Question on the RT vs LT

[tkirklan]

I've had my LT since 03 and love it for two up riding. My wife has started riding her own bike now and I was thinking of trading it in on the RT since its a lighter touring bike. The LT can be pretty heavy at slow speed manuvers. I've never been on the RT but have always loved the way they look and the reviews are always great on the bike. Any advice?

[JeffQ]

I have owned many bikes of different makes throughout the years and the RT is the best bike I have owned for all around functionality especially if you limit yourself to one bike (as I do now). No bike is perfect by I really like the RT. There is no other bike on the market that currently interests me...Jeff

[05hexhead]

I would suggest you take a test ride at a dealer. I enjoy my RT and it fits most of the bill for me. For real nimble handling you might want to test a GS as well.

[OU812]

I have owned many bikes of different makes throughout the years and the RT is the best bike I have owned for all around functionality especially if you limit yourself to one bike (as I do now). No bike is perfect by I really like the RT. There is no other bike on the market that currently interests me...Jeff
I am with Jeff. :bmw:
Steve

[highroamer]

If you don't intend doing any more two up touring the RT will probably tick all the boxes for you. Make sure it's a 1200 - light years better than the 1100's and 1150's.

Kevin.

[dgg155]

After 110,000miles on my '00 LT I switched to an RT this summer. I was forced to make some sort of change after hitting a deer with the LT. I have put about 4,000 miles on the RT and I like it but I miss the LT. The RT is much easier to handle in slow traffic, parking lots, or moving around the garage, but it doesn't match the LT's stability on the road. Even on curvy back roads although the RT is much more nimble it is not as stable in the turns, especially if the turns are a little bumpy. Of course I had Olins on the LT, I am sure that made a substantial difference.
By the way the LT did not go down when I hit the deer, it didn't even shake. I just pulled over to the side of the road to survey the damage. The front fairing, wind screen and head light were pretty well smashed, the mirrors were gone, I only found one of them, and there was some displacement of the side panels. But it was rideable, I rode 75 miles home. The insurance company totaled it and I had to decide if I wanted to fix it or try something else. I got an '05 RT with 13,000 miles.