New 06 R1200RT: Ride Report

[BeemerDude]

Just put 200 miles on the new 06 RT and wanted to share my impression. Having traded a 02 LT which I have ridden as my touring bike for almost 5 years now, I was very reluctant to let go of the LT for any other touring motorcycle. However, my observations are as follows:
- The RT is not an LT and I did not expect it to be...
- The LT is definitely smoother at all RPMs... Was expected also...
- However, the RT is nimble, nimble nimble, (did I say nimble?), smooth enough to tour and more powerful than expected.
- At 200+ lbs. less the RT handles very well in parking lots and low speeds.
- The ergos were a big concern of mine, I have reached the age where comfort out weighs velocity. The RT is suprisingly very comfortable and suits my 5' 10" frame very well. I'll know more when I "stretch the RT's legs" on a long tour planned for after reaching the 600 mile service.

In summary, this is one "fun to ride motorcycle"...For a guy who thinks the K engine rules and there could be no substitute, I like this twin...

06 K1200 S
06 R1200 RT
02 K1200 LT (gone but never forgotten)

[Warren_H]

In summary, this is one "fun to ride motorcycle"...For a guy who thinks the K engine rules and there could be no substitute, I like this twin...


I've never ridden a K bike so I can't make a comparison. After nine months & 14,700 miles including a cross country trip it continues to impress me.

[messenger13]

The only boxer I'd ever own is the 1200GS. That motor simply works on a dual sport. But the new R1200RT is an utter mess, IMHO. I couldn't wait for the 30+ mile demo ride to end. I guess you're either a 'K' guy, or an 'R' guy (barring the GS) . . . and never the twain shall meet. I'm happy that you're happy...and I don't mean to be a wet blanket. I'm just offering a different opinion. And it's worth what you paid for it. :)

[BeemerDude]

The only boxer I'd ever own is the 1200GS. That motor simply works on a dual sport. But the new R1200RT is an utter mess, IMHO. I couldn't wait for the 30+ mile demo ride to end. I guess you're either a 'K' guy, or an 'R' guy (barring the GS) . . . and never the twain shall meet. I'm happy that you're happy...and I don't mean to be a wet blanket. I'm just offering a different opinion. And it's worth what you paid for it. :)


Ouch! "an utter mess"...That one smarted...I guess that's why BMW has repeatedly sold more RT's than any other motorcycle of years. Riders think think they are an "utter mess" !

As stated earlier, having ridden the LT for 5+ years, and BTW, rode the an RT through 5 countries over 14 days, two up, I find it an very acceptable "touring bike".

[messenger13]

Ouch! "an utter mess"...That one smarted...I guess that's why BMW has repeatedly sold more RT's than any other motorcycle of years. Riders think think they are an "utter mess" !First of all, it's just MY opinion, so why should it hurt you?! I never could understand that mentality. If your self-esteem hinges on my opinions...you're in deep trouble.

Also, just because BMW sells a lot of RTs does not make it their best bike. Let's talk about Harleys, shall we? If the amount of bikes sold is the criteria for a quality piece of machinery...well then...you know what your next bike should be.

[BeemerDude]

Let's talk about Harleys, shall we? If the amount of bikes sold is the criteria for a quality piece of machinery...well then...you know what your next bike should be.[/QUOTE]

Agreed, had five of them over ten years, not going back!

[quaintance]

First of all, it's just MY opinion, so why should it hurt you?! I never could understand that mentality. If your self-esteem hinges on my opinions...you're in deep trouble.

Also, just because BMW sells a lot of RTs does not make it their best bike. Let's talk about Harleys, shall we? If the amount of bikes sold is the criteria for a quality piece of machinery...well then...you know what your next bike should be.

the 1200RT has been my first BMW and i'm quite happy with this mess. coming from more of a sport bike background looking for a happy medium for two up touring with the wife, i'm downright ecstatic to get on that mess daily. I can handle it easily two up, I can do a whole day of mountain riding comfortably for both of us.. its a fun bike.. my only complaints come with a slightly clunky gearbox(i'd read about it before buying and agree with Bike Magazine)...

Nobody minds a differing opinion, especially if they're critical, but it always helps if its constructive in some way - share with us exactly how you arrived at that opinion... personally when I was looking to buy the RT, I spent days looking for downside information that might be useful to me.

all that said, now that I own a BMW, I love BMW.. hopefully a GS next year.

