GTL to RT

1622 Views 31 Replies 20 Participants Last post by badaim, 10 d ago

wardo

Discussion Starter · 17 d ago

Good morning everyone. I presently ride a 2015 GTL Exclusive. I love the bike especially the engine; but find it a little more difficult to manage especially at slow speeds because of the weight, I am 5'6" 220lbs. with a 30 inch inseam. I thought I would try a S1000XR on the recommendation of GaryClub aka Doc. After sitting on one my concern with it is it won't have the same wind protection. I am now leaning towards a R1250RT simply because of the weight difference, I will have to have it professionally lowered which I have a guy to do that for me as he did my GTL. Just wondering if anyone else has switched from a GTL to an RT and if so were you happy with the decision to switch. Thanks in advance for your input. If you have any other suggestions I'm all ears.
Thanks
Donald

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Icke

· #2 · 17 d ago

Hello Donald,
I ordered a new GTL last year.
After a very long delivery time and a planned vacation, I was frustrated, canceled the purchase contract for the GTL and bought a new 1250 RT.
But after only one vacation trip with about 4000 km in the mountains I had already regretted it very much.
The RT's boxer engine isn't bad or underpowered, but it can't put its horsepower on the road nearly as smoothly.
The six-pack works much more calmly and effortlessly when you twist the throttle.
With the RT, the tour in the mountains is also a lot of fun, but for me the GTL is the better choice.

So I switched back to the GTL, was an expensive year 2022...

Wheel Tire Land vehicle Fuel tank Vehicle

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Reactions: 5

J-Luv

· #3 · 17 d ago

I would try to ride several bikes. An RT might be a great fit for you, but why not look at several bikes?

I'd start with "What do I want?" What's your riding preference? LD touring? Day rides? Short sport runs? No one bike will cover all ride scenarios. Trying to cover more than one will mean compromises. Sport bikes are great for touring, etc. I'd make a hierarchical chart of what is most important to me and then work my way down. Given your stature, you may need to make compromises of your own and eliminate some bikes. When I got back into riding, I wanted a GT, but at the time it was a financial stretch I chose not to make. I ended up on an FJR. Similar purpose bike, but a compromise of finances/desires. There are a ton of bikes out there that could fit your stature. That might be where to start. I oftern go through this regarding a second bike. What do I really want it for and is it worth the price? I really want a V4 bike. But can I really afford the legal fees??

Good luck finding your ride.

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Reactions: 3

lieu910

· #4 · 17 d ago

wardo said:
Good morning everyone. I presently ride a 2015 GTL Exclusive. I love the bike especially the engine; but find it a little more difficult to manage especially at slow speeds because of the weight, I am 5'6" 220lbs. with a 30 inch inseam. I thought I would try a S1000XR on the recommendation of GaryClub aka Doc. After sitting on one my concern with it is it won't have the same wind protection. I am now leaning towards a R1250RT simply because of the weight difference, I will have to have it professionally lowered which I have a guy to do that for me as he did my GTL. Just wondering if anyone else has switched from a GTL to an RT and if so were you happy with the decision to switch. Thanks in advance for your input. If you have any other suggestions I'm all ears.
Thanks
Donald

Having owned an S1000XR, I would NEVER suggest that it could take the place like a GTL. It is not a long distance bike, period. Great day bike for blasting around, that's about it.

I went from a GT to an RT, and am now back to a GT. The 1250RT is a great bike, and the 1250 boxer is the best boxer engine thus far. You will have plenty of power (comparable to the K1600), and the reduced weight is nice mostly at first. However, then you realize that even the RT is relatively heavy, and if you park it nose in even on a slight grade you are going to struggle getting it out. This is where having reverse is a lifesaver.

For me, I did appreciate the quicker handling of the RT, but I also found the RT does require more mid corner corrections than the K16 because the steering is so fast. So in the end, one virtue washes out the other.

I had the RT for roughly two years, and really the most glaring difference between the two bikes is the engines. It's hard to dismiss that the inline 6 is so much more refined, smooth, and never really feels like it is laboring. Riding the RT...you will never say to yourself "Wow..what an engine!". It's just there, it is not the star of the show. Riding the K bike, the engine really stands out as something special.

