R vs K comparison

[RandyGarner]

I'm planning on buying a new touring bike this spring and keep going round and round about buying an RT or K bike. I've ridden both and like the way they feel but both rides have been around town and very short. I'm concerned about leg comfort over extended periods of time in the saddle; I can see where mods can be made on the R to accommodate forward pegs but don't see that options on a K.

Any and all comments will be appreciated.

[lkchris]

Think about occasionally putting feet on passenger footpegs.

[PGlaves]

Think about occasionally putting feet on passenger footpegs.

I thought he wanted forward pegs. ???

[NCStephen]

I thought he wanted forward pegs. ???
Sometimes thinking outside of the box gives a new choice. I find that using the rear pegs a nice option.

[RandyGarner]

I tried that once on my V-Strom before I installed forward pegs and I tried it on a Concours - I just didn't feel comfortable going around a curve I almost busted my a**. Perhaps the K just isn't going to work for me.

[From MARS]

Randy, I stop about every 150mi to top off and stretch my legs. On the K, that was pretty often.:whistle It takes a little longer, on the airhead, to cover that distance.

Towards the end of the day, I might stand on the pegs for a bit , and I did the passenger peg thing, too. A good seat made a big difference in leg comfort, but that would be true of either bike.

Tom

[bmwrider88]

Randy, I stop about every 150mi to top off and stretch my legs. On the K, that was pretty often.:whistle It takes a little longer, on the airhead, to cover that distance.

Towards the end of the day, I might stand on the pegs for a bit , and I did the passenger peg thing, too. A good seat made a big difference in leg comfort, but that would be true of either bike.

Tom

ummm...
i think he was talking about getting a NEW bike...?

tho i admit it wasn't COMPLETELY clear.... :bolt

[From MARS]

Is there really much difference in the shape of an airhead R and the newer R's when it comes to foot placement? I've tried riding with my legs stretched out front on R bikes, and found it really uncomfortable. That may be due to my size, I'm smaller than avg, but it wasn't as comfortable on a BMW as it was on the Harley. My legs were too far apart on the BMW.

Tom

[Motor31]

I am assuming you are comparing the RT to the LT. Is that correct?

If so then the comfort factor goes to the LT. More leg room with less of a knees up position. More straight up seating with the lower leg vertical than bent like the RT. You can buy after market road pegs and change them both if that is what you want to do to extend your legs.

For a long day touring it can vary depending on your riding style. The RT will be lighter for in town and twisties but the LT will be smoother for putting miles behind you on open roads.

[jaxthedog]

I toured on an RT for seven years and experienced a little leg-cramp discomfort - reduced some by an aftermarket seat. Traded bike for a GSA which is now my touring mount. Very similar element protection but much better riding position for me. Handles the pavement well beyond my go-moderately-fast desires; and with the right luggage (I put Jesse panniers on it) it'll carry a ton of stuff.

The GSA may not have been in your original thoughts, but it might be worth a look.

That said, those K-bikes are damned slick and I wish I had room for one in my garage.

[bikerfish1100]

I am assuming you are comparing the RT to the LT. Is that correct?

If so then the comfort factor goes to the LT. More leg room with less of a knees up position. More straight up seating with the lower leg vertical than bent like the RT. You can buy after market road pegs and change them both if that is what you want to do to extend your legs.

For a long day touring it can vary depending on your riding style. The RT will be lighter for in town and twisties but the LT will be smoother for putting miles behind you on open roads.

legs draped over the cylinders works fine for a change of position on my R11S, but really only good for a few minutes.

[RandyGarner]

Funny you should mention a GS, I've been thinking about that as an option and talked with a couple of people who ride and love them. Since I'm not buying a new bike until the spring I've got lots of time to look around and figure what's best for me.