Is the "R" much different to the "RT"

[Philbie]

Hi guys,

After a while away from the computer, I'm back and into it again. Hope to hang around this time, I've got lots of catching up to do. It's great to see some of the same people that were here when i picked up my RT nearly a year ago.

The RT has been fantastic! my passion for this bike is still up there, which is great news....

What does bug me is the continuing want for a R1150R or an early R850R There is something about the way they look that keeps me coming back for a second look all the time.

I sometime wonder if i should put one of them next to the RT in the garage, but keep thinking it's primarily the same thing just in a different skin. There's always a good second hand one floating around which makes them hard to resist.

What do you guys think? Am i being crazy, or is there a good reason i should look into this a little futher.

Cheers,

Phil

[DJ Downunder]

Phil...I'll catch up with you one day..and you can take mine for a spin...I'm sure you'll like it and want one.

Forget the old 850...and go for the better looking 1150..IMO.

DJ

[Philbie]

I was heading in that way i like the 1150 better than the 850 - then along came the Griso........but that's another story.

[beemer-biker]

Phil, I used to have the set up you are looking for. I had an RT and an 1100R It was nice to have the two of them. On really hot days, I would take the R, cold or cooler, the RT. On long trips, always the RT. As you would expect, the R was a more "fun" bike, due to being over 100 lbs. lighter, but the RT was no slouch, as you are well aware. It was sometimes hard to decide which to ride. What made it even tougher was the fact that the R had a windshield and full size BMW hard luggage, so it was an RT-lite.
I would say go and ride a few different bikes, like the Grisso, and pick one you like, there are many similiarly designed models out there, compared to the R's. Either way, I am jealous!! lol

[boxermania]

Philbie

Simplistically speaking as the majority has already been spoken here:

The diference between the RT and the R are:

.5 increase in compression
taller read end ratio (to help with t acceleration)
and ~ 100 pounds heavier
and off course significantly more expensive thatn the R

Either one will serve you well, but if you are into long legged trips the RT will be more to your liking, because of the protection afforded from the elements.

Just 2 cents.......

[johno]

Philbie, been there, done that. I currently have a R1150R, and like it very much.
I had a R1150RT before the R, about 18month gap as I had a car spasm
at the time(and still do)
After a couple of chook chasers, I bought a 2001 Black R, and dont regret it. Much easier to handle than the RT, and heaps more fun.
Just put a Givi screen on it last night, and have a set of Sargent seats coming( thanks Randy).
I too have panniers and top box, as well as R1100S tank bag.
This bike would do all you can do on the RT, but a bigger grin.
( I gave my mate on his ST2 Ducati a distant look at my tail light today.)

[johno]

By the way, what part of Aus do you 2 come from? I am in Mount Gambier, SA. Give me a call if you ever get over this way.

[Philbie]

Am over in Echuca, right on the murray River. Glad to hear you went back to a Beemer... I don't think i'd get rid of the RT, the protection is just a ripper for the long distance hauls I like to do every now and then, Just would love to go back to a naked bike again as well. I'd had a Suzi GSX1400 prior to the RT and i miss that kind of riding which the RT cannot deliver, but would find it hard to get away from a shaft drive now.

[KHaynes]

I originally planned to buy an R1150R until my wife saw the RT and made up our mind for us both. I'm in love with the RT and would never consider replacing it as lots of the rides I do are two-up.
However, I thought I wanted something a little lighter to ride to work daily. The R1150R is a bit too much like the RT so I opted for a used R1150GS.
With these two bikes, the RT and GS, I have much more versatility than if I had both an R and RT.

[johno]

Keith, I find the R is only a lower version of the GS.
My 1st Beemer was a 1150GS, then R1100RS, R1150RT, and finally R1150R.
If I was looking for a work bike, and could afford it, I would buy the F650GS.

[Philbie]

Keith,

You have a good mix there - it's something i've thought about but not got into specifics about just yet.

We do have a good mix of area up here where a GS would be great to use.

Glad you brought it up - i'll look into that option a bit more.