Good luck whatever you choose.

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mantincp

· #5 · 17 d ago

I agree with @J-Luv in trying lots of bikes and prioritizing your wish list / needs list.

One thing to consider, if you love your GTL, you may want to consider a Grand America version. Same performance, but the seating position may work better for a 30" inseam.

Of course, the RT is a great bike. I've had one in my past, and I often consider it as a next bike (for the lighter weight), but I know I love that inline 6!

Good luck.

Reactions: 1

wellcraft

· #6 · 17 d ago

The RT is a great bike but the boxer engine will never compare to the K16 engine so if you can accept that fact you can buy an RT and be happy. I don't have an RT but I do own a 2020 GSA and after I purchased my GSA it quickly became my go to bike for most rides over the K16 which I ended up totaling after an encounter with a deer. I loved my K16GTLE but the weight was starting to become an issue moving the bike around in tight spaces like my driveway and getting the bike on the center stand. I think the RT will make a great replacement to your K16GTL, the RT is lighter and plenty fast enough to be fun so there's no downside in my opinion. I'd test ride an RT along with anything else you're considering and then make a decision.

Reactions: 1

Booger Man

· #7 · 17 d ago

Had 2013 GTL went to a 2018 RT & back to a 2018 GTL. Everyone who already posted is pretty much spot on with my experience. GTL engine & transmission is better in my mind. Wind protection is a wash between the two. Mirrors are better on the GTL. Fuel mileage for me was about the same. Shift assist is better on the K16 as all gears are available while the RT 3-6 works but the lower gears not so much. The biggest minus as others have said is the weight at slow speeds on the big K. Only you can make the final call. Good luck on your quest.

Reactions: 1

wardo

Discussion Starter · #8 · 17 d ago

I want to thank everyone for their input I really appreciate you taking time out of your day to offer up your opinions
Thanks
Donald

Reactions: 2

TouringTim

· #9 · 17 d ago

wardo said:
Good morning everyone. I presently ride a 2015 GTL Exclusive. I love the bike especially the engine; but find it a little more difficult to manage especially at slow speeds because of the weight, I am 5'6" 220lbs. with a 30 inch inseam. I thought I would try a S1000XR on the recommendation of GaryClub aka Doc. After sitting on one my concern with it is it won't have the same wind protection. I am now leaning towards a R1250RT simply because of the weight difference, I will have to have it professionally lowered which I have a guy to do that for me as he did my GTL. Just wondering if anyone else has switched from a GTL to an RT and if so were you happy with the decision to switch. Thanks in advance for your input. If you have any other suggestions I'm all ears.
Thanks
Donald

Have you thought about a GT? It's s a bit lighter and the new ones have reverse so manoeuvrability is much eaaier.

nazdravanul

· #10 · 17 d ago

I keep trying to switch from a GT to an RT, for 3 years now … not a chance, every single test ride clearly keeps me in the k16 land.
So I gave up and bought a new 2023 GT this year

Reactions: 4

zeeklu

· #11 · 17 d ago

I test rode a RT, GTL and a B back to back. I didn't like the RT. It was cramped, the seat wasn't comfortable and the shift assist wasn't very good. It was my first choice and I really wanted to like it. But someone of a smaller size may like it. I bought the B and am pretty happy with it. I also have a 2014 R1200GSA which I love. I have put 40,000 miles on it in the last 3 years.

cruisincruzan

· #12 · 16 d ago

My last 4 touring bikes, RT, GTL, Grand America and back on an RT. Is the engine as smooth as the 6, no, but I can ride all day without any issues. I prefer the RT but to each their own. I don’t think there is a bad bike amongst the 3, but the RT works better for me.

Reactions: 2

Bimbler

· #13 · 16 d ago

In the last few years I have had K1200LT, R1200RT and K1600GTL. For touring with my wife the K's are so much better - comfortable and secure rear seat.
For riding solo - I really liked the RT but am now sold on the K1600 - almost turbine smoothness - an extraordinary engine and handles beautifully. Only downside is the weight when paddling around the parking space but accept that you will fall over one day while stationary.
They are all excellent bikes, pick the one that suits you. (Then change it for the one your wife wanted).

