would you get if you had to do it over again". The GSA for sure, but it's not a different brand. May be the Triumph Explorer? In going to the cycle ergo website, I couldn't find anything as spacious as the GSA, not without going to a cruiser.
BrianT Posted October 6, 2012 Posted October 6, 2012 Wait for the new Triumph due soon. LINKY This is what is in the lead for me.
Guest Kakugo Posted October 7, 2012 Posted October 7, 2012 If Yamaha solved the FJR well known appetite for fuel with the latest version it could be the only bike that comes even close to BMW. These days Yamaha has a build quality second to none (Honda has slipped back more than a little) not to mention bullet-proof reliability. However the main issue remains: it would still weigh considerably more than an RT, even an RT fitted with the new and heavier water cooled boxer. Weight is not a big issue when moving at road speed but it is when doing parking maneuvers... I have owned or extensively test all the tourers out there with the exception of the now discontinued K1300GT and can honestly say none of them comes even close to BMW. The Honda ST1300 has too many issues and the latest incarnation (modified to be EURO-3 compliant) has developed a few more. Chief complaints are stability woes, fuel consumption and the unreal amount of heat it gives off. Seriously... the bike is comfortable enough but that heat will wear you out in a couple of hours in mild weather. The Kawasaki 1400GTR (C14) handles well, has plenty of luggage space, a comfortable saddle and a ferocious engine... however build quality is flimsy, the oil pan is way too vulnerable, wind protection is awful, heat from the engine is a major concern and valve adjustment requires dismantling the bike. I don't need to go on. There's a very good reason the RT has been Europe's favorite touring bike for many, many years and police departments rank it so highly. It's simply the best touring bike you can buy.
John Bentall Posted October 7, 2012 Posted October 7, 2012 I might switch brands if Porsche or Mercedes gets into the bike business. Otherwise not a chance. Well, the VW group own Porsche and now they own Ducati as well. So might a Ducati be in your future?
kmac Posted October 7, 2012 Posted October 7, 2012 Have you tried demoing a K1600GT? or even a GTL boy they look interesting to me now and I would put one in my next new bike mix.
Rich06FJR1300 Posted October 9, 2012 Posted October 9, 2012 ahhh, but then there's that final drive issue....was always in the back of my mind...i can never go back.
Mister Tee Posted October 9, 2012 Posted October 9, 2012 My choice for replacing my RT was a Kawi Concours. It's basically Kawasaki's version of the K1300GT. It's faster and has better handling than the RT, BUT..... The RT is a better touring bike. Much lighter, better low speed handling and tighter turning characteristics, better wind protection, and factory cruise. If my mission would have required me to continue riding 200+ miles a day I would have gone for another RT.
Guest Kakugo Posted October 9, 2012 Posted October 9, 2012 My choice for replacing my RT was a Kawi Concours. It's basically Kawasaki's version of the K1300GT. It's faster and has better handling than the RT, BUT..... The RT is a better touring bike. Much lighter, better low speed handling and tighter turning characteristics, better wind protection, and factory cruise. If my mission would have required me to continue riding 200+ miles a day I would have gone for another RT. I'd like to hear more about your experience. I went the other way around and, apart from a couple of things (sheer power, stock saddle and side case size), found the RT superior to the GTR, handling included. Oh, and if you have a 2010+ bike: did they redesign the oil sump? That thing was a disaster waiting to happen. I got lucky (only snapped a few cooling fins) but others weren't...
cali_beemer Posted October 9, 2012 Posted October 9, 2012 Well, Ive owned a few different japanese bikes...ST1300, FJR1300, Vstrom, Virago, Shadow to name a few...The one thing they all had in common was being souless boring machines and poorly designed. The Vstrom and shadow were probably the best of the japanese bunch. The FJR and ST were by no means on par with any BMW I have owned and have way too many design flaws to want to list....At this point after having several, I just dont see myself buying another japanese bike anytime soon. I always tell people that japanese bikes must be built by someone that doesnt ride....every time I ride one I start telling myself there is no way someone that rides would find this acceptable....every time I get on a BMW, I get a feeling of someone that actually rides motorcycles for fun designed and tested it...IF your only goal is reliability...sure the japanese stuff...but I ride a motorcycle for fun and not to be an appliance...I cant see myself leaving BMW...even if my bike breaks tommorow, I will fix it. The onyl other bike I have been on that has delivered the same feeling is a Harley...y'all can start the jokes about that but harleys have character...Its taken me a long time and many bikes to figure it out. I used to think character was just a candy coated way of saying it breaks but I love it....but I have now defined character as a bike that feels a part of the rider, as if you were meant to be there..
