LT or RT? - My First RT Ride- not so good!

[rkortes]

I ride a 1999 K1200LT. I must say that this is the finest motorcycle that I’ve owned out 9 street bikes so far. In the past year I put about 12000 flawless miles on my LT. The partial list of other bikes I’ve ownded includes a couple of Goldwings, three Kawasaki Concourses and a Suzuki Cavalcade.

Now that my LT is starting to get up there in the years and miles, I thought I’d start looking for another bike. Since I rarely ride with a passenger I thought I’d go back to another sport touring bike similar to the previously owned Concours. From the reviews and specifications, the R1200RT sounded like the best bike for me so I thought I’d give it a ride last weekend. When I finished the ride one of the salesmen saw the look on my face and said, “hmm your not smiling.” I wasn’t. I simply didn’t like much about this motorcycle.

The engine reminded me of a sewing machine on steroids. It has this annoying vibration at slow to moderate speeds and simply has no “umph” or kick in the mid or high RPM. It was quite smooth at Freeway speed, but still didn’t have the “kick” for passing that I was looking for. Frankly, the LT has more of a sport fell than the RT.

I’m not going to sit here and pick this bike apart. It has very many cool and revolutionary features. I’m just giving my 2 cents for those that are shopping for a bike and want an opinion before they chunk down 20 grand. I’d highly suggest trying it first!

The three other bikes that I want to try are the Honda ST 1300, Yamaha FJR 1300 and the new BMW K series (can’t remember the model) sport-touring bike that comes out this May. If none of these babies “blow my skirt up” I’ll probably get another LT.

[BMWphreak]

My experience parallels yours. I will wait for the new K12000GT in a month or so. And try again.

I'm thinking of going the "Joe" route and just getting an additional bike for solo riding. If I do this, I'm thinking of another Concours because of the cost and reliability. I know I can solve the buzzing problem with some aftermarket doo-dads and so for less than 1/2 the price of an RT, I can have a pretty decent solo sport-tourer.

[rkortes]

My experience parallels yours. I will wait for the new K12000GT in a month or so. And try again.

I'm thinking of going the "Joe" route and just getting an additional bike for solo riding. If I do this, I'm thinking of another Concours because of the cost and reliability. I know I can solve the buzzing problem with some aftermarket doo-dads and so for less than 1/2 the price of an RT, I can have a pretty decent solo sport-tourer.

That dang buzz is the reason I keep turning my Concourses over. I like everything about them but that stinkin buzz. It seems to be the worst at around 80 mph which is right where I typically ride. No doubt the Connie is the best bang for the buck!

Have you every riddent the ST1300?

[Texas42]

:) I have my Sprint ST for me and the LT for us. I tried the R1200 RT thinking I would have one bike that did it all, but my Sprint is so smooth and fast, and grunt all the way from 3000 rpm up. The Sprint has been as reliable as my Honda's and much bettter than my LT so far. The Sprint has 18K miles in 9 months no problems. If you are looking at the ST 1300 or the FJR take a test ride on the Sprint ST 1050 ABS.

[Robin]

I tried the 1200RT and liked it. I also have heard that the Sprint is a thigh burner, and that the FJR used to be until this year when they changed the flow pattern. Does the Sprint burn your legs?

Robin

[petepeterson]

rkortes, Why don't you go back down to the dealers and go for a test ride on a NEW LT???? If you like your 99 you will love the 06!!

I ride alone and doubt that my SO will ever ride much.. The riding single on a LT is not a bad thing, in fact I like the handling and ride of my LT riding solo..
There are enough improvements from 99 to 06 to make it worth your while to go look........ Regards Pete

[dmatson]

I ride my 05' LT alone also and when I took off the top box it made a world of difference. I swapped bikes with my buddy on a day ride, his an 04' RT and I did not like it at all. I had a GS1200 for a couple of weeks and the motor is much more lively but, I guess I just don't like the boxer motor. The only thing I don't like about the LT is the brakes at under 10 mph, to touchy.

