If You to Do It All Over?

[sorchilla]

I was recently asked by a friend who is contemplating buying a bike, “if I had to do all over aging would I still buy a LT”. This question gave me cause to pause and think about my experience with this machine. My 05 is my second LT and this one has a mere 32K miles on her. Being an honest person, (sometimes) I responded to my friends question with the following: I admire the esthetics of a Harley, reliability of Hondas, and handling characteristics of sport bikes and overall performance of BMWs. The truth is I like a lot of motorcycles, enjoy being around other riders regardless of their choice of rides, and understand that preference is a personal opinion. After just completing 3500+ mile trip to CCR which included secondary roads most of the way there, through some exhilarating CO mountain roads to the Interstates the whole way home, I concluded this bike does it all and has it all – good looks, reliability, handling characteristic and performance. During this trip I met some really great people. I am reminded of Honda ads from the sixties – “You meet the nicest people on a Honda”. As all of you know, “you meet the best people on a BMW”. To answer my friend’s question – I would absolutely by another LT. I’m willing to bet that 90% plus of LT owners would do it again. Would you?

[messenger13]

My '02 LT took me to a lot of places. And back. ;) And, maybe most of all, it brought me here. Bad news to some, but to others...let's just say that I think I've made my share of friends here at bmwlt.com. And I'm grateful for that. :)

[gpolakow]

I would do it all over even if my wife decided to stop riding with me. I just plain love this motorcycle, 2 up, 1 up, doesn't matter. It is a truly great all around motorcycle. Congrats to BMW, final drive failures notwithstanding, they did a good thing when they made the LT.

[D.Kinsey]

Absolutely....Can't wait for a NEW one!!!

[Big_E]

Easy, yes I would do it again.

[michman]

I will definitely buy another LT, but I have to admit I would like to add a few other bikes to the stall also.......

[CharlieVT]

Absolutely, this is a wonderful bike.
Comfort, performance, handling... all good.
Everything thing is a compromise but I don't think there is a better luxo-sport tourer than this bike.

[Ted]

I absolutely love my LT, too, and wouldn't think twice about buying another.

[Lonewuff]

If I had been asked this question a year ago, my answer would have involved two words, the last being NO!!!. In the last year I have learned that I don't have to take my bike to the worst service possible, meaning my dealer, because there are a lot of guys around me that simply love to work on these machines and get satisfaction from just seeing a fellow riders face when they are able to correct months of mistakes made by the dealer. I have made friends in the last year that I know will be friends for the rest of my life and I only hope I don't abuse their friendship and that I can share something with them like they have with me. I made it to my first CCR and made even more friends from across the country that I can't wait to visit and have them share their local roads with me. I have blocked out Labor Day Weekend for the next several years with plans of being a regular at CCR from now on. I only wish I hadn't missed the first six. I still have a lot of friends from my GW days and I have several local friends from my HD days, but none seem as genuine and truly giving as the many friends I have made since January 1st of this year. Thanks Doug, for starting this tread and giving me an opportunity to let everyone know how much I appreciate them and this wonderful bike.

[zippy_gg]

So, uh Jerry... Is that a Yes?:p If I had been asked this question a year ago, my answer would have involved two words, the last being NO!!!. In the last year I have learned that I don't have to take my bike to the worst service possible, meaning my dealer, because there are a lot of guys around me that simply love to work on these machines and get satisfaction from just seeing a fellow riders face when they are able to correct months of mistakes made by the dealer. I have made friends in the last year that I know will be friends for the rest of my life and I only hope I don't abuse their friendship and that I can share something with them like they have with me. I made it to my first CCR and made even more friends from across the country that I can't wait to visit and have them share their local roads with me. I have blocked out Labor Day Weekend for the next several years with plans of being a regular at CCR from now on. I only wish I hadn't missed the first six. I still have a lot of friends from my GW days and I have several local friends from my HD days, but none seem as genuine and truly giving as the many friends I have made since January 1st of this year. Thanks Doug, for starting this tread and giving me an opportunity to let everyone know how much I appreciate them and this wonderful bike.

