Welcome - Show your scoots...

[amarider]

Welcome to the new R1200RT forum, with all the new options available on the New RT such as ESA, BC, cruise and the new stereo system the RT has become BMW's latest Luxury Sports Tourer.
As you can see by all the R1200RT posts transfered here, this forum has a great head start. If you have a question about the new RT or have the knowledge to anwser a few this is the place.
What does your R1200RT look like? - Give an intro and post a picture of your ride. Again Welcome - Enjoy the Ride :D

[jeffdean]

In Wisconsin:

http://bmwdean.home.att.net/12rt-big.jpg

In Arizona:

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

So, John, let's see your R1200RT!

[amarider]

No R1200RT,
Just my twins............... Uh there not Identical. ;)

Grand Tetons
http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2474&stc=1

AT Rick Mayers with some fresh Leather.
http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2476&stc=1

[lawnchairboy]

my scoot

[dyvking]

Give an intro and post a picture of your ride. Again Welcome - Enjoy the Ride :D
Hey. Walt here, from Santa Maria. Traded the LT last October for the RT. I lost a buncha weight (90 lbs now, Raffy!) and was beginning to resent the effort required to lift the Light Truck up on the center stand. I'm really liking the RT with its 200+ lbs lighter weight, more HP, quicker response, ESA, trip computer. Here it is in Death Valley last November:
http://homepage.mac.com/wbunning/.Pictures/dvtrip/bikeatartists.jpg

[Pneff]

Some pictures of my new 2005 RT. Love it. Miss the LT, but like this bike better.

[BeemerDude]

Just traded 02 LT for new 06 RT. Both are great bikes...A lot happier than expected.

[Mdcruiser]

R1200RT with every option except the radio (but has the radio prep kit), picked up in a fly and ride out west. Here shown in the picturesque village of Solvang, California. Back home now, and loving this bike.

[quaintance]

sort of new, now.. my '05 RT

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f219/quaintance/bmw1.jpg

[Rolling]

CW, Chicago

[ksolomon]

Here is my new ride -

[gkgeiger]

Here's my Rt just back from VT rally. Had a great time. Rode to the top of Mt Mansfield & Mt Washington NH. Rode most of the day Sat in the rain. Slept in tent Sat night in the rain, and packed to leave sun morn in the rain. She's 13 mths old and 23k miles. Best bike I've ever owned.


http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y173/gkgeiger/bike001Small.jpg

[ADulay]

GKGeiger,

OK, you win the battle of "Beast of Burden" for this month. The tank bag is in the house getting "filled" with something I'm sure.

http://home.comcast.net/~adulay/images/062906.jpg

AD

[drodg]

My vstream equipped R1200Rt

[gettysburg]

Pics taken during 5500 mile trip to Yellowstone & Glacier National Park. Sencond pic taken after riding through muddy east entrance to Yellowstone.

[Frisky]

Hi Guys, just found this site after getting an RT. I had two 1150GS's and a R1100S before the RT. Love the RT
Roll on the Summer.
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e240/Frisky1150/IMG_6211_edited-2.jpg

My RT at Jedburgh in the Scottish Borders

[volfan615]

My 12RT shortly after delivery.

http://seaya.com/beemer/r1200rt.jpg

[akordon]

My Gertrude (1200RT) has her own fan club. I guess I need to by two more this Christmas.

[Jaato1Finland]

A Finnish R 1200 RT 2005

[Christoffel]

http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/newreply.php?do=newreply&noquote=1&p=44998#
Smile
From Capetown South -Africa - trying to get a pic of my bike on.....?
Help please guys

[8Ball]

Here's mine at delivery!!! :D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/mitch1234/BMchezMotoInter.jpg

[gr8ridn]

This is a photo of my 2006 RT on a ride to Alaska last summer. The bike now has 15000 enjoyable miles.

Teslin Lake, YK :)

[ADulay]

This is a photo of my 2006 RT on a ride to Alaska last summer. The bike now has 15000 enjoyable miles.
Can I assume that the antenna was a local installation?

AD

[gr8ridn]

It's a home made bracket. It has worked out with and without the trunk.

[Pneff]

My current bike. Best BMW I've ever owned.

