RT, GT or LT? I bought the......

[WINDMAN]

Hello everyone! This is a long post but it tells my BMW purchase decision journey. Hopefully, it gives insight to those about to buy a BMW. I started lurking around BMWLT to help me make THE decision. RT, LT or GT. Thanks to everyone for all of the postings..it really helped. A lot of people are like me. They are hit with the Moto-bug and start looking. Then the hand-wringing and BMW mind-bending begins. Some of us are trying to regain youth, some are ready for an exciting change in their life, some want to from escape something and some hear the “call of the wild”. Whatever the call, we’re on a mission. And all of the “forum heads” here are a great resource. Thanks to all again for posting.
The bug bit and I wanted to be on the road. Most of my friends at work have a HD’s. It’s all-American, apple pie and Mom. Maybe one day. Don’t know. I’ve had two BSA Victor 441 thumpers and one very cool Aprilia Scarabeo 500cc scooter and always wanted a BMW. So I arrived at the BMWLT forum. After much research, which reminded me of a senior level college research project, it appeared the RT was for me. I don’t ride 2-up so no LT. Again, maybe later. But the GT---WOW! But given my anticipated riding habits, the RT seemed right for me. I wanted to buy a new one with all of the options (except CD-radio option) but none were available.  And we’re waiting for Germany to be done with their vacation so ‘09 production begins September. But I needed a little more than a test ride. I sold my Aprilia on a Monday night, found a 2007 RT (8100 miles, warranty till 2010) in Omaha and got on a plane Tuesday morning to get my RT. I arrived at BMW Omaha, went for the obligatory test ride, made the deal with James and bought about a grand worth of gear from Richard. Now those folks are some kind of dealership..professional and courteous. Richard had Donald, a great BMW mechanic, replace the rear tire and install the EWS antenna. It was lunch now and Richard put me on a GT. What a mistake! Speed, power, superb handling-Pure MotoSEX! But the RT seemed to fit my riding style and I stayed with my RT decision. Maybe BMW will put the 4 cylinder on the RT. It would be the ultimate bike.
I left the dealership at 3:30pm and rode 250 miles to Cedar Rapids, IA where I had a crew repairing the corn plant due to flooding. I woke up the next morning, no soreness, and took the guys to breakfast. Now for the BIG RIDE to Dallas. I left Cedar Rapids at 7:30am and rode through Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and North Texas. Dodging storms in Missouri, getting dumped on in Kansas; what a nice ride. I arrived home at 11:45pm…16 hours and 865 miles later.. The bike came with a Rick Mayer seat and again, felt great the next morning. The following Saturday, I took a 265 mile ride with a group from Motopia Café in Dallas. Motopia is Beemer motorcycle haven. Euro style café, leather chairs, a fireplace, beer, wine and a Beemer garage behind glass. Fourteen of us took off at 8:00am and returned at 1:00pm. The owner, Rene Larrave, leads rides most every Saturday and is now planning a “round the world” moto tour. Check it out at: www.motoiacafe.com. Back to the story.
Here comes the plunge: With all questions answered, I ordered a blue(I have black cars) ’09 RT with all the options (except the CD-radio). My name is on the bike at the Munich factory and should be delivered in a couple of months. I hate to sell the ’07 but the ’09 will have the options I want.
So if you’re pondering the purchase of an LT, GT or RT, take the advice of experienced forum posters, go ride and see which one says: I’m yours! And most of all: ATGATT, MSF and be safe.

[Nebish]

I just picked up my new, '08 RT yesterday. Decided on the RT over the GT, although it was not an easy decision. Both bikes are amazing. For the intoxicating speed 'high', nothing beats the GT. I can't imagine what a naked sport bike like the K1200S must feel like. Just not very practical for an old fart like me.

Basically, it came down to which bike would I find the most comfortable for a 800 mile single day ride. The RT was the clear winner. And no slouch in the getty up and go department, either.

Now I just have to go through the break-in ritual.

I have a question that occurs to me: why can't the factory run the engines through a break-in cycle? Or is that they are securing their dealers financial viability by leaving the purchaser to contend with first inspection costs? I believe that many automobile engines come from the factory without the necessity of having to go through a break-in routine.

I am off for a pre-dawn ride. Can't sleep with the new mount calling out for me. I love the thought of seeing the sun rising in my rear view mirrors.

[Effjay]

In May of year 2007, my local dealer (just 6 miles away - hooray!) had an open house with the big BMW truck full of demos. So on Satuday AM I signed up for and did a test ride on a KLT. Nice and comfy, but my preference was sporty with comfort and like you I don't ride 2-up. So, Sunday AM, I'm back there again and signed up for an RT test ride. That sealed the deal - my demo bike was #2 in line behind the leadbike - an off duty CHP motor cop on an RTP. The route was a combo of short distance freeway followed by local canyon roads I knew quite well. I could hear myself giggling like a school girl, flicking that RT through the turns at the brisk pace the leader) he warned us in advance and said he "wouldn't pay our tickets!"), all the while listening to "tunes" radiating from the RT's fairing. A few months later, a fully loaded RT was in my garage and my former FJR1300 was on the block. I hope you enjoy your new moto as much as I do mine! BTW, this forum is great, but if you haven't already, check out: BMWST (http://bmwsporttouring.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=cfrm)


Jeff

[eng943]

I'm still fighting with this one myself. The GT vs. RT choice is a toughie. Somewhere in the middle of the two is the prospect of the perfect bike for me.

Although, you can darn near get RT ergos and wind protection on the GT if you want to tap the aftermarket.