Thinking of moving from LT To GT

[stefeb]

For those of you that have made the move, I'd be interested in hearing your comments. Things that are better on the GT, things you miss that were on the LT, etc.

I recently purchased an '06 LT in Aug. of this year, and after 5,000 miles, I'm thinking this might not be the bike for me.

When I bought the LT, I knew nothing about BMW bikes, having come from a HD background. Had an Ultra Classic, so I thought, "Well, go from one touring bike to another." New nothing about RTs, GTs, etc.

Turns out I'll be doing more solo riding that I had anticipated, and I am finding the weight of the LT to be a bit cumbersome at times. On a long trip it's a wonderful bike, and I don't know how the GT would compare.

At the moment, my dealer doesn't have any GT as demos, so I can't get any first hand knowledge of the bike.

I'm also a bit concerned about what type of financial bath I'd take if I were to trade my LT in for a GT.

Would appreciate you opinions and comments.

Thanks.

[fas]

For those of you that have made the move, I'd be interested in hearing your comments. Things that are better on the GT, things you miss that were on the LT, etc...........Thanks.

I rode my LT hard for four years and had a ball. Loved it. Now with 4,100 miles on the GT, I prefer the ride quality, the suspension ease of adaptability for ride style and load, the POWER, the feel at speed, the bags that you can take off and carry in to the hotel or into to our home for packing. The GT is NIMBLE. I commute in the city, so that is a big deal for me. I can turn this GT around in a street without even thinking about it. The LT is a handful in low speed off camber situations, especially with SO + gear loaded up. I believe my LT was like a great old girlfriend who put on 200# and she just can't dance like the new girl....ya know what I mean? The GT has 50% more power and weighs close to 250# less. The GT has a lower cg with dry sump. The MOST important point, SO prefers the GT. She calls the ride quality "the cloud." With the touch of a finger, I set the suspension to COMFORT whenever I take her out. We also prefer sitting closer together for ride feel in the twisties. The six speed is sweet [100 MPH and 45 MPG]. This GT is almost telapathic for me. It's like point and think....there ya go.

Did I mention SO prefers it and she is #1 in my world so what else can I say?

GT negatives are the horn (sounds like a taxi in Tokyo) and the seat. The LT horn was great. The LT seat for me was as bad as the GT. I added the Alaska Leather butt pad for summer and plan a new seat during winter.

I love the GT.

Go ride one. You might like it. Good luck with your search. My LT sold in 2 days on eBay to a man who rode all the way here from Georgia to fetch her. Don't let the dealer screw ya. Now that the cold weather is here, you might think about selling in spring when folks get the itch for bikes.

[Bheckel169]

Might be informative to know a little about you and your physical characteristics. Are you having a difficult time with the weight because you are shorter or lack the physical strength or is it just a comfort level you're dealing with? Have you looked at an RT? I had cruisers for years and tried the GT but I found the tucked up position a little more pronounced than the RT and even by adding risers I was concerned I would have too much weight on the grips. My RT has been fantastic and there's something about that Boxer sound and vibration I love. The RT might be another bike to take a look at. It is an especially fun bike to ride on the twisties and I've done mostly one up riding.
bruce

[messenger13]

I put 45K on my LT, and now over 10K on my '06 GT. In fact, in less than 8 hours I'll be riding the GT for over 600 miles to North Carolina.

The LT is an AMAZING bike, but (for MY riding style) there is nothing about the LT I miss...except for the seat. And this winter I'm going to fix that little issue.

The GT is lighter, more nimble, quicker, faster, has (WAY!) better suspension, a better dash, carries the same amount of cargo (if not more), and gets better gas mileage. It's more convertible and/or versatile, and the lighting is much better. 'Nuff said?

For the record, I am 6'3" and not a lightweight. But fortunately for me, I LIKE more aggressive riding positions. In fact, I have lowered the adjustable handlebars all the way DOWN on this GT. I was suffering some minor discomfort until I made this adjustment.

As for the RT, you may want to give it a look-see. Personally, I hated the motor with a passion. But for some strange reason, I think it works in the GS. Go figure.

Well, I hope this helps. Feel free to PM me with more questions/concerns.

[bikesnumbnuts]

GT no music / less comfort / more vibration / and probably more problems .

