Buying a BMW R1150RT or R1200RT

[ZLTFUL]

I think it would be great but wife wants cushy (and if possible heated) seat , backrest, etc.

So did mine and she is completely happy on the back of my Multi. Just sayin'.
The top box has a backrest pad built into it.
Heated seat is a simple matter of adding a heated element to the stock seat. The local upholstery shop quoted me like ~75-100 to pull the cover, shave the foam slightly to allow for the heating element and then re-cover it.

In 2 up touring mode with luggage, it is almost too cushy for my tastes but the wife seems to enjoy it.

But then I am not a huge BMW fan. Sure I like the bikes and all but I like them the way you like a government building. It performs its function pretty dang well but it just does nothing for me emotionally. Granted, the HP2 and the S1000RR are exceptions to that rule but...

[Raux]

http://www.motosport.com/motorcycle/2012-ducati-multistrada-1200--SADDLEMEN-ADVENTURE-TRACK-HEATED-SEAT  

http://www.sargentcycle.com/ducwsmulti_2010.htm

[jvax]

During the 5 months I was bikeless between my old Monster 796 and my current R1200GS, I rented a R1200RT for a week long trip, all road.  Absolutely great bike.  Made me fall in love with the boxer twin, hence the GS (I do a bit of off road from time to time now).

If you can afford a 1200RT (SOHC), great.  If not, a 1150RT will make you happy all the same.

The only negative thing I can think of with the RT is too much wind protection, which is great in cold/rainy weather (from experience) but not so much in the summer days.  The bike weight could also be a problem for people who have to wrestle the bike into / out of a garage.

Otherwise, fantastic bike.

One last thing.  If you have to go with the K, I'd suggest you stay away from the 1200 and go for a 1300 if you can afford it.  The K1200 engines (S, GT, LT, R, RS - all of them basically) had a nasty vibration, which was fixed in the K1300.

[Rob Hilding]

Thanks