Which Model to buy?

[dlnoss]

This seems like a question that has probably been asked many times but:

I have been reading a lot and feel like it's probably time to buy a BMW motorcycle.
I've never ridden a BMW but have ridden FJR's and Road Kings, and owned a 650 Vstrom (which to me was horrible for long 2-up riding).

I've been looking mostly at the R1100RT, R1150RT, and R1200RT but am open to other models.

I would like to be able to ride with my wife, comfortably, for maybe up to 6 or 7 hours a day (with breaks). We aren't iron-butts.

Is the difference between the different RT's significant for a newbie BMW owner?
Would an RS or a K model or another model be a viable option or is it more of a sport-bike posture when riding?

Also, I would like to be able to trailer the bike for vacations. How hard is it to tie these down safely without messing up something?

Any suggestions or opinions would be appreciated.

Thanks,
David

P.S. I'm in Oklahoma if someone has a used one for sale.

[txtinman]

The R1200CLC will do what you want, but it might get pissed if you trailer it. I ride mine every day for short commutes and for long distance. I've ridden 12 hour days without too much soreness. Six hour days are easy money. The wife likes the rear seat, but I need to add a taller windshield to make it smoother for her.

[BubbaZanetti]

if you like the FJR than a R1200RT would be the bike for you, or if you've got the coin, a K1200GT, the thing is an absolute rocket, although, probably not as "perfect" for 2 up. both bikes are very stable high speed mile munchers that will be fun in the twisty sections.

[hlothery]

I, of course, would recommend the R1200RT. It is a fantastic bike, balanced, light, powerful, comfortable. I ride mostly two up, and it is wonderful. I have the large top case and my wife and I can pack a lot for trips.

Trailering is always a controversial subject on any board. There are those who would question your very ancestry for doing it. I have a Kendon stand-up trailer, and when it fits my plans, have trailered my RT successfully. I use the crossmember above the front fender for my tie-down points in the front, and any available frame part in the rear. No problem.

[dlnoss]

Trailering always makes me nervous but we RV to Colorado in the summer and really like day rides there. I've trailered bikes there with no problems but they were smaller than the RT.

My first BMW is going to be a used one because I don't really want to co-own it with the bank. I haven't seen very many used R1200RTs. I like the thought of less weight and more horsepower but didn't know how noticeable the difference is between the 1100, 1150, and 1200.

[Emoto]

My first BMW is going to be a used one because I don't really want to co-own it with the bank. I haven't seen very many used R1200RTs. I like the thought of less weight and more horsepower but didn't know how noticeable the difference is between the 1100, 1150, and 1200.

Well, first off, there is nothing wrong with the older ones, and I am sure you could enjoy any of the bikes you've listed. Having said that, the new hexhead series (of which the R1200RT is a part) is in my opinion a definite advancement in a number of key areas. Not only is it lighter and more powerful, but the transmission is also significantly better than the prior generations.

Used ones are out there. Check the flea market here on this board, and http://www.ibmwr.org/market/ and http://www.advrider.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=14

[From MARS]

Call the guy in Louisianna and buy his bike. That'll make two people happy. If I hadn't just bought my K12rs, I'd do it.

[dancogan]

I, of course, would recommend the R1200RT. It is a fantastic bike, balanced, light, powerful, comfortable. I ride mostly two up, and it is wonderful. I have the large top case and my wife and I can pack a lot for trips.

Trailering is always a controversial subject on any board. There are those who would question your very ancestry for doing it. I have a Kendon stand-up trailer, and when it fits my plans, have trailered my RT successfully. I use the crossmember above the front fender for my tie-down points in the front, and any available frame part in the rear. No problem.

I'll echo these sentiments. I ride two up a lot, and the RT has been good for 400+ mile days. I have also trailered the RT on a Kendon trailer. That's how we traveled to the Vermont rally last year. The RT did fine.

[osbornk]

The R1200CLC will do what you want, but it might get pissed if you trailer it. I ride mine every day for short commutes and for long distance. I've ridden 12 hour days without too much soreness. Six hour days are easy money. The wife likes the rear seat, but I need to add a taller windshield to make it smoother for her.

I hate to admit it but I agree. I bought mine only because it was a steal in the middle of the winter and I planned on reselling it based on the bad reviews and opinions I had read. I decided to try it once I bought it and found it to be a most pleasant touring bike. The only time it has been trailered was to get it home during a snowstorm. It gets more positive comments than any of the three BMWs I had before it, has more standard features than any bike I have had (electronic cruise, heated seat, AM/FM/Weather/CD radio, heated grips, floor boards, etc). Once you master the slow speed handling, it grows on you. My old R80RT still works best in the twisties.

[Cruzin]

I rode an R1200C and one day my wife said that she would like to ride with me. As soon as I got back up again, I started looking for a bike for the two of us. The RT had all the reviews, but I thought I would throw a CL in the mix.
Me: I wanted the RT. What a great bike!!! But once I got the wife on the back we both realized the RT was not for us. On the CL, she felt relaxed and was taking in the sights. On the RT ... it was a tense ride. She felt unsafe.
Although the RT had so much more to offer in performance. the wife had more to offer coming along with me. GET AN INTERCOM SYSTEM! You'll be talking to the same old wife, in a whole new world!
Most important. Ask the wife what she likes. Take her for the test rides.

[Motor31]

Of the bikes you listed I'd put them in the reverse order for purchase. If you have the money the 1200RT would be best IMO. The brakes still have abs but not interconnected. After that an 1150 RT and so on.

[petepeterson]

You need to call your dealer and set up a test ride date....
1st ride the R1200RT with and without the bride....

2nd ride the K1200GT with and without the bride....

Finally test ride the K1200LT with and with out the bride.....
If most of your riding will be solo the GT will be very inviting to you,, but the wife will more than likely prefer the LT....

Good luck and be sure to test ride........Pete

[hlothery]

You need to call your dealer and set up a test ride date....
1st ride the R1200RT with and without the bride....

2nd ride the K1200GT with and without the bride....

Finally test ride the K1200LT with and with out the bride.....
If most of your riding will be solo the GT will be very inviting to you,, but the wife will more than likely prefer the LT....

Good luck and be sure to test ride........Pete

And be sure to do some slow, parking lot maneuvers two up.....I think you will see a remarkable difference in balance with the R12RT at slow speed.

[dlnoss]

Went and did some shopping and test rides. Came home with a '06 R1200RT with a little under 8000 miles. My wife and I both love it. The trip home was about 200 miles....the best 200 miles I've ever ridden on a bike.

I do need to get a back rest to make my wife more comfortable. I have a GIVI V46 that I kept from my previous bike but will probably need a different base/mount.

Just a small back rest would be nice for short rides if there is such a thing.

The BMW 'people'; dealers, people on the forum, etc., seem to be a different type of personality than I've encountered. It's refreshing.

Thanks for the suggestions and help.

-David

[Bokrijder]

Congratulations on the purchase.
I noticed that your post counter registered 3 and this thread consists of 3 posts. May I add, welcome to the forum!!

Motard

[dlnoss]

Thanks. It's good to be here. I did quite a bit of reading here before I posted. Didn't want to come across any more ignorant than I am.

I'm pretty excited about the new (used) RT. The dealer, Bentonville BMW, already called this morning to see how the ride home was, if I got rained on, and if I had any questions. Nice people.

[rinty]

David:

You picked the right one; the hex heads are excellent. A GT would have been Ok as well.

Don't worry about trailering it. Just go into the Search function here and you'll pull up lots of threads on tie down techniques. Just make sure you have the right equipment.

Rinty