Introduction
This is my side by side evaluation of the R1200RT and the K1600GT. I have owned both and thought a rider comparison by an actual owner would help others thinking about one or the other as a future purchase.
I first owned the RT, then traded it in on the GT.
The R1200RT was a 2012 model I purchased used with 32,000 miles on it. I did have to put new shocks on it early on, but I put another 15000 miles on it in a year including replacing the tires twice plus routine dealer maintenance as recommended by the owners manual.
The K1600GT is a 2013 I purchased last fall with 17,000 miles on it. As part of the deal, I had them replace the tires with new Metzler Z8 roadtecs, (coincidentally the same tires I ran on the RT), so the handling comparison will be based on the same tire type as well.
Since both bikes had exactly the same options, (the only thing the RT didn't have was the built in Nav IV Garmin), I wont discuss those. This is strictly a rider impression.
Walk-around and 1st impressions
In terms of the size, the RT is 200 lbs, lighter and 6" shorter wheelbase.
The Boxer motor has a lower center of gravity even with a full tank of gas and has a more agile feel when rolling around a parking lot or low speed turning.
The RT has better wind protection especially wind over the backs of your hands. If you look at the RT fairing vs the GT fairing you will see right away that the GT mirrors are separate stand alone vs. the RT being built into the fairing giving a wider dashboard and blocking the wind.
This was almost a deal breaker for me, but I ended up buying heated glove liners as a solution. Summer time will probably be an asset.
I like to say I ride them like I stole them, which means I like to ride aggressively when I have the opportunity and my impressions are both bikes instill rider confidence at speed and cornering agility seems similar on both bikes.
The RT is more 'flickable' than the GT and I attribute that to the shorter wheelbase and lighter weight. The GT is very agile and surefooted so I don't feel I gave up any handling capabilities, but the lower center of gravity and balance of the Boxer is noticeable.
The GT is a large bike for sure and if you don't need 2 up riding, I would say buy the RT. For local day riding and charity rides, especially following other slow moving bikes, the GT can seem heavy and ponderous in comparison.
I found my RT more fun to just jump on and ride around town, especially without bags.
BUT, the highway is where the GT outperforms the RT. It handles cross winds and high speed passing with ease and confidence that the RT lacks. On interstate trips with my RT anything above 80 mph always felt like the front end was light and passing large vehicles was not as confidence inspiring as the GT.
Of course the GT is heavier and longer and possibly more front heavy since the the inline 6 is a little more forward on the frame and heavier than the Boxer.
As far as overall performance, they seem similar. Speed and handling are comparable with a low speed edge going to the RT.
At high speed or highway riding, the GT is the better performer. I have had it 'well' over 100mph and there is no buffeting from trucks or buses when passing.
As far as overall speed and torque are concerned, there is really no comparison.......
If the RT can 'bend' time, the GT 'warps' it!
THIS SUCKER IS FAST AND FURIOUS AND CAN BE A HANDFUL IF DISRESPECTED!
More than a few times I found myself coming into a turn hotter than I expected due to the speed it can obtain in relatively short distances!
Twisties that I knew well, now became challenging due to the fact I was hitting them 20mph quicker not realizing it. Its so smooth and powerful that it doesn't provide the rider feedback of the RT.
The RT feels like it has a 'soul'.... BMW has unfortunately refined that out of the GT.
It's not that you dont get road input on the GT, but the RT seems to buzz and shake and rattle more than the GT.
The sensory input of riding a machine seems missing on the GT.
If you have never ridden either for any length of time, you may not agree with that statement. The Boxer motor does seem to have a vague amount of torque steer when throttling up due to the nature of the Boxer design. The GT's inline 6 cylinder just spins up fast and unassuming as the trees, cars and houses go streaking by in a quiet blur......with only the high pitch gear whine giving you any indication that it is running underneath.
So in conclusion let me sum it up this way.
I was very happy with my RT and had I not got the incredible deal on my GT I would never know there was anything better. I enjoyed touring with my RT and riding it around like a sport bike. It is a very satisfying experience and a pleasure to own and work on since the boxer motor is exposed and easy to get to.
The GT is on a whole different level of speed and performance.
It is a gentleman's racer, able to play with sport bikes and tour with Gold wings equally as well.
I cant see myself ever doing my own maintenance since everything is hidden and not accessible, so service will be more expensive.
But, now that I own it and have a few thousand miles under my belt, I wouldn't trade it back.
My advice..... if you are only going to own one motorcycle and don't do alot of touring or long distance overnight riding, I would suggest the RT.
It is lighter, more balanced at low speed, easier to service yourself and better wind protection. And you can pick up a low mileage cam-head for a great price. Its still 110HP vs the water cooled 125HP.
If you want a luxury touring bike that doubles as a highly capable sport bike, then get the GT.
Either way you there is no bad choice! I loved them both and so do others!
( I noticed this almost instantly on my GT test ride and debated if it was a deal breaker. I opted for heated glove liners in the winter as a solution)
