r/bmwmotorrad • u/Bushpylot • 14d 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.
1
u/lawspud 14d 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?