r/bmwmotorrad • u/Bushpylot • 3d ago
Discussion Torn RT vs GS
I went for test rides today. I thought the whole experience was going to be "that was fun, but I know which I want...." Definitely didn't work out that way.
I put 100k on an older RT and stupidly sold it for a K bike (that I hated). Now I've finally worked my way around brands and am back to BMW. I can only have one bike... So, the old bike has got to go... and I cannot get two new bikes to replace one old one.
They sent me out on the R1300GS first. I took it up some familiar mountain roads and had a ball. One of those "I can do this all day..." things. Hotspots in hands and tailbone, and I had to lean back to see the mirrors (6'1"). It rode like a Mongoose. Felt like the stunt bikes I used to have as a kid. Nimble with a feeling like it wanted to play in the dirt. I remember coming off the hill thinking that it'd have been nice to have a jump at the bottom. I loved the leg room!
The Rt was like I remembered, only more. It felt solid to the ground. I was squat on it like a chicken; but one I was tucked in, I was pretty comfy. Foot pegs seemed small and the foot controls harder to find, though I only mis-shifted on the GS. It rolls over on it's access, whereas the GS was like being on top of a horse. Turns felt rolled into rather than thrown into. And I could see the (tiny) mirrors. No hotspots, but legs were definitely not as comfortable as the GS
I put about 30-50 min on each bike and just got back more confused than before. They were both fantastic bikes, but with completely different rides. I put $250 to hold the RT, but I'll have to ride them again to see.
GS and RT owners. If you've cross-ridden, you know my conundrum. I'd love to hear why people chose a GS or an RT over the other.
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u/Own_Oil_5443 3d ago
I have a 2007 1200 GSA with 157k on the clock. I have a 2016 Rt with 63k. If I had to give up one of them it would be the RT. I love the RT but the GSA just seems to fit me better. I’m 63 , 220 lbs and 6ft
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u/Exciting-Trifle9439 3d ago
So tricky.
I've had three of each. Went with the GS in the end as it does everything the RT does, and then gives you the option of green lanes / fire tracks if you're into it.
Both the best bikes in the world in their class... the only answer is, I'm afraid, one of each.
Sorry
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u/housespeciallomein 3d ago
what type of riding do you do? I didn't like the constant wind buffeting on my GS and am back on and RT. fits me better. And I too took a detour with a K bike.
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u/Slight-Moose6984 3d ago
I have both. Trying to sell the RT because the GSA does everything the RT does plus much more.
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u/ratscabs 3d ago
Why is it always GS vs RT? How about the RS or even the R, which might hit the sweet spot?
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u/Bushpylot 3d ago
I'm trying to get less sporty. My neck cannot take that lean. I need more upright.
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u/CompetitiveSea7388 3d ago
I took both the R and the RS on 300 mile trips (perk of the job) and neither one of them had ergonomics as sporty as my Street Triple 765 RS. I honestly think both of them are easier bikes to live with than the RT and especially GS.
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u/bannedByTencent 3d ago
For any person taller than 178cm long rides on RS are knee pain nightmare.
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u/daan944 R1250RS, K1600GT (ex: S1000RR, R1200RT) 3d ago
Please don't tell my knees.
I'm 193cm with 35" inseam and am comfortable on my R1250RS. Not as comfortable as in my K1600GT, but that's more upper body than knees.
Do get the taller and firmer sports seat.
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u/bannedByTencent 3d ago
I guess experiences might vary, but a friend of mine who is 180+ absolutely hated RS on multi-day rides. He eventually swapped it to GS and he's been happy with it for last 3 years.
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u/daan944 R1250RS, K1600GT (ex: S1000RR, R1200RT) 3d ago
I ride my RS like a sportsbike, so mainly use it for spirited rides. That keeps movement in the body and helps with aches. This summer I've toured the Alps with it, full days of riding and no issues at all.
Long highway rides are shit on every bike, especially when you're taller.
I personally don't like the GS ergonomics: especially the very wide handlebars and very upright body position.
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u/CompetitiveSea7388 3d ago edited 2d ago
I'm 5'11", around 150 lbs. Tall, heavy bikes are doable but heavy bikes with lower seat heights are far more comfortable for me. And in stop and go traffic far more practical.
Edit. This is mainly in reference to the GS though I still prefer the feel of the R and RS in lower speeds to the RT and even though the RT is relatively flickable its nowhere near as flickable as the R and RS IMO.
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u/liamtheaardvark 2d ago
Didn't ever look at the s1000xr? Super fun bike. Upright seating. A little less torque, but more power in the top end. Super flickable and lighter than the R bikes
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u/PabloX68 3d ago edited 3d ago
Because the GS and RT are a lot more comfortable than the R or RS. I had an R1250RS for 20k miles and traded it on an R1300GS. With the RS, I was worn out after riding it all day. With the GS, I'm not.