LT production started in 1998 98% sorted by now and the motor is just so smooth.
If it were me i would let the bmw run the GT for several years to iron out many of the problems they don,t know about .
Looking at all the bikes bmw produce , bearing in mind quality / paint and longativity i think the LT is going to outlast any of the bikes that bmw are producing now .
Personally i think the LT will become an icon when bmw stop production .

bikesnumbnuts
04 your 05 updated in graphite
in blighty

[grifscoots]

I put 108,000 miles on an LT. Just sat on a GT and went, "aaaaaaah". I knew this was the bike for me. The engine is like an electrical motor with a rheostat, I find the bike extremely comfortable (except the seat, which will be redone by Kontour next Thursday). There is more wind than on the LT, another no prob thang living in Texas. I've farkled her, which means music, GPS, radar detector, etc.

I aboslutely love this bike. Someone mentioned telepathic, tis true. The best thing is not to listen to us, but go try one.

[messenger13]

GT no music / less comfort / more vibration / and probably more problems .How many miles did you put on a GT before making such an informed opinion? Less comfort? More vibration? "Probably" more problems? Those are 3 very odd statements, IMO.

[bikesnumbnuts]

3 hours demo , felt more like an RT , cars don,t move out of the way like they do on the LT , just felt more like a jap bike .
Got back on the LT after the ride and thought yes this baby,s gonna stay and decided that bmw don,t make anything better .

bikesnumbnuts
04 your 05 updated in graphite
in blighty

[messenger13]

3 hours demo , felt more like an RT , cars don,t move out of the way like they do on the LT , just felt more like a jap bike .
Got back on the LT after the ride and thought yes this baby,s gonna stay and decided that bmw don,t make anything better .That makes sense. Heck, I didn't truly understand the bike until about 2K miles. Then it just clicked. The perfect union of man & machine. :)

It feels like an RT, yes. It has the torque of a twin, but the revs of a 4 cylinder. Amazing powerplant.

Cars don't need to move out of my way . . . I pass them. ALL of them. :D

Like a Jap bike? Nope. I had 9 of them. This just doesn't feel like a Jap bike...sorry, can't agree. A custom hand-built Jap bike, maybe. :)

I don't mean to make the LT sound like it sucks. But it IS 1998 technology...and the GT is '06 technology. And to me, that fact rings very clear every time I mount the GT.

Speaking of which...the road is calling. Bah-Bye! :)

[stefeb]

Might be informative to know a little about you and your physical characteristics. Are you having a difficult time with the weight because you are shorter or lack the physical strength or is it just a comfort level you're dealing with? Have you looked at an RT? I had cruisers for years and tried the GT but I found the tucked up position a little more pronounced than the RT and even by adding risers I was concerned I would have too much weight on the grips. My RT has been fantastic and there's something about that Boxer sound and vibration I love. The RT might be another bike to take a look at. It is an especially fun bike to ride on the twisties and I've done mostly one up riding.
bruce

5'8'', 30" inseam, and 230lbs (yes, I'm a meatball with legs).

I've added extra thick soles to my boots so the height things is resolved. It's not so much the phsycial strength aspect, but more a feeling like I'm struggling with the bike at slow speeds. Best was to describe it would be that it's more like work, than fun. Not unbearable, but I am aware of just how big/heavy the LT is.

[backpain]

I can't speak from LT experience but I was also concerned about the riding position coming from the traditional cruiser riding position (my Victory Classic rides/feels like the Road King - having ridden both). I rode bothe the RT and the GT and prefered the GT position because, I felt, I had more options for a range of movement than the RT which leaves you with just the "sit up and beg" position. (The raw sensual power had no wieght on my decision... :p )

The GT saddle gives you room to slide back or forward a bit. I have some damage in my left knee and my knees actually feel better on the GT than the Victory - check that - there is no pain at all on the GT. I notice using a little "thigh master" action when downshifting or breaking helps with the nuts...

The fact that everything on the bike is adjustable means that should you no like the delivered setup, you'll be able to find one you like. There's a "sweet spot" I notice that I am learning where rider and bike are completely balanced, no pressure on the arms, a natural bounce in the knee, a very comfortable back and me and Starship Ecstacy become "one."