[Gizmo]

A pic of my 2007 RT on Bald Mountain Pass, Utah. Still breaking it in, and waiting to take delivery on accessories. :D

[Geraldh]

Hello all. can't remember how I stumbled across this site but it does look very interesting. here's my 2005 RThttp://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o308/Ritz65/122-2274_IMG-1.jpg

[Rocket_Cowboy]

Here's mine a couple weeks ago...

http://RocketCowboy.smugmug.com/photos/156554731-M.jpg

[xharleyrider]

Currently riding an 04 Rt but picking this one up next month. Will fly from Sacramento to Minnestota and ride home through Canada(GLacier and Banff) as well as Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Kamloops Wa,Ore, and Ca. Can hardly wait for my

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k73/Stinger15_photos/redrt.jpg trip of a lifetime.

[fas]

Currently riding an 04 Rt but picking this one up next month. Will fly from Sacramento to Minnestota and ride home through Canada(GLacier and Banff) as well as Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Kamloops Wa,Ore, and Ca. Can hardly wait for my

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k73/Stinger15_photos/redrt.jpg trip of a lifetime.

Love the red. I'm thinking about painting my GT red...to match SO's new helmet and the red accent in her Rev'It! jacket....

Too bad your bike only has 2 cylinders....:rotf:

[madejasmile]

Had a ghost sighting at work today!

[DaveRT]

:bmw: Hello to all.

[BlueScoot]

New Blue RT and the RT with the Heritage.

[Georgewk]

My wife and I are both IBA members, she as a passenger. We now have two Harleys, Ultra and Softail. We moved to the Harleys from a Goldwing. We are now about to make our next move to the RT and appreciate the forums help in getting to this decision. Any advice is appreciated. George

[fas]

My wife and I are both IBA members, she as a passenger. We now have two Harleys, Ultra and Softail. We moved to the Harleys from a Goldwing. We are now about to make our next move to the RT and appreciate the forums help in getting to this decision. Any advice is appreciated. George


Welcome George! Congrats on moving to the BMW. My pal is the Chief Chassis Engineer for HD and he recommended I stay with BMW. He knows how I ride. They do lots of comparisons and he knows I need BIG BRAKES, ABS, and a motor that can manage abuse! The HD life style is great fun and maybe when I hit 80 I'll slow down and buy a HD. 'till then, I'm sticking with the GT or whatever they come up with next. My brother in law has an RT and he loves it. He has maybe 20,000 miles on it. I prefer the GT. You will love this site. Lots of great people.

[rf253]

Hi all another newbie to this great site. I don't have the newer 1200 but have a 90 K100RT which I got back in 2003. It had 182,000klms then but has just clicked over the 245,000 mark and still going strong. It does have a few additional extras which basically are the same as the LT and I have added a few also since I purchased it. Some gold chromework, stereo, driving lights, autocom, GPS, UHF/AM CB, heated grips, Towbar.
Anyway here is my pride and joy
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y156/the_mule/Trailer%20and%20Bike%20Mods/mybike1.jpg

I even built a trailer to make a matching outfit for when we go to the Ulysses AGM's held across the country here annually.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y156/the_mule/Trailer%20and%20Bike%20Mods/readytotravel.jpg

and finally. This one of a spectacularly presented R1200RT that was at the Ulysses AGM in Tasmania last year. I think the pic says it all.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y156/the_mule/Ulysses%20Stuff/2006%20AGM/bmw1.jpg

[Bails]

This is My Ride to be.

[Georgewk]

Hey Ross, nice set up with your BMW. What seat do you have on it? Is that the seat that you have sat on for all those Ks? Thanks, George

[Axiom2000]

Here it is all back in one piece

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj168/Axiom2000/WhiteR1200RT005.jpg

[dslbrnr]

I had an early build 05 R1200RT and had a couple of issues. The front brake rotors warped twice and the windscreen would bounce around at all speeds. I was annoyed with BMW customer service and sold the bike.

I currently have a Honda St1300 with no problems 19,000 Mi. I due miss the Beemer though, because of great handling, heated seat and grips and cruise control. I will be purchasing another Beemer in the future, but would like to know if these issues were recalled and fixed on the later model Rt's?

[Bails]

Sat on this at the Sydney Motor Show. Should have it in the Garage tomorrow.

[fas]

Sat on this at the Sydney Motor Show. Should have it in the Garage tomorrow.


Great looking ride....like the color....too bad about the ancient rider....;)

[yngvis]

Sat on this at the Sydney Motor Show. Should have it in the Garage tomorrow.

