I did a 10,000 mile ride on my RT last summer. You can find daily blog posts and my photos under the blog tab. I found the RT great for long distance touring. During the ride, I did a 16 hour day trying to take in everything around Sturgis, such as the Badlands, Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park. At the end of the day I was tired, but no more tired than you’d expect after doing anything for 16 hours.

The RT definitely doesn’t have the sporty power of something like a K1200, but I never found it short on power for touring. Even going through the Rocky Mountains, it still have lots of power for passing. One other point you didn’t mention is that it can comfortably carry a lot of luggage without affecting the handling too much. I lived off the bike for most of 7 weeks. For a couple of days before my trip, I rode around with my large top case and side cases loaded to get used to the extra weight. After that, it just seemed normal.

During my summer ride, I met a lot of other riders doing long distance touring. Interestingly, they were either on 900 pound Harleys or a BMW RT. Almost everyone I met riding something else, such as a Japanese motorcycle, was a local out for a day ride.

I know that both of the BMW dealers in my area have long term demo bikes. They will let you take an RT out for the afternoon, possibly even the day. Before I bought mine, the dealer told me to take the bike out and do my favorite day ride, including highways, the hills, and city traffic, to see what I think. That’s what sold me. Maybe they will let you do the same. Doesn’t hurt to ask.

Bryan