[zippy_gg]

Hello, my name is Gilles... and I am a Joeholic!;)

My '02 LT took me to a lot of places. And back. ;) And, maybe most of all, it brought me here. Bad news to some, but to others...let's just say that I think I've made my share of friends here at bmwlt.com. And I'm grateful for that. :)

[zippy_gg]

Doug, it was nice riding with you for a couple of days on the way back from CCR to California.

I am on my 3rd LT, so I guess I am a repeat offender!:dance:

I was recently asked by a friend who is contemplating buying a bike, “if I had to do all over aging would I still buy a LT”. This question gave me cause to pause and think about my experience with this machine. My 05 is my second LT and this one has a mere 32K miles on her. Being an honest person, (sometimes) I responded to my friends question with the following: I admire the esthetics of a Harley, reliability of Hondas, and handling characteristics of sport bikes and overall performance of BMWs. The truth is I like a lot of motorcycles, enjoy being around other riders regardless of their choice of rides, and understand that preference is a personal opinion. After just completing 3500+ mile trip to CCR which included secondary roads most of the way there, through some exhilarating CO mountain roads to the Interstates the whole way home, I concluded this bike does it all and has it all – good looks, reliability, handling characteristic and performance. During this trip I met some really great people. I am reminded of Honda ads from the sixties – “You meet the nicest people on a Honda”. As all of you know, “you meet the best people on a BMW”. To answer my friend’s question – I would absolutely by another LT. I’m willing to bet that 90% plus of LT owners would do it again. Would you?

[meese]

Executive Summary: Maybe.

I faced just this question the beginning of this year. My '02 LT was approaching 100K miles and while it still ran and rode very well, I figured it was time for an upgrade. No news on a new LT design meant they were at least two years out. I looked at the new ones, but figured I could get a clean '05 for a lot less money. I looked around, almost bid on one, but it just seemed like the same bike to me with slightly more power.

The LT was just feeling heavy, especially after 15-20 hours in the saddle. It was extremely comfortable, and handled far better than an 850-lb bike should, but there were always those qualifiers.

I found myself pushing the LT's limits every time I rode it, especially on twisty back roads. Hauling its bulk down rapidly while entering corners, wrenching it through corners much faster and at much greater lean angles than it was meant to, and slamming the throttle full open at the exit while waiting for horsepower to overcome inertia was a blast, but took a lot of effort. I did a track day last year and while I had a ball, I realized that my skills had gone beyond what the LT was capable of.

I'm just not a boxer guy, so the RT was out. I'd ridden a friend's GT, but was concerned about giving up comfort for me and especially for my wife. A Wing or an HD was out, so I decided to get a GT and just turn it into what I wanted. Several thousand dollars later, I'm pretty close. It's still not quite as comfortable as the LT, but I've done enough thousand-mile days on it to know that it is capable. And it does pretty much everything else so much better. Saving 200 lbs while gaining 50 horsepower makes a huge difference, and the new suspension with ESA adjustment on the fly is absolutely amazing.

I'm working on improving comfort for my wife, but that will most likely require moving the trunk back a couple of inches and creating a truly custom seat for her. She's worth it though.

So when faced with the question and with cash in hand, I chose no. However, I will be watching for the new LT when it arrives. I may wait until the second model year as I've beta-tested enough new BMWs, but I'm pretty sure I'll want the new LT once it arrives. Heck, I figure I should have 100K on the GT by then so it will be time for a new bike anyway. :D

[dshealey]

I hope I do have a chance to do it over, and YES I would! About the only thing that could likely stand between me and another LT is maybe a GS!

[meese]

My '02 LT took me to a lot of places. And back. ;) And, maybe most of all, it brought me here. Bad news to some, but to others...let's just say that I think I've made my share of friends here at bmwlt.com. And I'm grateful for that. :)Why Joe, how very diplomatic of you. :)

And I totally agree.

[hschisler]

To me, this is one of those loaded questions. I liken it to this old question: If you could, would you live your teenage years over again? My answer to that one has always been: Yes, BUT ONLY IF I could take today's knowledge and experience with them. So, that being said:

Yes, I would buy another LT but only if I did not have the past two years' experience. Or to put it differently: If I already had my "LT experience" behind me, then no -- I'd buy a GS, GT, or RT -- just like a lot of you guys who have had different bikes over the years. My next bike may or may not be an LT, but I don't regret buying it and the pleasure it has brought us.