The bike is pure Zen and I find myself in the "zone" more often. It telepathicly talks to me and massages all my erogenous zones, me and my bike are one <blink-blink>... yes, master <blink>... :sleep:

[bruce2000ltc]

How many miles did you put on a GT before making such an informed opinion? Less comfort? More vibration? "Probably" more problems? Those are 3 very odd statements, IMO.
Joe,
I'm sure there are lots of people that can't understand why someone would give up their luxury touring bike for a sport-touring bike. It must be very frustrating for you as you try and explain that a bike that appears "spartan" compared to an LT is actually more comfortable.
Like you, I traded a touring bike for a sport touring bike -- only, I did it 20 years ago. I traded my 84 Goldwing Interstate for a brand new 1981 Honda CBX. My friends thought I was nuts...I kept the CBX for 14 years and 84,000 miles. Oh, I had a few other bikes in my stable over those years but the CBX was my bike of choice. Compared to the Goldwing the CBX was more comfortable, handled better, had more power, a more compliant and controlled suspension and was way more fun to ride (sound familiar?).
With 6 cylinders, 6 carbs and 24 valves the CBX was considered a maintenance nightmare. It proved to be easy to work on and required minimal adjustments. The only parts replaced were brake pads, alternator brushes and, of course, tires...lots of tires.

Keep the faith,

Bruce Hodges

[jgburns]

I don't mean to make the LT sound like it sucks. But it IS 1998 technology...and the GT is '06 technology. Come on Joe, while the LT is mostly '98 technology, that's not the reason it's heavy and comparatively sluggish.

The LT is designed for comfort, touring stability, and presence! It excels in all of these areas and mostly at the expense of slow speed handling. If BMW designs another "king of the road," it'll probably be comparatively heavy to the 1998 LT (or it won't be as stable and comfortable).

The GT is a great bike for riders who want great performance at the expense of loosing some comfort and presence.

The LT and GT have different missions and target customers with cross-over both ways. BTW, my next tourer may very well be a GT! I just suggested to my brother that he might be more comfortable on a GT (he has an '05 LT) -- he's thinking about it.

[stefeb]

After going for a demo ride today on an '06 GT, I think the most important question to ask of previous LT riders is, "How has the difference in the riding position affected your comfort level?"

Did it take a while to get used to leaning forward, etc.

That's the only thing keeping me from pulling the trigger.

Thanks.

[grifscoots]

I had a get off January 28 and woulda walked purdy much unscathed if a rib hadn't found a grapefruit size rock on the side of the road. I have a gaping hole in the left rib cage to date. I think it also whanged my back some as to do serious long distance on the LT...... I had to lean forward.

Sitting on the GT for the first time at CCR brought an immediate sense of relief.

I now get on the bike with a sense of relief, anticipation, awe and giddiness that transfers to a huge SEG. Personality changing it is. A truly great bike.

You don't have to lean forward. With the bars all the way up and the bar kit that brings them back, you'll be in a sit up and beg position.

[jayjacobson]

For those of you that have made the move, I'd be interested in hearing your comments. Things that are better on the GT, things you miss that were on the LT, etc.

I recently purchased an '06 LT in Aug. of this year, and after 5,000 miles, I'm thinking this might not be the bike for me.

When I bought the LT, I knew nothing about BMW bikes, having come from a HD background. Had an Ultra Classic, so I thought, "Well, go from one touring bike to another." New nothing about RTs, GTs, etc.

Turns out I'll be doing more solo riding that I had anticipated, and I am finding the weight of the LT to be a bit cumbersome at times. On a long trip it's a wonderful bike, and I don't know how the GT would compare.

At the moment, my dealer doesn't have any GT as demos, so I can't get any first hand knowledge of the bike.

I'm also a bit concerned about what type of financial bath I'd take if I were to trade my LT in for a GT.

Would appreciate you opinions and comments.

Thanks.
I have a blast on my LT on the highway over long distances. It's incredibly comfortable to ride.

In the city, it's a little less fun. I have never fully gotten used to the dry clutch. I still have to use caution while engaging or I will kill the engine. I guess I am just more comfortable with a wet clutch.

The LT is a little top heavy. She handles excellent for her size--but still a little top heavy for me. If you do tip her over (I did 3 times getting used to the dry clutch), you have to use the proper technique to pick her back up. One mistake in lifting and you could seriously injure your back!

