I took both the K1600GT and R1200RT for back to back test rides and bought the RT. Incredible handling and performance on all the corners I could throw at it. Thanks for the great videos mate. Cheers
I never really liked the look of the RT's but I just had to buy one & try it. They handle superbly, low or high speed. I clocked 130mph on the autobahns two up with full luggage; solid as a rock. Have travelled from Rotterdam to Rothenburge ob der tauber stopping only for fuel and had no aches, pains nothing. The bad news is they're not as reliable as people think- switch gear, fuels gauge etc fails and cost a small fortune to fix. Service costs are unnecessarily expensive too. Great bike but you pay for it!
I test-rode the 2014 on a 50-mile loop which included straights, big sweepers, high-speed runs, and very tight switchbacks. After reading the "first look" reviews I thought I would love the 2014 R1200RT. Overall, I was quite disappointed. I prefer the previous model R1200RT . Reasons: The seat on the earlier model is more comfortable (better padding and more thigh support). The windscreen on the previous model has better aeros and considerably less turbulence. The gearbox is still quite clunky. The new engine is a bit more powerful, but still buzzy from 75-85. The expensive sound system on the 2014 is totally useless above 50 mph. The instruments are hard to see when backlit. The 2014 R1200RT feels noticeably more top-heavy and the front end felt way more vague that the 2013 I rode. I just finished a week on a 2014 R1200GS -- now that thing handles great -- WAY, WAY, WAY better than the 2014 R1200RT, which has a disturbing front end. The brakes on the 2014 I tested were mushy then they would grab. I didn't like the gear ratios on the 2014 either. For country roads in never seems like I had the right gear. In conclusion, if I had to choose a bike for a week-long holiday, I'd take a 2010-2013 RT over the current model. No question. With the optional large windscreen on the previous model the bike is very stable, with minimal turbulence, even at 85 mph. Now if we could put an ST1300 motor in the 2013 RT chassis -- then you'd have a really great bike.
AccurateShooter Engine, gearbox, suspension, brakes - everything is way better on new LC RT. Front suspension (apart from clever shock) is the same, so what you have experienced is different tyre (and/or different profile). I am not worried about sound system (who listens to music at high speeds ?). I own 2015 GS - in many aspects prefer RT. Now, to compare, GS has same brakes, same front suspension, same engine and same gearbox - what makes it stand out from RT ? :-) S1300 in RT/GS would be blasphemy IMHO.
AccurateShooter Just moved up to a 2015 RTW from a 2011 RT,,, the new RTW is the better bike. Turbine like smoothness with a very broad torque band and instantaneous throttle response. The knee position on the 2011 is more comfortable but I'll live with the 2015 issues in this area. Lower by almost an inch, where my 2011 had a lowered seat, the 2015 with the standard seat enables me to have both feet flat on the ground. Cruise control can be set as low as 15mph and it will hold the speed extremely accurately and smoothly. Instruments can now actually be seen in direct sunlight. More control over the handlebar and seat heat via the whiz wheel. Gearbox is clunky but bike is getting broke-in yet. Clutch force on the new RT seems to be lower and much smoother.
Perhaps. But when you ride long distances, that becomes an irritation. However, around 6-7000rpm engine absolutely sings, reminds me on WWII airplanes.
@@miragegp Happy New year. Well it hasn't too well for me. The knee is back to normal after the op, now my right shoulder is bolloxed. 🙄 So, off the bike again. Still,there's people worse off than myself so mustn't moan too much
Yep, still nuts... :) ... R 1200 RT is a bike for connoisseurs, for those who don't give a f#ck about personal image. It's not the best looking bike ever but damn right, this is the real deal for traveling long distances. R 1200 RT and R 1600 GT both are a hell of an option if your dream is to go buy a pack of cigarettes from the other side of the continent...As for this vid...well, it's absolutely crazy. Rocketing at such speeds in Romania would guarantee you an instant death at any God given hour. You could achieve over 200 but only for short distances and still you could bet heavily on a possible dramatic situation. Erratic car drivers, gypsy horse carriages, astray or bewildered dogs, domestic animals on loose, farming machineries crossing roads from one field to another, or elders crossing from one house to another, unsupervised kids, big lorries rushing towards borders or cities and mobile or stationary radars scattered all over the country are orchestrating the worst case scenario for any biker... Actually, this gives me an idea: I will edit a short clip with traffic around here so I can prove I'm right. As for you, Godspeed my friend
I'm looking forward to that video, please send a link when it's ready ! Regarding drivers, animals etc...although I ride them flat out, trust me, I'm always scanning for possible dangers on the road and always planning evasive action (cause braking won't really help you). Have been off the road 3 times (never really my fault) and managed to stay on 2, no damage whatsoever.