[johnbeaven]

If you think the R1200RT gearbox is clunky it is lucky you haven't ridden earlier BMW's - the R1200RT is hot knife through butter in comparison.

I believe BMW owners call the clunky gearboxes "character". That is how I have justified owning three of them.

[ben1364]

The only boxer I'd ever own is the 1200GS. That motor simply works on a dual sport. But the new R1200RT is an utter mess, IMHO. I couldn't wait for the 30+ mile demo ride to end. I guess you're either a 'K' guy, or an 'R' guy (barring the GS) . . . and never the twain shall meet. I'm happy that you're happy...and I don't mean to be a wet blanket. I'm just offering a different opinion. And it's worth what you paid for it. :)

Thanks for sharing your opinion of the hexhead engine powering the GS vs. the RT. I for one would be interested to read how you came to the conclusion that the h-h is good in the GS, it is an "utter mess" in the RT.

[GregK100rs]

This is too funny. I took the R1200 out for a test ride, and it was really a hoot riding around until an idiot in a silver Caravan cut me off. Jumping on the brakes, sounding the horn and try to regain my composer I pulled up beside the guy driving the van. I flipped up my visor and started to curse him out, and called him on to a fight. He pulled over to the curb, and I assumed he wanted to go. I pulled the R1200 behind the van, jumped off and removed my helmet. At this point he was right in front of me, and since he invaded my space, twice now, I was cocking my right arm to plug him one, while sliding to the left in case he wanted to chuck one too. He commented on how nice the bike was and that he wanted to know where I got it.

I told the dumb idiot it was only a test drive and he almost totally me and the dealerships bike. It turned out that he bought the bike that evening.

I really should have beat the piss outta him.

[LTDan]

I just traded my 02LT for on 06RT. I feel like I just lost 200 pounds and am loving it so far. Still need to do a 12 hour day and see how I feel. The Lt was as comfortable as it was heavy, loved speed and carried all my camping gear with ease but I was ready for a break from all the low speed work to get it around (also 5'10" 180#s). I do think I'll get peg lowering kit and most likely bar risers. I rode a demo that was set up with these and it felt very right to me, w/ standard seat.

I loved my travels on the LT and was a bit sad as well but am excited to be riding the RT. Have fun with yours, ride safe. Dan

[docedkin]

Like many of you, the low speed LT issues are daunting. Too many times, I've passed up an interesting pulloff or restaurant because of parking lot issues. I've logged over 80K on two LTs, most of it 2-up, and my wife loves the trips. Gravel, dirt, and mud, however, make me gulp. Have any of you former LT owners ridden any distance 2-up on the new RT? Have any of you tried to use the GS as a 2-up touring bike? My 5'8" 165lb. body is struggling, even with the new '05 which lets me flat foot in most situations.

[Ghost55]

My brother bought a new RT about six weeks ago, and has put about 6K on it already. He is coming off an HD Ultra Classic and has some problems with the ergos on the RT. I tried it last weekend for about 25-30 miles at the end of a long day riding, and my butt was killing me, and knees cramping by the time I got off. Liked the bike otherwise, my LT handles like a bus in comparison. Just can't deal with the seat and riding position.

[Tom_K]

A Sargent seat & BMW peg lowering kit solved the ergonomic problems for me. And although my wife isn't as comfortable on the R1200RT as our former GoldWing, I'm happy to be herding 300 fewer pounds around - and with the same high speed stability as the Wing. The RT is a great solo touring bike.

[ben1364]

First of all, it's just MY opinion, so why should it hurt you?! I never could understand that mentality. If your self-esteem hinges on my opinions...you're in deep trouble.

Also, just because BMW sells a lot of RTs does not make it their best bike. Let's talk about Harleys, shall we? If the amount of bikes sold is the criteria for a quality piece of machinery...well then...you know what your next bike should be.

Hey Joe. Are you trolling or what? Inquiring minds... <g>

[FWTX12RT]

This is too funny. I took the R1200 out for a test ride, and it was really a hoot riding around until an idiot in a silver Caravan cut me off. Jumping on the brakes, sounding the horn and try to regain my composer I pulled up beside the guy driving the van. I flipped up my visor and started to curse him out, and called him on to a fight. He pulled over to the curb, and I assumed he wanted to go. I pulled the R1200 behind the van, jumped off and removed my helmet. At this point he was right in front of me, and since he invaded my space, twice now, I was cocking my right arm to plug him one, while sliding to the left in case he wanted to chuck one too. He commented on how nice the bike was and that he wanted to know where I got it.

