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yechave
Nov 6th, 2007, 7:07 pm
We left Tuesday for our first ever joint MC trip, other than the Harley Heritage rental earlier this year, this was her first real ride. We bought an R1100RT for the trip. Had three weeks to get to know the bike, get some luggage and prepare for the unexpected journey. Never really did feel comfortable on it. We both took the MC rider safety course, she got her license two days before we left. I had quit riding about 18 years ago.

The first three days were not bad at all, but we had a very rough ride back. The bike did not feel right, so I stopped at dealers to see what was wrong, pretty much with the intent to get rid of the bike and that would be it.

The rear tire had only 20lbs of pressure left. The tire was not looking too good when we bought it, but we were told is was "ok." In the process of finding out what I did not like about the RT, which was getting to be too much for me, from the clutch to the side stand, too crowded for two, etc.

Waiting for someone to check out the RT, I saw the LT sitting for sale, decided it was no heavier than our RT now was. The subsequent ride indicated this was what I/we were looking for, and more so needed if we were going to ride again.

About 5 miles into the test ride, with my passenger, a large deer jumped directly in front of the bike. I never saw it coming. Have no idea how we did not hit, possibly we did. Way too damn close for me.

We love this bike, even though we've only put 350 miles on so far.

A 99LT with 41k. The suspension is terrible, rear shock is shot, the front damper needs to be replaced (a previous owner used to tow a trailer, not sure if that was the cause of all the problems), few other minor issues to work out, but it still is the most awesome bike I have ever been on. Dealer is being honorable trying to do what he can to fix the problems and share the cost. We had no idea what we were doing with either bike, just decided to take the chance. I just knew I did not want the RT.

Looking forward to catching up on some posts. Will try to post some pics of our trip once we get this all figured out. Had the PC completely rebuilt while we were gone, and we have very little idea how to use what we now have.

Really pleased to have found the right bike for us! :dance:

Wayne & Megan

cfell
Nov 6th, 2007, 7:25 pm
just broken in... ! Welcome aboard.. Give your dealer time to earn your trust.. might prove to be a good thing!

If things don't go well, then we are certainly here to help...

All the best.... yeah, you will continue to love the LT... just get over the "bugs"...

Woolly
Nov 6th, 2007, 7:27 pm
Hi Wayne & Megan , welcome to the forum. Little suprised that you only spotted low tyre pressures back at the dealers after a 6 (?) day trip. Your life depends on your machine, and especially 2 tiny contact patches of rubber. You should (especially on a long trip) do a walk round the bike, checking brakes, tyre pressures & controls everytime before you ride out for the day. If not for your sake, then at least your SO's or other road users out there.

ibbones
Nov 7th, 2007, 12:09 pm
We love this bike, even though we've only put 350 miles on so far.
Wayne & MeganWow, you will LOVE this bike. I am another that came from "twins" and there is NO looking back. Enjoy!!!

munson
Nov 7th, 2007, 1:57 pm
A 99LT with 41k. The suspension is terrible, rear shock is shot...
Really pleased to have found the right bike for us! :dance:

Welcome Wayne. I'm sure you will enjoy your new ride. The rear shock's preload adjuster is probably low on oil. You can remove it, turn it upside down, remove the hose connector, push the internal piston down with a wooden dowell, and fill it with hydraulic jack oil. You will gain a lot of the range back. As for the rest, read the FAQ's and Accessories pages and have a bunch of fun!