This colour is great! I'm on my way to order one today, delivered as snow eases in late march.

[Bails]

Just checked my new bike at the dealers. Comes with iPod wiring, chrome exhaust and all the other Australian SE features. Hope to pick it up Saturday morning and start the break in period. Have a long tour planned, I just need to buy a mount for the GPS and I'm set.

[Philmor]

Just checked my new bike at the dealers. Comes with iPod wiring, chrome exhaust and all the other Australian SE features. Hope to pick it up Saturday morning and start the break in period. Have a long tour planned, I just need to buy a mount for the GPS and I'm set.


Bails
How is that new R1200RT going?

What GPS do you have?

Philmor
Vic Aus

[Bails]

I purchased the Nuvi 760, not a bike GPS but the best going for the RT as far as I'm concerned. The Nuvi has MP3 Player, Fm transmitter, track logs, programmable routes using Mapsource and so on.
The bike I like a lot, find I get a sore Arse, but hope that will wear in. I have 2000 klms so far, off for first service on Tuesday. I am then doing a 4,000 k ride down to Tassie and back.
What I really like is the sports bike handling ! Wow this bike just handles so well for the weight and size, I don't think I'm any slower than on my Buell in the corners, and I'm not used to the bike yet. It is slower out of corners dues to the weight, and is not as agile , but this does not take much away from the ride. I 'm pleased I didn't go with my first choice the K1200GT, as I just don't think the handling side of the ride would have ben as enjoyable as the RT is.

[RTTommy]

Tried to post a reply with a pic (700k)...kept saying:
This problem can be caused by a variety of issues, including:

Internet connectivity has been lost.
The website is temporarily unavailable.
The Domain Name Server (DNS) is not reachable.
The Domain Name Server (DNS) does not have a listing for the website's domain.
If this is an HTTPS (secure) address, click tools, click Internet Options, click Advanced, and check to be sure the SSL and TLS protocols are enabled under the security section.

[Bails]

I thought I could include a photo of my Nuvi 760 in operation. THis GPS works very well with the RT .http://www.bmwlt.com/gallery/files/1/6/8/3/1/TassieTrip_nuvi.jpg

[amarider]

Tried to post a reply with a pic (700k)...kept saying:
This problem can be caused by a variety of issues, including:

Internet connectivity has been lost.
The website is temporarily unavailable.
The Domain Name Server (DNS) is not reachable.
The Domain Name Server (DNS) does not have a listing for the website's domain.
If this is an HTTPS (secure) address, click tools, click Internet Options, click Advanced, and check to be sure the SSL and TLS protocols are enabled under the security section.


Downsize the picture to about half of that.

[yngvis]

I thought I could include a photo of my Nuvi 760 in operation. THis GPS works very well with the RT .

I checked out the Nuvi 760 after reading your comment about it an earlier post and I like it a lot. If I decide to buy it I plan to slide it under the clear map cover of the tank bag and run a lead through the bottom of the tank bag for power. Hopefully a good enough position for viewing, and if I park and go for a walk I picture taking the tank bag off and lock it in one of the cases or carry it with me anyway.
Your position on the windshield looks good, but what do you do when it starts to pour? I know it seldom rains in Wollongong, :sun: but still?

[Bails]

I checked out the Nuvi 760 after reading your comment about it an earlier post and I like it a lot. If I decide to buy it I plan to slide it under the clear map cover of the tank bag and run a lead through the bottom of the tank bag for power. Hopefully a good enough position for viewing, and if I park and go for a walk I picture taking the tank bag off and lock it in one of the cases or carry it with me anyway.
Your position on the windshield looks good, but what do you do when it starts to pour? I know it seldom rains in Wollongong, :sun: but still?

I tried the tank bag position but the visibility was poor, and I have to look down, not good for safety. Rain is not an issue, the screen keeps the weather out, the Nuvi is under the screen, but if the weather was to get to a point that I thought it might get wet then I probably wouldn't ride. I used the suction mount, but when the Ram cases come out for the Nuvi I will change, the roads were very rough and the Nuvi did not come off. One thing I did was apply tape over the mount, the one time the Nuvi came off was when the screen bounced and caused the unlock mechanism to hit the dash.For me the ability to listen to music, have the instructions over the music player , all through the FM transmitter was great. I used the Mapsource programme to pre plan the trip and stored each day as a route, very good. I think the Nuvi is a better deal than the Zumo at twice the price and half the screen area.

