1200LT vs 1150RT ?

[Nick1150]

I am a proud owner of a 2003 / R1150RT, and I am thinking of upgrading to a 2005 / K1200LT. I always liked the LT, but found it too BIG to buy. Eventhough, I haven't test rode it yet to get my own immpressions, I would appreciate your thoughts, since I guest many people here have passed from the RT before the LT, and opposite.

My fears are its weight (!!!!) and its size. I am 5,9 with 30" inseam.

Thanks in advance

:)

[usmctpdog]

Nick, we are about the same size and inseam, & I am 220 lbs.....

I love my 05 LT and while it is heavy at low speeds it is a delight when moving over 5 mph..... I would not trade the luxury of my LT and go back to my RT Twin.. Maybe if I had ridden the 1200RT I would feel differently, but the wind coverage, comfort, radio, cruise control ++++ make all the difference to me....

[hoodoodrum]

I am a proud owner of a 2003 / R1150RT, and I am thinking of upgrading to a 2005 / K1200LT. I always liked the LT, but found it too BIG to buy. Eventhough, I haven't test rode it yet to get my own immpressions, I would appreciate your thoughts, since I guest many people here have passed from the RT before the LT, and opposite.

My fears are its weight (!!!!) and its size. I am 5,9 with 30" inseam.

Thanks in advance

:)

I went from a 02 RT to my 00 LT. The LT engine is Wayyy smoother. I'm 5'11" with a 30/31 inseam. The LT fit me better.

[Micky]

Hi Nick,
I am the same size and weight as you are.
I just love my R 1100 Rt for the past seven years.
Two months ago I got the K 1200 LT. Now I have both bikes in my garage,
and will keep both of them.
It took me just a few miles to love the LT. It is big, but once you are moving,
than it feels good. One thing I learned, dont ride both bikes on the same day.
If I start out on the RT, I love it. If I start my day on the LT, I also love it.
They are totaly two different machines.

Miklos, Shoreline, WA. in the summer
St George, UT in the winter

2000 R 1100 RT & 2005 K 1200 LT

[Montycs]

Hi Nick

I went from an 02 RT to an 03 LTE. Both different bikes for sure, but I like the LT much better. Better comfort, better accessories and better engine sound, not to mention the tunes. I have had several twins and a K75 before but the smoothness of the LT is superior. I did like the way it was easy to move the RT around at low speeds, but once you get used to the LT it is almost as easy. I am 6' with a 32 inch inseam and I can flat foot it at a light and that is important to me. Check some of the threads because there are some tricks to stopping the lady properly. Good luck

[George_S]

I went from an 1150RT to an LT also. ( My prior experience was with Honda, Harley, and a R1200C) At slow and almost no speed, you have to be VERY careful on the LT. I can't stress this enough. The RT felt more like a motorcycle to me, the LT feels more like a Volkswagen's weight stuffed onto two wheels! I switched because I wanted the most solid ride possible, and didn't want to spend 1.5K for radio, CD on the RT. I am extremely happy with the LT, you just have to keep in mind at all times that she's BIG. The most important time to remember this fact is when you're most likely to get careless, after the end of a long day riding when you may be tired, hungry and fatigued.

Try one out first before you make the switch, if your finances won't allow you to keep both in the stable for a while.

[pickerbiker]

Nick,
I am 5'8" with a 30" inseam and absolutely love the LT. I rode a K1100LT in the past, then switched to Harley (Ultra Classic) because mama wasn't comfortable on the old K. With the seat in the lowered position, I am fully able to put my feet flat on the ground. As stated in other responses, just remember it is a big bike and be aware of situations where the size, weight and center of gravity can have an effect on stability (i.e. stopping on a road that is angled to the left, so you must put your left foot furthur down than usual when braking with the right foot). Also, be aware of the challenges at low speeds and parking lots that aren't level. At speed, there isn't any touring bike that feels more agile and easy to control. Enjoy the ride!

[GeorgeS]

I rode an 1150RT for four years before I switched to the LT,I had fears of the LT being too big but I found the transition quite easy the only time I notice the sheer weight of the LT is at slow (crawling speed) with a passenger. I find the LT to be superior to the 1150RT in every aspect. The 1200 RT does have several favourable characteristics in handling and performance to the LT. But 1150RT to 1200LT I say go for it if you still like it after a test ride.

