[dirtdreamer50]

I have a 2003 1150RT, that I really enjoy riding, and a 2011 Triumph Tiger 1050 that I cannot ride 50 miles w/o bad neck pain. I am considering taking a beating on the 1050 and trading both for a new RT. My question is, is there enough difference and improvement in the new RT to warrant the dollars involved with such a trade? I do realize there is the weight improvement, suspension improvement, hp/torque increase, etc, over my 03, but I guess I'm looking for both objective and subjective reasonsothers have made for making a move from two bikes to one, and 1150 to 1200. Thanks for any and all input, tomp/ dd50

 

[itspossible]

I bought an 08 1200RT rather than a 1150 for 2 reasons, cruise control and updated styling. I also like the idea that it doesn't have servo brakes and has a bit more hp. The ESA is a bonus and nice to have but I could live with a manual preload like I did with previous bikes.

r

 

[Anchorbend]

I moved from a Tiger 1050 this last January to a new RT. I had no problems with the Tiger but wanted a change along with ABS, traction control and better fairing. I did have about 1 1/2 in. risers on my Tiger which made it more comfortable along with the Palmer large screen and brackets. The seat was the best stock seat I ever had. I find the RT to be a totally different ride. Very good wind protection and suspension ESA. I lowered the foot pegs, put on bar risers and added a sargent seat. It corners better the the Tiger IMO, greater luggage capacity and like all bikes you need to sort out the ergos for yourself. Better pillion position than the Tiger. I think the BMW engine needs to grow on you. Has a little more vibration at idle and you need to twist the wick a little more to get the most of the Beemer engine. Once you get used to it it too is a great engine. I never looked back on buying the BMW. Try a test ride.

 

[hopz]

My question is, is there enough difference and improvement in the new RT to warrant the dollars involved with such a trade?

Yes...

But, your main problem will be finding a good dealer near Sugarland.... and, there are 2010's coming on the market now so the pre-owned opportunities exist.

Go for it.

 

[OU812]

My 1st foray into the RT model was a 2000. Really the same weight as the 1150.
I can say the weight seems lighter on the Hexhead (08') RT that I have been on since 08'.
Plus what was stated above.
You will not be disappointed. :bmw:

 

[Kornholio]

I don't know if this applies at all, but I came to my RT from a Sprint ST 1050. Wonderful machine and certainly faster than hell, but it just wasn't enough to overcome the rest of the bike's shortcomings. Sure, my RT was expensive and I'll often look at it in the garage and wonder why in the hell I was okay with spending so much money on a motorcycle...until I take her out for a weekend. Then everything falls into place and makes sense. Fact is, if you ride a lot, you'll love the RT. But you already knew that since you own one. However, the newer models are an improvement over the 1150 you already enjoy. Obviously you can't go wrong there. There's newer features and a lighter, more nimble feel to the 1200's than what I experienced when test riding an 1150RT. Sure, I could've saved money and went used, but when you take all of the evidence into consideration with the 1200RT's, especially the latest engine incarnation, it's hard to say no.

 

[dirtdreamer50]

Thanks all for your input. I spoke with my local BMW dealer, also the dealer from which the Tiger was purchased, and the manager is looking at numbers to see if a deal can be worked w/o my taking a bath. It appears that all new RT's are shipped to dealers with every accessory installed, except for a trunk, raising the total $4/5K in price.

Guess I will just play the wait and see game now. The Tiger is a great bike, but being unridden at $300 a month payment is a real waste in more ways than one. I've considered the Concours, Tiger 1200, Tenere, and Guzzis, but the RT is the one that speaks to me...

BTW kornholio, I also had an ST and understand that feeling when riding, but distance riding was not comfortable for me...tp

 

[Kornholio]

Thanks all for your input. I spoke with my local BMW dealer, also the dealer from which the Tiger was purchased, and the manager is looking at numbers to see if a deal can be worked w/o my taking a bath. It appears that all new RT's are shipped to dealers with every accessory installed, except for a trunk, raising the total $4/5K in price.

Guess I will just play the wait and see game now. The Tiger is a great bike, but being unridden at $300 a month payment is a real waste in more ways than one. I've considered the Concours, Tiger 1200, Tenere, and Guzzis, but the RT is the one that speaks to me...

