Maintainence headaches/ RT vs LT?

[beeper]

Hello all :wave

I'm planning to get my first BMW this winter and have it narrowed down to either a used RT or LT for the wife and I to tour on. My current bike is a Suzuki Bandit 1200s and is a blast to ride but we both want more comfort, wind protection and storage.
After much reading on the LT forum it would seem the big luxo tourer is a pain to work on, even something simple as an oil change can be traumatic. :crazy:
As a mechanic I do all my own wrenching and would like some input as to any issues or difficultys in servicing the RT, such as fluid changes, tune-ups, valve adjustments ect.

The R/T's Im interested in are the 1150 or perhaps the 1200 if I can find a good deal on one although I kinda prefer the look of 1150..guess it will come down to what's available within my budget when I'm ready to buy. ;)

[Stixx]

Buy the RT for my money it is the definitive BMW and the place to start. I began with a used R 1150 R and moved up to a new 08 R 1200 RT this year and have zero regrets. The warranty is good the maintenance during warranty will allow you to get up to speed and how much of it you want to do yourself.

Know this , either way this is indeed a high tech machine and you can say what you want , I'll leave the maintenance to the techs during warranty .

[Billy]

I agree with the last post. I have owned an LT and almost every Harley model. The 1200RT is by far the best overall bike for me. Very comfortable and great handling, and wonderful touring amenities.

[MattKas]

If you want a comfortable, smooth touring bike, LT is it.

Hello all :wave

I'm planning to get my first BMW this winter and have it narrowed down to either a used RT or LT for the wife and I to tour on. My current bike is a Suzuki Bandit 1200s and is a blast to ride but we both want more comfort, wind protection and storage.
After much reading on the LT forum it would seem the big luxo tourer is a pain to work on, even something simple as an oil change can be traumatic. :crazy:
As a mechanic I do all my own wrenching and would like some input as to any issues or difficultys in servicing the RT, such as fluid changes, tune-ups, valve adjustments ect.

The R/T's Im interested in are the 1150 or perhaps the 1200 if I can find a good deal on one although I kinda prefer the look of 1150..guess it will come down to what's available within my budget when I'm ready to buy. ;)

[beeper]

Know this , either way this is indeed a high tech machine and you can say what you want , I'll leave the maintenance to the techs during warranty .


That's all well and good, was I buying a new machine. ;)
But mine will be used and I have every intention of performing my own service, that's just how I roll. :D

Anyone here work on their own machine? How much hassle is involved for simple items such as fluid changes, air filter accessibility, valve adjustment etc...

[BMWphreak]

Compared to the LT, normal engine maintenance is easier. (33K on an LT)

Look here as well: http://www.jimvonbaden.com/service1.aspx

[Semper_Fi]

I can't speak to the LT, but I have done all my own service on the RT except for the 600 - but I bought mine new.

The RT is very easy to work on.

Get Jim's DVD (as previously posted) and the BMW Repair Manual CD and you can do anything you want on the bike.

I got some tools from Marc Parnes for the oil filter, plug cover removal and the front wheel removal.

I also got a Twin Max to balance the throttle bodies.

I am coming up due for my 12K and I will be doing it at home.

[beeper]

Cool. According to Jims site I already have most all the tools needed except maybe the oil filter wrench, but I do have a selection of those and perhaps one fits.
I kinda assumed the RT would be a bit easier to work on as you can actually see some of the engine without having to pull tupperware. :)

[mjordans2000]

The RT may be a bit easier but I never found my LT to be a problem, especially if you have mechanical skills. I'd let comfort and preferred riding styles be the deciding factors. I love my RT and LT, either would be a good choice.

[free2ride]

I do my own maintenance (with friend's help) on my LT and it hasn't been that difficult. It takes a little time to get the Tupperware off but other than that it isn't too hard. I have never ridden an RT but for comfort the LT is excellent.

[rglassma]

I have owned an LT. The oil changes were not bad.. You just have to remove a cover plate because the filter is in the oil bath. The rest is the same.

I do find the RT easier to work on and easier to handle. I would definately go with an '05 or newer !!! No question about it.

Mainenance is less expensive on the RT as well because of the Tupperware if you are having the dealer do the work.

But, for long distance, the LT is more comfortable for your passenger. It doesn't have the performance or handling of the RT, but it is the perfect long distance luxury tourer for sure. I have done long trips on both. For me, either was fine. My choice is still the R1200RT..

[ArthurKnowles]

There is only one way to tell which is the better ride for touring and that's a test ride. I've had both, and suspect I will again in the future. The LT is the most comfortable ride for two-up riding, but even with all the mods I made my wife continued to have issues. Two that I couldn't do much about were riding higher up than the driver (made her feel like she was going to fall off on turns) and hip pains from the wide seat. A custom seat may have helped the latter, but nothing is going to help the former.

She prefers my older RT to the LT for local rides and I am looking to buy a newer RT in the future for me and two-up rides. If your primary purpose is one-up riding, buy a RT. It's the hands down winner. Lighter and easier to manuver. Plus it lane splits much much easier. I will NOT lane split in CA on the LT. Just too dangerous. Doesn't matter to me what others think about lane splitting an LT, I'm just plain not going to do it. No problem on my RT though (I do take the bags off it).

Maintenance should not be an issue on either motorcycle. Both require you remove the plastic. Both have their own quirks, but nothin serious. If you are serious about your own maintenance though, buy a GS-911 for diagnostics and resetting procedures.

[mljmd7]

Hello all :wave

I'm planning to get my first BMW this winter and have it narrowed down to either a used RT or LT for the wife and I to tour on. My current bike is a Suzuki Bandit 1200s and is a blast to ride but we both want more comfort, wind protection and storage.
After much reading on the LT forum it would seem the big luxo tourer is a pain to work on, even something simple as an oil change can be traumatic. :crazy:
As a mechanic I do all my own wrenching and would like some input as to any issues or difficultys in servicing the RT, such as fluid changes, tune-ups, valve adjustments ect.

The R/T's Im interested in are the 1150 or perhaps the 1200 if I can find a good deal on one although I kinda prefer the look of 1150..guess it will come down to what's available within my budget when I'm ready to buy. ;)

RT without a doubt is easier to work on.
LT rules for touring.
If you like the RT , NEVER let your wife on an LT.
I'll sell you my RT if you want to go that way........I went back to an LT.

[Vffr1]

Ginger (LT) or Mary Ann (RT)?

[beeper]

Ginger (LT) or Mary Ann (RT)?



Dang. Umm...... both? :D

[Billy]

Had both. RT is the bike for me.