[Nick1150]

I realy apreciate your replies :)

Now it feels quite an easier decision ;)

Can you please tell me something about reverse, and also the hydraulic main stand ? I guest these two features are helpful ... right ?

[Micky]

Hi Nick,
I made a comment earlier today about the two bikes.
One thing comes to mind which you would have to consider.
Most of the guys that responded love the LT, and are riding in the US mostly.
I have ridden a lot in Europe in my younger days, with a R 100 RS. With that much lighter an sleeker bike, sometimes I had a hard time turning around or parking on narrow streets, my elbows practically touching the walls on both sides. Places like in Italy or several other countries.
If I would ride in Europe again, I think would prefer a lighter more manoeuvrable
machine. Here we have more space in the towns and on the open roads.
But if you live in the place where you dont have to go into old sections of town, there are plenty or autobahns and stradas to enjoy the LT.

Miklos, Shoreline, WA & St George, Utah
2005 LT & 2000 RT

[Nick1150]

Hi Nick,
I made a comment earlier today about the two bikes.
One thing comes to mind which you would have to consider.
Most of the guys that responded love the LT, and are riding in the US mostly.
I have ridden a lot in Europe in my younger days, with a R 100 RS. With that much lighter an sleeker bike, sometimes I had a hard time turning around or parking on narrow streets, my elbows practically touching the walls on both sides. Places like in Italy or several other countries.
If I would ride in Europe again, I think would prefer a lighter more manoeuvrable
machine. Here we have more space in the towns and on the open roads.
But if you live in the place where you dont have to go into old sections of town, there are plenty or autobahns and stradas to enjoy the LT.

Miklos, Shoreline, WA & St George, Utah
2005 LT & 2000 RT

Hmmmm yeap I see your point.

Well to be honest in the center of Athens its difficult to commute with any RT, LT or even GS, but nevertheless Athens is full of BMWs :p !!!!! In fact I tend to use it mainly in long trips or week ends ... I have a scooter for downtown shopping. I also used to commute with my RT during the last 4 years home to office and back, but I dont know why (maybe because I started feeling old :( .... 33 yo :p ), the last year I decided to stop riding daily and use my Liberty for that. I use my RT during weekends and for that an LT is better ... dont you think ? After all I think (I am not sure) that the LT has a more Harley riding position than the RT, and I like that.

[sonnata]

I realy apreciate your replies :)

Now it feels quite an easier decision ;)

Can you please tell me something about reverse, and also the hydraulic main stand ? I guest these two features are helpful ... right ?

I find both the reverse and power center stand come in really handy. The reverse is particularly nice to have if you misjudge a parking space & wind up parking on a slight downgrade. Backing uphill out of a parking slip with a passenger on the back, is pretty much impossible for someone with legs as short as mine are.

The reverse is engaged by putting the bike into neutral & reaching down to your left & flipping a small lever style/switch. Next you press the starter button & the reverse assist motor will cause the bike to slowly crawl backwards. When you've gone as far as you want to, simply reach down, flick the lever/ back to the F position, put it in gear & off you go.

The power center stand is really nice as well, though I don't find it as much of a necessity as the reverse. I took the bike in for service & the dealer loaned me an older LT that didn't have the power center stand. The bike wasn't very difficult to get on it's center stand manually, but the power stand saves some time when parking. My garage is pretty tight for space, so I really don't have the room to put the bike on the side-stand.

One other thing about the center stand, you'll have less engine smoking on startup if you use the center stand. When I first got the bike, I didn't realize the cylinder heads were on the left hand side of the bike. First time I started it up after it had sat in my garage overnight, I wondered what the hell was wrong. Where is all this white smoke coming from? Mechanic says it's normal & if I were to store it for any length of time on the side stand, the smoke gets really bad....like neighbors might be calling the local FD bad.

I am 5'-9" with a 29" inseam & had a 2004 R1150RS before trading to a 2006 K1200LT. What everyone else has said here about low speed is absolutely true. It is quite easy to dump it in a parking lot, in your driveway etc. Be especially careful when riding 2 up when you come to stops. I have had tire grooves in the pavement give me a hard time. But, despite the LT's low speed handling, in my opinion, it is the best large touring bike for me. It handles like a dream and the motor is smooth as glass.