[messenger13]

I'm thinking of going the "Joe" route and just getting an additional bike for solo riding.Joe WHO?!?!


Anyways...

I couldn't agree more with the negative comments regarding the R1200RT. Quite frankly, I hated it! Then again...maybe I'm just a 4-cylinder kinda guy. And now that I have a new 45-amp alternator in my ZX-11...I have it setup to mirror the LT with all the goodies, plus the charging amps to run them. Ironically, the Connie crowd installs the same alternator I put in my ZX-11. (...from the ZZR1200)

[hig4s]

I've been debating for a year on what my next bike will be,, road the K1200GT, R1150RT, ST1300 and the FJ1300, loved the FJ, but looking for something more two up friendly. I liked the 1150, but still wasn't what I was looking for. I haven't been on the new GT but didn't like the seating position or the air-flow on the older one at all. And the ST1300 seemed like a baby 'wing without all the goodies.
I then test rode the Yamaha Royal Star Venture and Goldwing. Loved the comfort of the Venture but don't really like the cruiser style, love the looks of the 'wing, but a little cumbersome at stoplights, the high first gear doesn't help, but I could be happy with a 'wing.

Then today I finally rode an LT an 06 at that, and I also got to ride the R1200RT.. I liked the RT, but actually like the R1150RT better for both wind protection and styling. But, the 06 LT is just incredible.. I was smiling from ear to ear..

After today, there is no doubt my next bike will be an LT. Might not be able to afford an 06 right off, but maybe!

[messenger13]

Yep...my next new bike will be the next generation LT. Probably in the spring of '08, I'm guessin'.

[Jerrym]

I ride solo most of the time. The LT with the Corbin Smuggler makes the LT feel like a sport bike and also looks like a sport bike.

Jerry

[messenger13]

...and also looks like a sport bike.Yea...I see the resemblance. :D


http://motorcyclistonline.com/roadtests/zx10-whlyl-xl.jpg

[Jerrym]

Yea...I see the resemblance. :D


http://motorcyclistonline.com/roadtests/zx10-whlyl-xl.jpg

Joe,

I do that with my LT all the time. I am trying to fine a wheelie bar for rear.

Jerry

[rkortes]

rkortes, Why don't you go back down to the dealers and go for a test ride on a NEW LT???? If you like your 99 you will love the 06!!

I ride alone and doubt that my SO will ever ride much.. The riding single on a LT is not a bad thing, in fact I like the handling and ride of my LT riding solo..
There are enough improvements from 99 to 06 to make it worth your while to go look........ Regards Pete

I gotta say, I'm scared to try the 06 LT. I know what will follow and I'd have a tough time explaining why that brand new bike is sitting in the garage to the wifey! Hmm... maybe she wouldn't notice if I covered it.

I'm sure it's a great ride!!

[CriticalMass]

love the looks of the 'wing, but a little cumbersome at stoplights..{snip}..then today I finally rode an LT an 06 at that..{snip}..But, the 06 LT is just incredible.. I was smiling from ear to ear.. After today, there is no doubt my next bike will be an LTI own both, an '04 'Wing, and an '06 Lt.

Your statement that the 'Wing is "cumbersome at stoplights", with no comparison to the LT at stoplights, is amazing to me. The LT is notoriously demanding to handle at very low speeds and at stops, as documented here in this forum, repeatedly. With its lower center of gravity, the 'Wing is much easier to maneuver at low speeds. It's not even a contest.

I'm not being critical of the LT - I like riding mine, and it has its plusses. But in a shootout with the 'Wing, low-speed handling isn't one of them.

[hig4s]

I own both, an '04 'Wing, and an '06 Lt.

Your statement that the 'Wing is "cumbersome at stoplights", with no comparison to the LT at stoplights, is amazing to me. The LT is notoriously demanding to handle at very low speeds and at stops, as documented here in this forum, repeatedly. With its lower center of gravity, the 'Wing is much easier to maneuver at low speeds. It's not even a contest.

I'm not being critical of the LT - I like riding mine, and it has its plusses. But in a shootout with the 'Wing, low-speed handling isn't one of them.


