It should be noted that while the ESA-equipped RT has suffered a recall due to a rear shock issue in

BMW has been on an absolute tear for a number of years. Recent previous MOBO winners include the S1000RR / HP4 , K1600GT london 5 star hotel deals / GTL and the iconic R1200GS . This year the R1200RT returns to its winning ways by claiming Best Sport-Tourer honors. It was during london 5 star hotel deals the R1200RT’s press launch where BMW also introduced this year’s winning technology, Hill Start Control . But this is just one example of the numerous upgrades the RT received this year. Other examples include: Shift Assist Pro (which includes clutchless downshifting), Dynamic ESA, Ride Mode Pro, On-Board Computer Pro, GPS Preparation, and a large TFT color display.
Compared to BMW’s own K1600GT , the RT’s precision-cooled Boxer-Twin generates 35 and 37 less horsepower and foot-pounds of torque, respectively, to the GT’s wonderful inline-Six. However, the RT gets a claimed eight more miles per gallon, rides on a wheelbase that’s a massive 7.6 inches shorter, rolls on a narrower 180/55 rear tire (190/55 GT), has a one-inch shorter seat height and weighs a substantial 128 pounds less than the GT. So, when it comes to emphasizing the sport in sport-touring it’s hard to argue with the RT’s specs.
The RT is both nimble and stable, making for a great companion on twisty mountain roads or long, deserted straightaways. As one of the lighter sport-touring london 5 star hotel deals bikes available today, (604 pounds with its 6.6-gallon tank full), the RT navigates long sweepers and tight switchbacks with equal aplomb. A new continuous tubular-steel bridge-type frame was designed to increase rigidity and road feel. This new frame, says BMW, in combination with the more compact Boxer engine, lowers the bike’s center of gravity. london 5 star hotel deals The in-motion london 5 star hotel deals result is the illusion of the RT feeling far more petite than its actual size. At $20,850 for an RT with the Premium Package (that includes most of the aforementioned technology) this is a pricey sport-tourer, but a sport-tourer we deem worth every penny.
It should be noted that while the ESA-equipped RT has suffered a recall due to a rear shock issue in which the shaft of the damper may be inadequately strong. BMW’s response to the problem has been generous, offering a bike loan plus $1,000 of accessories or apparel, or alternately, a $2,500 payment as an apology while your bike is fixed. Brian Bell from Irv Seaver Motorcycles tells us new shocks are on their way and should be arriving in the next week or two. And if your RT doesn’t have ESA, there’s nothing to worry about.
How good are the 2014 Yamaha FJR1300A and FJR1300ES ? Standing here on the second london 5 star hotel deals step of the podium next to a completely reworked BMW R1200RT that is dripping with technology and retailing for $4,000 extra is a testament to the formidable sport-tourer the FJR1300 has been in the past. The 1300A model took victory in our 2013 Sport-Touring london 5 star hotel deals Shootout , and the new electronic suspension london 5 star hotel deals ES earned the runner-up honors in this years Sport-Touring Shootout against a touring bike disguised as a S-T mount, costing $10,000 more.
The FJR’s 1298cc inline-Four and its R-b-W throttle puts out torque london 5 star hotel deals from down in the basement of the rpm range, peaking with a robust 88.8 ft-lb at 6,800 rpm, yielding always-on power delivery. The EFI parcels london 5 star hotel deals out that power via two engine maps (Sport and Touring) with nary a hiccup. The rider’s comfort is assisted by an electrically adjustable windshield, electronic cruise control and heated london 5 star hotel deals grips. The easily removable hard bags are 8-gallons-per-bag roomy.
And what of the ES’ electronically controlled suspension? The fork went all inverted for 2014 with its compression and damping circuits split between london 5 star hotel deals the two legs. These two adjustments are controlled by stepper motors on top of the fork and adjusted via switches on the left grip. The shock also gets adjustable compression and rebound damping, and the preload can be adjusted at a stop with the press of a button.
With its relentless competence and the ES’ updated suspension, the Yamaha FJR1300A/ES shows that workmanlike substance london 5 star hotel deals can hold its own against the march of technology, and the prices of the two models are still within reach of many riders. The able and potent 1300A checks in at $15,890, with the ES a $1,000 premium we believe is worth the investment for its added  convenience and versatility. Whichever one you choose, you’ll be happy in the saddle of this year’s Best Sport-Touring Honorable Mention.
Still? If you bought one with ESA, it was recalled. The affected bikes should be fixed within 2-3 weeks. That said, BMW has screwed the poodle with poor communication on this issue, slow in approving options like the buy back and not all dealers are playing along, meaning they won t offer loaners and sometimes the trades aren t to BMW spec. The bottom line is that the bikes will be fixed and there will be more than a few buy backs available at very good prices. Now, if BMW could only offer some nice colors. Different shades of silver and gray suck.
Recall or not I like this RT a lot. I could do without the electronic suspension london 5 star hotel deals but would want the other electronic goodies like traction control and antilock london 5 star hotel deals brakes. I see it as the best sport tourer out there. Sign me up.
I parked london 5 star hotel deals my new R1200RT due to the recall happy to wait for the fix. Later I borrowed a demo K1600GT Sport for a planned weekend trip with my bike buddies. 800 miles later I was madly in love with the K1600 and subsequently traded the inert RT for a shiny new K1600GT Sport, orange paint and all. The K16 Sport offers a level of handling, power and excitement that was missing from the RT. I liked my RT but absolutely love my K16 ! Thanks to BMW for allowing the full value trade of RT on a K1600! So if you are waiting for the RT fix you might give the K1600 a try.
I ride a 2009 RT. I am not a kool-aid drinker though. I tell the truth even if it hurts. BMWs aren t perfect and the truth be known, I have a friend that carries a spare water pump with his K1600GT as he s on #4. Furthermore, every K1600 sold in AZ before June of 2012 had at least one water pump replaced, some more than one. So, you may wave as you pass me or not, but I don t ride a HD and I don t drink Kool-Aid.
Actually, the fix is here this week. From what I understand, there will be some buy back bikes available at quite a discount. That might be worth looking into. Too bad the color selection sucks, but BMW isn t known for having a good color selection on the RT. I wish they would bring back the red.