I told the dumb idiot it was only a test drive and he almost totally me and the dealerships bike. It turned out that he bought the bike that evening.

I really should have beat the piss outta him.

CLASSIC! :o

[flyby]

This is too funny. I took the R1200 out for a test ride, and it was really a hoot riding around until an idiot in a silver Caravan cut me off. Jumping on the brakes, sounding the horn and try to regain my composer I pulled up beside the guy driving the van. I flipped up my visor and started to curse him out, and called him on to a fight. He pulled over to the curb, and I assumed he wanted to go. I pulled the R1200 behind the van, jumped off and removed my helmet. At this point he was right in front of me, and since he invaded my space, twice now, I was cocking my right arm to plug him one, while sliding to the left in case he wanted to chuck one too. He commented on how nice the bike was and that he wanted to know where I got it.

I told the dumb idiot it was only a test drive and he almost totally me and the dealerships bike. It turned out that he bought the bike that evening.

I really should have beat the piss outta him.

Think Prozac

[longbow]

Had my bike a couple of weeks now. It's my first BMW and all I can say is why didn't I do it sooner. The bike handles well in low speed situations and is quite nimbel on the open road.I know it's not the art of perfection but I't's dam close in my opinion. :beer:

[jayjacobson]

This is too funny. I took the R1200 out for a test ride, and it was really a hoot riding around until an idiot in a silver Caravan cut me off. Jumping on the brakes, sounding the horn and try to regain my composer I pulled up beside the guy driving the van. I flipped up my visor and started to curse him out, and called him on to a fight. He pulled over to the curb, and I assumed he wanted to go. I pulled the R1200 behind the van, jumped off and removed my helmet. At this point he was right in front of me, and since he invaded my space, twice now, I was cocking my right arm to plug him one, while sliding to the left in case he wanted to chuck one too. He commented on how nice the bike was and that he wanted to know where I got it.

I told the dumb idiot it was only a test drive and he almost totally me and the dealerships bike. It turned out that he bought the bike that evening.

I really should have beat the piss outta him.

Agreed!....Psych med time.

[bwalk]

you are a really bad dude,

[jfinch]

I have an 05 LT with only 2,300 miles on it, and have never felt reallly comfortable on it (except on road trips). I live in middle Tennessee, but have my bike in Alberquerque now in storage; I've ridden it mostly in the Colorado mountains, where I find it exceptional. However, it is still a little too heavy for me, and top heavy at that. I am 5'8" with a 29" inseam, and have to wear logging boots to get my feet on the ground (almost flat footed with them). I have decided to trade it for a lighter bike that I will feel more comfortable on around town....yet for one that will also be comfortable for those road trips. My wife won't ride with me, at all........so it's always just me (1 up). Today I looked at a new K1200GT and a new R1200RT. Any thoughts on which of these bikes would be a better choice for my next BMW bike?

Thanks.

[Ruben]

I have an 05 LT .......... I have decided to trade it for a lighter bike that I will feel more comfortable on around town....yet for one that will also be comfortable for those road trips. My wife won't ride with me, at all........so it's always just me (1 up). Today I looked at a new K1200GT and a new R1200RT. Any thoughts on which of these bikes would be a better choice for my next BMW bike?

Thanks.For long road trips, I'd suggest the RT, primarily due to the ready availability of after market seats, and the availability of forward foot pegs.

Do NOT test ride the GT, it'll spoil you forever on anything else! The seat gets a bit uncomfortable after a couple of hours, but everything else about the GT is fantastic. Still, "today" I'd recommend the RT as a LD bike.

[ben1364]

Ruben wrote in part, "For long road trips, I'd suggest the RT, primarily due to the ready availability of after market seats, and the availability of forward foot pegs. <snip>"



I also think that the R12RT is the better choice of the two for what you say you want/need. It is lighter than the K-LT or GT and carries it's weight lower than the GT. I suggest that you test ride it with the low seat option to see if the seat height is acceptable.

Aftermarket seats and custom seats are available for both.

[fas]

I have an 05 LT with only 2,300 miles on it, and have never felt reallly comfortable on it ........... Today I looked at a new K1200GT and a new R1200RT. Any thoughts on which of these bikes would be a better choice for my next BMW bike? Thanks.

Since you asked, get the GT.

