R1150R VS R1100RT

[hornet]

Any thoughts on which one is better? I am looking for a versatile bike but want to avoid the wind and also need passenger comfort. I ride in traffic occassionally so also need a bike that will allow me to share a lane. Would appreciate some advice.

[NAIAD]

Better is such a relative term, right? The wind protection and passenger comfort are WAY better on an RT, but the R is definitely more versatile.

In fact, it's that versatility that got me on an R. With two windscreens, detachable bags, and easily adjustable suspension, I can go sport riding with my Ducati friends (I'm an ex-Ducatisti) one day, reconfigure the bike in about 30 minutes that night, and then head out on an 800 mile trip the next day. I say that, because I've done it. At 8/10th's sport riding the R keeps up with the Duc's just fine. And I've done 800+ miles on a Ducati in a day and survived that too. But the R is in another league on those long, long rides.

That all being said...I don't think the RT would keep up quite as well with my Duc friends, but I still think they handle really well. If cost isn't an issue, I think considering how often you'll carry a pillion, and how that person feels about the bike may be crucial in your decision. My significant other WOULD NOT ride on the back of a Ducati, she will ride on the R, but she would strongly prefer an RT to feel more comfortable and "secure". But we don't do enough two up riding to make the extra cost worthwhile in our current situation.

To me, the problem has always been...why can't I own more than one bike at a time!?!?

Hope some others on the board are more insightful than I've been.

Ciao! BJ

[NachtRitter]

Good input, BJ!

Since I do have both (well, actually the R is my wife's, but she lets me ride it on occasion), I'll throw in my 2 cents...

I totally agree with BJ on the versatility of the R. And it's an absolute hoot to drive quickly. But I still prefer the RT (I have an 1150RT) as my daily driver for a few reasons... I think it's a lot more visible than the R because of the amount of body cladding (mine's a red one) and the broad headlights (with the built-in fogs). It's also a lot better for year-round riding; even in pouring rain, the bodywork keeps me about 85% dry... and in the rain plus when it drops below 30F, the adjustable windshield is absolutely wonderful.

I can't say much about keeping up with Duc's, but the RT is a tremendous amount of fun in the twisties too... I think it would do fairly well. And I would agree that a pillion would feel more secure on the RT, especially if the top box is attached.

I also love the lines on the RT bodywork... I still can't get used to the look of the new 1200RTs...

If I personally had to choose only one, I would go with the RT. But if I had no choice but the R, I would be happy with that too.

BTW - I did have a chance to test ride the R1100RT & it seemed to me that the steering geometry was screwy on those at slow speed... seemed like if I turned a little bit, it wanted to turn all the way (full lock) on it's own. The R1150RT seems a lot more balanced. But that may just have been my imagination...

[king biscuit]

Hello all,

I'm back on the list after taking a year off to live on my sailboat. Stupidly, I sold my R1150R before taking off and I'm on the hunt for another bike. I really liked my R. This past weekend I rode an 1150RT. Really nice bike, but I think for 1 up I'd choose the R. I'll prob. end up with an RT because the wife is much more comfortable on it.

Dan

[sjbmw]

Hello all,

I'm back on the list after taking a year off to live on my sailboat. Stupidly, I sold my R1150R before taking off and I'm on the hunt for another bike. I really liked my R. This past weekend I rode an 1150RT. Really nice bike, but I think for 1 up I'd choose the R. I'll prob. end up with an RT because the wife is much more comfortable on it.

Dan

Biscuit back in da house!!!

Welcome back!!

Go and get yer 2 wheels agin....

[wbrisett]

Since I do have both (well, actually the R is my wife's, but she lets me ride it on occasion), I'll throw in my 2 cents...

The minute I read this, I thought I had done it and forgotten I wrote this.

The term better is so subjective. I ride both, however the RT wins hands down in passenger comfort. The seat is more comfortable and the bike just seems to be built better for two up riding. That said, the R is a super fun bike in traffic. My personal preference would be to go with the RT if your going to do any long distance riding and/or two-up riding. If you're looking for more of a commuter bike, or you don't mind less protection from the elements, go with the R. Either way, I don't think you will pick a "bad" bike.

Wayne

[king biscuit]

Thanks for the WB. If all goes well, I'll be the proud owner of an '04 R1150RT limited edition. Found one in showroom condition.

WOOHOO!

Dan

[Paul Mihalka]

There is no better or worse. Two years ago I sold my '99 R1100RT with 170K miles and with advancing age and after some knee surgery I wanted something lighter. I got a '02 R1150R and made it into what I called a RT-lite.



It was a wonderful nimble bike, still very comfortable for long distance traveling. I did two trips from Maryland to the West, incl. Utah, Montana, Wyoming, etc. I loved that bike. It got destroyed in a fire. Now I ride a R1200GS. Another fine bike.