Last summer I bought a 2012 R1200RT ($13k) because my wife wanted to start riding with me more. She lied. One ride, two hours, done.
I can't ride this bike. It's like driving a mini-van. It's very utilitarian. Has cruise control, abs, traction control, GPS, even an elaborate audio system that I've never turned on. Heck, you can adjust suspension settings while you lope along. It's quiet, it's mostly smooth and even the windshield goes up and down with the push of a button.
But it's about as much fun as kissing your sister. Above 80 degrees you sweat if you're wearing clothes. God forbid you should get any wind on you. You sit upright just like at your kitchen table...all weight on your butt. With 110 hp, you'd think it would be exhilarating. It's not. You almost can't feel the rush of brisk acceleration.
It holds 7+ gallons of gas so you rarely get a break from the boredom for a fuel stop. It corners better than a bike this size should, but again, no excitement, no effort, no fun. Perhaps if I did multi-day trips I'd appreciate the luxury sedan numbness if I could stay awake that long. Heck, maybe that's what all those audio buttons are for.
This one is not long for my stable. I rode it 1000 miles in the first two weeks I had it, and since then, it's become a garage ornament. The RT is one of BMW's biggest sellers, so I just don't get it. Maybe at 57 I'm not old enough. At least that's what I've decided anyway.
Rant over.
