New Member Introductions » New from Central PA

Tested a RS back in 2016 and liked it but opted for a RT ( 2012 ) instead. Now it's time to go again. I sat on a 1250RS at Hermys today and I still like it.

So, 2021 RS or an RT ( once the front brake issues are resolved ) ?

Zitat von AHD43 im Beitrag #1

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Tested a RS back in 2016 and liked it but opted for a RT ( 2012 ) instead. Now it's time to go again. I sat on a 1250RS at Hermys today and I still like it.

So, 2021 RS or an RT ( once the front brake issues are resolved ) ?

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Obvously, it is about what makes you consider a change.
RS...smaller fairing, lower C of G, different suspension and geometry, less weight and a different riding position.
RS still has Brembo's

Take one for a ride

Zitat von Vtbob im Beitrag #3

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Take one for a ride

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Zitat von Mr. 36654 im Beitrag #4

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Zitat von Vtbob im Beitrag #3

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Take one for a ride

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Doesn't that change in the near future?

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Welcome to the site AHD.

Welcome! The RT and RS are both great, capable bikes. I just came to RS from a K1600GT and rode with several good friends on RT. Each of us preferred the one we owned based on our particular type of rides we did the most, frequency of 2 up riding, engine characteristic preferences, and comfort with bike weight. I can elaborate on views, but would encourage YOU to think about these items as, IMO a similar set of dilemmas and trade offs exist between RS and RT.

While it’s easy to argue the K is more tour, RT more blended and RS, more sport tour, it’s my opinion that all 3 are quite capable of both, just depends on what feels right to you sitting in the saddle for the hours you ride on the roads you plan to travel most.

The soul searching I did lead me to the RS and so far (a paltry one ride since purchase due to weather and family demands), I think I’m going to love it. For me, I’m always riding 1 up, I try to avoid the interstate once outta town, didn’t mind and will adjust to the more aggressive riding position,
And rather liked the weight reduction and engine characteristics- the latter far more than I expected when I test ride the demo i bought.

So far the only negative I’ve noticed is the K and RT come with more OEM touring bits (bags mostly) and dash real estate for electronics. So if that’s something you need, factor that in to your total purchase price. I got a stack of farkles I’m putting on this winter in prep for a 10 day trip in late April. And once I figured and planned for this, it’s kinda fun ;)

All that said, I don’t think you can go wrong with either.

Yes, I'm home now and have been for awhile.

Zitat von AHD43 im Beitrag #8

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Yes, I'm home now and have been for awhile.

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Hit Submit too soon.

I rode a RS one time at the falling leaf rally a few years back and still remember liking it a lot. The riding position wasn't much off from the Triumph Tiger 1050 I had just sold, so I was good. Fast forward a few years and many miles of the RT and I'm not sure I want to lean forward like that anymore.

If I went with the RS I would need to lean more, pack a little tighter and wear ear plugs again. The RT would be an easy transition but 5K more. I don't know..... I'm still fighting with my self. Forgive me for my ramblings.

Zitat von AHD43 im Beitrag #10

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I rode a RS one time at the falling leaf rally a few years back and still remember liking it a lot. The riding position wasn't much off from the Triumph Tiger 1050 I had just sold, so I was good. Fast forward a few years and many miles of the RT and I'm not sure I want to lean forward like that anymore.

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Zitat von AHD43 im Beitrag #10

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Hit Submit too soon.

The RT would be an easy transition but 5K more.

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Based on your short post above, I’d say stick with RT. I think you’ll enjoy new 1250 motor (if you didn’t have it prior) and the riding position is hard (and expensive) to replicate on RS. Between the heli bars, pegs, bags, and don’t get us started on windscreens... you’ll likely half the gap in price between RS and RT.

Just my two cents, of course.

AHD43,

How tall are you?

And, more importantly, do you consider yourself a youthful sporty fellow or something more mature?

@AHD43 what's the pull to the RS from the RT? that ride you did a while back? just asking to help tease out if RS is a good fit.

Is there a reasonably local dealer with both you could go test ride back to back?