Newbie here looking at a 1998 K1200RS

[Medic55]

First off I want to thank Shiva for this great site. I have spent hours pouring through the posts looking for answers to my questions. I am looking at buying my first bike and have until recently looking exclusively at used 2006 R1150RT's (all have been Highway Patrol bikes with between 30k-40k in miles). While at the dealer they showed me a used 1998 K1200RS. I loved how this bike felt and looked. I was unable to test ride it, I am going to be doing that this week along with the RT.
A little about this K1200RS. As stated it is a 1998 model with a littl over 25k in miles. It has been recently serviced with new tires put on as well. It was a 1 owner bike and was serviced at the selling dealer. The bike has a clear title and has never been laid down. It is Dakar yellow with an Aeroflow winshield, heated grips and handle bar extension (Think the dealer called the Euro bars???) as well as a headlight cover.
The type of riding I am hoping/planning on doing is commuting (anywhere from 25-70 miles round trip) with trips of over 200 miles once a month round trip. I also plan on doing an occasional 3-4 day treks, between 3-5 hours one way. I live in North Carolina so I have both twisties and costal roads at my disposal.

Here are my questions:
For those of you who own or have ridden the RT and this RS, what are the pros and cons when comapring these two. I know the major differences, I am looking for those little things, espicially for us smaller (and shorter) riders.
My wife will be riding with me for both short and longer rides. She is 5'1" 125#. How comforatble is it back there for the rider? I have yet to really find someone who has commented on that. I know several people who own either the RT or the GT and they love the ride back there. For any of you who have riden back there, was it comfortable. We will not be on the road for more than 5 hours total in one day. This is a HUGE worry of mine and this will make or break my purchase.

I have always dreamed of owning not only a motorcycle, but a BMW motorcycle since I was 12 (I am 34 now). I don't want my enthuasism to get the best of me, that is why I am here asking these questions. Thank you to everyone who has added to this site. It was so helpful in answering a lot of my concerns and questions.

[Ed F K]

You're probably already considering this -- bring her along for the test ride on each.

[SHIVA]

welcome to the forum. test ride is the best option. in your post you are asking several questions in one. but it seems that your main and possibly most important concern is passenger comfort, for that you should go with the RT or better yet GS with a top box.

[willness33]

Hi Medic. As Shiva already noted, the RT will be more comfortable. I just went through this same dilemma before I bought my RS. I was looking at an RT when I got a deal on the RS that I couldn't refuse. At the time I thought it was a compromise. After owning the RS and riding it, I'm very glad I didn'g buy an RT. My riding style suits the sporty(er) RS. I wouldn't have been happy with the performance of the RT. I'm a bigger guy than you at 6'1" and 220#, and I don't feel cramped for up to 7 hours on a ride. I'm not sure if the '98 has adjustable pegs, but my '02 does. I still prefer them in the upper position to keep from dragging my boots all the time. It still happens, but not nearly as bad as if they were in the lower position. My girlfriend is a bit taller and doesn't complain about being cramped. She has noted that the factory seat could be better for the passenger on the RS over the RT, but that's a minor thing to deal with and she can handle long rides with minimal monkey butt. Here's a pic to give you an idea of our positions on the bike.

[Medic55]

Thank you all very very much for your comments and suggestions. Heading back up to the dealer this week to make a decision.