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What he said!!!You'll likely find the GS delightfully easier and quicker handling on road, and that's due mostly to the wider handlebars. The larger front wheel diameter contributes, too.
Hey Buck,
I'm in Raleigh. I own an RT and I've ridden a GS a lot. Here's my thoughts:
Crash protection on RT: Why? I've lowsided my RT twice in sand. I pick it up and off I go. No big deal. Last time it slid on the asphault about 30 feet. I repaired the panier, painted it, and it was done. The valve cover has a lot of road rash, but that's a scar with a story, and I am leaving it. Prompts a lot of "how'd you do that?" questions.
Off road: The GS is a bit lighter, but not much. The main difference is dual sport tires. I think more suspension travel, too. I take my RT off road at times in the Smokies, it does fine for the ten mile stretches we need to cross. Neither the GS or RT are dirt bikes. I have a Suzuki for that.
On Road: The GS is a bit more nimble, but in the hands of a competent rider, the difference is slight to nil. The RT has better rider protection for wind, rain, cold, etc. The little GS windscreen is annoying to me. I'd rather take it off completely as I get a quieter ride on my naked R90/6 than I do with that annoying GS windshield.
My summary: If you ride street, go with the RT. It is nimble in the corners, plenty fast in the straights, and very comfortable and quiet (air sound, engine is same as GS).
If you ride dirt, get a proper dirt bike, or a more dirt leaning dual sport like a Suzy DRZ.
If you are going to Alaska, either put dual sport tires on your RT or get a GS.
I have the touratech engine protection bars and they are very easily dragged in the corners. Quite the pucker factor!! /QUOTE]
good point. My buddy had crash bars on his Speed Triple. They dragged in a corner and made him go down. We now joke that "crash bars" make you crash.
Does anyone know if valve cover guards drag? I routinely drag my foot peg indicators but have no idea how close that makes the valve covers to the ground.
If you ride on the rode , RT all the way!
Personally, I do not like the ergonomics of the GS. Just not comfortable for me. Just hated just about everything about it! Just my opinion.
take a look at an r12r
You'll likely find the GS delightfully easier and quicker handling on road, and that's due mostly to the wider handlebars. The larger front wheel diameter contributes, too.