[hopz]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2008/2233620988_9b0df31679_m.jpg

Which one Today?

[OU812]

Some of my attempts to make the R1150R into an RT, and My LT.
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s295/ou812_o6/BMW2002005.jpg
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s295/ou812_o6/Nice003.jpg
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s295/ou812_o6/LT1002.jpg

[bdspler]

Here's my pony !

[soter3gm]

This is mine RT
http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/2563/rtevoia1em0.jpg
By keihin32 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/keihin32) at 2008-02-13
http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/5117/2676xlllogopljh2.jpg
By keihin32 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/keihin32) at 2008-02-10

[jeffdean]

http://home.att.net/~jeff.dean/tucson-blue-1000.jpg

[ukrt]

3 weeks old and 2000 miles and going strong.

[DonD]

I've had the bike three months, but still enjoy this photo of it with the SOLD sign on it outside the dealership before I'd ever seen it.

[lordjim]

it certainly suits you good luck in your endearuor to purchase the beauty and beast

[OU812]

The new RT is sweet. Really one of my favorite looking BMW's now. ;) :)

[bdspler]

Here it is all back in one piece

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj168/Axiom2000/WhiteR1200RT005.jpg
THAT is the best lookin bike I have ever seen!
does she have a sister?
bd

[MValspeed]

Newbie with the RT. What a magnificent ride! Loved my F650 GS, but this is smooth - like butter.
Just got it about two weeks ago, and I've been riding it every chance I get.

[R1xxxRT]

Well, after being three years without a Beemer I'm almost back in the saddle again. I purchased this nice 2005 R1200RT up from the original owner just a week ago. I'll be picking it up in a week or so.

[350ZTRACK]

I just found out about this site, from the local BMW dealer. I have a 2002
R1150RT.

[Axiom2000]

[IMG]http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj168/Axiom2000/WhiteyR1200RT002.jpg

Nope no sister, just some friends. Here she is after a lot of wet sanding buffing and the pinstripping added.

[BimmerMike]

New member here - trading in my Rocket for a R1200RT, simply fancy something a little (read "a lot") more usable for fun days out with the lads but right for gentle touring with the better half. Have bought a steath backrest from Pirates Lair cos I intend to use my "wardrobe" highway bag for touring due to its functionality and capacity, the backrest looks very comfortable and well engineered (expensive with fed ex postage to UK and no doubt a hammering from customs - but great service from Jerry)
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q231/trumpet1200/RTstealth360B.jpg
and I dont really want a top box (trunk). Picking the bike up next week and can't wait.
First mod will be to fit a marine stereo with RDS radio, wired remote and aux input to play the Garmin through (tunes and sat nav).
However, any advice on harnesses for the radio connection and the garmin connection would be most welcome as I want to keep it tidy and not just run the garmin or radio to the battery.
Cheers
Mike.

[rf253]

Hi Georgewk

Sorry havent replied sooner but had to move house in Nov and after being offline for 3 months and HD crash and getting a new service provider locating all my old favourites and setting them up again. Anyway in answer to your previous query the seat is as far as I know the BMW comfort seat and it is exactly that very comfortable http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/images/icons/icon14.gif

[Hansi]

Hei

What`s happened in 38 years.

[fas]

Hei

What`s happened in 38 years.

Excellent first post! Welcome.

[messenger13]

Excellent first post! Welcome.I second that! Welcome to the site. :)

[OHRider]

BMW RA Rally 2007

[yngvis]

.

Finally my 08 RT has arrived! :bike:



http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=17804&stc=1



http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=17805&stc=1



But maybe I rather go skiing today... :crybaby:


.

[yngvis]

In case my pics from yesterday dosen't load on your computer (they failed to load on my pc at work for some reason) I upload them once again as thumbnails today....

[fas]

In case my pics from yesterday dosen't load on your computer (they failed to load on my pc at work for some reason) I upload them once again as thumbnails today....

At least buy a cover for the poor thing you cheapskate!

[yngvis]

At least buy a cover for the poor thing you cheapskate!

Well, I can afford one (the bike cost me the eqv. of: US 52000,-) and actually I have one hanging next to the bike just outside the picture.
The reason I left it off is because the rubbing of the cover against my new bike will harm more than plain snow...