You do get 2yrs warranty, but to keep this valid you need the scheduled servicing & costs are excessive. (Actually more expensive than the BMW car I had!) I've had most if the jobs done under warranty and some done outside of warranty. Some dealers will still replace 'known' faulty components outside warranty (subject to FSH) but some won't. Alan Jefferies in Shipley have been excellent. Coopers Sunderland very poor. In my experience anyway. I'll still be buying another one this year tho even though..
***** I just take it to the dealer. Granted, it's important to know a good one. I don't have tools or time to do service and other maintenance stuff... In general, if there is a "campaign" on some stuff, they will be replaced out of warranty. Switches come to mind, shaky clutches and airbuses on K1200S etc.
I like them both, K1600GT for that beautiful engine and RT for it's FANTASTIC handling. 2 up, hight speed - GT, riding solo on mountain roads, RT all the way.
Can I make a smart suggestion? Next time you want to test the top speed of a motorcycle, pick a multi-lane carriage way to do it on. That way you don't endanger pedestrians or yourself quite as much.
I understand the bike is comfortable. And it can hold all your junk. But it only goes 140 mph?? I think I can come up with a much, much better way to spend over $20,000!
geoff carl It depends on your priorities. It's great commuter, tourer. Can scramble and keep up with most spots bikes over mountain passes. When the road ends, you just carry on, regardless. I miss the thrill of sports bike but you can speed for only so long. In any other aspect, GS is better. And that's why they sell. At premium.
+geoff carl "But it only goes 140 mph" If this is an issue, why are you even looking at touring bikes? That is not what they are about. 140 is fast for a tourer.
Exactly. On good roads you can cruise doing around 180km/h for hours and due to larger tank and better wind protection, you are not going to be slower that sports bikes. Furthermore, you can keep on going for longer as there is less fatigue. For higher top end you can always look at K1600GT or GTR1400 from Kawasaki.
I took both the K1600GT and R1200RT for back to back test rides and bought the RT. Incredible handling and performance on all the corners I could throw at it. Thanks for the great videos mate. Cheers
TenereTravelers Cheers Tenere - I completely agree, RT is the business. Now we must wait for new RS !
I never really liked the look of the RT's but I just had to buy one & try it. They handle superbly, low or high speed. I clocked 130mph on the autobahns two up with full luggage; solid as a rock. Have travelled from Rotterdam to Rothenburge ob der tauber stopping only for fuel and had no aches, pains nothing. The bad news is they're not as reliable as people think- switch gear, fuels gauge etc fails and cost a small fortune to fix. Service costs are unnecessarily expensive too. Great bike but you pay for it!
Don't you get 2 years unlimited mileage warranty ?
No way you got actual speed of 130 mph with a passenger and full luggage on an R1200RT. Indicated, maybe, and only maybe. Actual? No.
I have the 2013 oil head same engine as my 2011 gsa totally love it superb handling and all day comfort and 60mpg if your kind brilliant bike
Very nice!
I test-rode the 2014 on a 50-mile loop which included straights, big sweepers, high-speed runs, and very tight switchbacks. After reading the "first look" reviews I thought I would love the 2014 R1200RT. Overall, I was quite disappointed. I prefer the previous model R1200RT . Reasons: The seat on the earlier model is more comfortable (better padding and more thigh support). The windscreen on the previous model has better aeros and considerably less turbulence. The gearbox is still quite clunky. The new engine is a bit more powerful, but still buzzy from 75-85. The expensive sound system on the 2014 is totally useless above 50 mph. The instruments are hard to see when backlit. The 2014 R1200RT feels noticeably more top-heavy and the front end felt way more vague that the 2013 I rode. I just finished a week on a 2014 R1200GS -- now that thing handles great -- WAY, WAY, WAY better than the 2014 R1200RT, which has a disturbing front end. The brakes on the 2014 I tested were mushy then they would grab. I didn't like the gear ratios on the 2014 either. For country roads in never seems like I had the right gear. In conclusion, if I had to choose a bike for a week-long holiday, I'd take a 2010-2013 RT over the current model. No question. With the optional large windscreen on the previous model the bike is very stable, with minimal turbulence, even at 85 mph. Now if we could put an ST1300 motor in the 2013 RT chassis -- then you'd have a really great bike.
AccurateShooter Engine, gearbox, suspension, brakes - everything is way better on new LC RT. Front suspension (apart from clever shock) is the same, so what you have experienced is different tyre (and/or different profile). I am not worried about sound system (who listens to music at high speeds ?). I own 2015 GS - in many aspects prefer RT. Now, to compare, GS has same brakes, same front suspension, same engine and same gearbox - what makes it stand out from RT ? :-) S1300 in RT/GS would be blasphemy IMHO.
AccurateShooter Just moved up to a 2015 RTW from a 2011 RT,,, the new RTW is the better bike. Turbine like smoothness with a very broad torque band and instantaneous throttle response. The knee position on the 2011 is more comfortable but I'll live with the 2015 issues in this area. Lower by almost an inch, where my 2011 had a lowered seat, the 2015 with the standard seat enables me to have both feet flat on the ground. Cruise control can be set as low as 15mph and it will hold the speed extremely accurately and smoothly. Instruments can now actually be seen in direct sunlight. More control over the handlebar and seat heat via the whiz wheel. Gearbox is clunky but bike is getting broke-in yet. Clutch force on the new RT seems to be lower and much smoother.
