R1200RT Question

Hi,

I am presently riding an F800ST and use it to commute from Glenvista (South of Jo'burg) to Rosslyn every day +/- 100 km one way. I have a company car, but it takes me 2 to 2 1/2 hours depending on the time that i leave.

By bike it takes me an hour, regardless of time that i leave.

I am in the process of selling my bike, to get a bike that is; 1) More comfortable; 2) Has more wind/weather protection and good re-sale value.

As i work for BMW, i have to keep the bike for a year which means that i put on a lot of km's, without weekend rides !!

I was thinking of going to a 1200RT, i thought about a GS, but dont really go off road are there any suggestions

Bear wrote:........I am in the process of selling my bike, to get a bike that is; 1) .........; 2) Has more wind/weather protection and good re-sale value.

Realise you are looking for some serious advice but if you find a bike with good resale value, please also let us know which bike it is

In my view, the F650GS/F800 will make a far better commuter than the RT but as you said, without the weather protection that a dedicated tourer will offer. The F800ST that you have at the moment is probably the best of both worlds (commuting and touring properties)

Thanks for the reply and advice MadnohB, much appreciated

Hi Bear,

I personally think that the R1200GS is probably the best value for money, because this motorcycle has been the best seller in SA for the last 5 years and this includes all brands etc. For this reason there second hand value is much better than any other motorcycle currently. I think that they are excellent touring and commuting bikes. Regarding going off road with it, I would say that not even 70% of GS owners have ever been off road with it.

My 2 c.........

Thanks for your 2 c.... GSing, much appreciated most of the guy's at work also have them, GS's i mean..

Hi Bear
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!

just love it........3 replies, 3 different answers. It's like religion, rugby and politics.

It's all good, now you can make an informed decision and stick to the ST

tj wrote:Hi Bear
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.

Hi tj,

Consider my arm well twisted and mind made up

This bike has been my dream for a long time, but must get my ST fixed and sold, then i will be joining you with a new RT. (Work for BM so get a good discount )

Thanks to all for your contributions, happy and SAFE riding...

Well done Bear!!

Ps. How about sharing some of that discount round the pub counter during a future monthly get-together??

tj wrote:Well done Bear!!

Ps. How about sharing some of that discount round the pub counter during a future monthly get-together??

No problem, we can talk, i can buy a bike a year....

Must just stay on my name for that period

I have read al the post above. Personally i would also advise that you rather go for the RT. I also commute daily by bike (LT) - but not many people want the weight that comes with the comfort and packing space that comes standard with the LT. My second choice will always be the RT. LeRoy

LeRoy Olivier wrote:I have read al the post above. Personally i would also advise that you rather go for the RT. I also commute daily by bike (LT) - but not many people want the weight that comes with the comfort and packing space that comes standard with the LT. My second choice will always be the RT. LeRoy

Thanks for the comment LeRoy, much appreciated..

tj wrote:Hi Bear
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:


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

Best marketing advice i saw in a long time.

What a privilege you have working for BMW and getting to ride a new bike every year! And I am sure all of us will fall off our chairs if we hear what you pay for it....

That being said, all the advice above indicates an RT and I am sure it will most definitely not be a bad choice, or even a choice that you will remotely regret.

I have a GSA that I travel with daily, and I have found that the larger size of the bikes, the menacing look and the spotlights that are on continuously create a better awareness in cage drivers. It seems as if this bike has quite a substantial presence on the road, and cagers make space quite happily for it. With regard to automatic steering into cross winds - it is an amazing feature, but how often will you use it? Music and radio on the bike - Scala Rider provides you with those as well. By the way - if you are in the position to listen to "Se Wie?" on the way to work or on the way back, you have a nice job as it is on RSG at 14:00 in the afternoon...

My dad has an RT - seriously comfortable, but I think it is more suited to long distance touring. The GS is a bit more nimble around traffic.

But ja, my view is biased, and you are welcome to accuse me of it - I would go for the GS.

Why choose...buy the RT AND GS..!
That way you can ride as the feeling takes you and have the best of both worlds.

Richard H wrote:Why choose...buy the RT AND GS..!
That way you can ride as the feeling takes you and have the best of both worlds.

Tempting i must admit, but financial constraints....

I cannot comment on the GS but if you want a tourer, or the comfort and avoidance of adverse elements the RT is defintely the way to go. It offers execellent protection from the elements and superbly meets it's role for which it was designed.

As Richard said, if you want the best of both worlds then you need to buy the RT and GS. By the way, so as not to mislead you, although the saddle is said to be most comfortable one offered in the BMW range you will also end up with a sore butt after 7000kms of riding over 11 days.

peterf wrote:As Richard said, if you want the best of both worlds then you need to buy the RT and GS. By the way, so as not to mislead you, although the saddle is said to be most comfortable one offered in the BMW range you will also end up with a sore butt after 7000kms of riding over 11 days.

Thanks for the input...

I am sure not only your butt would be sore at that stage.

I agree that the RT has a very comfortable seat. I have done many thousands in mine. However, just before my 2006 Gold trip of 7500 kays over 14 days I invested in an Air Hawk, and it is still the best investment against sore bum I made. Go and have a look at www.airhawk.net for more details.

Did you buy locally or over the 'net? Price?

I believe that the Russel Day Long seat is most highly regarded for the touring motorcyclist... http://www.day-long.com/
CeeBailey also come well-recommended by law enforcement officers who ride BMW RT-P's (police model RT's)

A bit difficult to get custom built as you have to send in your stock seat for them to work on...!

I bought it over the net. At the time it was not too bad ($169 and a reasonable exchange rate) but I see they have gone up to $189, so after the exchange rate it is not cheap any more but still worth it. Have a look on the website. They compare it to other seat covers with gel etc. I can with confidence say that it can extend a day's distance by 300 kays. Had mine since 2006 and not looking back.

Hi Mates

My first reply, I feel like a virg..

I used to commute with a F650GS and recently replaced it with a RT. Which is best, I can't reply. I liked the GSs easy quick handling, but also the comfort and power of the RT. I must also say that it doesn't take me 10min to get to work, so if I had to be in the saddle for much longer maybe.... just maybe the RT would be my first choice, but that is not final.

Regards
Rudi

So let it not be your last. Had the pleasure at various occations to have an RT to ride whilst the LT was in for services or whatever. I would regard the RT as one of the most comfortable bikes in the Beemer range of bikes, second only to my first choice/love - LT.

Did my first "longdistance" Saturday. Eish..... the seat nearly killed me Went to Louis Trichard and back Gelukkig kon ek bietjie staan. At the price Andre talks about for a seat I will hurt much more soon

Hi Leroy

I'v got a friend that converted his LT into a trike, what a comfy ride that can be! He recently sold it.
It is the only LT trike in SA.

The new owner must be happy!

Regards
Rudi