Glad you like the RT - I'm also never getting rid of mine, unless it's replaced with a later model.

cheers,

Phil

[beemer-biker]

Keith, I find the R is only a lower version of the GS.
My 1st Beemer was a 1150GS, then R1100RS, R1150RT, and finally R1150R.
If I was looking for a work bike, and could afford it, I would buy the F650GS.

johno, not to hijack this thread, but, I am looking into an 1150RS. How is the riding position, ergos, handling, etc. compared to the 1150R? I used to have an RT, loved it, but don't really need/want all of the protection. The RS seems to be a good in between bike, protection wise. I really like my R, but seem to want a little more protection. The GS is a little tall for me, but a nice bike. Is the switch from the R to the RS worth it? It seems to be a little more forward riding position, is this true, as compared to the 1150R? I know the 1100R had a more upright position compared to the '50R.
Thanks.

[johno]

I bought the RS because it was cheap. I had the GS at the same time, and the RS gave me a bike my wife could pillion on, as she is short, the GS was hard for her to get on.
A bit of a lean forward riding position, not easy to put risers on, but good weather protection without being in RT touring mode.
Magic in the twisties-my mate on his Sprint ST couldnt keep up on one run thru the Adelaide hills, which is fantastic for bikes.
Luv that Beemer torque!!

[geogridshorthair]

I feel somewhat qualified to chirp in on this subject.

Here is how I describe the use of the three bikes:

For a day ride through the mountains I ride the 1150R. Nimble and quick. I have the large top bag and system bags for the side.

More than two days and any amount of freeway riding and it is the RT. Comfort, protection and enough sporty feel to enjoy the twisties.

Running errands around town or any unpaved road riding and it is the GS.

I live in southern California and I go for 200 to 250 mile day rides on a regular basis. Two or three times a month.

I may choose to ride the RT to a meeting in a town 65 miles away and all freeway miles. Can't beat it for using the commute lane/lane splitting and fun while still going to work. This happens two or three times a month.

Almost every day I will ride the GS on Pacific Coast Highway from my home in Newport Beach to either Huntington Beach or Laguna Beach just to have coffee and watch the locals. An errand to the bank or a stop at the market for that evenings dinner. I ride the GS every day for this type of activity.

I am truely spoiled and blessed that my wife allows and supports my motorcycle habit. And she will not get on the bike so I never have to ride two-up.

I'm a lucky man!

Steve

[KHaynes]

Keith, I find the R is only a lower version of the GS.
...

Quite true except the steering feels markedly different on the GS. Maybe it's the difference in tyres or the higher centre of gravity on the GS but the R feels much sportier.

If I was looking for a work bike, ... I would buy the F650GS.

Before I bought the R1150GS, I put a lot of thought into the F650GS as they are a huge amount of fun to ride. I just couldn't get over the lack of grunt after getting off the RT.

My wife and I travel together on the RT in the cooler weather and the GS in the heat.

The RT and F650GS would be a great combo for anyone who mixes 2-up riding with economical commuting.

[scottybooj]

Steve, you like BMWs, eh?

[awagnon]

Philbie,

I have a 2002 RT I ride in cooler weather or rides longer than 200 miles. I ride the 2004 R around town, to commute to work, or just for fun. I feel safer on the RT when riding on the freeway. I've been told the steering geometry is slightly different on the R. I don't feel it's as stable at higher speeds. On the other hand, the R bike laughs at cross winds, but the RT has more problems, especially with all the bags, tents, and gear on.

I like having both because in my simplistic mind, it's easier to work on both bikes because they are so much alike. Even switching between them to ride doesn't take any mental adjustments.

If I could only keep one of them, it would be the RT.

[BeemeRandy]

I had an R1100RS before getting the 1150R. I wish I had it back.... best bike I've owned. The RS was a great compromise on the weather protection vs. weight and bulk issue. I wouldn't get a newer RS, though. When it was time to update, I got the R because it gave me the option of the "normal" (i.e., no weird electro-whiz servo cr@p) brake system. Too bad BMW doesn't offer that option across the product line.

Randy

[beemerphile]

In my experience having two road bikes is like having two women. It is more than twice as much trouble, but less than twice as much fun. That makes it incrementally a bad deal. - Lee