CDNBKR
Aug 23rd, 2008, 10:11 pm
Went to my local deal to test a R1200RT but they didn't have any in stock so they offered a R1200R. Basically the same engine, transmission and suspension. Right now I ride a cruiser so my comments reflect that perspective.
The first thing you notice is that you are sitting much higher than the average cruiser. In fact, I could finally look over a car as opposed to thru it. The bike feels alittle top heavy compared to a Vtwin cruiser but you soon get used to it.
The bike takes off effortlessly. I was told to keep the rpm above 3000 as the boxer engine loves high rpm. Well this meant that I rarely got to 6th gear! The bike simply loves speed and every gear just takes off as if you were standing still. There is a trick to shifting gears by keeping the throttle open abit for smoother operation - I was told that this is unique to the bike and takes time to get used to.
I was on a newer bike so the vibrations were still evident. However, I didn't find it excessive. At a stand still it pulls to the right when you open the throttle but when rolling you hardly notice it. Its not as smooth as a 4 or 6 cylinder bike but it is better then most vtwin cruisers.
Handling was fantastic. The weight is low and you don't need to persuade the bike very hard to corner. It responds quickly and smoothly. I found it very firm on the road - like it hugs the pavement. A cruiser at high speed can feel wobbly or light but the R1200 stays firmly on the road and you hardly notice the speed.
The suspension is a great improvement over a cruiser. Wow! I found myself looking for rough patches just to see how it would handle the bumps. Places where my cruiser would give a bone jarring bounce, the BMW rides over smoothly. This is a real plus and makes a big difference on comfort for the passenger.
The brakes are amazing as well. I loved the fact that the the front handle bar brake is linked to both front and back but the pedal just to the back. And, you only need 2 fingers to come to a stop instead of a full grip. The ABS controls the stop nicely - I tried to come to a screeching halt but to no avail!
Seating position is great. I found the stock seat to be quite comfortable and didn't think that an after market seat would be necessary. I am used to stretching my legs out on the cruiser so was expecting to get cramped on the R1200 but after an 1 1/2 hrs I was still feeling ok. Not sure how this will be on longer hauls but I actually felt better after getting off the BMW then I would normally feel getting off the cruiser.
Anyways, that was my experience. I am hoping to get on the RT yet as that is what I am looking to buy. Hope this helps anyone else looking to make the switch from a cruiser to an RT.
The first thing you notice is that you are sitting much higher than the average cruiser. In fact, I could finally look over a car as opposed to thru it. The bike feels alittle top heavy compared to a Vtwin cruiser but you soon get used to it.
The bike takes off effortlessly. I was told to keep the rpm above 3000 as the boxer engine loves high rpm. Well this meant that I rarely got to 6th gear! The bike simply loves speed and every gear just takes off as if you were standing still. There is a trick to shifting gears by keeping the throttle open abit for smoother operation - I was told that this is unique to the bike and takes time to get used to.
I was on a newer bike so the vibrations were still evident. However, I didn't find it excessive. At a stand still it pulls to the right when you open the throttle but when rolling you hardly notice it. Its not as smooth as a 4 or 6 cylinder bike but it is better then most vtwin cruisers.
Handling was fantastic. The weight is low and you don't need to persuade the bike very hard to corner. It responds quickly and smoothly. I found it very firm on the road - like it hugs the pavement. A cruiser at high speed can feel wobbly or light but the R1200 stays firmly on the road and you hardly notice the speed.
The suspension is a great improvement over a cruiser. Wow! I found myself looking for rough patches just to see how it would handle the bumps. Places where my cruiser would give a bone jarring bounce, the BMW rides over smoothly. This is a real plus and makes a big difference on comfort for the passenger.
The brakes are amazing as well. I loved the fact that the the front handle bar brake is linked to both front and back but the pedal just to the back. And, you only need 2 fingers to come to a stop instead of a full grip. The ABS controls the stop nicely - I tried to come to a screeching halt but to no avail!
Seating position is great. I found the stock seat to be quite comfortable and didn't think that an after market seat would be necessary. I am used to stretching my legs out on the cruiser so was expecting to get cramped on the R1200 but after an 1 1/2 hrs I was still feeling ok. Not sure how this will be on longer hauls but I actually felt better after getting off the BMW then I would normally feel getting off the cruiser.
Anyways, that was my experience. I am hoping to get on the RT yet as that is what I am looking to buy. Hope this helps anyone else looking to make the switch from a cruiser to an RT.