Like you, I am 5'8". SO does not weigh over 110#. We have been riding together since 1971. SO and I rode our LT for four years. We loved it. We moved to the 2006 GT this season. Love it MORE. She prefers it over any bike we have owned since 1971! The reason is the suspension. She calls it "the cloud." We rode longer trips than ever on the GT. The GT is nimble, I can turn it around in a narrow street, it has a very low cg (dry sump). As one of the members wrote, don't test ride the GT! That is unless you are ready to buy it. The GT is so much fun. I love the brakes, the power, and the suspension. We listen to our iPod with ear bud speakers, no problem. Unlike the LT, you can take off the cases and walk into the hotel with no hassles. You can also run lean and fast without cases, just punch the suspension button and off you go. It's almost like having two different bikes.

Good luck in your search. Several members have been injured trying to catch their 1,100#s of LT/SO and junk as they fall over. Be sure to get off fast and NOT try to stop her if she gets tipped too far over. I dropped my LT three times in four years. Parking twice and backing up once with SO on board. I already dropped my GT, dumb mistake on my part. I tried to ride over a curb that was too high, while leaving a TEA ROOM of all places ;). The GT has limited ground clearance. The GT horn is a joke for a bike this valuable. Those are my feelings. Hope it helps you with your decisions.

Confidence is crucial, especially when on two wheels.

[ben1364]

messenger13 wrote in part, "The only boxer I'd ever own is the 1200GS. That motor simply works on a dual sport. But the new R1200RT is an utter mess, IMHO. I couldn't wait for the 30+ mile demo ride to end. I guess you're either a 'K' guy, or an 'R' guy (barring the GS)"

You are correct. Your opinion is just that and we discount it to it's true value. <G> To compare the K 'light truck' to a RT is apples vs. oranges as I expect that you understand. Several of us would be interested to learn what you mean when you characterize the R1200RT engine as "an utter mess." One further point, 30 miles is hardlly enough to form a useful opinion of a motorcycle.

I guess that I shouldn't complain as this appears to obviously be a K1200LT forum. While I have nothing against the K LT, I don't consider it to be the only motorcycle or even the only BMW motorcycle.

Peace be with you...

Ben White/Austin, TX

[sfarson]

Would also suggest the RT.

[jgburns]

The only boxer I'd ever own is the 1200GS. That motor simply works on a dual sport. But the new R1200RT is an utter mess, IMHO. I couldn't wait for the 30+ mile demo ride to end. I guess you're either a 'K' guy, or an 'R' guy (barring the GS) . . . and never the twain shall meet. I'm happy that you're happy...and I don't mean to be a wet blanket. I'm just offering a different opinion. And it's worth what you paid for it. :)I stopped at the Santa Fe dealership for some windscreen cleaner. The sales guy asked how my search for a second bike was going. I told him my mind was not made up. He insisted I test ride the r1200r. Wow! The boxer impressed me just as it did on the GS.

While I wouldn't go as far as saying the boxer is a mess on the RT, I didn't like it. And, I test rode the R1200RT before buying my used LT. I thought it was a fun ride, but too much vibration for a tourer.

Apparently, the RT has a large following. I don't get, but then I didn't get Yahoo!, Google, Amazon and some other hot deals.

[Rocket_Cowboy]

When I first rode an R12RT (back in 2005), I was at the time riding a Honda ST1300. My initial reaction was in complete agreement ... fun bike, but too much vibes for a long distance touring bike ... and I thought I was going to end up on an LT. Did several cross country trips last year on the Honda, and the underlying driver for my impending change was that I needed to do something about the weight of the Honda. The LT seemed like the perfect fit ... electro center stand so I don't have to worry about dumping her in the hotel parking lot after a long day on the road ... reverse gear for when I'm too tired to notice the slope in the parking lot before I aim the bike nose first down hill into a space. I was all set to pull the trigger on the LT ... just waiting for news on 2007 features and when the redesign might come out ... but then I test rode the RT again.

Holy smokes ... she's so much fun to ride! Sure, she can be a little vibey, the worst is at idle, but then again some when you're hard on the throttle, but what I'm seeing now is that once I've got the cruise set and I'm headed down the highway, she smooths right out to a ride almost as smooth as the Honda's V4. All those issues I had around the ST's weight ... because of the weight advantage towards the RT, they're a thing of the past as well. After 2 years on the 730+ pound ST1300, pushing the RT around in the garage feels more like pushing the girlfriend's SV650 around. Getting the RT on the centerstand ... effortless, even when I've had her loaded up with gear. And the handling ... I came to sport-touring/long distance riding from the sportbike side of things. With the ESA system on the RT, I'm loving it. It's not as dialed in as either of my old track bikes, but she does get close enough ... and the convenience of being able to firm up the ride on the sport stuff, then turn around and dial back into comfort for the slab ... all from the saddle ... priceless.