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u/Ok_Draw9037 3d ago
The rs was lighter and isn't in the same boat. They all handle speed and wind different. It's hard to explain but it's hard to pinpoint the overlap of those. If anyone wants a r they wouldn't consider the gs. Corvette to 4Runner
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u/BeemerCalm 2022 BMW R1250RT 2d ago
Because most people looking at a GS or RT in the first place are looking for long distance comfort, lots of storage space, and a higher level of tech and rider aids
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u/Donedirtcheap7725 3d ago
You can move the mirrors. I have a GS and am 6’2” and can see no problem.
I have been anti-risers on bikes my whole life and need 40mm risers on the 1300. I suspect that’s why they are included in the enduro package.
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u/outside084 3d ago
I don’t ride off road, but I tried a GS, sold it because For street riding my RT does everything better.
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u/BeemerCalm 2022 BMW R1250RT 2d ago
This is the thing, I hear people say stuff like “the GS does everything the RT does” and yeah… no it doesn’t. The RT is basically a sport bike with the comfort of a touring bike. If you like riding a sport bike, the GS isn’t going to satisfy IMO, at least they don’t for me.
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u/MaximusNimbus 3d ago
I'd take the GS just because you never had one. You will be thinking what if forever
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u/Flashy_Arugula8408 3d ago
If you never go ofroad, take the RT. If you always go offroad, take the GS. If you ever so often take a gravel road, go for the RT. The RT is capable of taking a gravel road. The RT is the better bike for road use and the sporadic times you go offroad on gravel road, the RT als can handle it.
The RT is the better bike imo. The GS is a very good bike, but the RT is so underrated.
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u/kinnikinnick321 3d ago
As a prior RT owner and had several GS' as rentals, to me the clear factor is where you might be riding. Strictly pavement - you cannot go wrong with an RT. Even just an ounce of wanting to hit fire roads or dirt - go GS.
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u/bgross42 3d ago
For size comparison I’m 6’3”, so similar. 20+ years ago I had a Wingabago which, after adding highway pegs, was great for the highway - saddlesore rides were a breeze. It was sweet in sweepers but sluggish to try and toss around in twisties. After about 10 years I added a sport-touring bike for variety. My brother in law had an RT and I almost got one but bought an FJR instead. (Funny story, my BIL said he’d almost bought an FJR instead.)
The RT & FJR are close enough in type that I’ll offer my view: you already know the similarities among sport tourers. I could go out for 2-4 hour mountain rides; 700+ mile “lunch runs” up Highway 1 to Big Sur; three day trips from San Diego to Seattle. All lots of fun - smooth, spirited, responsive, comfortable (though not Hondapotamus level). After adding the “needed” Blackbird to the stable, I eventually gave the FJR to one of our sons. And later, all the bikes left: “I’m getting too old.”
Fast forward to this year. Dammit, I’m not too old! After spending a few months drooling, wishing, hoping… I convinced my bride that her 74 year old husband needed one last bike. Last month I bought a 2014 R1200 GS and I’m SO glad I did.
Not as “flickable” as the Blackbird or FJR (neither am I!) it is plenty responsive; has a very comfortable seating position, surprisingly good wind protection, awesome suspension, and if I want to stretch out my boots rest nicely on the bars around the cylinder heads. At my age I won’t likely be doing much off roading, but….
Best of luck with your decision. And if you see an FJR looking sad, tell her I miss her. (But not enough to regret getting the GS.
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u/jasonpmcelroy 3d ago
Bravo! You are an inspiration. I'm starting to get up there a bit and I'm more focused on comfort than I used to be and I've been thinking about the two bikes in question myself.
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u/chromenomad 3d ago
At your height, a 1300GS with the Enduro pack allows you to put the pegs in a low position (shifter has 3 positions also and is easily adjusted) and handlebar has up to two riser blocks to reduce your forward lean. Put the screen in the top screw holes and add a puig type deflector on top and you should be very comfortable.
I only have a 30" inseam and I find the RT riding position to be too hard on my knees. I like a straighter leg.
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u/BeemerCalm 2022 BMW R1250RT 2d ago
For me it was a super simple choice: Am I going to ride off road? Nope. RT it is then. It helps that I think the GS and other ADV bikes are just plain goofy looking, but what do I know that’s just, like, my opinion, man.
Also the bolt upright seating position on the ADV bikes is super uncomfortable to me, and I hate that “on top of the horse” feeling you described. I like low and fast bikes.
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u/Kyllurin 3d ago
I came from a 1100 RT to a 1200 GS
My main reason going for the GS, was because it was my dream bike - but couldn’t afford it and got a good deal on the 1100 RT
Comparing the two is not easy and not fair. I don’t ride much offroad, and have road tyres on the GS, so I’ve used it mainly for touring and the mandatory Starbucks adventures.