Reactions: 3

Geoff_3

· #14 · 16 d ago (Edited)

wardo said:
Good morning everyone. I presently ride a 2015 GTL Exclusive. I love the bike especially the engine; but find it a little more difficult to manage especially at slow speeds because of the weight, I am 5'6" 220lbs. with a 30 inch inseam. I thought I would try a S1000XR on the recommendation of GaryClub aka Doc. After sitting on one my concern with it is it won't have the same wind protection. I am now leaning towards a R1250RT simply because of the weight difference, I will have to have it professionally lowered which I have a guy to do that for me as he did my GTL. Just wondering if anyone else has switched from a GTL to an RT and if so were you happy with the decision to switch. Thanks in advance for your input. If you have any other suggestions I'm all ears.
Thanks
Donald

The RT is a great bike I have owned a lot of RT from 2005 on and loved each one. I have also owned 3 x GTLs and 1 x GT I am only 5`6`` and 158 LBS I have never had an issue with any of the K bikes as for the s1000Xr they are a great bike with heaps of power but way too tall for my short legs along with not comfy on the longer rides. I don't see you being unhappy with an RT they are great bikes all you need to remember with them is don't back off halfway around a corner as it will tend to stand up, by holding on and accelerating through corners they are fun and hang on like s.... to a blanket. Go with the R1250 RT if you can afford one or if you are buying a second-hand look for one with low mileage and all service records you won't go wrong they last forever and keep their value over the K bikes so expect to pay a little more than you would for a GTL or GT even a B.
I should also recommend that you test ride the RT and if your dealer will allow a full day to do that take it through some twisty winding country roads not just on the highway.

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botus

· #15 · 16 d ago

well I'm shocked how many tried both and recco the K16

I guess it comes to how / why you ride - if you like to push bikes hard and have fun then the RT will do it all - and you can have active cruise which is just brilliant on any vehicle - if you want to cruise in a very steady manner then maybe the lazier more flexible K16 has its benefits - but even here I don't get it the extra 100kgs will be way more than offset by a shift cam 1250,

maneuvering the K1600 is terrible, so much weight, a seat 6" too low and foot pegs exactly where you don't want them

note if throwing the kitchen sink on a new one - the 1300 shift cam is waiting in the wings (and has been ready for 2 years) with even more go - so might be worth the wait

Reactions: 1

TouringTim

· #16 · 16 d ago

botus said:
well I'm shocked how many tried both and recco the K16

You seem to be shocked about most things, wasn't it dirty oil last year? Remember that the RT also has the stupid wheel you want us to all write to BMW about 😂.

Reactions: 1

JohnS1955

· #17 · 16 d ago

What’s lost here is that the OP can’t handle the weight of a K16 anymore. It doesn’t matter if anyone else has been “happy” downsizing to an RT. Of course, many have for different reasons.

Just research the best bike that fits your current reality. Nothing else should be part of the equation.

Reactions: 5

mkr1966

· #18 · 15 d ago

botus said:
well I'm shocked how many tried both and recco the K16

I guess it comes to how / why you ride - if you like to push bikes hard and have fun then the RT will do it all - and you can have active cruise which is just brilliant on any vehicle - if you want to cruise in a very steady manner then maybe the lazier more flexible K16 has its benefits - but even here I don't get it the extra 100kgs will be way more than offset by a shift cam 1250,

maneuvering the K1600 is terrible, so much weight, a seat 6" too low and foot pegs exactly where you don't want them

note if throwing the kitchen sink on a new one - the 1300 shift cam is waiting in the wings (and has been ready for 2 years) with even more go - so might be worth the wait

Active cruise sucks!

Reactions: 2

botus

· #19 · 14 d ago

TouringTim said:
You seem to be shocked about most things, wasn't it dirty oil last year? Remember that the RT also has the stupid wheel you want us to all write to BMW about 😂.

stupid wheel?

botus

· #20 · 14 d ago (Edited)

mkr1966 said:
Active cruise sucks!

funny my local BM dealer can't sell any of the new K1600 coz all potential buyers only want the active cruise...

Reactions: 1

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