[mwnahas]

My second BMW, my first LT.
Next bike will be an LT unless I can own two bikes at the same time.
Still one would be an LT.

Just put new (to me) wilber shocks on it at 35K miles and boy what a smoooooooth ride.

[Schnabeltier]

Mine is a '99 LT; it's my third BMW ('77 /7 and a '01 GS), but my first LT (out of about 30 bikes in 39 years of riding). It replaced a couple of GWs. I can't figure out why others are bitchin' about the handling. It's a fine bike for its purpose. That said, I have a Brit bikes that are more fun for fewer miles, but if I ride long, I ride the LT.

[dgg155]

Absolutely!
I have three bikes, R1150GS and Honda Nighthawk besides the LT, and the LT is by far my favorite. I have put 85K miles on my '00 and have no intention of getting rid of it for the foreseeable future. My only fear is that BMW will mess up the LT with a new model that tries to be a Goldwing with some sort of huge engine. I love riding it like a monster sport bike by dropping it into third gear and roaring through the twisties, then hopping on the Interstate and getting 50 MPG.
Dave Granzin
Penn Yan, NY

[lhendrick]

Fact is, I have come to realize that if it wasn't for the LT, I would not be riding a motorcycle anymore. I'm 58 and feeing every year of it and don't think I would feel very good riding anything else.....but I would like to lose some of the weight, the bikes that is.... :)

[ibbones]

Wow Ken Meese, THAT was a good write up. I like the way you are looking for the comfort as well as the handling and I kinda like the GT also. My wife does not so I guess I will stay with an LT. I really like it and for me it does work really well.

Jerry, well put!

[munson]

I was recently asked by a friend who is contemplating buying a bike, “if I had to do all over aging would I still buy a LT”... Would you?
I did! I totaled my 2001 with 90k miles on her, and then bought a 2004 model. I really like the LT.

[cfmpilot]

Yes, I would buy another LT, knowing what I know today. If you had asked me that a week after I bought it... Probably not. The only regret I have is not enough time to ride it more than 1000 miles per month. Maybe after I retire...

[Monte]

I totaled my 2001 LT last year and haven't gotten another on YET, but I will.

[RickyK12]

I just had my first long distance excursion from NY to Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway, Aug 28 thru Sept 1st. Prior to this, my longest trips were to Americade in Lake George NY, 250+ miles from home. This trip was a last minute offer to join 4 other riders. I had just finished doing a major service and an annual service (the works) and retrofits recommended by my fellow members here at this site. The thought of my Rear Drive potentially failing did cross my mind from time, to time; At least I was aware of it thanks to all of you, and wouldn't have been caught off guard if it had failed.
I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you collectively! I could not have done it without the incredible amount information and support from threads,FAQs and pictures. (PRICELESS!!!)
Additionally, I want to thank BMWfreak for his responses to my requests for trip tips and POI. Thanks to other members for tips about country roads and the twisties through George Washington State Park out to West Virginia.
In the others riders eyes, I WAS THE MAN!! :D Bonus, I have new friends and great lifelong memories! BTW, the Bike was flawless!

So next time I'm asked to throw in my 2 cents about "If you could only own one motorcycle?" It's The LT along with support from the Brothers and Sisters of BMWLT.com.
K1200LT is: Reliable, Sexy, Sophisticated, Stylish, Unique and great in the curves. All the qualities one would want of the perfect mistress." :bmw:

[harrowbmw]

I would seriously consider the FJR1300. But I'd keep my '83 K100.

[FA50Flyr]

I love my LT and plan on keeping it for a long time. Having said that, I've come to the conclusion that, in an ideal world, a person with a full-up touring rig needs a second, "hooligan" bike. In my case, it requires the addition of a GS, Vstrom or something similar to the stable. Time to buy some lottery tickets!

