Possible purchase tomorrow

[Angleiron]

Hi Everyone,

I am off to the BMW dealership tomorrow morning to look at either the LT or GT. Previous bikes have been Harley's and Indians, and I just have the itch to get something that is not too common. Other than the FD issues, anything else that I should be aware of?

[browad]

Service costs. Make sure to talk about service intervals and how much they cost.

[PDsgt]

Two very ifferent bikes. Be sure to ride both. Be sure you have written down your wants and needs on paper. I assigned point values to each want and need and that helped me determine what bike was best for me. Your going to compare an apple and an orange , so keep that in mind.

I bought a GS in April as I loved everything about that bike. Then after riding it for about 2k miles with well over half of those miles 2up. I realized I didn't make the right choice. Ended up trying the RT, and LT, both solo and 2up I analyzed my wants/needs and ended up with the LT.

So far so good, and most importantly the S.O. is much happier. If she's happy, I am happy. :dance:

[cfell]

Don't go.. or leave your checkbook at home.... whatever you do, do NOT bring riding gear!!!

Hopefully these warnings will suffice... but not likely.

[Angleiron]

Went to the dealership, and the bikes were nice. I started asking some of the questions that were suggested, and got the "I am not sure about the cost, but we will work with you" answer so I am not sure how to take that one.

The LT is a very nice bike, but I do not think it would meet my needs as a daily commuter which is what I would like to use a bike for. So I looked at the GT, and that is a nice bike as well. When I asked about the FD failures, the salesperson stated that he was only aware of the failures from web sites like this and has never seen one while at dealership (of working there for 7 years).

He then stated something about the only service that is ever needed for the FD at 12K miles is a change of oil. He seemed very knoweldgeable of the bikes, and stated that he would make me a great deal on either bikes (all of them were loaded with all of the options). The GT has heated everything, Xenon, etc. for $21,950.00 which the LT was the same price. So...what is the price dickering range on these bikes? Are they like cars or ?

[DanMartin]

Went to the dealership, and the bikes were nice. I started asking some of the questions that were suggested, and got the "I am not sure about the cost, but we will work with you" answer so I am not sure how to take that one.

The LT is a very nice bike, but I do not think it would meet my needs as a daily commuter which is what I would like to use a bike for. So I looked at the GT, and that is a nice bike as well. When I asked about the FD failures, the salesperson stated that he was only aware of the failures from web sites like this and has never seen one while at dealership (of working there for 7 years).

He then stated something about the only service that is ever needed for the FD at 12K miles is a change of oil. He seemed very knoweldgeable of the bikes, and stated that he would make me a great deal on either bikes (all of them were loaded with all of the options). The GT has heated everything, Xenon, etc. for $21,950.00 which the LT was the same price. So...what is the price dickering range on these bikes? Are they like cars or ?
If they can't quote service costs,I would find a different dealer.

I commute on an LT every day (except when chance of rain is greater than 60%)

A lot of final drive failures get fixed without ever seeing a dealer. I can't think of any reason that my LT will ever see a dealer again.

dan

[ArthurKnowles]

The GT has heated everything, Xenon, etc. for $21,950.00 which the LT was the same price. So...what is the price dickering range on these bikes? Are they like cars or ?

When I went looking for a new BMW I found the same thing. Out the door price for any of the BMWs was 21~25K. They were all close to the same basic price (based on stock on hand and installed options), so it was more a matter of preference as to what I wanted to purchase.

My understanding is that the purchase price is pretty much set, but the dealer may offer incentives in gear, warrenties, etc. to make the purchase more affordable. Something to look at anyway.

As for the FD failures, I got the same basic message. Blown out of proportion. But then again, I see a lot of 4%ers blowing the problem up all out of proportion too. Then again, maybe I'd feel the same way if it happened to me. Hard to say as I am more philisophical about failures at higher milages. Lower milages is something else again and if that occurs on a new motorcycle it should be covered by warrenty.

I'd suggest you also look at used motorcycles. I was able to buy a used '06 LT and '96 RT for the price of one new motorcycle. I choose that pattern because I knew I could do all the work on the RT myself. I was not concerned about potential failures. The LT & GT are another story. And for the LT I wanted a newer model becuase my wife and I were going to ride it together and I wanted to minimize the chance of a problem.

I also highly recommend that if you buy new, or used with a factory warrenty, that you get the dealer to do the work while under warrenty. It minimizes the potential problems in regard to warrenty work in the future. No questions about your capabilities as a mechanic or if the work was done right, etc.

Maintenance work will cost at the dealership. Don't even doubt it. Anywhere from $600 ~ $1200 for scheduled maintenance. Some may cost more depending on consumables. A search on the forum will pull up a variable list of expenses. A lot seems to depend on the dealership in question.

And as a last bit of advice, if you buy used buy one with some factory waretny left on it so you can buy an extended warrenty.

[Mike_H]

Angleiron-

Call BMW of Chicago re a price quote. In my experience, they are typically $1K-$2K below other dealers.

[rattler50]

You spoke of wanting something different. Last week I drove up north as far as Copper Harbor, Michigan. I took the car because it was for a funeral. I saw tons of bikes on the way up and back. Most were Harleys. I only saw 3 LTs. I also like having something different. It always draws a crowd at a gathering............... :D

[Caveno]

I'd buy a used one. You'll save so much money. And for service costs, the LT is a pretty reliable bike. Mine has never seen a dealer, and I do all my own maintainance.

[ben1364]

If they can't quote service costs,I would find a different dealer.

I commute on an LT every day (except when chance of rain is greater than 60%)

A lot of final drive failures get fixed without ever seeing a dealer. I can't think of any reason that my LT will ever see a dealer again.

dan

If you intend to use the bike for commuting, the R1200RT might be more to your liking than either of these two. It is lighter and carries it's weight lower. It's also a thoroughly competent touring/sport machine.

[Steve_R]

If you intend to use the bike for commuting, the R1200RT might be more to your liking than either of these two. It is lighter and carries it's weight lower. It's also a thoroughly competent touring/sport machine.Interesting comment Ben. I use my LT for daily commuting and average 25-30,000 miles a year. I don't find it too heavy and I have never removed the top case.

[c00k1e]

Same here. I have started to commute on the LT again. Only reason I stopped was due to living so close to work, it seemed silly to bother putting all the gear on. Now I just take a long detour - the bike is sooo much fun!

[ben1364]

Interesting comment Ben. I use my LT for daily commuting and average 25-30,000 miles a year. I don't find it too heavy and I have never removed the top case.

You are correct. I didn't qualify my suggestion. As I recall, the OP is coming of a cruiser. If that's the case, the K LT and the K GT will both be comparatively top heavy. The R12RT carries it's weight lower and might be easier to transition to. I merely suggested that he add the RT to the list for consideration and meant mo slur of the K bikes. Goodness gracious! I have one and before this, I had an R1200RT. :)

[Steve_R]

No slur taken. :) If I could have more than one, there would be a boxer twin of some sort in the gearage.