I'm not saying low speed handling, the wing's manners once above 4 or 5 mph is great, (I thought the LT's was too) but it is the actual stopping, managing to get my feet down and stable, and then taking off from a stop that is sketchy..

I'm not tall, but I'm not short either, I'm 5'9" and have never had any issues reaching the ground on any other bike, but unless I have a wing's suspension on full soft I just can't get my feet on the ground comfortably, I think it is the shape of the seat more than the height. It forces me to slide as far forward as I can on the seat and then put my feet back of where is natural to me a little to clear the pegs, so with the weight of the wing it all seems a bit unstable to me.

And when I rode the wing, I stalled it several times trying to take off. It seemed like I had to rev the engine way to high for that big a machine and had to let the clutch out very slow. I never once had that problem with the LT, or any other motorcycle I've ever ridden.. It is like the clutch and gearing on the wing is like a car.. I have an 04 Acura TL manual 6 speed, and the clutch acts the same way, you have to rev more than you would think and let the clutch very slow or it wants to stall. It is something you can get use to, I hardly notice it on the TL anymore, but then while I was getting use to it I never had to worry about getting my feet back down so I didn't do a face-plant at a stoplight either.

Not trying to say wings and not good machines, until I rode the LT I was planning on my next bike being a wing, and I still like the style and some of the features a lot, but the LT just felt natural to me, like it was already mine, everything except the strange BMW turnsignal layout. I'm sure once I get it, it will take me months before I stop blowing the horn while trying to cancel the turn signals.

[Woolly]

....and the bike will always follow where you are looking .....


http://motorcyclistonline.com/roadtests/zx10-whlyl-xl.jpg


...you're goin down, Joe ;);):eek:

p.s. is that a pic of you on your Ninja - It's a helluva good pic :cool:

[dshealey]

-------------everything except the strange BMW turnsignal layout. I'm sure once I get it, it will take me months before I stop blowing the horn while trying to cancel the turn signals.

You blow the horn when trying to turn ON the left turn signal. The cancel button is on the right bar. Not a problem with the horn at all.

I keep seeing magazine articles and people posting on web sites that they do not like the "strange" BMW turn signal setup. I happen to be one of the people who think it is GREAT!

I got back into riding on my son in law's Harley, hated the turn signals on that. They self canceled on time only, and were always going off before I wanted them to. The indicators were down low on the tank too, had to take my eyes off the road to look and see it they were on or not.

[lawnchairboy]

I own a new RT, almost bought the LT, thank god I didn't put my wife on it. The LT was spectacular, just about 300lbs more bike than I want at the moment, although I REALLY enjoyed it and thought it was very nimble considering. I am tickled with my new RT and have put almost 4k on it in two months...

[jeffdean]

I have owned two K1200LTs over the years, and do not own one now. I traded my last one for an R1150RT. Why? Nothing new to LT riders. It was too heavy for me, especially when riding slowly. At speed it was great. And it was the best bike I have ever owned for carrying a passenger.

I was interested in your comment about the power band on an RT vs. and LT. I find the RT to have much better "grunt" off the line than the LT. I had to rev the heavy LT's engine pretty high to get the thing going. If you want "kick" for passing, downshift. As far as vibration goes, yes the RT has more than the LT -- which is as smooth as a sewing machine. If you don't like any boxer vibration at all, you won't like the RT. Even so, the R1200RT is much smoother than the R1150RT.

I am also prejudiced by the fact that my first real motorcycle was an R60/2. I loved its vibration. I still love it:

http://bmwdean.home.att.net/r60-r1200rt.jpg

Now, however, I ride an R1200RT. To me, it has a wonderfully smooth engine, and I love its rumble at low speeds. I don't like the appearance of the R1200RT as well the better-looking (to me) R1150RT. I wish they put the engine of the former in the latter's fairing.

As regards the ST1300 and FJR1300, their problems with heat cooking the rider are notorious. The RT and the LT have fabulous heat management. Honda and Yamaha never put that in their equations when they started designing the ST and FJR.

