Hi Schoeney,
I'd be happy to give you my thoughts on BMW RT vs the "New" Wing. But, before I begin, I should explain that I like to change bikes every two to two and a half years to try something different. My last few bikes have been (in order): Kawasaki C-14, Harley Davidson Electra Glide Standard, Harley Ultra Limited (Rushmore), Harley Road Glide Ultra (Rushmore), BMW RT 1200 and now a 2018 Goldwing. Before those, there was a smattering of Suzuki's, two other BMWs (earlier model RT and and LT), even a Honda ST1300.
Back to the question at hand:
The 2016 BMW RT1200 "Wethead" is an awesome bike. I had it for 2 and a half years and because of family / work obligations, was not able to ride it as much as I would have liked. In the 2 and a half years I had it, I managed only about 11,000 miles. The bike is light for as big a bike as it is. Plenty fast enough and handles the twisties with ease and grace. Plenty of ground clearance, but it does sit high, so shorter riders might find it challenging. For the record, I'm a touch taller than 5' 10" and I found the height to be a non issue.
Wind protection is good, although I swapped the stock shield with an aftermarket shield and the wind protection and lack of buffeting became outstanding. Weird thing about it is that even in heavy rain I wouldn't get wet. Not even my legs. I never figured that one out. It was weird. I mean I would be bone dry in steady rain.
Fast speeds on the highway were no problem. The bike would move around a bit because it's lighter, but not uncomfortably so. I was always confident on it no matter how fast. The thing you have to realize when riding a bike like this is that you have to be more engaged in the riding process. Even small inputs from the rider will effect the bike so you have to be more focused and "on" your game, so to speak. All of which I like. This bike is NOT a cruiser by any stretch. That is not how it was designed.
I'm a fan of boxer engines, but not everyone is. They do create vibrations in the grips, but at low frequency. And that is very different than high frequency vibrations. My Kawasaki C-14 was an inline 4 and produced high frequency vibrations in the grips. Basically, it was like holding a bag of bees. I will NEVER own an in line 4 again. I cannot tolerate high frequency vibrations. However, low frequency vibrations that you get with a boxer engine and Harley V twins don't bother me. But, on the BMW they are noticeable (less so on the Harleys) and something to consider before purchasing one. One other thing to note, this bike throws NO heat on your legs. It runs amazingly cool.
For me, the ergos on the RT were just about perfect. Plenty of room, perfect reach to the bars and the pegs. Never felt cramped even on very long trips.
Saddlebags on the RT are great and hold a full faced helmet with ease and the hard bags are removable. Suspension is top notch and electronically adjustable. As far as electronics go, it has everything the Tour Wing has and more. And most of the electronics are easier to use and more intuitive. Just my opinion, but I think most would agree.
So, if everything on the BMW is / was great, why would I switch ? As I mentioned, I like trying different bikes. Sometimes I win, sometimes I lose. I'm trying to be objective with the new Wing as it's easy to think everything is great because it's brand spankin' new.
Here are the things that I like so far (and some things I might not like as much):
The power delivery is awesome. I like power right from the start. I don't like to have to spool up the engine before it kicks in. I like it right off the line. The RT did this well, the Harleys did it well, the Kawasaki C-14, while amazingly fast on the top end, was a dog off the line. The new Wing is the best bike I've ever ridden on this point. Power is right there from the start. I really don't care about top end.
Wind management appears pretty good. Although, since mine is a non tour model, my windshield is a little on the smaller side, which is why I ordered the F4 20" shield. I'm hoping this makes highway running a little smoother.
The bike appears to be rock solid stable at high speeds. However, I still can throw it around on country roads. Maybe not quite as easily as the RT, but not bad at all for a bike as big and heavy as the Wing. And that's pretty impressive.
Heat from the engine seems reasonable and the rider's ergos seem just about right. I wouldn't mind if the seat was an inch or two back, for some extra room, but not bad. Love the fact there is NO vibration in the grips at any speed. I figure this is one of the major benefits of a 6 cylinder engine.
Stereo sounds better than the ones I've had on the Harleys and the BMWs, but not as easy or intuitive to use. But I'll give up some ease of use for better sound any day.
I'm on the fence on the suspension. So far I wouldn't say it is bad, but not nearly as good as the BMW. If I don't have any issues with it, I won't change it as I don't feel its so bad that it would warrant spending a bunch of money for an aftermarket set up. At this point, I think it will be fine for this bike's intended use.
I'm hoping the Wing will get better mileage out of a set of tires. Consider yourself lucky if you get 7 or 8 thousand on a set for the BMW. I could get 12,000 out of a set on the Harleys. And I HATE buying tires ! Which brings me to another point. BMWs are notoriously expensive to service. I don't do my own wrenching so that is a concern. It appears that the Honda should be more economical in this area. Already saving some money as the first service isn't until 4,000 miles. However, I think I may have a hard time waiting that long.
I think I hit most of the major points. My opinions will probably change the more I ride and learn about the Wing. We'll see. But, I will say that so far, I'm not regretting my decision. I'm heading out on a 1500 mile trip in May and that will be the real shakeout test to see how well I bond with this bike. Right now, I'm cautiously optimistic. And one last thing, I have the Pearl Stallion Brown with the blacked out engine and it sure is nice looking (better looking than the RT, IMHO).
.
