Permissible weight?

[backpain]

It's probably no secret that the RT is the sacred cow at bmwsporttouring.com and there's an interesting arguement over how trully two-up capable the GT is because of it's difference in "permissible weight" of 992 pounds which supposed leaves only 370 pounds available for rider, passenger, clothes, gear, and then how do you pack for your trip...

370 pounds is certainly easy to hit between rider and pillion and then you've got the top case and side case that you've got to assume are going to be full. That's got to hit 70 pounds pounds right there. Scottie and I together are about 300 pounds so I can see that really easy, and really quick we can be easy past 992 pounds.

So my question is does it frigging matter and why, how and what can you do? Opinions, thoughts, ideas?

I'm not worried, just curious.

Edit - Found these two links:

RT - http://www.bmw-motorrad.com/com/en/bikes/tour/r1200rt/r1200rt_data.html

GT -
http://www.bmw-motorrad.com/com/en/bikes/tour/k1200gt/k1200gt_data.html

Which would indicate that the GT actually holds more stuff...

Still curious...

[JamesM]

Brian, if I'm reading those charts correctly, the RT has a payload of 524 lbs. and the gt has a payload 520 lbs. Just curious, what is the weight rating on the tires? That may be the limitimg factor.

[jayz9705]

Brian, if I'm reading those charts correctly, the RT has a payload of 524 lbs. and the gt has a payload 520 lbs. Just curious, what is the weight rating on the tires? That may be the limitimg factor.



What I find even more interesting is that both the RT and the GT have higher load capacities than the LT!


For those who are metric-challenged (like me).......


http://www.chimpletons.com/convert/from/kg/to/lb

[wardenross]

What I find even more interesting is that both the RT and the GT have higher load capacities than the LT!

According to the BMW web site the LT's capacity is 487 lbs.

[Randy]

Here is the nomenclature tag from the back of the passenger seat. It shows maximum payload at 1146 lbs. That should allow for close to 500 lbs of payload, even full of fuel.

http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=8009

I'm not sure about the maximum speed, however.

[meese]

I'm not sure about the maximum speed, however.That's not what I hear. ;) Maybe you should do a performance test and report back to us. For research purposes only, you understand. :D

[Randy]

That's not what I hear. ;) Maybe you should do a performance test and report back to us. For research purposes only, you understand. :DI heard that this top speed was captured on a K1200GT. I heard that it was fully loaded with topcase, bags and a +4" +2" windshield. I heard that it was captured on US 50 in Nevada. I have no way of confirming this, but I heard it was all true ;)

http://email.bmwlt.com/users/randy/Pictures/IMG_1560_2.jpg

[messenger13]

What I find even more interesting is that both the RT and the GT have higher load capacities than the LT!After learning just how good the suspension is on the new GT after 12K miles, I'm not surprised at all. My GT carries the wife & I ten times better than the LT ever did. Isn't new technology great? :)

[meese]

And I heard someone say "Wow! Well done." ;)

[messenger13]

145? That's it? :D

[DavidTaylor]

I heard that this top speed was captured on a K1200GT. I heard that it was fully loaded with topcase, bags and a +4" +2" windshield. I heard that it was captured on US 50 in Nevada. I have no way of confirming this, but I heard it was all true ;)

http://email.bmwlt.com/users/randy/Pictures/IMG_1560_2.jpg

By captured do you mean that's where it was recorded, or that's where the performance award was given for it?? :histerica

[Randy]

By captured do you mean that's where it was recorded, or that's where the performance award was given for it?? :histericaI heard it was both.


I'm just sayin.....

[Randy]

145? That's it? :DYup. But I heard that the speed was not when trying for a maximum, but was just achieved in a normal (spirited) ride. It was also somewhere between 4000 and 5000 feet in elevation at the time, at least that is what I heard. I would suspect that the bike would be able to do another 15 or so if one was to try for maximum speed. I think it was a K1200S that set a record at Bonneville of around 176. I'm betting the GT would be a tad slower.