The "other BMW" you are thinking of is the second iteration of the K1200GT, due out shortly. It has more of a sporty riding position than the RT or LT. I predict the first accessory GT buyers will buy will be handlebar risers. And the GT's electric windshield will not give the range of movement or coverage of those of the RT and LT.

[CriticalMass]

I'm not saying low speed handling, the wing's manners once above 4 or 5 mph is great, (I thought the LT's was too) but it is the actual stopping, managing to get my feet down and stable, and then taking off from a stop that is sketchy...I'm not tall, but I'm not short either, I'm 5'9" and have never had any issues reaching the ground on any other bike, but unless I have a wing's suspension on full soft I just can't get my feet on the ground comfortably, I think it is the shape of the seat more than the height. ..Maybe...I'm only 5'11" or so, and it's not been an issue for me.

It forces me to slide as far forward as I can on the seat and then put my feet back of where is natural to me a little to clear the pegs, so with the weight of the wing it all seems a bit unstable to me.Begins to sound like a personal preference kind of thing. Same things don't work for everybody.

And when I rode the wing, I stalled it several times trying to take off. It seemed like I had to rev the engine way to high for that big a machine and had to let the clutch out very slow. I never once had that problem with the LT, or any other motorcycle I've ever ridden..That's just bizarre to me. I find it to be totally the opposite. With the Wing, I dump the clutch at idle, and it goes. Just like that. No throttle required, if I don't want to. It doesn't stall. With my LT, it's just the opposite. Unless I add some throttle, it bogs down and doesn't want to get started. Don't know what else I can say.

Not trying to say wings and not good machines, until I rode the LT I was planning on my next bike being a wing, and I still like the style and some of the features a lot, but the LT just felt natural to me, like it was already mine, everything except the strange BMW turnsignal layout. I'm sure once I get it, it will take me months before I stop blowing the horn while trying to cancel the turn signals.

Well, we differ on that too, but that's what makes a horserace.:) The "strange" LT turn-signal layout makes more sense to me than the Wing's - push the button on the side you want to turn on. With the Wing, both are on one switch, a less "intuitive" design, IMO.

At any rate, I own them both, and they both have strengths and weakness, IMO. I wish a bike were available that had everything I like and none of the things I don't, but it doesn't exist.

[rkortes]

Good feedback (jeffdean). I've heard the same thing regarding heat on the FJR1300 and the ST1300 from many sources. That could very well be a deal breaker for me. My Concourses all had a bit of that heat problem around the legs as well.

I am curious to try the K1200GT, however I'll have to wait a couple of years to pick up a used one (if I like it). I buy motorcycles that are usually in the 2 to 3 year ranges with under 20k miles. I've had a lot of success with that formula in buying and selling bikes.

That won't stop me from giving the GT a test drive when it comes out.

[meese]

Supposedly the '06 FJR's have solved the heat problems. But that still puts one a couple of years out according to your criteria.

[hig4s]

Good feedback (jeffdean). I've heard the same thing regarding heat on the FJR1300 and the ST1300 from many sources. That could very well be a deal breaker for me. My Concourses all had a bit of that heat problem around the legs as well.

I am curious to try the K1200GT, however I'll have to wait a couple of years to pick up a used one (if I like it). I buy motorcycles that are usually in the 2 to 3 year ranges with under 20k miles. I've had a lot of success with that formula in buying and selling bikes.

That won't stop me from giving the GT a test drive when it comes out.


The K1200GT to me did not feel as comfortable ST,about like the FJR and while it didn't have the heat problem at the tank and seat, it seemed like an all or nothing thing with the fairing for me, from halfway down to down it had way too much wind noise, almost as much as my Kaw ZR7s (which has the most wind noise of any bike I've ever owned) and past halfway up it was quiet but totally dead air and way too hot for here in Florida,, I actually feel there is more air flow on the rider on the LT than the GT with the fairing up.

