Also, I had to look up the difference between the R1100RT and K12. I’ve never had a four cylinder. Just love the sound of thumpers and twins, so right away I’d likely prefer the R1100RT on sound alone. Out of curiosity, what did you like better about it than the K12?
BTW one of the reasons I did not like the F650GS is that my girlfriend would keep sliding forward into me, and that would mash my crotch into the tank. It was a very uncomfortable bike.
As for my Harley, I always hated Harley guys’ attitudes. They gave me a lot of shit for “Hardly-Davidson” metric cruiser. Years later, I rented an XL883 in Arizona. Thought it would be cool to ride out on some desert roads with one. Fell in love with it as soon as I fired it up.
Bought my own FXSTC four months later. I love my Hondas, but the Harley is easily my favorite. It doesn’t sit outside of sports bars. I live in NYC and I’ve ridden it to New Orleans and Las Vegas along with multiple short trips to Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Boston and all over upstate NY.
K12 is/was the ultimate touring bike by BMW. Easily the best riding of all Beemers, but it is big, heavy, and can be a handful for a new rider.
I was looking for the GoldWing ride without the downside of the Wing. I’m 6’7” and the Wing was designed for people under 6’. It seemed like I could never get comfortable on the bike.
The things I liked about the R-1100 was the combination of nimble riding plus the removable luggage which could allow me and the wife to tour as well. The seat on the RT is also adjustable fore and aft so I never had a problem riding.
The K12 had the amenities of the Wing, but it is definitely a cruiser, it’s not something you can throw around.
Thought about a Harley, but again, the BMW was such a good ride I couldn’t pass it up. But on ride alone, the RT is still my favorite.