Quote:
Originally Posted by pwillikers
I'm planning to shuffle off this work-a-day world for a life of leisure in the near future. In preparation of the transition I'm planning to sell off some bikes and buy a long distance machine. I'll keep one of the SVs for banging around town.
What to do? K13GT, 2017 R12RT, 2019 RT (rumored to be a 1250 with VVT)?
For the 2019, I'm not sure if I want to 1. wait that long, 2. be a beta tester for BMW's nascent technology and 3. pay the premium required for a new bike. I'm leaning toward a 2017 RT leftover with all the options (ABS pro (leaning ABS), ESA, ride modes pro, gear shift assist etc.).
Mr dlong, is your RT so equipped? Assessment? Do you miss the K13 power? I do like to go fast, stop fast and be nimble. Will I be happy?
Thanks.
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My bike came fully equipped. I haven't had it long enough to fully assess the DTC and ABSPro. The gearshiftPRO works great going down through the gears as long as the throttle is closed. Upshifts can be a bit clunky in the lower gears but 4-5 and 5-6 are fast and smooth. It handles great in my limited experience...turns in easily with little pressure on the bars, holds it's line well. Still have a centimeter or two of chicken strips so I haven't fully explored it's potential.
I have become more familiar with the concept of the throttle stop on the new RT. I couldn't say for sure if the KGT even had a throttle stop. Truly effortless power, lacking in the RT. The dealer did a dyno breakin and measured 111HP and 81lb/ft. It has a lot of grunt coming out of the corners, and accelerates well in the 80-110mph range.
I test rode a SS1000XR and MultistradaS and found both a little raw and unrefined compared to the RT and less comfortable as well. Couldn't fault the power though. I also rode the K1600 B...slick but must too big, heavy, and expensive.
One area where the RT and KGT are equal: almost equally heavy and especially top heavy in my opinion. The RT practically levitates itself onto the center stand, though. The KGT required all my 230lbs and strength to get it up.
Honestly...if I could have purchased a new K1300GT with warranty, even without all the upgraded electronics, that would have been my choice. A fantastic machine, but not widely appreciated. Approaching 71, The RT LC seemed the best choice for me. Maybe look at the R1200RS. I knew my knees wouldn't be happy on it for the long haul but YMMV.