aterry1067 Posted October 10, 2012 Posted October 10, 2012 If I were to replace the RT, it would probably be with another BMW (a newer RT, a GTL, or a GS). But, to replace the RT for long rides, if it's not another BMW, it would have to be a Goldwing. And I would try to stay away from all the naysayer forums, reminding me of all the frightening things that could go wrong. That should leave me lots of time to just go out and ride......everywhere. I think I could really learn to like a Harley electra glide, but I think the GW is just a bit more refined.
Sweendog Posted October 10, 2012 Posted October 10, 2012 I'd like to try a Motus, but they look like they'd be a bit of an ergonomic challenge for me.
Mister Tee Posted October 10, 2012 Posted October 10, 2012 My choice for replacing my RT was a Kawi Concours. It's basically Kawasaki's version of the K1300GT. It's faster and has better handling than the RT, BUT..... The RT is a better touring bike. Much lighter, better low speed handling and tighter turning characteristics, better wind protection, and factory cruise. If my mission would have required me to continue riding 200+ miles a day I would have gone for another RT. I'd like to hear more about your experience. I went the other way around and, apart from a couple of things (sheer power, stock saddle and side case size), found the RT superior to the GTR, handling included. Oh, and if you have a 2010+ bike: did they redesign the oil sump? That thing was a disaster waiting to happen. I got lucky (only snapped a few cooling fins) but others weren't... The GTR handles a lot like a sportbike when it's moving. Slow speed handling is intimidating because it's not only heavy, but top heavy as well. I've never dropped the RT in the lot. I've dropped the Connie three times so far. Once you get going though the weight disappears and there is more cornering clearance. The ABS and traction control (2010+ models) works very well. I don't believe there are any engine differences, other than an a leaner economy mode map, between the 2010 model and earlier models. There is not a lot of ground clearance so you can't ride it off curbs like you can with an RT or a GS. The single biggest gripe I have with it is lack of factory cruise control. I installed a Throttlemeister on it but it doesn't replace an actual cruise control. There are a few other annoying things about it. I would pay extra for a standard key in place of the Kipass keyless start system. Instead of a small key you have a big annoying fob, and you can't leave the bags or tank in an unlocked state so you still have to fumble with a key if you use them on almost every ride like I do. At the end of the day I'm happy with the GTR but I didn't choose it over an RT, rather, I wanted a K1300GT class bike and I probably would have gone for the K but I was concerned with engine reliability issues, plus the GTR has a better front suspension. I was also considering an ST1300 and an FJR as well. Had the FJR had one more gear, a few more ponies and an inverted fork front suspension, I probably would have gone for it.
Ponch Posted October 11, 2012 Posted October 11, 2012 Well, Ive owned a few different japanese bikes...ST1300, FJR1300, Vstrom, Virago, Shadow to name a few...The one thing they all had in common was being souless boring machines and poorly designed. The Vstrom and shadow were probably the best of the japanese bunch. The FJR and ST were by no means on par with any BMW I have owned and have way too many design flaws to want to list....At this point after having several, I just dont see myself buying another japanese bike anytime soon. I always tell people that japanese bikes must be built by someone that doesnt ride....every time I ride one I start telling myself there is no way someone that rides would find this acceptable....every time I get on a BMW, I get a feeling of someone that actually rides motorcycles for fun designed and tested it...IF your only goal is reliability...sure the japanese stuff...but I ride a motorcycle for fun and not to be an appliance...I cant see myself leaving BMW...even if my bike breaks tommorow, I will fix it. The onyl other bike I have been on that has delivered the same feeling is a Harley...y'all can start the jokes about that but harleys have character...Its taken me a long time and many bikes to figure it out. I used to think character was just a candy coated way of saying it breaks but I love it....but I have now defined character as a bike that feels a part of the rider, as if you were meant to be there.. Reliability and low TCO count for something. Just saying.
