Who's ridden a big Touring style bike? How does it handle compared to Monsters

[gh0stie]

So I've been riding for just over 2yrs now and most of it has been on my 620 (bought it 2 months after I got my license)

I've taken my wife out a few times while we were dating, it's a bit tight for her since she's about 5'8 and we usually have to stop every 30 mins or so to stretch, so obviously we don't ride very far. Planning on getting a bigger bike sometime next year, but in the mean time I was thinking about renting an R1200T and suprising her with a weekend trip through Hill Country ....worst idea in the world?

I understand there is obviously a signficant increase in weight and power, I'm just wondering how the bike "carries" these things......is it a complete no-go? or is it something that can be managed with a few hours of practice and some level-headed, conservative riding?

Thanks for the feedback, hopefully it isn't too stupid a question

[derby]

i think you'll be surprised something that heavy can handle the twisties so effortlessly...

i've known some r1200rt and r1200r riders that had no problems keeping up with the fast group (and sometimes leaving them behind).

i don't think i've ever seen a t-model on the road.

[superjohn]

I test rode an R1200RT a few years ago and it was a fine machine. It's definitely heavier, so it's slower at turn in and not as quick changing directions, but once out on the road it was responsive with plenty of power predictable handling and nice wind protection from the adjustable windscreen. The suspension on the RT is interesting as well, so you don't get the geometry changing if you brake while cornering, nor do you get the nose dive. The switchgear took a little getting used to, but overall I would buy one if I didn't already have too many motorcycles and not enough garage space.

I also rode with an experienced rider who was on an R11RT through the foothills and after some pretty aggressive corners and switchbacks, I looked in my rear view expecting him to be way back, but he was right on my rear tire the whole time. They do have impressive handling.

[gh0stie]

i think you'll be surprised something that heavy can handle the twisties so effortlessly...

i've known some r1200rt and r1200r riders that had no problems keeping up with the fast group (and sometimes leaving them behind).

See that's the thing, I KNOW these bikes are quite capable with enough practice....my question is how easy it is to make the transition for someone who's used to riding smaller bikes. I wouldn't mind if it was just me, but consider I will be riding 2 up

I know some of that might depend on the rider, I'm just trying to find out what to expect from those who have made the transition. Thanks!

[gh0stie]

I test rode an R1200RT a few years ago and it was a fine machine. It's definitely heavier, so it's slower at turn in and not as quick changing directions, but once out on the road it was responsive with plenty of power predictable handling and nice wind protection from the adjustable windscreen. The suspension on the RT is interesting as well, so you don't get the geometry changing if you brake while cornering, nor do you get the nose dive. The switchgear took a little getting used to, but overall I would buy one if I didn't already have too many motorcycles and not enough garage space.

I also rode with an experienced rider who was on an R11RT through the foothills and after some pretty aggressive corners and switchbacks, I looked in my rear view expecting him to be way back, but he was right on my rear tire the whole time. They do have impressive handling.

this is what I was looking for, thanks!

[Speeddog]

I would thing the rental outfit would let you take it for a short ride by yourself.
Try it solo before you commit to a two-up ride.

They're big and heavy.
I've ridden a recent R-bike two-up, OK bike but too slow and slushy for me.
If I had the $ I'd get a K bike for 2-up riding.

[gh0stie]

I would thing the rental outfit would let you take it for a short ride by yourself.
Try it solo before you commit to a two-up ride.

They're big and heavy.
I've ridden a recent R-bike two-up, OK bike but too slow and slushy for me.
If I had the $ I'd get a K bike for 2-up riding.

Interesting, there is also a K1200 available for rental for not much more $, I didn't look at it because it had ~40hp extra.....are you saying it might be a better option because it handles better?

I'm not looking to rip it up

[Speeddog]

When I had two years of riding experience, I was 14, and that was over 30 years ago.
So... my feedback on the difference between my Monster S4 and BMW R and K... may not be so useful to you.

Giving it a bit more thought, I'd say rent the bike for a day and ride it solo.
Then decide if you want to go for the 2-up trip.

[muskrat]

.....the transition to the R1200RT is EASY!  What you'll find is that low speed steering is much much better and easier making you less nervous than you thought.  Go around the block a couple of times and get moving.  You'll enjoy it, I sure did.

[stopintime]

 

I rented a Goldwing 20 years ago. It's still a great memory.

It's not hard to maneuver at all.
My then GF, at 5' 4" 110 lbs, rode it as her first two wheeler - with me in the back.
Just a small ride on a straight empty road, but it says something about how easy it can be.

Just think about the consequences - she will not stop until you buy one

[superjohn]

Interesting, there is also a K1200 available for rental for not much more $, I didn't look at it because it had ~40hp extra.....are you saying it might be a better option because it handles better?

I'm not looking to rip it up

The K1200 is like 200 lbs heavier and I didn't like the balance with different motor.

[avizpls]

My triumph ST is 530lbs and I can rock it as hard as the Monster. They handle themselves as well as you can handle them. You should be fine.

[seevtsaab]

Excellent thread.

Without going off on all the many different touring bikes available, anybody add input on how Ducati's touring offerings are, two up? Specifically, ST 2,3,4 & Multistrada?

[Randy@StradaFab]

   I went from a Monster 695 to a ST3(stolen) to a Multistrada and finally a BMW K1200GT. The wife started riding with me more and we wanted to go further so we bought the BMW. The only time you feel the extra weight is picking it up off of the kickstand. We ride twistys in Arkansas all the time with no trouble. I've passed sport bikes with the wife on the back and the side bags packed full. The bike is rock solid in the corners. Not real flickable on tight stuff, but on big sweepers you can keep up with about anything.
  The BMW also has ESA, heated seats and grips,ABS and goes like a Gixxer! Having said that, it's not a FUN bike. It does everthing very well but it's no Monster.

   Dont waste your time with the RT. The GT has more legroom and HP.

Without going off on all the many different touring bikes available, anybody add input on how Ducati's touring offerings are, two up? Specifically, ST 2,3,4 & Multistrada?

  I really didn't like the ST3. The ergo's killed me. Looked good, ran good, but painful to ride over 500 miles a day. I'm 47, probably a good touring bike for someone younger.
  I put 12,000 miles on a '07 Multi. It was a really good bike. Not as good two-up as the BMW. The bad thing about it was it was ugly 

 

[Travman]

I would say it would be harder to go from solo to two up on the 620 than it would be to go from 620 to R1200RT.  So figure out if you are comfortable with the RT first. Putting a passenger on the RT will not affect you as much as putting one onthe 620 did.