Anyway, sun is shining again today, off to get licence plates :cool:

[unleashd]

My '04 RT, bought with 29.5K miles about amonth ago.

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e176/trkprakash/avatar/RT3.jpg

[MValspeed]

Here's my RT '07. I absolutely enjoy riding this machine every chance I get - that's everyday on my commute! Got it in March '08, and just turned 3k on it. Haven't given a name to the machina...but I've been thinking calling her...Bella. :D

The other picture is my older trusty F650GS...and I do miss Bucky. :(

I'm just damn lucky to enjoy my other two 4-wheeled Bimmers. :bmw:

[Lopaca]

On the way to Torrey, Utah - May 2008

[atps1234]

Here's the brand new member of our family... PS I absolutely LOVE this bike - hands down the best motorcycle of any brand (and there have been a few) I have EVER owned. Traded in my LT and never once looked back. So far have added a Givi E52 top case with Admore Lighting LED kit, fuse panel and a BMR shelf (excellent build quality and design) to hold my GPS and sat radio. Only complaints are the FM reception (since it's the same radio as I loved in my LT, must be the antenna) which is really poor, and the volume of the aux input which even with my iPod cranked and bass boost on, at the highest input sensitivity is still lower in volume than the radio. But these are mere nits - this bike ROCKS!!!
OB

[Orpheus]

Hi Everyone,

Mine's a Sand Beige as well. Mounted the Garmin low due to multi-focals.
http://www.bmwlt.com/gallery/files/1/9/3/6/1/P1010576.JPG

Carl
2008 R1200RT

[OU812]

Well the shoulder can't do my LT so I sold it. :( But I got a 2000 R1100RT with lots-O-miles. Took it for a 5 day easy ride. Only 1k miles but I am very impressed with the ride and the seat is the best I have ever had out of 16+ road bikes. She needs a bath.
http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk158/rickj12/gps/bike/IMG_2043.jpg
http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk158/rickj12/gps/bike/IMG_2041.jpg
http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk158/rickj12/gps/bike/IMG_2056.jpg

[atps1234]

Here's a few more recent ones... I think the farkleization has been lowered to the 5%/monitor level... :-)

[Orpheus]

Bob,

How do you find the Givi? What do they add to the rack for attaching & is it quick & easy to put on & off? I find the beemer options too big or too small so I'm looking at the Givi range.

[atps1234]

I love it. The E52 I have is actually 52L but feels much smaller. It's streamlined and very aerodynamic. Givi has a rack that attaches to the factory RT/GT rack, you basically leave it on and you can pop the top case on and off very easily. I leave mine on all the time as I use the bike for everything (commuting, shopping etc.).

Another thing I really love about the Givi cases is that a company named Admore Lighting makes LED lighting kits for all of their cases. Givi offers incandescent light kits but they are not as bright, and the Admore Lighting kit adds turn signals as well as brake lights.

I added the Admore Lighting LED kit to my Givi E52 and I absolutely love it. I purchased the Givi interior liner which hides the wires. A quick disconnect plug carries the brake/LED signals from the bike. Great system.

Note: using the Givi top case you have a separate key. No problem for me.

OB

[JRESURF]

Pictures of my New 2008 R1200RT purchased 08/22/2008 - delivered 08/27/2008:
http://members.cox.net/jedryan/

Very excitied about my new ride....
Thanks,
Jed

[Dick]

Pictures of my New 2008 R1200RT purchased 08/22/2008 - delivered 08/27/2008:
http://members.cox.net/jedryan/

Very excitied about my new ride....
Thanks,
Jed
Hey, Jed - nice pics of a really nice scoot. Love those pictures of your new style riding boots, too!!! :p ;)

Ride safe, Jed. That really is a sweet looking ride. I think that grin is gonna git bigger in a bit!!! Enjoy.

[JRESURF]

Thanks! Yeah the dealership was trying to find the size 13 all around boots to fit my 14/15 size foot.. LOL I ended up finding a pair and all is good!
Jed

[Stixx]

Greetings, fairly new newbee , both to beemers and this great forum. Before plunking down major dough for a new one I bought a clean old RXXR and rode it hard for six thousand miles and decided beemers were the best "one" bike for me since it does almost everything I would want to do on two wheels for now. That said, I decided this week it was time to rob the piggy bank and pull the trigger on a new one thereby not having to deal with major repairs for at least the first 36 k miles. As it turns out they had a not so loaded sand color one that made me change my mind from bagging and accessorizing another R model and just go ahead on up to the RT. It was really almost the same money difference for as we all know Accessories , bags etc, ain't cheap and ABS is 1100 on an R and standard on the RT so the resale being for now higher on comp for RT's vs R's I decided this was the better decision for me personally. So.............