[d8ug]

When the new 1200RT first came out, i thought, "what a beautiful machine"..i ride a 2002 K1200LT and have 35K on it over 3 years...taken two 4K trips to Sturgis via Colorado from Dallas...i also ride a 2003 Triumph Speedmaster to work...i have been thinking seriously about seling the two and getting the RT, but each time i test ride one (twice now), i get back on the LT and say, "what was i thinking?"...i was checking the forums for just the kind of feedback you have all given me...i had a hard time shifting and braking without bending my feet at the ankle back in towards the bike because of a new trim stip they put in the design that the 1150 doesn't have...the salesman said, "you can get extensions"...i have a corbin seat on my LT and on long rides use an airhawk...after an 800 mile trip from Denver through 4 heavy rain storms, i was not even worn out...so i guess i'll keep the LT and the Triumph for now at least...i itch for something new, but i'm not that in love with the current newest LT...

[Pneff]

I've read all the posts here. Good points have been made. It all comes down to preferences and usage. My experience was 4 years on an LT. Loved the bike, so did my wife. Then...I made an Eidelweiss tour in the Alps on an RT. That was so much fun and so different from US riding, very curvy roads, lots of passing and some slow driving in traffic in Florence. The RT was great! When I returned to California and got back on the LT it seemed, and I hesitate to say this, boring.

I've come to really enjoy the vibration of the RT, its acceleration, its nimbleness, and its much lighter weight in parking lots and such. I also like the quickly removable side cases and huge top case. I ride around frequently with no luggage. I like the new tank bag connection system. I like the sound of the bike. It goes on the center stand easily. And so forth.

So, it is all in what you appreciate or value. Balance it all out and pick your machine. Like me, tomorrow it may be a different choice.

[ben1364]

I would like to weigh in with my impressions of the R12RT. I just purchased a 2005 in FL and rode it home to Georgetown, TX over the weekend. What an amazing bike it is! I had a '97 R1100RT and had no complaints with it. I haven't ridden a BMW for about 4 years and the new R12RT felt like an old friend that has been exercising and has lost weight! The ergonomics were as remembered, some like the BMW unique <g> turn signal switches and some don't. I don't place much stock in appearance.

The hex head engine and the new tranny are welcome changes. This is the first BMW that I have ridden with a tranny that doesn't "clunk" and the engine is about as smooth as I think possible with such big jugs. Surprisingly to me, the seat is reasonably comfortable. I think I will be able to wait until winter to have Russell or Rick M customize it during the slow season. The only thing I don't like at this point is the goofy oil level sensor! It's a good idea that needs work like lots of German electronic gizmos.

[WestWind]

The ST1300 was my dream bike - love the looks and all the test reports were great. I finally had the chance to ride one for a day. The heat coming off the bike really bothered me. On my day ride I stopped at a BMW dealer and went for a good test ride on a R1200RT. That did it for me, I ordered the RT. I found it to be more comfortable and a much better 'fit' for me. There was no bothersome heat, power was fine, brakes were great, suspension was the best I have used, and the whole package just seemed to be a natural fit - the ergonomics are perfect for me.

[RevJerry]

Last year at the BMW rally at Lima Ohio, I rode an R1200RT and K1200LT, and didn't particularly care for the style of the R1200RT, but thought the transmission was real nice. The cruise control was a real plus to me, as was the ESA. However, the handling was "touchy", and it tended to wander and I felt it difficult to ride it in a straight line for some reason. Wind blew it around badly, and with the large top case, it was miserable to ride in the wind. And it sat too high to suit me, even with the seat down, like I was "on" it instead of "in" it. It has more power than my 04 R1150RT, but wasn't any smoother. Frankly, I was glad to get off of it. Guess I could "get used to it", but I'd rather own a bike I don't have to conform to. My R1150RT seems well-rounded overall. I'm on my 3rd RT, 97, 02, 04. I like being able to quickly remove the top case and bags for cleaning, and sport riding if I want. And, the wind doesn't blow my 04 around that I notice at all. However, I was WELL pleased with the K1200LT. I felt like it conformed to me, instead of vice-versa. Loved the handling, cruise control, smoothness, power, and it fit me real good. Only gripes are not much room in the right bag with the CD, and all the extra weight, as I usually ride solo (and I only weigh 145#). Like some others, I'd likely opt to remove the top case. I've owned 3 Goldwings, the last 2 were 1500's. If I was starting over with no bike, I'd probably choose the K1200LT, 05 or up. I rode one each year from 99 and wouldn't have traded even up for my RT. But in 05 they really got it right. On Haven't rode the 06 yet.