Perhaps. But when you ride long distances, that becomes an irritation. However, around 6-7000rpm engine absolutely sings, reminds me on WWII airplanes.
Great video - thanks...
Cheers Tom, thanks.
Dude, I frickin love you !!!! Good old RT's.
How ya doing? Still recovering well?
All the best for New 2022 my friend. Recovered as much as I could. No riding as yet but we shall see...
@@miragegp Happy New year. Well it hasn't too well for me. The knee is back to normal after the op, now my right shoulder is bolloxed. 🙄 So, off the bike again. Still,there's people worse off than myself so mustn't moan too much
Jeeze your going so fast it almost looks like the footage is sped up :P
RT is not that fast.
Yep, still nuts... :) ... R 1200 RT is a bike for connoisseurs, for those who don't give a f#ck about personal image. It's not the best looking bike ever but damn right, this is the real deal for traveling long distances. R 1200 RT and R 1600 GT both are a hell of an option if your dream is to go buy a pack of cigarettes from the other side of the continent...As for this vid...well, it's absolutely crazy. Rocketing at such speeds in Romania would guarantee you an instant death at any God given hour. You could achieve over 200 but only for short distances and still you could bet heavily on a possible dramatic situation. Erratic car drivers, gypsy horse carriages, astray or bewildered dogs, domestic animals on loose, farming machineries crossing roads from one field to another, or elders crossing from one house to another, unsupervised kids, big lorries rushing towards borders or cities and mobile or stationary radars scattered all over the country are orchestrating the worst case scenario for any biker... Actually, this gives me an idea: I will edit a short clip with traffic around here so I can prove I'm right.
As for you, Godspeed my friend
I'm looking forward to that video, please send a link when it's ready !
Regarding drivers, animals etc...although I ride them flat out, trust me, I'm always scanning for possible dangers on the road and always planning evasive action (cause braking won't really help you). Have been off the road 3 times (never really my fault) and managed to stay on 2, no damage whatsoever.
You do get 2yrs warranty, but to keep this valid you need the scheduled servicing & costs are excessive. (Actually more expensive than the BMW car I had!) I've had most if the jobs done under warranty and some done outside of warranty. Some dealers will still replace 'known' faulty components outside warranty (subject to FSH) but some won't. Alan Jefferies in Shipley have been excellent. Coopers Sunderland very poor. In my experience anyway. I'll still be buying another one this year tho even though..
***** I just take it to the dealer. Granted, it's important to know a good one. I don't have tools or time to do service and other maintenance stuff... In general, if there is a "campaign" on some stuff, they will be replaced out of warranty. Switches come to mind, shaky clutches and airbuses on K1200S etc.
How does this compare to the K1600GT that you rode mate?
I like them both, K1600GT for that beautiful engine and RT for it's FANTASTIC handling. 2 up, hight speed - GT, riding solo on mountain roads, RT all the way.
Excellent! Dude whats the fuel consumption at a steady speed, lets say 180 or 200kph? Is it shown on the instrument panel?
+Mr. Krios Cheers mate. It's very heavy, range is around 220km only so consumption is close to 10l/100km.
So, no top speed mentioned then? Or is it "around 200km/h"? 124mph in old money? Or is it a secret?
Have you seen the video ? ;-)
There is a frame with top speed.
231kmh
3 year, 36,000 mile warranty for new U.S. BMW bikes.
130kph is only about 80mph
Yes, I don't understand why are you mentioning it though?
@@miragegp well, no disrespect here. OK.
Most of the comments make is seem like your doing much, much more...🤷♂️
Can I make a smart suggestion?
Next time you want to test the top speed of a motorcycle, pick a multi-lane carriage way to do it on.
That way you don't endanger pedestrians or yourself quite as much.
True but I didn't see any pedestrians?
I understand the bike is comfortable. And it can hold all your junk. But it only goes 140 mph?? I think I can come up with a much, much better way to spend over $20,000!
geoff carl It depends on your priorities. It's great commuter, tourer. Can scramble and keep up with most spots bikes over mountain passes. When the road ends, you just carry on, regardless. I miss the thrill of sports bike but you can speed for only so long. In any other aspect, GS is better. And that's why they sell. At premium.
I guess thats why they're winning so many races on it?
I didn't know they race them ?
+geoff carl "But it only goes 140 mph" If this is an issue, why are you even looking at touring bikes? That is not what they are about. 140 is fast for a tourer.
Exactly. On good roads you can cruise doing around 180km/h for hours and due to larger tank and better wind protection, you are not going to be slower that sports bikes. Furthermore, you can keep on going for longer as there is less fatigue. For higher top end you can always look at K1600GT or GTR1400 from Kawasaki.