R1200RT impressions

Joined
Aug 21, 2018
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Richmond, VA
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'01 & '96 ST1100s
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The R1250RT is almost 200 pounds lighter with more HP but haven't driven one yet so not sure what I'll think about the boxer engine.
I've read they have different torque curves and power bands, and you need to rev the BMW engine more.
 
Joined
Aug 11, 2013
Messages
3,559
Location
kankakee
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R1200rt
I guess my comment was based on a gross generalization about older models.
The 1200rt engine produces usable power from 1100 rpm through 8000 rpm, giving it a wide powerband. but the 1250 has a lot of torque across all ranges.

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catcher

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Woodstock, New Brunswick, Canada.
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'18Wing, '16VFR1200X
Ah, the Wing vs the RT.
A lot depends on how you expect to use the bike. If you have only one bike, and your main usage doesn't include long trips where you're in the saddle for twelve hour days, choose the RT. If being comfortable and vibration free all day, the Wing is better. Plus there are more Honda dealers, and the reverse capability can be handy. The RT can do it all, so a good all rounder. Riding aggressively on secondary roads, neither shines. Ideally, own a Wing for trips, and also a good adventure bike like an Africa Twin for getting to really know your local haunts.
 

catcher

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Woodstock, New Brunswick, Canada.
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'18Wing, '16VFR1200X
Boxer engines are great. Not only a claim to fame in the BMW world, Goldwing engines are also boxers! As are/were many light aircraft engines... But interestingly, Harley people want strictly V-twins. As a rule, your feet will be happier if not sharing space with a boxer cylinder.
 
Joined
Mar 20, 2007
Messages
625
Location
Hamilton Ontario
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6811
Thought I was ready for an RT last year. Took out a 2020 r1250rt and I liked it a lot until I was on the highway. Engine vibration at 120 kph was terrible and wind buffeting on my helmet had me have to slow to 100 kph. Was not expecting this at all. What the heck???
Back in 2010 I took out a demo r1200rt with different style fairing windshield etc. and I did not want to return it. Was so nice smooth quiet comfy fun and just nice pulsing rather than vibrating my eyes out of my head. Dry clutch was jerky though at slow speeds. Told myself got to get one for sure, but life got in the way. Maybe 2020 which just had its major service wasn’t set up right. Don’t know but disappointing.
 

dduelin

Tune my heart to sing Thy grace
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Feb 11, 2006
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Jacksonville
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GL1800 R1200RT NC700
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I rode 125 miles of a 250 mile ride yesterday in light to medium rain. The tops of my gloved hands barely got any rain on them and my torso and legs remained dry. This is behind the stock windshield. As I have said before the more I ride my 2007 R1200RT (coming up on 60,000 miles) I appreciate it more and more. It was made by people that have been riding and building touring and sporting motorcycles a long time.
 
Joined
Aug 11, 2013
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3,559
Location
kankakee
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R1200rt
Wondering what the difference in rear view angle is between the R1200RT and the ST1300 seems like the mirrors are not as wide apart.
I never thought the mirror position on my ST1100 was very good. It was much better when I put blind spot mirrors on them. The 09 R1200rt I now have has larger mirrors, slightly better than the ST but it also came with handle bar mounted mirrors (optional) that are fantastic.
 

Mellow

Joe
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Dec 1, 2004
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60
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'21 BMW R1250RT
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000540
Adding GS mirror clamps and the mirrors of your choice is a great addition.

IMG_20220212_080020.jpg
 

dduelin

Tune my heart to sing Thy grace
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9,685
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Jacksonville
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GL1800 R1200RT NC700
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Adding GS mirror clamps and the mirrors of your choice is a great addition.

IMG_20220212_080020.jpg
Or K1200 mirrors. That era RT has threaded holes in the clutch and front brake perches for accessory mirrors that look bespoke.

IMG_6811.jpeg

View attachment 328864
 
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