So I'm Thinkin' About Trading My LT For An RT

[Mike_H]

I bought and LT early this year, have taken a few nice long two-up trips, a lot of weekend rides and a lot of rides to work and around town. I like the LT; it's a very good bike.

I have an itch, however, to trade my LT for an RT. I'd like a bike that weighs a bit less, rides well (including two-up) and has the traditional and iconic BMW boxer engine.

I know that some members of this board have made this trade, and I'd like to hear your versions of the plusses and minuses.

Thanks very much!

Michael

[switz]

I would wait until just before the warranty runs out on the LT to trade. At least you will have had warranty coverage for the final drive issue for the life of the bike.

If you read the various BMW forums, one finds that final drive issues are now discussed on all RECENT models. I plan to acquire an extended warranty if all possible for the R1200RT I just purchased.

I also ride a Gold Wing and the incidence of final drive failure appears to be less than that of BMW bikes and my Gold Wing weighs in at just over 900 pounds without riders. Maybe there is something to be said for a new design approach and high quality parts. Many of the bike owners on the forums have high mileage bikes (over 100,000 miles) with few problems. Unlike BMW's restrictive mileage warranty 36 months or 36,000 miles, the basic Honda warranty is three years and unlimited miles. For a discounted price of around $400, I extended the Honda warranty out seven years with unlimited mileage.

Lots of options to consider.

[Billy]

Hi Michael,
I'm also getting ready to trade my 06'LT for a 07' RT. the LT is a great bike but the engineering is severely lacking in the slow speed handling department. The linked rear brake is a bad problem. I plan on adding the handlebar risers and the Suburban foorpeg lowering kit and the VStream windshield.

[messenger13]

Although I sold my LT for a new GT, I think I am still qualified to comment. I say, "Go for it!". I do NOT miss the 200+ pounds that the LT provides. And that's coming from a guy that had ZERO issues with the LT's weight and/or slow-speed handling. The fun factor is simply 50 times greater on my GT. I can only imagine that you'll feel the same way about a new RT. :)