NEW(ish) 05 R1200RT VS 02 R1150R

Topics related to the ownership, maintenance, equipping, operation, and riding of the R1200R.

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bcp858
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Posts: 8
Joined: Sun Jan 21, 2007 1:43 pm
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Location: Pensacola, FL

NEW(ish) 05 R1200RT VS 02 R1150R

Post by bcp858 »

Hi - I love my r1150r however I am getting a bit older and considering moving up to to the 05 r1200rt. My main reasons are the environmental protection and other creature features. I know this is a loaded question...what is the driving difference between the two? I live 300 miles from the closest dealer and plan on a trip this weekend to find out. Is the difference that dramatic or should I just plop down the grand for the Parabellum Scout and be done with it. I drive daily in NE Florida in everything but hurricaines...they tend to be a bit windy and last one we lost half of Pensacola :( Thoughts or ideas are greatly appreciated because I am truly at a cross roads on this one. Thanks for your input.

Brian
2002 R1150R ABS
pneuby
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Joined: Wed Sep 20, 2006 2:50 pm

Post by pneuby »

You aren't picking up a whole lot of extra weight with the RT, despite the bodywork. IIRC, they around 570 wet weight. You will be picking up 25 extra ponies that more than compensate for the weight gain, plus the fact that the hex-head motor runs even smoother, and shifts smoother.

The negative is that now you visually have a lot more 'bike' in front of you. I've only ridden it once, and that's the only thing I found disconcerting. I'd liken it to a sedan or compact driver that gets behind the wheel of a pick-up.

That said, there's no question it rides and handles better than my 1150R. Try and get a half-hour demo if the dealer or owner will allow it. That's always a good suggestion. :wink:
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