LT/RT suspension comparisons?

[yechave]

After seeing the other post on the front suspension, I wanted to see if anyone has also owned an RT and can offer a ride comparison between that an the LT.

We owned a 99RT with 36k miles for a month, put 2500 miles on it. The suspension and braking was very smooth.

We traded it for a 99LT with 41k. The suspension, ride and brakes are terrible.
Dealing with one issue at a time, the dealer offered to install a used factory shock on the rear, we pay the labor. I still feel the front shock is doing slightly more than nothing. Reading the other post with a suggested possible life span of only 30k miles, have to wonder if the front shock is gone as well. If so, should I not have expected their shop tech to have noticed something as significant as that, prior to their putting the bike for sale? We now have just under $9k in a 99LT with 41k miles.

I printed out the information for them from this forum regarding the brake noise, see if they will do anything about it. This too you would think they are fully aware of these problems. The bike also towed a trailer by the original owner.

Greatly appreciate all the feedback. We both thank you all!

Next year I will invest in the self service dvd's.

[dmatson]

If you don't have any adjustment in the rear pre-load you may be able to fix that, do a search on replacing the oil in the pre-load adjuster. The shocks are probably bad and the biggest improvement you can do is changing to Ohlins or something similar. Even with good shocks, mine were still good the Ohlins made a huge difference. Brakes, lots have switched to EBC and like them.

[tbarstow]

Having both an LT and an RT - the ride of the LT wins for 2 up. But you have to have decent shocks.

At 41K, the LT shocks are shot. If you don't want the expense of the Ohlins/Wilburs/Hyperpro shocks, you can get the rear rebuilt by Bruno in Canada. The front is a disposable Showa, but a stock one isn't that expensive. A new stock rear is almost as much as one of the aftermarket units, so you're better off with the aftermarket that is rebuildable.


As for having the dealer replace the shocks, you need to remember that you bought a USED bike, in the AS-IS condition.

Replace the shocks and ride it like you stole it!!

[yechave]

After some discussion with my SO on this, she too feels while the dealer is not responsible for the repairs, they should have disclosed problems like these that would or should have been evident to a BMW dealership rated #20 out of 200 something.

They knew the tires were bad, there was no detent adjust on the rear shock (the owner saw that right away after I mentioned it felt like there was no dampening felt by either shock (we could not tell until after we bought it, and we had no idea how the bike should ride, as that was the only LT we had ever been on). Otherwise, the engine and trans was so smoooth, I could never go back to the RT after riding an LT. Add to that the much lower seat, heated passenger seat, radio, the extended windshield, not getting blown all over the road on the Interstate, better luggage, the list just keeps going. Hell, I am almost convincing myself it was worth whatever it cost just to find the right bike!

I've already explained the other $1300 in repairs being done this week. The dealer made just under $9k on a 99 with 41k miles. I would say he got his fair share of profit on the bike. I feel he could have done better, and more importantly, he should have disclosed what the bike needed. This is what they do! They knew damn well most of what was wrong with the bike.

We had been on a four day road trip and were returning with an RT when we traded for the LT. The RT was having all kinds of problems and most likely would have needed a clutch, tire and new seat. We were damn glad to get rid of it. If this repairs the LT and it runs well, we would be happy with that ending. If on the other hand it still needs brake work front and rear, and a front shock, I am none to happy having to have spent all that money on this bike.

I am even more livid having spent over $100k on medical expenses, $14k this year, at least another $12k next year on the schedule, and not much better off for having done so. Not too many days go by that I don't wonder if it was worth it. :confused:

If it were not for this biking venture, I would certainly not have wished to continue living in constant pain for another six months. At least I've focused all of my attention on the bikes the past six weeks. Sure did make a big difference having something positive to look forward to for once. :bmw:

With the cold temps coming in prior to the bike being fixed, it does not appear we will know if it needs more work till next spring. We had hoped to ride at least another eight days till it had to be parked.

"Life, one of the few occasions the test comes before the lesson!"