BTW kornholio, I also had an ST and understand that feeling when riding, but distance riding was not comfortable for me...tp

How far are you willing to travel for one? If that's not an obstacle, I'm sure you can find one that doesn't have all the options.

 

[dirtdreamer50]

How far are you willing to travel for one? If that's not an obstacle, I'm sure you can find one that doesn't have all the options.

The guy at the dealership said that he did a dealer computer inventory search for a base model for another customer this week, and that he found two in the entire country. Freighting one in to save me some dollars may change any trade deal he would make for the one he currently has on the floor.

The only accessories I really don't need are the radio, can't hear them at speed anyway, and the heated seat. Just doesn't get that cold here in the Houston area. Wait and see time is here...tp

 

[Kornholio]

The guy at the dealership said that he did a dealer computer inventory search for a base model for another customer this week, and that he found two in the entire country. Freighting one in to save me some dollars may change any trade deal he would make for the one he currently has on the floor.

The only accessories I really don't need are the radio, can't hear them at speed anyway, and the heated seat. Just doesn't get that cold here in the Houston area. Wait and see time is here...tp

My point was you go to the dealer and ride it home. It'd be a great way to get started with your new RT.

And I have the radio and I'll be the first one to tell you that I can hear the speakers just fine at 70MPH on the freeway. It's all about setting the thing up correctly.

 

[LTFan]

Although I ride a LT I would imagine the new radio on RT would be much better. I can hear my LT radio just fine at 70mph. At 85-90mph it does get a little difficult unless I raise the windshield. Also the full faced helmet makes its more difficult to listen to the radio.

Not sure how much the radio costs, but having it surely helps while reselling the bike.

 

[Kornholio]

Although I ride a LT I would imagine the new radio on RT would be much better. I can hear my LT radio just fine at 70mph. At 85-90mph it does get a little difficult unless I raise the windshield. Also the full faced helmet makes its more difficult to listen to the radio.

Not sure how much the radio costs, but having it surely helps while reselling the bike.

Funny, having my faceshield down helps me hear it better.

 

[motorman58]

I sold my 2003 1150RT back in Feb and began looking for a newer bike. I wasn't sure if I wanted another RT or go the GS route. I decided the RT was a better fit for me and I was lucky enough to find a 2007 R1200RT in late April. The bike had only 10K miles on it and was in great shape. One word to describe..."Wow" The 1200 is a much better bike than the 1150. Just the fact it weighs less and is more powerful makes a huge difference. Handling, braking comfort are all better. The ESA is great especially if you do ride two up on occasion and cruise control really helps on those long stretches of interstate highways. So far I have added barbacks and plastic head protectors but will probably get an aftermarket windshield in the near future.
You won't go wrong upgrading to the 1200. I loved my 1150 and thought it was a great bike but progress is hard to argue with. I can only imagine how fine a machine the 2012 RT is therefore no test rides for me...at least not yet.....

Happy Riding......

 

[lkchris]

The 1200RT besides being lighter has an engine balancer shaft. The engine sure feels better than my R1100S and thankfully about like my past R100RS and not my R80G/S, i.e. some character remains.

Plus electronics for traction control and if you want tire pressure monitoring and electric adjustable suspension you can have them. Heated seats. Big boy cruise control. Lots of "communication" features ready to go.

No surging. Battery accessability improved. Turn signals self-cancel.

 

[dirtdreamer50]

Went by the dealer at lunch. Was offered a test ride, but didn't take it for two reasons; it was raining, and the pricing has not been finalized. I'm afraid that if I ride it and then am told, that it's $500 a month, I might still want it too much and do the deal. Man, our passions and hobbies can be trying and expensive...tomp dd50

 

[dirtdreamer50]

Well, I brought the grey RT home this afternoon. Even with 0 miles on it, it does pull much better and is is smoother in the lower gears. Lots of buttons, bells and whistles to learn about on it. Thanks again for all the info and great opinions. I'm sure they will sell the 03 in short order. tomp

The 03 mirrors are much better to me than the new ones, but I guess I will learn to use them and probably add some spots, too. tomp dd50

 

[AntRT]

Just sold my beloved 07 Triumph Tiger after months of internal wrangling. Long story short since getting my 2011 RT I wasn't riding the Tiger at all.

 

[bmwk100]

Congrats on the new bike! Hope you came out alright on the trade. Enjoy the bike!