I was at the BMW dealership today getting a new front tire (Bridgestone BT54) mounted in preparation for my bike tour with Steve. As always, I made good use of my time while I waited by doing a test ride. Today, I chose an R1150RT, because I'd never ridden one before, and because I have a newfound acceptance of this sporty touring bike (I used to think of them as too big and unweildy-looking, but now I actually think they're fairly svelte for a loaded touring bike).

I was set up on a very pretty metallic gray bike with no bags attached. Sitting on the bike, I was immediately aware of the large "dashboard" presented to the rider, which seemed to include a pair of speakers for a stereo. To be honest I didn't inquire about it, so I'm not sure that's what I was seeing. The salesman pointed out the electric windscreen adjustment, which has plenty of wow-factor. It's nice to be able to adjust the screen while underway, but I was to find that I preferred the screen lowered all the way.

Once underway, my primary impression of the bike is one of a much lighter bike than it looks. I was also very aware of the upright seating position. The handling of the bike is great, but it was a bit odd to me, as always, to lean into a curve while my back is ramrod upright (but at least on the RT your arms aren't spread to the wind as they are on the GS). I kept thinking this bike would be great if only the bars were a little lower. The bars are not adjustable, unfortunately. However, the bars are actually independent "stalks" that are attached to the triple clamp. Perhaps BMW has a variety of stalks available to allow for reach/height adjustments? I was also aware of wanting to slide back a bit on the seat, but the sculpted seat had imprisoned me (this seems common on modern BMWs). My prison was a comfortable one, however. I could imagine spending a lot of time in this seat fairly comfortably (and spending a lot of that time wishing I could scoot back now and then).

I didn't really get to dig into any corners today, since it was spitting rain on and off and my favorite test-riding streets were wet. No way was I going to dump this $17k motorcycle. Overall, cornering felt fine the couple of times I could lean into it a bit. I'll have to ride the RT again when we have dry, warm streets. So, due to the weather, rather than concentrating on going I concentrated a bit on stopping. The brakes on this bike are touchy and loud, but they do stop in a big hurry. I'd read somewhere before about the power brakes being loud, but hadn't noticed it on the other beemers. Well, they're loud and annoying on this bike. You sit at a stop light with the brake system wheezing and whistling. It's not the sound of quality. Add to that the touchiness of the brakes, and there's not a lot to like. I'm sure you'd get used to them, but why should you have to get used to brakes? I think the bike would do just fine with non-power, ABS brakes, just like god intended BMWs to have.

Overall, I can see why this bike is a popular sporty touring bike. The brakes are a bit annoying, but I think that's a pretty minor thing, and I didn't notice them while riding; they were only a problem when I was stopped. The seating position is something I'd have to get used to, but I don't think it would be a major drag, especially if there were lower bars available. All in all, I'd certainly consider owning an RT, but I'm not sure I could have it as my only bike. That task could be better served by an R1150RS (or my current squeeze, the K1100RS).

Speaking of the Goblin, while I was chatting with one of the BMW folks, I happened to catch a glimpse of this great-looking bright-green sport-touring bike leaving the dealership parking lot and speeding up the road. It took me a second to realize that it was my bike. I guess the service guy was doing a post tire-mounting test ride (I'd also asked for a general looking over, since I'm going out on this tour). The Goblin looked so different in motion, in a good way.

I must say that, as is often the case, I was happy to get back on my own bike. Everything is in the right place, the bars meet my hands just right, the brakes feel just right, and I know exactly what to expect. I suppose I'll keep her a bit longer :-).