He come da sandstorm and after riding it the second day for over five hundred miles picking great two lane blacktop for the break in , I have only one word............. Wow.

"Everything I loved about the R is refined on the much newere RT and the only thing I'll miss of the R was the less heat transfer to the cockpit , although likely in another week or two as temps drop down again I wont miss that either.

Thanks guys for a great forum, I hope to visit some times when I can find the time.

All the best ,

Stixx.

Here's an early shot my friend took of it and I guess my new avitar. LOL :bmw:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Stixx/Just%20Photos/P8200105.jpg

[Harleyujoe]

Well I put the side Bags on for picture..
Wife and I are still looking for that seat for comfort.
So this year is a fly and ride thur Harley to Colorado & Utah.
Hopefully next year with EWS and ABS problem it is now
a dependable bike ..
Have my fingers crossed..
I love the bike other than seating and the way it looks
and handles..Joe in NJ

[Slgomes]

My 2006 Rt with some new gadgets...

http://bmwr1200rt.blogspot.com/

Sergio

[DGillespie]

Just picked up my RT about 4 weeks ago. I have owned Hondas, Yamahas, Kawasakis and currently have 3 Harleys. I can't pass up a chance to ride the RT. At first I thought it was the newness, but now it's just the love of the ride. I bought it because I wanted something "different". All my rides felt the same even though they looked different. The RT isn't just a different ride, it has become a relationship. I travel all week long and I can't wait to get home. My wife is getting jealous as are the Harleys. I picked up an '06 with top box and AM/FM CD in Orlando. It was really well cared for.

I am new to this forum and in too big a hurry to figure out the "insert picture" thing

[skyking96w]

Two scoots -- my RT and my C:

[Mag]

Another newbie, just picked up my first bike ever and decided to go the right way with an 08 R1200RT and haven't regreted it. The first week I put 1500 miles on it and the guys at the dealer were shocked when I had it back after 7 days for the first service.

I wished I would have done this long ago. I'm just having a blast. Anyone out here in Michigan who's looking for someone to ride with?

[ogorsteph]

Hi,
I have only recently joined the group - thought I would post a couple of pics of my R1200RT in some natural habitats - hope they upload.
Stevo

[rtfalcon]

The 2007 RT Falcon on it's first trip in April of this year. Now, many trips and accessories later, this bike is awesome.

http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=19836&stc=1

[harleydog]

Hey all those are some fine looking machines....

I have only had my RT for a short time now but I am loving it.
I started the summer with a new 09 LT but decided it was not for me, so I took it back for the RT. I could not be happier, the LT was a great bike but I think I will enjoy one a bit later in life when I have time to use it properly.

I'll show it first. here it sitting next to my 1983 CB1100F.

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l8/barkleydog1/new/001-1.jpg

This is the RT I had some very subtle blue pin stripes painted on. I am not sure they will stay though, we will see. The painter said he can remove them anytime. I also was humoring some of my younger friends by adding the blue LED's in and around the bike. Furtunatly I added the off on switch so they are only used with caution...LOL...

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l8/barkleydog1/ok051.jpg

This is a little Zong Chen 250 cc I bought this summer as well. It was really inexspensive and alot of fun to ride. Quality seem great for the price, but the wifey would not even try it so it had to go...

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l8/barkleydog1/250021.jpg

[skyking96w]

Harleydog -- I like the pinstripes on your RT--nicely done, and not too much. Pinstripes on the tank have always been a tradition for BMW, and I am sorry they got away from it on so many models.

As for that Chinese bike, that's another brand I have not seen before. I think they must have turned all of those backyard iron smelters from the "great leap forward" into motorcycle factories, LOL!

[Mag]

Harleydog, I have thought that maybe the LT would have been a better choice. I love my RT, but it looks like the LT is just a nice "Couch on Wheels" for those long trips. What didn't you like about the LT that made you take it back?

