Which is better 2-up, K1200GT or R1200RT?

[totenkinder]

I don't really want to get into any other comparisons between the two, I've already done my homework.  I know all about the 1200 inline 4 vs. the 1200 boxer twin, pros and cons of both, etc.

But, which bike is more comfortable for both rider and passenger?  I'd like to start taking the wifey on rides, and she said she'd like to go, but pretty much laughed in my face the first time she saw the pillion "seats" on the R6 and Tuono.

I really like the looks of the K12GT ALOT better than the R (face only a mother could love), but the R is quite a bit less expensive.

And not that I'm going to be rushing out any time soon to buy either one..  I'd have to trade in the 'Priller AND the R6, and I'm just not ready for that kind of commitment.  

[cuoco1200gt]

I have owned both the rt with top box  is much more relaxed and comfortable ride for the pillion

[DangerMoney]

Many BMW dealerships offer test rides. I'd suggest you and the S.O. ride both and then make the decision. Iron Horse in Tucson is a great customer experience. When I was ready to buy (and they knew I was),  they let me take 4 different bikes for rides. Ask for T.R. is sales.

[atadaskew]

I just read a German moto magazine while on hol in Austria.  They tested the GT against the RT and picked the RT as the bike to have.  The only thing that the GT did better was autobahn.

[cbsnbiker]

Take both bikes for demo rides with passenger. See which she prefers.

If the only complaint is the seat, that can easily be rebuilt or replaced. Otherwise, she can help you make a choice between the two.

[GilaMonster]

I don't really want to get into any other comparisons between the two, I've already done my homework.  I know all about the 1200 inline 4 vs. the 1200 boxer twin, pros and cons of both, etc.

But, which bike is more comfortable for both rider and passenger?  I'd like to start taking the wifey on rides, and she said she'd like to go, but pretty much laughed in my face the first time she saw the pillion "seats" on the R6 and Tuono.

I really like the looks of the K12GT ALOT better than the R (face only a mother could love), but the R is quite a bit less expensive.

And not that I'm going to be rushing out any time soon to buy either one..  I'd have to trade in the 'Priller AND the R6, and I'm just not ready for that kind of commitment.  

IMHO comfort is relative to individual taste and riding style.  I had a RS, 'flying brick' GT, and now a K12S, and prefer a moderate lean forward to sitting straight up like the new GT and RT.  It puts your weight on your thighs rather than tailbone.  Your body also tends to act less like a sail at speed.  I agree on a test ride, but make sure that you test it like you are going to ride it.  If you plan to tour or sport tour at speed, make sure that your test ride is at least a hour at speed so the two of you experience position and wind experience.  If you are going to Iron Horse in Tucson, a ride to Sonoita and back should give you a good indication.  BTW, depending when and where you like to ride, don't count out either the R Sport or the S.  Both are sportier and still good for 500+ mile days.  YRMV

[Lawn Dart]

Tough call.  For me and my wife the R-bikes are simply a much better design for two up work.  We've logged over 30k together on an R1100RSL and it's admirably served us.  IMO both are good bikes.  But the larger fairing and meatier seat of the R-RT makes it the winner over longer distances.

On the other hand it may be splitting hairs.  The KGT might be good for a 450 mile day while the RT might be better for a 500 mile day...how important are those extra few miles?

Take them both for a ride.  IMO, if you give your Lady a vote, she's going to vote R-RT.  

[Zen Rider]

My two cents:  the pillion seat on GT is very narrow - that's not to say, the GT can't be converted into a wonderful 2-up machine (with an after market seat and tail bag with a passenger back pad).  The RT is comfort, fantastic handling for a bike this size, loads of torque, and did I mention COMFORT!

But, take a trip with your wife down to the local BMW dealership, and let her decide - she'll know right off which bike you will buy.  

BTW, I just met a couple who are currently doing Iron Butt ride(s) on the GT - with no complaints (of course, the bike was converted with an after market seat, a NINE gallon tank, and has a proported  185 hp). Which goes to prove: if money isn't a issue, anything is possible.  I think the custom tank mod, alone, cost around 3.5K!!!

[Lawn Dart]

and has a proported  185 hp

Heh, even I have to call bullshit on that one!  162-ish HP is the factory number.  Only way they get 185 is by dumping a LOT of cash into the bike and even then, MAYBE.  

Nope, I call BS.

Having said that, 162 hp in a GT is a screaming fast bike.  

[BBB]

The factory claimed figure at the crank is 152bhp. I've seen examples of K1200S's which have been fitted with the Evoluzione billet filter kit and a full 4-1 exhaust system which have added about 15bhp. This would take the K1200S up to 182bhp at the crank To get the K1200GT up to 185bhp would take a lot of work.

[FKaiser]

Have an '06 RT and ride 2-up most of the time. My girlfriend, who has never ridden before, finds the ride comfortable on a full day ride (500 miles).

See if you can rent each for a day and see what works for you.

Enjoy...

[hass]

I don't really want to get into any other comparisons between the two, I've already done my homework.  I know all about the 1200 inline 4 vs. the 1200 boxer twin, pros and cons of both, etc.

But, which bike is more comfortable for both rider and passenger?  I'd like to start taking the wifey on rides, and she said she'd like to go, but pretty much laughed in my face the first time she saw the pillion "seats" on the R6 and Tuono.

I really like the looks of the K12GT ALOT better than the R (face only a mother could love), but the R is quite a bit less expensive.

And not that I'm going to be rushing out any time soon to buy either one..  I'd have to trade in the 'Priller AND the R6, and I'm just not ready for that kind of commitment.  

I had a K12RS and the wife loved that! The old model GT is very similar so you could save yourself some money and get a secondhand older model GT (2001 onwards) instead.

[GilaMonster]

I had a K12RS and the wife loved that! The old model GT is very similar so you could save yourself some money and get a secondhand older model GT (2001 onwards) instead.

Ummmm, the old style GT (flying brick) was only '03 & '04, with an '05 available in Canada.  I had an '04 and its comfort was very similar to my '03 RS.  The GT had a comfort seat that was a bit better than the RS, but I did multiple 500 mile days on both.  The electric seat heater on the GT was my biggest surprise living in Tucson.  It really helped in cold weather riding.  The flying brick series was a more lean forward than the new GT or RT.  I prefer the lean forward, but many don't, and I'd bet that is more true for the passenger.

Me??? I gave up the comfort and cruise control and went to a K12S.  What a rush!

[hass]

Me??? I gave up the comfort and cruise control and went to a K12S.  What a rush!

Me too!!!  

[eye.surgeon]

I have a flying brick GT but have ridden the new GT as well as the new RT. The RT is more comfortable for a passenger hands down. If I rode 2-up I would choose that over the GT. Yes it's weird looking and has a tractor engine but that's the joy of owning an RT.

[CRFJohn]

My wife and I demo rode both an RRT and KGT, she thought the KGT was more comfortable, I just plain liked it much better all around. We now are proud KGT owners.

[hass]

Congratulations!

I demo rode a R12R and that cost me my K12S I loved so much!

I just wish i wasn't so fickle!