BMW 1200r vs 1200rt for commuting

[bigwaves]

I have narrowed my search down to two bikes the R and RT.  The bike would be used to go around town and commute to work. (about 20 highway miles) It would also go on trips on the weekends.  I love the r for around town and i like the protection of the RT (especially as fall is approaching).  Different review say different things.  Any feedback would be much appreciated.

[County Tar]

Curious, what Moto Guzzi do you currently ride?  Are you making a brand switch?

[coho]

I have narrowed my search down to two bikes the R and RT.  The bike would be used to go around town and commute to work. (about 20 highway miles) It would also go on trips on the weekends.  I love the r for around town and i like the protection of the RT (especially as fall is approaching).  Different review say different things.  Any feedback would be much appreciated.

R with a windshield.
It's lighter, so easier to manhandle about town, but not so light it'll get wiggly at speed.

For daily use and weekend touring you can't beat a properly set up standard.

[three west]

I'm assuing you mean R1200R and not a K1200R?

If so then its really just personal preference and a case of what the primary use of the bike will be.

[falconati]

What Guzzi do you currently have?  Your answer will determine how I advise you.

[bigwaves]

What Guzzi do you currently have?  Your answer will determine how I advise you.

I have a V7C Classic.  It is a great bike for around town.  

[blueridgerider]

When commuting I think less is more.  

I like a flickable bike to get around the enemy.   I have a R12GS which makes (IMO) an excellent commuter.  I used to have a K12LT which was also a great bike but not a great commuter.  

BUT, I think the decision would also be about your personal commute.  I have four schools directly adjacent to the main roads I commute on and traffic around them can get crazy.  My commute is also about 20 miles each way - I commute all year and find 20 miles (with heated grips and really warm but not heated gear) is quite comfortable in temps in the 20's   sub 20's I still commute but my gear pretty much fails at that point.  However I do not ride long enough IMO to get the heated gear yet as even in the 30's I am great for long trips without it.  Plus I do have a heated seat as well.

[jhawk]

I have narrowed my search down to two bikes the R and RT....

I just bought a 2007 R1200R.... after test riding a couple of fairly recent RT's: 2008, 2005... My commute is year-round, through city traffic, similar to yours.... I do some trips and weekend rides... about the only mod I'm planning is a taller windscreen for winter...If most of my riding was highway, I'd get an RT. The R fit me just right.

At first, I thought I'd like the better wind protection of the RT, but after some miles on the R, it's not an issue. The R's unobstructed front view is great for riding in traffic. The R feels more "flickable" than the RT and has a little more pep @ the throttle. The RT felt bulky and a bit top-heavy to me. The RT fairing-mounted mirrors give a great view of the rider's knees. Most of the RT's you see in Europe have added extra handle bar mounted mirrors. Both models share the same accessories: saddle bags, heated grips, etc.

[cbsnbiker]

I have narrowed my search down to two bikes the R and RT.  The bike would be used to go around town and commute to work. (about 20 highway miles) It would also go on trips on the weekends.  I love the r for around town and i like the protection of the RT (especially as fall is approaching).  Different review say different things.  Any feedback would be much appreciated.

I think you've summarized your choice well: do you want a lighter bike, or one that offers more protection from the elements?

Corollary: will your commuting be primarily on sunny, comfortable days, or also on rainy and/or chilly days?

There's not a lot more for us to add. Good news: it's a nice choice to have to make.  

[Robus]

I commute on an RT, about the same distance and a mix of freeways and city streets. The RT does well.  The mirrors aren't bad. Adding a pair of convex mirrors helped a lot.

[stealth1]

Depends on your climate.
If you have a lot of really nasty hot weather a naked bike is way better than one with a fairing  for commuting.
If you have a lot of cold wet weather, go with the RT.

[falconati]

Alright, fuck it.  I'll just say it- get the RT.  

[jsanford]

Each summer when I'm having fun on the Monster I wonder why I need the F800ST.

Then, for the other nine months of the year, I'm riding in the wet and dark and remember.  It's nice to have waterproof, lockable bags for my laptop and lunch.  The longer wheelbase does feel more stable.  Last winter I ditched the fairing mirrors for handlebar-mounted ones (R1200R mirrors, ironically) and they've made a remarkable difference.  Plus there's something to be said for more presense in commuter traffic--I have reflective strips on the sidebags, and auxilliary lights under the fairing in front.

The R and RT argument differs, though. Both have ABS and the R1200R takes luggage and the boxer motor affords some lower leg protection.  The R has a longer wheelbase and telelever.  I bet someone has set up auxilliary headlights on either side of the round headlamp for the R.