Newbie to LT

[Mr_Bill]

I've been lurking on this site for a couple of years and I am finally making a purchase next week. I will be driving my newly purchased LT home to Michigan, a 800 mile trip with a 2003 LT. I have never driven an LT but have 60,000 miles on my R1100RT. What should a new LT rider be aware/cautious of? You know, I wish I would of known about that before I did that. What type of issues should I address when I get it home? It is due for the 48,000 mile check. I have done all of my own maintenance on my RT including a spline lube so I am pretty good with a wrench and willing to learn. I have read all about all of the problems and yet I am still drawn to this bike like a bug to a flame. Honey, I just can't help myself! You guys are great and I am interested in any advice you have!

[deputy5211]

As a lurker, you have probably seen countless posts urging caution at low speeds. Avoid the front brake at low speeds especially if the bike is not perpendicular to the ground with the front wheel straight ahead. Know what kind of terrain is under you and plan your footing accordingly.

One more thing, and perhaps the most dangerous part about owning an LT -- gotahavdatfarkelosis syndrome. Manifests as a seemingly endless need to buy more farkles for your ride, some of which may never make it to the install table.

[dwillie]

I don't know if you need to tether the mirrors on a RT, but you do on the LT. Because of advise on this board, it was one of the first things I did and I'm glad I did it. DAMHIK don wehr.

[Rick-L]

Welcome Mr. Bill
I live in West Michigan, and have recently purchases an '01 LT. Some guys in the southeast part of the state are having a 'tech session' soon (check out the Midwest forum for details). I can't make it but wish I could. I need to learn to wrench on this thing too. If you are closer to the west side of the state maybe we could organize something over this way. There's another guy near me who just bought one too.

Let me know...
Rick

[billybiker]

Hi Mr Bill

I just ride my LT, change the oil, and leave the rest alone. As for sticking bits on it or taking things off I'm very happy the way it looks thank-you. Oh I have tethered the mirrors and fitted a tall screen.

All the best

Bill

[Montycs]

Welcome Mr Bill

You'll love the LT, good advice given already. I would definitely tether the mirrors. Best thing that I have found is to buy some stainless steel fishing leader and use that, It's very cheap, strong and it has swivels to it won't kink up. So far it has saved my mirrors several times in the garage.

[RT_COOP]

I made the switch from the R1100RT to an LT last year.

My tips...
Get some good boots if you don't already have them.
Keep your handle bars aimed straight when you stop.
Go practice the tight turns in an abandoned parking lot some SUnday.
4 cynlinders are smoother than 2.
Find a partner for that back seat.

Best of luck to you with your new ride.

[zippy_gg]

If you are planning on doing ANY kind of riding at night you definitely want to look into upgrading the stock low beam to HID.
This will probably be the best $100.00 you'll ever spend on the bike, right after the $15.00 on mirror tethers.
Enjoy the LT!!!:D

[Matt]

Where in Michigan do you live? We (Host of the finest quality David Peck, expert assistant wrench and all around good-guy Paul Rakestraw, and myself) just did a slave cylinder weep hole procedure today (only 3 parts left over- a good day). I, and others in the area do most of our own maintenance. I would be happy to get with you whenever you'd like. Also, there's an open house at Grand Rapids BMW MC next Saturday. I should be there for a while. Let me know if you're going to be there and I'll keep an eye out for you.

[Mr_Bill]

As always the response of the LT owners is great. Matt, I'll be out of town picking the bike up next week but I'll give you a yell when I get back. I have a son living in Kazoo, I'm in Midland. Rick, thanks for the invite, maybe I can make it to one of the tech sessions.
Bill