[Stanyo]

Aside from the hesitation, clunky transmission, buzzy engine, bad 6th gear spacing and extremely grabby rear brake, the RT1150RT was a great bike. The dealers told me "Oh they fixed all that in the new, $18,000 R1200RT"
Had the RT1150 for six months, sold it and found a nice used 12000LT and life is good again.

[rglassma]

The solution is easy !!! I love the LT and wouldn't hesitate buying another. It is the best motorcycle that I have ever owned. At 5'9" if you are having problems with the height, get the lower seat. I did, the problem is over.

It doesn't have the same off the line performance as many other bikes, but it is everything I need. I love to ride it.

I'll be going to Solvang, CA from Denver in a week. I just can't wait !!!!

I would just buy another LT. Anything from '03 up...

[zgmpl]

you must tray the new k1200 gt end ufter the ride you will bay a new k1200 lt its 100%

[mdrose]

Kids, the writes ups are all interesting, and after reading most of them, I wanted to add my recent experience.

This past Saturday my dealer, Grand Rapids BMW had their first of the seasons open house’s, you know free watered down lemon flavored something, sloppy-Joes & chips, round up.

This was to be the weekend for the R1200GS, but I went to check out the RT. I've been riding a 01 LT for a few years now, and frankly it's amazing the fun you can have on an 850lb bike, grinding down the center stand with two up around corners is a rush, but in town driving is a real burden at this weight. I though the RT's additional 20+ hp and light weight would be something to get excited about.

The unit I tested (was 05 I think, ) didn't have the ESA controls, but that wasn't my focus, I wanted to get the feel for the getty up and go, the shifting, the braking, and turbulence on my helmet and one more thing, the lack of 2 cylinders as compared to my LT.

Braking was better than my LT, (less to weight to stop would be the most likely reason), acceleration was impressive, but what the hell is the vibration in the handle bars? No matter what the RPM was, the vibration was enough to numb my hands in the 10 mins I was on the test ride. The vibration was only in the handle bars, not the foot pegs or seat. When I got back to the dealer, the sales guy asked what I thought; my response: as soon as you can locate those two missing cylinders I'll buy it.

Could this engine vibration be normal, I don't recall reading about engine vibration in any of the RT write ups. Perhaps my test subject was not up to par, I'm sure someone in the group will set me straight on this vibration thing.

Turbulence: the turbulence on my helmet was enough I would have to swap he windshield for an aftermarket ASAP. Now that’s enough negative crap.

The positives: I'm 6.3 and weight 245lbs, the seat was comfortable and my long legs fit into the tank contours as if it was made for me. It was easy to balance at low speed, weaving through the parking lot trying to get out the main road. Upon getting the Green Light I nailed it, and just like my LT, I was in second gear and already doing 50 in a 35mph zone.
The road was terrible, but the ride was comfortable, then the there was the highway. Once I entered the ramp, I punched it, and before I reached the end of the ramp I was doing 90, what am I going to do those other 2 gears, O ya save gas. Any way the handling was easy, but then I've been riding the 850lb LT for a while now, everything else is a mini bike.

I almost forgot about the shifting, it was better than my LT.

I guess I’ll have to wait for the GT or even the next generation LT to get that smooth running 550lb wonder on two wheels.

Ok, that’s it I said my peace, let me have it.