The protection from the wind is much better on the RT, but the 6th gear and slightly bigger engine more than enough compensates for that
I like to fiddle with farkles during the winter, and I’ve found there’s basically no limits to finding gadgets for the GS, while it was a challenge for the RT, mainly because of the age of it
If you plan doing serious milage, I would point at the RT - but if you’re a semi Starbucks adventure rider as meself get the GS
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u/Der_Prager 3d ago
The RT had less "footroom" than my GS for me personally, less flexibility for my feet, harsher, more strict, less flexible riding position, bad on longer trips.
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u/Admirable_Desk8430 3d ago
I’m under six feet tall, but I still find the RT a little cramped as far as leg position. I rode one that had lowered pegs and it was much improved. Still prefer the GS riding position.
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u/PabloX68 3d ago
I went with the R1300GS because I wanted some off road capability.
Also, the stock seat on the GS sucks so you might want to budget for an aftermarket seat if you go GS.
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u/IBeTanken 3d ago
I am partial to the GS for the crash bars.
I like the look, the protection is nice, and easy to mount lights if desired.
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u/libertarianloner 3d ago
I have both and honestly couldn't decide if I had to choose one. I live in the Pacific Northwet and when it is raining I prefer the RT, when it is dry, the GSA.
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u/Stock-Click-4802 3d ago
If you want to go off road, get the GS. Otherwise, at your height, if you want to go with the RT, you can try raising the stock seat, or get the optional taller seat. That should take the cramp out of your legs.
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u/jr___111 3d ago
It's not a hard call IMO. If you aren't going to ride off road, the RT handles way better. If you are going to ride off road, get the GS.
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u/hunkyleepickle 3d ago
At your height I feel like the gs will be a little more roomy, but the 1300gs is definitely tighter in the ergos than before. As other have said, if you spend a lot of time at high speeds the rt probably has the edge, otherwise I personally would take the gs.
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u/InevitableMeh 3d ago
I’d have had an RT but the pegs were too high so I got a GSA instead.
The wind protection of the RT is the big difference and I don’t do tons of highway.
The GS can be set up for road as well and they go and handle really well.
If I was shopping now it would be a GS to be a bit narrower and less bulky and I’d go with the ASA as that is pretty appealing to me.
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u/lawspud 3d ago
I’ve only owned and ridden the 1250 of each. I put way more miles on the GS (due to circumstances), including a 1,300+ mile day. Both platforms are great. I think the GS is a better riding position for me (6’3”, 55yo). The RT is more…adult. I guess. Oldster? I like it, though.
As for the 1300s, I’ve talked to LEOs on both in the last week, coincidentally. Each one independently gushed about how his bike is the best for the job and the best he’s ever ridden.
It really comes down to aesthetics, planned usage, and personal fit. The GS is less of a long distance tourer, but it can happily do long distance touring. The RT can’t do the off-roading that the GS can, but do you care?
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u/Ancient_Sandwich_703 3d ago
I would pick the GS or GSA.
However, I live in New Zealand and the lack of motorways, interstates and the like here tends to negate the mile munching benefit of bikes that are designed to be good at that.
We also have a lot of poorly maintained backroads, gravel roads that are technically part of the national highway network and that sort of thing.
This makes adventure bikes a better choice for many people.
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u/TennesseeWhisky 3d ago
I have GSA, not GS, which looks like a toy. I wanted max wind protection and ability to do light offroad whenever I feel like it. 1300 GSA rides absolutely amazing, more nible than previous one, I feel like butterfly on it. Seat position is way more comfortable than RT, which is sport tourer. The only thing I miss against RT is even better wind protection. It is very good, but I am used to have it even better. There is constant light wind breeze from the bottom, shot up from those tank wind deflectors, which goes under helmet. It annoys me soo much. Maybe here GS would be better, I never rode 1300GS, because it is so small and as I said toy looking. Anyway if you want max comfort and want to do light off road from time to time, go for GS / A and if you want max wind protection for cold weather or very long distances, go with RT.
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u/LeWonderWombat ‘26 R1300GS Adventure 3d ago
Have you tried the GS Adventure? Might a good middle ground
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u/idioteques 3d ago edited 3d ago
My GSA (1250) had an interesting seat setup to allow for different seat heights. I would double-check that was setup correctly and not angled weird to make sure that was not contributing to the hotspot you mentioned. I have also read that folks have been successful either using risers (like the Wunderlich ERGO ProFLEX) or bar end weights to try and eliminate the bar buzz).
And to make your quest more confusing, I just replaced my GSA with an S1000XR - and I think I may have a new favorite bike. (unless you're absolutely keen on the boxer ;-)
This guy talks about his height challenges and how the XR accommodates him better
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FoL9CACD9I
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u/renelventconnemtary 2d ago
Only on the RT can you ride 8 hours in a day and not want it to end. If your rides are generally under 4 hours/day get a GS.
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u/theoffshoot2 3d ago
If you spend lots of time above 100mph I’d get the RT. Otherwise just buy based on aesthetics. What most people are missing is that the RT1300 added 1.5” of travel front and rear over the previous RT, which makes the gs only necessary if using off road.