Before i bought the RG I was going back and forth between a RK, RG or BMW 1200RT. The BMW is a tall bike suited to riders with longer legs. I didn't think the seat would be good for a long jaunt either but I sure do like them. there is something about the boxer engine layout and the overall engineering I really like.
I was on a long run last spring and was stuck in a traffic jam on Conn I95. Pulled in to one of those McDonalds/Mobil Gas Rest areas, and a couple on a 1200 GS pulled up beside me. We spoke for a while, I noticed he had Italian license plate. Apparently he was some rich guy who has had the bike shipped all over the world. Takes about 3 months each year to tour a different continent ... what a life. I asked him why he did not ride Motto Guzzi, he explained that he needed BMW's reliability. That's one odd looking bike for sure, kind of an enduro hybrid. The seating did not look comfortable at all to me but what do I know. They both were wearing matching BMW riding suits ... how cute!
Interesting that he would say that. My dad as 12 Moto Guzzis and runs the hell out of them. They've all been very reliable bikes.