I have no doubt I'll end up with an LT at some point, just like I hope to have a GS in the stall at some point, but this RT just keeps putting smile after smile across my face.

[jfinch]

Thanks for that info. The more I read about the GT, the more convinced I am to trade for one. My only remaining concern is my size vs. the bike.......I'm 5'8" with a 29" inseam; had to use big soled boots to reach the ground on my LT......will I have similar problems on the GT? Anybody have experience with the lower seat on the GT to solve this problem?

Thanks,

JDF

[Mike_Benzon]

I am returning to the RT after several years of riding an LT. I traded my first RT for the LT in hopes of getting my wife to ride with me, that didn't happen. After a while I was asking myself why am I riding this heavy thing when I am solo all the time. I sold it and then ended up on a Rocket III ( the wife said she liked it and wanted me to buy it). Again I found myself riding another 800+ bike by myself. I also have a dual sport (Triumph Tiger) and recently decided I would prefer to have only one bike and decided the RT could be that bike that covered all my needs. So, I test rode one last weekend and I can't tell you how much I enjoyed the ride. I was laughing out loud to myself inside my helmet with pure joy. Over the past 3 years I have often thought it was a mistake to let the RT go. Originally I did not like the boxer motor because of the vibes and the lack of torque below 3K rpm. They seem to have remedied this with the new RT. It now has much more torque and with a wider rpm range a wider torque range. I actually like the charactor of the boxer twin now and look forward to many, many years of enjoyment on this new bike. It is all a matter of taste and what makes each of us happy. I am fortunate that I have friends who continued to ride BMW boxers and gave me plenty of opportunity to ride their bikes. IMHO, I think the RT is the best bike in the world.
Previous bikes: Triumph Sprint ST, Trophy, BMW RT, LT, Triumph Tiger and Rocket III.
New bike: 2006 R1200RT, RED

[sfarson]

I am returning to the RT after several years of riding an LT. I traded my first RT for the LT in hopes of getting my wife to ride with me, that didn't happen. After a while I was asking myself why am I riding this heavy thing when I am solo all the time. I sold it and then ended up on a Rocket III ( the wife said she liked it and wanted me to buy it). Again I found myself riding another 800+ bike by myself. I also have a dual sport (Triumph Tiger) and recently decided I would prefer to have only one bike and decided the RT could be that bike that covered all my needs. So, I test rode one last weekend and I can't tell you how much I enjoyed the ride. I was laughing out loud to myself inside my helmet with pure joy. Over the past 3 years I have often thought it was a mistake to let the RT go. Originally I did not like the boxer motor because of the vibes and the lack of torque below 3K rpm. They seem to have remedied this with the new RT. It now has much more torque and with a wider rpm range a wider torque range. I actually like the charactor of the boxer twin now and look forward to many, many years of enjoyment on this new bike. It is all a matter of taste and what makes each of us happy. I am fortunate that I have friends who continued to ride BMW boxers and gave me plenty of opportunity to ride their bikes. IMHO, I think the RT is the best bike in the world.
Previous bikes: Triumph Sprint ST, Trophy, BMW RT, LT, Triumph Tiger and Rocket III.
New bike: 2006 R1200RT, RED

Mike, Congrats.

Never considered myself an RT kinda of rider until renting one overseas summer '05 on a ride through Normandy and France following business there. Picked a nasty weather week... cold, sideways rain, blustery... but a sublime and confident ride. A blast! Been thinking about one ever since and took delivery of one almost two months ago. I've owned and ridden many bikes, from many makes. This one is one of the finest ever. Can hunt sportbikers in the canyons (And I ride a couple of them) and do it in the next time zone as well. BMW nailed it with the lighter weight, great creature comforts, sporty and characterful engine, and appearance. There are reasons why it is winning all kinds of sport touring and touring awards.

Guess I'm preaching to the choir. Have fun and many memories from this ride!

From the first ride:

http://www.farson.com/bmw/r12rtelk800.jpg