R1200 RT passenger comfort

[Mick-F]

I am thinking about getting a 1200RT for long distance, 2 up riding. Can anyone give me any feedback on how comfortable the passenger is on this machine. Right now we are riding a 2002 Triumph Sprint ST and it is not the best for two up riding. I have no interest in a four cylinder machine.
I am new to the BMW family and this forum!

Thank You,

Mick-f

[CycoMoto]

:wave
My wife (who doesn't ever read this forum) is 5'-2" and well rounded. She claims that the 1200RT is more comfortable than the '00 LT that we had before. I'm sure that this would not be the case for everyone, but the RT is certainly comfortable with the top case providing back support for the passenger. Vibration is minimal and wind/rain protection is very good, especially with aftermarket windshield.

Alton

[FWTX12RT]

This answer the this question ultimately depends on several factors. Most important of all, is you and your partner's personal preference. comfort is a personal thing between you butt and your saddle! test ride, test ride, and test ride some more!
After you are absolutely sure that the general RT ergonomics are for you, then start fine tuning the comfort and fit. A first major improvement that most would recommend for both the rider and pillion on a RT would be to upgrade the stock saddle (a major difference for long hauls). Also available are a variety of foot rests and extenders taht help dial in the comfort.

good luck.

[hopz]

My wife and I toured extensively for years on Harley Baggers with the Mustang Touring seat... she liked it.

I switched to BMW... a long story, but I got the RT while I still had the H-D Tour Glide... after the first ride she had a choice, Tour Glide or RT? she picked the RT every time and we have been on it since... (sold the Harley)

[Stixx]

I did an all day Saturday ( 8 hours more or less) with my 150 pound friend on back and she complained not . It has a stock seat and I suspect we would benifit from a sargeant seat if we did a lot of long distance but in the mountains the riding is aggressive enough I probably wouldn't matter.

The RT is the most comfortable bike I've ever owned , even stock, but we do look longingly at Gold Wings occassionally when thinking of riding for days somewhere. For now I'm totally into the kind of touring the RT affords though and could not give that up just yet. LOL :wave

[nuera29]

My wife and I ride a 08 RT she is 5'4" 110 Im 6'4" 230 We both agree that the stock seat is good but, a custom seat would be better for 300+ miles. I'm going to a custom seat just so there are no complaints from the misses and we can enjoy longer riding days imo.

[Georgewk]

My wife and I are struggling on the stock '08 RT seat. We ride pretty long rides, from DC to LA, to Omaha, to upper Michigan.

I am 5'10",175 lbs, wife is 5'6", 115 lbs.

My butt gets really, really tired in about 2 hours, wife does not complain except that she tends to slide forward on the seat and can't sleep very well like that. : )

I am now using an Airhawk under a Beadrider. That works OK, but it makes me higher up on the bike than I like for having feet on the ground when stopping.

She is using a gel pad seat. I tried the one we have that we got for the Electra Glide, which we have sold, and it does not fit for me on the RT.

We are thinking a Russell seat but have not made up our minds.

Thoughts? Thanks, George

[mjordans2000]

My wife greatly prefers we take the LT out rather than the RT. She's happier with the RT now that I've had the seat redone though.

[Mick-F]

Everyone, thanks for the input. This afternoon I am going to ride up the seacoast to a BMW dealer and try out an RT. With all the aftermarket seats out there, I am sure I can make it work.

Mick-F