[maglawe]

I bought my 01 icon new and cashed in on the .9 financing. I have 2 payments left and I've been thinking hummmm perhaps a boxer is in my future. Reading the comments here makes me think I may be better off staying with what I have. Last year I moved from the city (northwest suburbs of Chicago) out to cow town. I'm about 20 seconds from some of the nice country roads I've always enjoyed riding on. Since I'm not in the city much, I don't have to deal with much low speed handling scenarios, but to tell you the truth, the more I've ridden the LT the less problems I've had with low speed handling.
The main reason I actually posted my comments was to reply to the clunky shifting on the LT. I typically shift gears at about 3800 to 4000 rpm and find the transmission shifts like silk.

My $0.02 worth
Mark

[BuffaloBSA]

After reading all the different positions regarding the RT, and looking at them in the past, I had to find out once and for all the truth. Since I'm in the market for a bike since a recent wreck, I took the opportunity to compare.

First the RT:
I didn't find the vibration most have commented about an issue with the bike, frankly, except at anything other than low RPM stop sign starts, I couldn't tell much difference between the RT and my LT. The wind protection was a noticeable difference between the two with the LT being much quieter both wind noise and turbulence. (I'm 5'11" about 170lb) THe unit I was riding didn't have ESA, but for $900 I can twist a knob. The brakes were typical BMW, but the loss of 200 lbs of weight was evident both in stopping and acceleration. The RT was quicker in both departments than the 06 LT I rode as a comparison . . I don't think the mirrors had a clear a view on the RT as the LT, and I felt as if I was being pulled farther forward in riding position than the LT as well. I rode the 06 LT after the RT and I noticed during the RT ride that I felt as if I was perched on top of the bike but when I got on the LT I flet more a part of or "in" the bike. As for the 06LT-vs- my 03LT, it felt like a long lost friend, kinda fat and lethargic after the quick reactions of the RT, but SMOOTH and QUIET. It moved with a flowing motion in every manner. HOWEVER...I tried to 'crawl' on both bikes and even though it was my first ride (less then 10 miles) on an RT, I was able to ride comfortably slower than you normally walk. The LT on the other hand while manageable ,, became a hand full (as usual) at these kinds of very slow speeds.

In the final assessment, I'm as confused now as before, I like aspects of both as well as each needs improvements in some areas. I'd love to get an RT for a good 200 mile ride but thats wishful thinking.

Just my view

[ben1364]

BuffaloBSA wrote in conclusion of a thoughtful test ride report, "...<snip>... "In the final assessment, I'm as confused now as before, I like aspects of both as well as each needs improvements in some areas. I'd love to get an RT for a good 200 mile ride but thats wishful thinking."

To sum it up another way, both are excellent motorcycles, though different in ways bot good and not so good. Ain't it great that we have choices?

[tazz56]

I'm driving myself nuts trying to decide between RT or LT. The dealer only has an RT to try and it will be 2 weeks before an LT will arrive. As soon as I "think" I've made up my mind, I see the advantages of the other model. AHHHHHH!
Jeff

[GJH]

When I was looking for a new bike in March 2005, I test rode the K1200GT and the R1200RT and found I didn't really like either. The riding position on the GT was wrong for my shape (short and fat!) and the RT just didn't feel planted on the road. It seemed twitchy and unstable.

I then tested the K1200LT at the suggestion of the salesman and bought a brand new one without any hesitation as it was the most comfortable bike I have ever ridden in 25 years on 2 wheels. I have previously owned BMW air-cooled twins (R100RS/R80RT) and a variety of Japanese bikes and the LT is just fantastic and the only bike that has never caused me anyb riding discomfort.

Earlier this week, the LT was in the dealers for servicing and they lent me a 1200RT for the day. Due to a problem the dealer ended up having to keep the LT overnight and so I was able to spend some time on Monday evening on the RT. I took the wife out on it and her comment when we got back was that it felt like being on a 'real' bike again. She finds the LT comfortable but maybe too comfortable and smooth.

I found that despite not being as familiar with the RT, I was riding it harder and treating it more like a sports bike. When I got back on the LT the next day, it felt huge but so smooth after the twin. A quick comparison of riding speeds showed that I was riding the LT at much the same speeds but it just felt slower on the LT.

I think she now wants me to get something like a 1200GS for fun, keeping the LT for long-haul work and holidays.

Gordon
K1200LTSE