[Voyager]

I was recently asked by a friend who is contemplating buying a bike, “if I had to do all over aging would I still buy a LT”. This question gave me cause to pause and think about my experience with this machine. My 05 is my second LT and this one has a mere 32K miles on her. Being an honest person, (sometimes) I responded to my friends question with the following: I admire the esthetics of a Harley, reliability of Hondas, and handling characteristics of sport bikes and overall performance of BMWs. The truth is I like a lot of motorcycles, enjoy being around other riders regardless of their choice of rides, and understand that preference is a personal opinion. After just completing 3500+ mile trip to CCR which included secondary roads most of the way there, through some exhilarating CO mountain roads to the Interstates the whole way home, I concluded this bike does it all and has it all – good looks, reliability, handling characteristic and performance. During this trip I met some really great people. I am reminded of Honda ads from the sixties – “You meet the nicest people on a Honda”. As all of you know, “you meet the best people on a BMW”. To answer my friend’s question – I would absolutely by another LT. I’m willing to bet that 90% plus of LT owners would do it again. Would you?

I'm a BMW rookie having just 2,600 or so miles on my 07 LT. This after owning Kawasaki's exclusively since 1973, my last ride being a 1987 Voyager XII. So far, I'm very pleased with the LT, with BMW and with the dealership I dealt with (Country Rode Motowerks in Rochester, NY). Yes, I would do it again in the same situation. However, had Kawasaki come out with the new model Voyager as they promised the AVA (America Voyager Association), then I'd likely be riding one of them.

My main reservations with buying the BMW were:

1. The nearest dealer is two hours distance, which means even a visit for minor service takes the better part of a Saturday.

2. The difficulty and expense of doing maintenance and repairs on the BMW.

3. Concerns about final drive robustness.

So far, so good, however and I really enjoy riding the LT. Took a short 30 mile breakfast ride this morning and it was great!

Matt

[pugwash]

Hi :-)
I think the LT is a gem (though the clutch affair depresses me a bit) but would most probably had gone for Honda's ST1300 ( or the Kawasaki concours14 had I waited till now).
If the 10th anniversary LT doesn't come out a wing wrecker (6 cylinder etc) then I am switching.

[justlookin]

I've only put 4,500 mi on my 04LT since I bought it. (a little over a month ago.) I'm loving it. Of course it has not let me down, or presented me with a $2,000 repair bill yet. It is just plain a blast to ride. Went on a 2 hr ride with a local BMW riders group this morning, almost all twisties (30-50mph) I was on the only LT. I was able to keep up fine, and when its time to hammer down the interstate, I'm riding in comfort. No regrets so far.
Jeff

[hallzee]

Wife will go ALL DAY on the LT. Oh yeah, I love it too!

I enjoy doing all the work myself, so "high maintenance cost" isn't an issue.

I'd buy it again!

[markc]

I have been very happy with my 03, though if one had been available when I was buying I probably would have gone with the R12CLC. I will be waiting to see how the Brembo ABS system works on the Electra Glide because that is one of the most comfortable bikes I have ever ridden. But, for now, I am content with what I have.

[pickerbiker]

I had a K1100LT in the 90's that I sold because the SO was never comfortable on the bike. Went Harley for 10 years, then bought an '07 LT this year. Would I do it again? Yes, IMHO it's just the best combination for comfortable, two-up touring that can still drag pegs in the twisties. My only concern is the German factory attitude that customer's are stupid. I do believe Japanese motorcycle mfg. (I would also add US motorcycle mfg) do a much better job of listening to their customer base.

[dandiver]

As others have said, would have probably said no after the first week. A very loud YES after the first month. It fills most of my riding needs and I never hesitate to ride it! Hate to see it just sit there.........

[Heracleitus]

I haven't gotten the bike to be comfortable for me yet. I guess I'm just going to have to bite the bullet and spend the $1500 on a new Russell seat set for her.