I should note that I have the soft seat, which I would not recommend. Seat is too soft and I think it makes you sit just a little higher than with the standard seat.

[Marcf]

In favor of the LT:
Power center stand.
Reverse gear (extremely helpful if you park facing even the slightest bit downhill).
Excellent rear speakers.
Smoother engine especially at the higher RPMs.

In favor of the 1200RT:
Lighter weight.
Better handling in the mountains and around town.
Newer technology and nicer looks.

I've used the snot out of my reverse gear on the LT. You just don't reall worry about parking facing a bit downhill. The rear speakers are excellent. Without them the sound coming only from the front as in the RT is really not adequate. But this is only an issue if you care bout music while riding and don't want to use an ipod or similar device.

The new RT has been named touring bike of the year in a couple of different motorcycle magazines over the last few years. The LT hasnt...

Both great bikes. I would test ride them both for at least a few hours each (most dealers are okay with this) and them make a decision. Don't worry so much about the height on the LT. I'm 5'8" and never had any issues.

[BMWphreak]

I have an '03 RT and an '03 LT. 1-up I prefer the RT, 2-up my wife prefers the LT. I find that the RT motor has "character" rather than "vibration".

[Micky]

Hi Nick,

You are only 33 years old. At that age I would not considered riding a bike big as the LT. I just felt better on RS bikes. Bought my first Beemer in 1958, and purchased my # 9 BMW the LT not long ago, at the age of 66. I told myself that I am old enough to ride like an old man, but I am not sure about
it. I still lean to the sportiness of the RT, it makes me feel like 33 when I scrape those pegs in the turns. I also like the riding position better on the RT
and my wife also prefer it. And we are riding long distances, together for many years. Keeps us young.
But each one of us has a different riding preferences and taste.

Good luck to you, Miklos

[BOB820K]

Had 2 RT.s but Just about to pick up my 4th LT in my opinion the best bike in the world, the GS adv is next

[Montycs]

Nick
The reverse is a very handy thing especially if you are trying to push the LT backwards up a slight grade. I am not sure about the hydraulic center stand because the 03 doesn't have that. I try to be very careful where I park so I can just push off. From my understanding the reverse works pretty much the same as the Goldwing, but I wouldn't swear to it. Don't worry about owning an LT, it is a great bike

[Pegasus]

'Lo Nick,

I, too, was concerned when I started looking for another bike to replace my Triumph Tiger (long story... Yukon Territory, caribou... wasn't pretty). I looked at an 1150RT but my sweetheart didn't like it. We tried the LT and fell in love. I'm 155 lbs w/32" inseam and thought the weight is noticeable to low speeds, it ceases to be felt above parking lot speeds. We camp A LOT with the bike and even with tent/bags/etc, the bike is still the best I've ridden for the type of riding I do. You can scrape the pegs, left more so than right, so it must be fairly nimble.

We don't have the power center stand but I really like the reverse. Park downhill with the tire against the curb without fear. Long story short, I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

[lucky26]

Moved from a 1976 R75 to a 12LT. Took about 3 klicks to get used to the big bike, and a few more to get used to all the switches and gadgets, now there is no going back. I do miss the light bike and the easy city ride, but enjoy the highway long runs. Sold the R75 to a friend.

[RT_COOP]

Just my experience (5"11", 170 lb., 32" inseam)...

I had my 1100RT for 6 years and loved it. Took several long tours on many blue highways. Even dropped it once (picked it right back up and took off). Great for commuting and manuvering around town. Easy to work on, easy to center-stand and only needed a reverse push once.

My wife 'made' me buy the new LT. It's got a ton of gizmos that the RT lacked. The heat helps a lot. Having her comfy and happy on the back seat is invaluable. Other more capable hands swear how easy it is to wrench, but I haven't gotten there yet. I think the LT is about 300 pounds heavier. Long tours are nice, especially if you slab it, but the twisties elicit more cautious effort than the RT. Center stand is cool and useful. Only needed reverse twice, since the RT 'taught' me how to park carefully. I dropped the LT once on a slight slope, and couldn't get anywhere near lifting it.

I still occasionally miss the RT, especially when commuting our out solo, but the LT appeals to the old man in me and allows me to bring my most important (female) farkle on those long trips.