cali_beemer Posted October 11, 2012 Posted October 11, 2012 Reliability and low TCO count for something. Just saying. All of my japanese bikes have needed many modifications just to get the bike to function properly so that usually has a big affect on my decisions...and often detracts from TCO... I do my own work so dealer costs dont play a role...althought going to a dealer the ST1300 cost more to have dealer serviced than my RT..... even if my BMW costs more to maintain, it puts a smile on my face....I just got rid of the FJR becasue for the first time, I was looking at the bike with no ambition to ride becasue of how boring it was...not to mention all of the other design issues like heat, poor ground clearance....mediocre suspension...
Mister Tee Posted October 11, 2012 Posted October 11, 2012 Different people have different experiences. My Japanese bikes have all performed flawlessly. My Beemer performed well, normally.
Ponch Posted October 11, 2012 Posted October 11, 2012 Different people have different experiences. My Japanese bikes have all performed flawlessly. My Beemer performed well, normally. As we go along here, it seems BMW is the German version of HD. MG is the Italian version of HD.
1springer Posted October 13, 2012 Posted October 13, 2012 I like my 04 RT, mostly, but have been looking for an and/or bike. I looked at a Mulitstrada 1200 S touring for the first time today. Have not ridden it and have not researched it yet. But I was impressed with what I saw, as soon as the rain stops a test ride is definitely in order. I could see it as a potential replacement.
RPG Posted October 15, 2012 Posted October 15, 2012 my '04 RT continues to impress. Washout weekend in northern MI. Nothing but rain, but the bike did it's thing beautifully all weekend long. I guess I'm easy to please because I just don't have a need to get another bike just yet. Suspension, almost perfect. Original shocks are worn, but man this bike still rides beautiful. Power is more than enough. Roll the throttle on in 5th gear to get around a bunch of blue hairs, watching leaves and 90 comes up quick enough. Brakes are still incredible, whizzy and all Comfortable beyond description No engine heat, how many Japanese sport tourers can say that? (or older BMW R100RT's?) But if, IF I was looking for another toy, The Ducati Multistrada would be at the top of my list. Functional and beautiful IMHO. 2nd place would be a R1200s. Gots to be alot of them around for decent price. Would be a great Track Day bike I would think. RPG
SAAB93driver Posted October 15, 2012 Posted October 15, 2012 I don't have an RT, I have an RS but, after having 3 BMW's I don't think my next motorcycle will be a BMW unless they bring back something like an RS back into the boxer lineup...which they probably won't. Replacements...are few and lacking: Moto Guzzi Norge - cool bike with character except the dealer situation is scary. Honda VFR1200F DCT version is interesting but too sport slanted and fuel tank is too small.
tallman Posted October 15, 2012 Posted October 15, 2012 Dropping the RS, short selling the ST, big mistake IMO. Going down the multiple model 650 rabbit hole a miscalculation and the ridiculous is it a 650/700/800 cc mystery name an embarrassment. I'm a life long BMW rider (had Honda/Yamaha/HD) and left boxers after 5 decades to go K for many reasons but the lack of a true sport tourer between the R & RT was part of it. ST never fit me like the RS for some reason and oilhead RT's don't either (had an R100 RT forever). BMWMOA mag has many letters wrt a lighter smaller displacement beemer that isn't the mystery 650/800. A smaller displacement boxer, retro style perhaps, that can go solo or pillion and carry a load gracefully while powering modern gear. Not too much to ask>
slickster58 Posted October 16, 2012 Posted October 16, 2012 If you could somehow melt 350lbs off a goldwing, that might work for a sport tourer...had a wing 1500...great bike, road far and wide, FL to CO, FL to Canada, 2-up....hunting for an RT these days BTW and have wondered about the ST 1300, V-strom 1000 and FJR....lots of good info here...thanks....
dhanson Posted October 16, 2012 Posted October 16, 2012 Not sure what RT you are looking for but a nearly new one loaded for $14k took in trade on a Super T at our local Yamaha dealer. That was a week ago.
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.