R1200 GSA Vs R 1200 RT...hmm that ain't fair...

ghostrider1964

Edumacated Redneck Adventurer

Posts: 222

Motorbike: R1200GSA-08 and 09 R1200 RT

Mileage: 28,000 miles

Location: Heart of Texas

Thanks: 15805

Tuesday, July 20th 2010, 12:46am

R1200 GSA Vs R 1200 RT...hmm that ain't fair...

I recently traded my 04 1150 GS in on a 09 R1200 RT. I felt I did not need two GSs and I had a hankering for a dedicated street bike in addition to my GSA. I was wanting to run TKCs on the GSA but knew I would wear the tires out very quickly. Having the RT allows me to have a bike for commuting and eating miles. The RT is definitely a transition. It handles totally different to the GSA, not bad, just different.

The RT seems to have a longer rake so has a slower steering. ERgos again are different, not dirt bike style. Seating is comfy but not as roomy as my GSA. I added Illium risers to the RT handle bars which help. I love the cruise control and the ability to control wind buffeting with the windshield controls. Took some getting use to the mirrors in the fairing and not the handle bars. RT has excellent power and is definitely faster than GSA. I had it up to 138 on GPS and it was very stable. I have stock seat for now and it is ok but not sure if I am gonna change it. The ESA is neat and works well. The smaller tires do not like any kind of dirt!!! Not a bad second bike but I could NOT give up my GSA for the RT :thumbup:

2008 R1200 GSA
2003 R1150 GS
1994 KLX 650C
Many others that are gone 8-)

Peter

Candyman

Posts: 925

Motorbike: R1200GS-07

Mileage: 44,000 km

Location: Singapore

Thanks: 33864

Tuesday, July 20th 2010, 12:29pm

Thanks for the update and comparison.

I rode the RT. Afterwards I wondered how many ADV riders would actually be better served with it than with the GSA they have. Now I know why this is the gold standard for miles munching.