[scout70]

I bought a new 2004 RT and later traded it for a K1200S then a 2006 LT. The LT is a fantastic bike and great for two up. It is a magnificent machine with a smooth as glass engine. I put about 15K on mine before I ended up trading it for a 2007 Adventure.

I traded the LT in because I missed the nimble handling and ability to flick my bike through corners. I felt more comfortable in corners on the LT than the K1200S. The K1200S has magnificent power, but, due to it's length, it is not as nimble in tight corners.

The Adventure is some 300 pounds lighter than the LT, holds more fuel and opened up more riding options. My LT was a heavy bike and suited best for the highway. I think if you love having a quick and nimble bike like the RT, the LT is close versus the GT.

Read up on the front wheel wobble---after that happened to me on my 2006, it scared me and felt it should never occur on such a well engineered bike. I think it is a design defect.

That r1150RT is still a nice ride and a lot cheaper to buy, maintain and handle.


Scout


2004 Boxer Cup
2007 R1200GSA

[sonnata]

Just my experience (5"11", 170 lb., 32" inseam)...

I had my 1100RT for 6 years and loved it. Took several long tours on many blue highways. Even dropped it once (picked it right back up and took off). Great for commuting and manuvering around town. Easy to work on, easy to center-stand and only needed a reverse push once.

My wife 'made' me buy the new LT. It's got a ton of gizmos that the RT lacked. The heat helps a lot. Having her comfy and happy on the back seat is invaluable. Other more capable hands swear how easy it is to wrench, but I haven't gotten there yet. I think the LT is about 300 pounds heavier. Long tours are nice, especially if you slab it, but the twisties elicit more cautious effort than the RT. Center stand is cool and useful. Only needed reverse twice, since the RT 'taught' me how to park carefully. I dropped the LT once on a slight slope, and couldn't get anywhere near lifting it.

I still occasionally miss the RT, especially when commuting our out solo, but the LT appeals to the old man in me and allows me to bring my most important (female) farkle on those long trips.

Rich,

I found the videos at Carol Youorski's site very helpful in learning how to lift the LT by myself after a drop. I've lifted it by myself the hard way, facing the bike & bringing it up with my legs & arms. This technique is MUCH easier:
http://www.pinkribbonrides.com/dropped.html
Dropping on a slight slope is another matter, though!

Kevin

[MICHAELJOHNSON]

I have owned two of these monster's and I love them. I currently own a 2005 with all the bells and whistles. I can't say much more than the other's as far as the weight goes, but it's more than compensated in comfort. I tested the R1200RT and found it too buzzy at the hanndle bars. It also lacked the wind protection and audio.
I also tested the K1200GT. It has the smothness of the LT but, the seat, wind protection and leg position are not for me. Just A WARNING . don't take it for a test ride unless you have cash in your pocket. You'll want it.

[BCVBeck]

My Bride and I test rode both '06 RT and '06 LT.

She loved the back seat on the LT better than the RT. The LT is in the garage!

Part of why I went with the LT over the RT was the water cooling. Here in the CA Central Valley, it gets HOT. Figured a water cooled machine would be a better idea. (RT guys, don't shoot me.) I used to ride a '04 R1200C Montauk (lower horsepower than the RT mill, but the same air/oil cooled method) and never had a real problem.

I did like the LT's smoothness over the RT.

Wish the LT had a 6th gear like the RT.

Never tried to ride the MSF 'box' on an RT, my LT was a hand full!

If solo touring had been my priority, I 'might' have bought the RT instead.

Just my .02

:bmw: Bruce

[billybiker]

The only way to find out is go and have a test drive. I drove up in my R1100 and had the K for a full day riding it 2 up. Only you can determine which bike suits you.

[bikerberger]

I have an '06 LT and an '02 RT. Plan to keep both of them. After riding the LT for a day, the RT feels like a sports bike. If I want to attack some twisties, I take the RT. If I want to take my riding mate or want to go from Boston to Pittsburgh for a weekend, I take the LT. Two bikes two different styles. I tend to be a distance rider so I have developed a real attachment to the LT. You can get on that bike, ride 600 miles and not want to stop. If you bought the LT to put some serious miles on it, then you will be satisfied beyond your wildest dreams.