INFO on the RT ?

Many thanks for the welcome. I stumbled onto this club whilst searching for information on the 1200RT. If I can do a deal on the ZX6 and the Sprint then I will join your very vibrant group of bikers. Can any of the forum members give me some info, advice, suggestions, critisisim, praise, accolades on the RT. I have done about 17 000 km in a year on the Sprint and want to do more touring. I think that the RT must be the ultimate tourer (apart from the LT). The Sprint is a magnificent motorcycle but is geared more towards the sport side of sport tourer. It has its limitations when doing long distances.

Take delivery of my sand beige 1200RT at 14:00hrs today....

I am Chomping at the bit to go...

Hi Tony

Below some remarks of mine to Bear at another thread on this site. Hope it helps.

I'll be on my bike in an hour to visit a construction site near Rosslyn. A filthy wind is blowing, but what... it doesn't matter, I'm riding a RT!

Pse allow me put put some real perspective to this picture. Forget the GS, these guys never rode an RT to its full! My story is:
I ride about 3000km per month all over Gauteng for work at any our of (daylight) day and any type of traffic conditions. I traded my previous RT after 48000km and 16 months for a new 2007 model that just went for its 40000km service after 13 months. I think I know by now what the RT is capable of.

Some points you may take into consideration:
The width of the RT is just about the same as that of a GS - to pass through lane splitting, even with panniers. I always carry the panniers. My wife has a 650GS and I have used that in traffic too. The RT gives you that extra peace and sense of stability that a lighter bike cannot. Why be nippy in traffic? Just do it in style and arrive at the same time - fresh! Car traffic tend to give space for a larger bike rather than for a small one.
The panniers are big enough to take a helmet in one and your jacket and rainsuit in the other.
If you forget your rainsuit at home only your elbows will get wet during a downpour - if you keep your speed above 80 of course.
You have no problem with front winds due to the efficient adjustable windscreen. I even fitted a larger one for more efficiency. I rather have a dirty windscreen than faktorre all over my rider gear and visor!
No other bike can automatically steer into a crosswind as the RT. When the GS's ride at 80 in the Karroo crosswind I pass at 120 - safely.
What costs extra on a GS is standard on the RT - PANNIERS!!
If I have to do a gravel road or path on my RT I do it with the same ease as with a GS. It is only when you really go offroad that the GS is better due to the lower gear ratios low down. Here we do not take into account tyres. tread, etc.
While you have to sit an hour at a time in traffic you can consider to have a radio/cd factory installed - very nice and you can listen to the traffic reports and "Sê wie?".
Elsewhere you mention your fiance's issues; Take her on an RT for a ride and she's hooked for life. Except for maybe the LT (but that's for old toppies - in body or mind) there is no other bike as comfortable for a pillion as an RT.

And so I can go on and on and on...

If you consider to buy second hand, mine is available. I'm planning to take up a new one... RT of course!

"Take delivery of my sand beige 1200RT at 14:00hrs today.... "

Bliksem!! Eat your hearts out non-RT-riders!

Safe riding Bear... and look out for those diesel splills

"Take delivery of my sand beige 1200RT at 14:00hrs today.... "

Bliksem!! Eat your hearts out non-RT-riders!

Safe riding Bear... and look out for those diesel spills

Haha, have learnt a lesson, hopefully never to go there again...

Brag gat one day when I am big Well the 1200Gs does not sound bad either. But will leave the RT and GS fight for those that know. One thing will never sell my GS
But I am drooling to see your bike Bear

Now that i am single again i think i will be at the next meeting...

Thanks for the info. I have not ridden one yet but have also been drooling over the pictures. Went and sat on one at the BMW shop in Four ways. Need to offload both my bikes to purchase this so am hoping that I can do a deal somewhere.