Thanks to all for the reply to my previous post. As you can tell I'm trying to decide if the R1200RT is the bike for me.
I haven't ever owned a "touring" bike. I'm used to "standards" - more of a R1200R than R1200RT type of bike. I've owned dozens of bikes over the years - everything from full blown sports bikes (Ducati 916, Yamaha R6) to relaxed cruisers (Harley Heritage Classic), and many bikes in between (R1000R, R1150R, Honda Valkyrie, Moto Guzzi California, Ducati Monster, Honda 750, MV Agusta Brutale, HD Street Rod, Triumph T-100, etc.).
Each of these bikes was chosen because I like "unique" bikes, with a bit of style and lots of "fun". At my age, well above the entry level for an AARP card, I realize that despite taking professional riding classes every two years (MSF - Basic/Advanced, Keith Code Superbike School, North Carolina Bike Safe, etc.) my reaction time is somewhat less than it had been, and my ability to enjoy long rides is also less than in years past. My wife no longer enjoys long rides (arthritis) and I've had 7 surgeries in the last few years that makes riding a bit less fun than it had been.
I recently bought a lighter weight bike, a Harley XL 1200C Sportster, believing that the combination of "looks", lighter weight, and easy of handling would be a good compromise. My riding tends to be in Raleigh, NC - a modest sized city - as well as the surrounding areas. Most rides are 2 hours or less, some run to 3-5 hours, many under an hour (commuting to office).
Traffic and police limit the fun, but at my age that isn't a big deal. I have a pretty enjoyable convertible sports car that gives me all the grins and performance I need, but I miss the ability to lean a bike into a turn, make the perfect shift, and feel "one with the road".
The R1200RT seems a bit much for the riding I've described, especially the desire to "have fun". Not sure I equate fun with touring bikes. On the other hand I've owned BMWs in the past and find them to be exceptional machines. At my age I think that ABS is a very worthwhile option and clearly BMW has that covered as well. It gets remarkably hot in the summer down here - concerned that a full windshield will prevent enough air from passing over me to keep me cool, especially in traffic. I ride with ATGATT - Full face helmet, riding gloves, boots, Aerostich suit in the cooler weather, vented Vanson gear in the summer.
My question, finally, "Is the R1200RT Fun to Drive?" I don't expect it to compete with a MV Agusta Brutale, but the HD Heritage, beautiful as it was, has very limited lean angle, and the weight is quite noticeable, especially with several surgeries on my arms and shoulders. Will the RT fit my needs, and if not, what do you suggest?
Thanks to all in advance. I've just joined the forum and I very much appreciate the support, knowledge and information.
I haven't ever owned a "touring" bike. I'm used to "standards" - more of a R1200R than R1200RT type of bike. I've owned dozens of bikes over the years - everything from full blown sports bikes (Ducati 916, Yamaha R6) to relaxed cruisers (Harley Heritage Classic), and many bikes in between (R1000R, R1150R, Honda Valkyrie, Moto Guzzi California, Ducati Monster, Honda 750, MV Agusta Brutale, HD Street Rod, Triumph T-100, etc.).
Each of these bikes was chosen because I like "unique" bikes, with a bit of style and lots of "fun". At my age, well above the entry level for an AARP card, I realize that despite taking professional riding classes every two years (MSF - Basic/Advanced, Keith Code Superbike School, North Carolina Bike Safe, etc.) my reaction time is somewhat less than it had been, and my ability to enjoy long rides is also less than in years past. My wife no longer enjoys long rides (arthritis) and I've had 7 surgeries in the last few years that makes riding a bit less fun than it had been.
I recently bought a lighter weight bike, a Harley XL 1200C Sportster, believing that the combination of "looks", lighter weight, and easy of handling would be a good compromise. My riding tends to be in Raleigh, NC - a modest sized city - as well as the surrounding areas. Most rides are 2 hours or less, some run to 3-5 hours, many under an hour (commuting to office).
Traffic and police limit the fun, but at my age that isn't a big deal. I have a pretty enjoyable convertible sports car that gives me all the grins and performance I need, but I miss the ability to lean a bike into a turn, make the perfect shift, and feel "one with the road".
The R1200RT seems a bit much for the riding I've described, especially the desire to "have fun". Not sure I equate fun with touring bikes. On the other hand I've owned BMWs in the past and find them to be exceptional machines. At my age I think that ABS is a very worthwhile option and clearly BMW has that covered as well. It gets remarkably hot in the summer down here - concerned that a full windshield will prevent enough air from passing over me to keep me cool, especially in traffic. I ride with ATGATT - Full face helmet, riding gloves, boots, Aerostich suit in the cooler weather, vented Vanson gear in the summer.
My question, finally, "Is the R1200RT Fun to Drive?" I don't expect it to compete with a MV Agusta Brutale, but the HD Heritage, beautiful as it was, has very limited lean angle, and the weight is quite noticeable, especially with several surgeries on my arms and shoulders. Will the RT fit my needs, and if not, what do you suggest?
Thanks to all in advance. I've just joined the forum and I very much appreciate the support, knowledge and information.