In a perfect world, she'd have more power, too. Maybe I can buy a GT engine and put it in her. . . :p Like pugwash, though, if the next upgrade doesn't include a beefier engine, I prolly will find myself on a Wing. (I'll probably bitch about it the whole time and swap back, but I can't know that until I have one :rotf: )

This board, so far, is the best thing that has come out of my LT purchase. Now if I can get her to actually be comfy for more than 75 miles, then my tune will definitely change. She's fun as heck to ride, but I hate having to get off every hour to stretch and get the blood to flow back into my backside. :rolleyes:

[taylorjn]

Were I asked a little over a year ago, I'd'a said Yup. Then my 02 got totaled. When it was time to ride again, no question. The 07 is even better - for too many reasons to list: brakes, center stand, headlite . . . . .

[vano]

I have had my 04 Lt for about 5 mos now and have put on about 8k miles I love the way the it handles on the back roads. My only complaints are the cost of ownership and lack of dealers the upgrades needed to make it what it should be out of the box. But would I do it again the answer would be yes

VanO

[joegottberg]

This is my first BMW bike. Had my 05 since December and its my daily commuter (45 miles each way).

When I reflect badly on the $$ I spend on tires, etc and the time working on it, one ride and I've got that huge S.E. Grin on my face and the rest just doesn't matter. My spirit is lifted for another day.

UNEQUIVOCALLY YES!! :bmw:

[Tom_Becker]

I love my 2003 LT. My fat lady hasn't let me down on the road. I'm learning more and more about maintaining her myself, which is quite satisfying. I am not at all disappointed with her.

Compared to many I probably am more of a sedate rider. I generally don't wind her out and run up the speedo on the freeway prefering instead to hear her purr quietly, getting good gas mileage.

The bike is almost paid for and at this point I'm hoping to avoid the maladys that others have suffered....rear drive failure, clutch slave leak blah blah blah..

I'm sure something different better will come along some day that might turn my head and I'll leave the fat lady behind. In the interim I'm happy with what I have and still enjoying every ride. BTW, when I need a change of scenery I've got my GS, which satiates my need for something else.

Tom

[stringplay]

I have ridden over 100,000 miles between my 1996 K1100LT(42,000 miles) and my 2000 K1200lt(70,000 miles) - really the best miles I have ever had on motorcycles. That goes all the way back to my first bike, a used Honda CB350 I started on in 1978, and various bikes in between. The smoothness and solid feeling the LT gives me was brought quickly back to my mind when I took my bike in for some service last month. They lent me a 800cc(?) Triumph for a day, the one with a racing plate on the side and a racing stripe down the center. It felt very similar to the first Honda minibike I road as a kid......I was real happy to get my LT back!

So, yes, I would do it again, and I WILL do it again, if the wife agrees....

[Briantime]

I think at this point my answer would be "Yes" to buying the next generation of LT. My '01 has been great and I really enjoy it, but can't get used to the nagging feeling that a REALLY expensive repair is the next trip away...

I would be willing to wager that when the next LT come out, BMW will put something very vague on their website regarding the new "heavily tested" transmission and drive. That will be their solution to the final drive ghost that is haunting them...

[tkramer]

No question, I'd get another. But now that I have a second bike, I'd have to say I'd prefer to keep two while owning an LT. That way, when I've got all the tupperware off doing the maintenance in the anal-retentive, painstaking methodical way no dealer shop would bother to take the time for, I still have something else to ride.

Re: GT
...I'm working on improving comfort for my wife, but that will most likely require moving the trunk back a couple of inches and creating a truly custom seat for her. She's worth it though. ...

If you've still got the LT, why bother too much? The GT is likely no substitute in her mind. As long as the LT is a second bike, make its sole purpose be for two up (its true purpose anyways in my mind). That way you keep it from collecting too much dust and you have a good pretext for hanging around here ;) . (not that anyone needs one).

The LT is still my primary bike, with my Guzzi being the "other" bike. But having the other lets me (and the spousal unit) appreciate the LT even more: its creature comforts, forgiving suspension and whiz-bang technology. When we ride the Guzzi two-up, it's more to remember what a "real" motorcycle is like and get nostalgic about our early years riding around Colorado on an R80/7 and R100GS, (with the modest performance upgrade of a fuel injected 1200 :D ).

[rkirker]

Yes I would do it again :yeah:
I am also preping the wife for a new one in 09 or 10 :stir: