GT or RT?

[JCarver]

I think I know, but just to be sure, I ask those who know from experience. Which model gets the best mpg, the 2006-08 K1200GT or the 2006-08 R1200RT?

If momma is not going to ride with me any more than she does, there may be some changes in the stable.

tcars
John

[cccpastorjack]

I don't know about gas mileage, but there ain't an stock RT out there that can keep up with a GT! By a LONG shot! :D

[BMWphreak]

I don't know about gas mileage, but there ain't an stock RT out there that can keep up with a GT! By a LONG shot! :D

I agree with Jack regarding acceleration, but not with regards to handling. For me, 110 hp was more than enough for any riding that I do. The RT has a slightly bigger gas tank (7.1 gal vs 6.3 gal) and gets slightly better gas mileage. The RT is a little lighter and so also has a little more weight carrying capacity. The RT, while extremely smooth for a 2 cylinder motor, is not nearly as smooth as the 4 cylinder motor in the GT. Check out the link below...


http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/bikes/compare.jsp?b1=r1200rt&b2=k1200gt&x=38&y=14

[messenger13]

I would be VERY surprised to learn that an RT gets better gas mileage than my GT. Two bigger jugs are typically more thirsty than 4 smaller ones. Just sayin'...

Then again, if you were to ride both bikes full out, the GT may get worse mileage due to it's much higher redline.

[ksrob]

The RT gets about 10 mpg better than the GT. My wife rode the RT and I was on the GT on a trip last fall. From SE Kansas to Palm Springs Cali, The RT averaged 53 mpg and the GT 43.

This was on two lane roads mostly, plains, mountains, desert. I'm 80 lbs heavier than she is and both bikes had trunks on them. All luggage was full.

I've had three RT's, a 89, 97 and a 05. The GT is the first 4 cyl bike I've had since a '81 Suzuki 750GS. While the GT's engine is outstanding, the RT is a better all around better bike. The only time the GT is better is on the fast, long sweepers, in the tighter stuff, I would rather have the RT.

HTH,

Rob Lessen
Arma, KS

'73 Honda XL250
'91 R100GSPD
'07 R12RT
'07 K12GT

[rdwalker]

I've spent a couple of weeks each riding rental RT's and GT's (in Germany and France) over last 3 years.

Liked both, but would summarize by saying that while RT's were pleasant, GT's were competent.

For one-up riding my choice would be a GT, for two-up... debatable.

[Bob1200rtc1]

My RT is plenty fast for me. I don't use half of it's potential. I don't need that adreniline rush any more. I just enjoy the amenities the bike has,the light weight,nimble handling and that boxer feel. To me that engine has soul that I've never felt in another type of engine.

[JCarver]

First of all, Thanks to those who responded, it is appreciated, and it aided in a decision that I will make at some time. I have an LT, like it, but it is a bit heavier that I like. I also have an older Concours, but as I said, it is getting old.

I've ridden both the GT and RT, I like both. The ergonomics on the RT were perfect. The smoothness of the GT was nice. The problem with the RT is that I've had some type of 4 cylinder inline since 1971. The problem with the GT is that the 48+ mpg of the LT and its smoothness has somewhat spoiled me. Decisions, decisions, just hope I can make one before I need to get a Vectrix. :-)

Before you say it, yes I'd love to have both, but the pocketbook can't handle that, at least not yet.

ta, tcars
John