After reading multiple postings on the GT, I decided to check it out. It's over 200 pounds lighter and I DID NOT order a top box with mine. So I hope it will be quite a bit less top heavy.

[fas]

I have a blast on my LT on the highway over long distances. It's incredibly comfortable to ride.

In the city, it's a little less fun. ..... If you do tip her over (I did 3 times getting used to the dry clutch), you have to use the proper technique to pick her back up. One mistake in lifting and you could seriously injure your back!

After reading multiple postings on the GT, I decided to check it out. It's over 200 pounds lighter and I DID NOT order a top box with mine. So I hope it will be quite a bit less top heavy.

With 4,200+ miles on our '06 GT, SO and I are thrilled with it. We would have more miles if our weather would be a bit better. Sitting here in the study, I look out over Lake Erie and the surf is up, the leaves are falling, and it was 36 last night. Only got one ride to work this week due to crap weather.

i: My dealer discounted the top box, out the door for $530. I love it. I store my helmets there most of the time. Side cases are for the health club bag and business junk. The sweet thing about the GT is how effortless it is to TAKE OFF these cases when you want to ride lean/fast.

ii: I do not believe the GT is less comfortable. SO prefers the GT ride quality over the LT, she calls it "the cloud.". Her range is far better with the GT.

[rlk4100]

Hi,
I just moved this summer from an LT to the new GT. The reason for the move was just what you said, Fairly heavy bike and all my riding is single. I bought the bike without a test ride and probably wouldn't have purchased the bike had I done so. The first thing I found was that the seat was horrible! After a couple of hours on this saddle this was the worst bike seat I had ever sat on. (I have owned about 25 bikes and 40 years of riding). The next thing for me was that the low speed handling: the throttle was way to sensitive and the bike had a tendency to jerk and clatter in first and second gear. I also felt that my legs were to cramped with the seat position vs the foot pegs. My $22,000.00 nightmare!
The first thing I did was to get a Bill Mayer saddle made for me. That alone made a big difference in my riding. Next I bought the foot peg extenders and that took care of my leg problem. Then I purchased a kit to bring the handlebars back approximately one inch and my steering fell into place. The last thing I had done was for the dealer to perform the 7.0 CIP computer upgrade and the bike runs beautiful. Today, I love this bike and it rides and drives like a true BMW. I would guess that the moral of this story is that there is no problem that money can't solve. By the way my K1200 LT (2002) was one of the best bikes I have ever owned. I currently have my K1200GT and a Harley Davidson Road King and they are both good bikes. There is a world of difference in technology between these to bikes.

[YumaLT]

I put 20,000 miles on an LT and then bought the GT and have put 9,000 on it.

GT has fueling problems that cause some of them to buck at slow speeds when going on and off the throttle. The seat is very bad for long rides. The windshield will not protect you from the wind. The horn makes a sad whimper like a castrated goose.

However, the GT is much more fun to ride than the LT. Much easier to handle at stop signs. I like the riding position of the GT now more than the LT position. The GT is better for twisting roads. There is no substitute for the horsepower.

Seat and windshield can be replaced with good substitutes. I hear there is a fix for the horn by replacing with a BMW double horn. Fueling problem may be helped but not corrected with software update. Fueling problem is a big important issue for some of the bikes.

I doubt that I will ever go back to a bike as big and heavy as the LT.

[grifscoots]

GT has fueling problems that cause some of them to buck at slow speeds when going on and off the throttle.


I haven't heard of one 07 that has had the fueling/bucking prob. Mine doesn't exhibit it.

[stefeb]

First, let me say thank you to all who responded.

Secondly, I'm staying with the LT. It was the ergonomics, who for me just didn't work.

From reading all about correct riding posture, I realized my first test ride was bending at the waist, elbows locked, etc. In other words, the only thing I did right was not drop the bike.

My second test ride, today, was picture perfect in terms of posture. Bending at the hips, elbows bent, chest out, arch in back, barley touching the hand grips, etc. But, it just wasn't comfortable.

I'm sure in time, I may, (and that's the key word) gotten used to the lean forward position, but $20,000 plus, is too pricey experiment, only to find the GT is not the right bike for me.

