BMW R1200R R1150R/T F800 K1200R R1100R/T R1250R RnineT Message Board

I was gonna rent a 1200RT when I'm down in SF next week or so with the GF, but I'm thinking now to try a KTM 990 to see what the Austrian team is like.

Last year it was an HD Fat Boy in the desert outside of Vegas, which was a ton of fun. I think I'll need a bit more weather protection on the coast this year.

1200RT vs 990 Adventure...and you need "more weather protection"?

It's not even close! The RT has weather protection. The 990 has the world's most abusive windshield. Riding that thing over 50mph is like sparring with Roberto Duran. I had a headache after 15 minutes on the highway with one.

KTM took the type of windshield they use at the Dakar and put it on a bike that people ride on the highway. The sheild has a purpose for adventure racing, I suppose (mainly to create a big head's-up dashboard for instruments and navigation). But it's simply horrible for any other type of riding.

If you want something a little different, but have some decent wind/weather protection, rent a GS.

I'm back to thinking RT now, as I've taken note of the heated seats - that'll keep the noise level from the pillion to a manageable level in the chilly SF mornings :-)

r12gecko wrote:I'm back to thinking RT now, as I've taken note of the heated seats - that'll keep the noise level from the pillion to a manageable level in the chilly SF mornings :-)

It's amazing how that works. I bought a HD E'Glide last year and had a heated seat installed on it before I took delivery. Mrs' Easy was on me like a bad suit for being a whimp. She quickly changed her tune on the trip home from the Memphis in May BBQ Championship. We rode over 400 miles in the rain and she had her seat cranked up on high

If you are looking for a new girlfriend, get the KTM, otherwise go RT !