R1100/1150RT vs. K1200LT

R1100/1150RT vs. K1200LT — Which Is Best?

by Jeff Dean

Because I ride BMW R1100RTs and R1150RTs, and have ridden many miles on two BMW K1200LTs, I am often asked, "Which is the best motorcycle?" The answer, of course, is, "Both the RTs and LT are excellent; what kind of riding do you want to do?"

Let me list some of the advantages of each motorcycles, according to my own thoroughly biased humble opinions . . .

Advantages of the BMW R1100RT/R1150RT:

Much lighter — some 200 lbs. lighter than the LT
Handles better overall, but most especially at low speeds
Has better low-RPM torque
Is a boxer twin (i. e., partakes of BMW's long heritage)
Love the twin's vibration — it talks to you
More taut suspension
Better seating position — slight forward lean
Better handlebar shape and position for controllability
More "fun" to ride because of all of the above (personal opinion, of course)
Best all-'round street bike ever made . . . period
Has a 700-watt alternator
Longer rear-tire life
R1150RT only: Six-speed transmission with overdrive
R1150RT only: “Torque-monster” 1150cc engine
R1150RT only: Built-in fog lights
R1150RT only: EVO fully integrated ABS brakes
R1150RT only: Slightly lighter than R1100RT

Advantages of the BMW K1200LT:

Smoother — essentially no engine vibration
More comfortable passenger accommodations (without becoming a Gold Wing)
Excellent handling for a bike weighing at least half-a-ton with its rider
Has cruise control
Has an excellent four-stage trip computer
Has weather radio built in (and a fine radio otherwise, too)
Has an 840-watt alternator
Has slightly (ca. 5 MPG) superior gasoline mileage
Cannot be beat for long trips — it just eats up the miles (woooshh!)
Excellent weather protection
Passengers especially love it
Has heated seats and passenger backrest (“Custom” model only)
You do not have to lock the luggage whenever you use it
Softer suspension
Has electric reverse (which you definitely will need!)

Both the “RT” and the “LT” have:

In their own ways, both are just plain beautiful motorcycles
ABS II antilock brakes
Fabulous Telelever front suspensions
Paralever rear suspensions
Generous fuel capacities
Electrically adjustable windshields
Excellent luggage systems
Heated handgrips
Fuel injection
Dual-tone horns (but not the R1100RT)
Fuel and engine-temperature gauges
LCD gear indicators
Clocks, digital (the RT's is bigger, easier to read)
Excellent ergonomics (though I prefer the RT's)
Confidence-inspiring reliability
BMW family circle, clubs, and caché

Passengers

For riders considering these bikes, passengers often are an important issue. I asked my wife about riding as a passenger on the LT vs. the RT. Here is what she said.

For long trips, the LT is more comfortable hands down. For short trips, it doesn't really matter to her. In fact, she said she prefers the RT for short trips because she feels it is easier for me to handle. Referring to the difficulty of operating 1,200 pounds of motorcycle and passengers around town, she said she thinks it is harder on me ("I can feel that," she said). I am 6'-4", so my legs are long enough for the LT or the RT. Yes, because of its weight, the LT is harder to handle at slow speeds and around town. She has noted that the suspension on the LT is softer for the passenger than the RT.

So as in all things re: motorcycle choices, it depends on what you intend to do with it, and in this case, how often a passenger rides with you. If most of your riding is short trips, I would lean to the RT. If you are not planning long trips, especially two-up trips, the RT might be your best choice. If you are planning long trips, especially two-up, the LT is your better choice. The LT is an excellent and serious long-distance touring machine, but it can also be a daily ride. The RT is the finest all-'round street bike in the world, and it can take long trips, too.

The best answer is to own both, of course.

But, alas, not everyone can afford to do that.