There's no denying the GT is one fantastic bike, but just not for me.

Thanks to everyone who responded.

[jayjacobson]

First, let me say thank you to all who responded.

Secondly, I'm staying with the LT. It was the ergonomics, who for me just didn't work.

From reading all about correct riding posture, I realized my first test ride was bending at the waist, elbows locked, etc. In other words, the only thing I did right was not drop the bike.

My second test ride, today, was picture perfect in terms of posture. Bending at the hips, elbows bent, chest out, arch in back, barley touching the hand grips, etc. But, it just wasn't comfortable.

I'm sure in time, I may, (and that's the key word) gotten used to the lean forward position, but $20,000 plus, is too pricey experiment, only to find the GT is not the right bike for me.

There's no denying the GT is one fantastic bike, but just not for me.

Thanks to everyone who responded.
Sounds like you researched the issues very carefully and made the right decision for your riding needs. Enjoy your ride!

[BlackBMW]

I'm going to chime in on the side of the LT.

I used to own a K1200S and got on the list for a GT coming in a few months back (when waiting lists on GT's still existed) when I came across a great deal on a used LT.

I decided to buy the used LT and am very pleased I did. I wanted to change the LT's personality so I pulled the trunk off it and put on a Remus sport exhaust. IMO, it makes for a terrific big, fat cruiser and long-distance luxury miles-eater.

Since you come from a H-D background you will want to know for sure if you want to change your riding style to a more forward-positioned m/c like the GT.

I guess it comes down to if you want a lighter, narrower, forward-positioned machine paired up with an extraordinary powerplant, then go GT. If you want a BIG smooth comfortable cruiser, stay with the LT.

I went LT and I'm glad I did.

Not that I can't see myself with a GT in the future some day...

[jayjacobson]

I'm going to chime in on the side of the LT.

I used to own a K1200S and got on the list for a GT coming in a few months back (when waiting lists on GT's still existed) when I came across a great deal on a used LT.

I decided to buy the used LT and am very pleased I did. I wanted to change the LT's personality so I pulled the trunk off it and put on a Remus sport exhaust. IMO, it makes for a terrific big, fat cruiser and long-distance luxury miles-eater.

Since you come from a H-D background you will want to know for sure if you want to change your riding style to a more forward-positioned m/c like the GT.

I guess it comes down to if you want a lighter, narrower, forward-positioned machine paired up with an extraordinary powerplant, then go GT. If you want a BIG smooth comfortable cruiser, stay with the LT.

I went LT and I'm glad I did.

Not that I can't see myself with a GT in the future some day...
Nice rig, Mike!

[JBGHEAT]

I'm going through the same thing trying to decide between an RT or LT. I love everything about the LT except the weight. I ride one-up all the time and also am looking for a bike to ride to the grocery store in addition to doing some touring. The RT would fit the bill but I'm concerned about the riding position on it v. an LT.

[drallan]

I'm 55 and have owned, as well as many other previous bikes, 2 LTs (2000 and 2005) and have racked up over 100km on them, mostly 2 up. Great bike but over time the weight started to get to me. At every stop, especially after a long day, I was always very conscious of the weight. I could keep up to my buddies who were riding smaller and faster bikes but it was like putting a 45' yacht into a tight berth as opposed to a 18' fishing boat. Even though it can be done with experience, it's not as simple or without stress. My wife loved the LT and still misses it because she often fell asleep on it. Now, after 13km on the GT, she looks at it from a different perspective. Fun. She is now most definately awake! This bike can putter along the freeway just like the LT (with a little more wind and a less comfy seat) but when you want to PARTICIPATE, it's like you were born to it. This bike brings out the rider in you. In my opinion, if you have a zest for spirited riding and want to travel long distances as well, this is one of a few bikes that will fit the bill. Yes, I loved the LT and may someday buy the new one, but for now, the smile on my face tells it all. Every day is a new day and tomorrow my story may change, but for now it's the GT.
Cheers
Derek
Derek

[dcwchfc]

5'9, 160, 29 inseam, 32 sleeve, anybody matching those dimensions riding the GT - I rode an '04 and the '06 and thought the riding position was a little forward, but not too bad. Don't know if I could ride all day on it, can you??