R1200RT Riding Impressions

[y2kflhr]

Originally Posted by '05Train

I really don't think so. She enjoyed the hell out of the GSA, which is the same basic platform as the RT (but with less wind protection).

that backrest looked kinda skimmpy for a ride to colorado, I forsee vader going, the bee eemer being vaders replacement and another ultra in the stable....

but I am still on my first cup of coffee

[d j]

The passenger accommodations is what Toots doesn't seem too happy about. Lets face it, once they get used to the FLHT pillion, it's very difficult to convince them the RT is just as comfortable on a 1500 mile slog out to Colorado.

I guess we need a Dana ride impression.

[Bone Stockman]

Originally Posted by d j

The passenger accommodations is what Toots doesn't seem too happy about. Lets face it, once they get used to the FLHT pillion, it's very difficult to convince them the RT is just as comfortable on a 1500 mile slog out to Colorado.

I guess we need a Dana ride impression.

Indeed we do, unfortunately I don't think I'm ready to ride with a passenger just yet, so that's going to have to wait.

The FLHT backseat is awfully cushy, and I've explained to Dana that that sort of cush is atypical in the motorcycle world. I'm hoping that the more comfortable ride makes up for the sparseness of the accommodations.

[Geezer-Glide]

Four things.

One: Change your sig photo.

Seventeen: Does it have iPod/iPhone attachment capability? Power plug???

M: Change seats? Change to.....? Add pegs? Lower pegs?? Highway pegs???

XXLIVMN: Darn you for not coming to NY for the bike show!!

[Bone Stockman]

Originally Posted by Geezer-Glide

Four things.

One: Change your sig photo.

No.

Originally Posted by Geezer-Glide

Seventeen: Does it have iPod/iPhone attachment capability? Power plug???

Yes. It's got a nifty little glove box with slotted foam in it to hold a phone/iPod/mp3 player steady, and both a USB port and a min-plug. Pretty slick, I think.

Originally Posted by Geezer-Glide

M: Change seats? Change to.....? Add pegs? Lower pegs?? Highway pegs???

The stock seat is a little soft, but we'll see how it goes. I'd probably replace it with a Sargent. Suburban Machinery makes the peg lowering kit (for less of a knee angle). Illum Works does the highway pegs.

Originally Posted by Geezer-Glide

XXLIVMN: Darn you for not coming to NY for the bike show!!

Really wish we could have come, but the move took precedence.

[MrSurly]

First, thanks for the explanation. I would not have guessed the 1600 would be less adept at airflow. Your sig pic reminds me of a related question; look at Dana's riding position on the BSL. We're talking armchair, upright, cushy, could sleep back there, literally. What is the passenger position on the Bimmer? Does she end up sort of leaning forward? It would be cool to have an equivalent pic to compare. Y'all need to hustle on down to the Dragon soon!

[Infidel!]

Nice detailed write up.

Did you go home and drink some Schnapps?

[Dinero]

Originally Posted by '05Train

The motor sends a nice little Softail-like tremor through the grips, and makes for an odd motion down below (probably due to the boxer layout).

So, have you tried tightie-whities yet?

[Slick]

Originally Posted by Infidel!

Nice detailed write up.

Did you go home and drink some Schnapps?

I think you put schnapps in the tank on the bimmer.

[Bone Stockman]

Originally Posted by MrSurly

First, thanks for the explanation. I would not have guessed the 1600 would be less adept at airflow. Your sig pic reminds me of a related question; look at Dana's riding position on the BSL. We're talking armchair, upright, cushy, could sleep back there, literally. What is the passenger position on the Bimmer? Does she end up sort of leaning forward? It would be cool to have an equivalent pic to compare. Y'all need to hustle on down to the Dragon soon!

She'd probably answer this better than I, but as I recall, she sat relatively upright, the big difference being that her feet were less forward. Assuming that the geometry is similar to the GSA (which she was happy with), I don't think there'll be an issue.

Originally Posted by Slick

I think you put schnapps in the tank on the bimmer.

That's what makes it mach schnell.

[Geezer-Glide]

Yup, its official.






















I gots Bimmer envy!

[Slick]

Reminds me of a story my (much) older cousin told me. Seems he was flying helicopters to oil rigs off the coast of Angola in the final months before Edi Amin took over. He was working something like 2 weeks on and 3 weeks off. Getting paid a shit load of money. He flew to Munich for R&R, bought a Bimmer . . . then rode the fukker back to Angola!!!!

The Marines taught him to fly (Medevac) and the VC taught him about adrenaline. He kept on looking for that next adrenaline high.

[MegaGlide]

Originally Posted by MrSurly

First, thanks for the explanation. I would not have guessed the 1600 would be less adept at airflow. Your sig pic reminds me of a related question; look at Dana's riding position on the BSL. We're talking armchair, upright, cushy, could sleep back there, literally. What is the passenger position on the Bimmer? Does she end up sort of leaning forward? It would be cool to have an equivalent pic to compare. Y'all need to hustle on down to the Dragon soon!

Boop actually has.

Enjoying the hell out of the reports, Russ!
Sounds like the makings of a beautiful relationship...

[d j]

Originally Posted by MegaGlide

Boop actually has.

Enjoying the hell out of the reports, Russ!
Sounds like the makings of a beautiful relationship...

Same wif Toots. Dead asleep back there.

[Bone Stockman]

Yup, both Dana and Katie have gotten quality shut-eye back there.



Went down to see Slowhound and the pile of parts that used to be his bike today. It was a little brisker and windier today, so that was different. I hit enough different kinds of roads that I was able to use all 3 damping settings for the suspension, and I gotta tell you, it's right up there with sliced bread. My only real complaint is with the mirrors. They're down low on the fairing, so I feel like I'm really taking my eyes off the road to check them. They also give a great view of my pinkies, which is less than helpful when merging. I've seen on the RT forums where guys have mounted stem mirrors on the bars, and I'm thinking that might not be a bad idea.

The power is fantastic. Highway speeds are around 4,000rpm, and anything above 3,000 has decent pickup. But spin the thing over 4,500 and it scoots. I haven't gotten within 1,000rpm of the 8,500rpm redline, but even still, it hauls.

The Telelever front end is interesting too. It's basically an A-arm with a single coil-over doing the damping, the forks just hold the wheel. As a result, the front end doesn't dive when you brake or corner. It's a bit unnerving if you're used to a standard front end, but I think I'll like it a lot.

More to come!