[harleydog]

Mag
Well I do not want to criticise anyone's choice of motorcycle but the LT was, first of all the wrong bike for my situation. I have been riding Harley's for longer than I care to remember. The last was a 2003 FLHRSEI2 a screaming eagle road king. I do business with Chicago HD and they own Chicago BMW located just next door. I had been stopping in for years just keeping up with what BMW was doing. From the first time I saw the LT I thought it was the best looking bike ever made. Fast forward to this spring and I don't know what happened but I decided to go a different route as far as biking was concerned Made some phone calls on Thursday and picked up the LT on Friday. I had never ridden one.
I really like the nice smooth motor, plenty of power, although the torque curve proved difficult to get used to after the RK, that had 105ft/lb at a much lower RPM. Still acceptable though. Highway cruising has to be the Lt's strongest suit. The stereo sound was terrific, even dealing with the skipping of the CD on occasion, I enjoyed the music. The power assisted brakes with ABS provided outstanding stopping power, smooth and predictable stopping. I did not like the total integration of the front to back systems. This small detail was a big deal to me. May not be to all but for some reason I had issues with it. I might add that I am no fan of ABS at all. But I am getting used to it on the RT. I guess
I am just old and stuck in my ways.
And of course everyone should know what the next gripe is. Top Heavy, I ride to work most days and living in the city of Chicago, downtown, I will find myself using many of the alley ways as my garage is in the middle of the block and my alley has T intersections at both ends. This coupled with the unique front suspension that does not Dip or dive when breaking, made a surprise car or pedestrian appearing around a blind corner quite a challenge when startled braking was applied. Never dropped her but came very close a couple of times
I also did not like the fact that I could not see the motor, I know I said I thought the bike was the best looking ever, so this one doe not make a lot of sense, but it did bug me. I also was really annoyed by all the rattles and creaking of the Tupperware. It prolly could have been worked out over time, but a pain nonetheless. I did apply some velcro here and there as well as asking the dealer to help at the 600 service but to no avail though.
So basically I think it was a fantastic motorcycle with some minor annoyances that I could have learned to live with but chose not to at this time. I will have another LT at some point surly when I retire and can enjoy what the bike was built for. I am really anxious to see the next generation, what ever they call it, because I am sure that I am not the only person with these concerns. Hopefully that will be the perfect bike if say the difference from the 04 RT to the 05 RT, comparison could be made for the LT, Lighter , more power, lower CG, better braking system, better slow speed handling, etc.
Have Said how much I love that RT? Being new to BMW has made for one very enjoyable summer for this old man and Icannot wait to have as many BMW motorcycles as possible. Well that can only happen if I win the lottery... Better go buy a ticket...

David
.

[Mag]

Harleydog,
Thanks for the reply, I thought I was going to go with HD but fell for the RT. Being this is my first motorcycle ever I can't compare it to anything else. I did ride a buddy's Ultra Classic and wasn't impressed at the time. But (there's always a but in everything) once I get my second home sold in northern Michigan, I will buy a Street Glide to so I can have a HD.

As far as the RT, I love it, it's sporty, comfortable for the long rides, and doesn't rattl me to death. Thanks for the input

[harleydog]

Any Time...

The Road Glide is in my opinion the best HD made. Great choice and ride the heck outta that RT....

David

[GSinNC]

harleydog - I did the LT thing first as well. My first BMW was a '97 RT and while it was a great bike is was just not a fit for me. So I traded it for a new '02 R1150GS that I love and may never sell! But my 2nd bike was a Valkyrie and while a wonderful bike it had a few nits that I could not get past and I always wanted a LT. So I sold the Valk and bought a beautiful '05 K1200LT. The LT was a wonderful motorcycle but the '05 changes resulted in a bike that was not a good fit for someone 6'3' ... at least it was not for me. I did love the motorcycle though ... lots of power at 116 HP it could run at 90 MPH and pass anyone without a wimper. The sound system was great and the luggage with top box was awesome. The power center stand was also something I loved. Never found it to be top heavy but again at 6'3" that was never an issue. But it just did not seem like the bike for me and it really needed to be run on long expanses of interstate and backroads. I did think the LT handled really well for a big bike and I could slink through any parking lot without issue and keep up with my buddy on his 1800 Wing on the mountain roads. So I sold the LT and was not sure what next. I really wanted to stick with BMW as I love the BMW dealer service and experience. So I began to look into the R1200RT. I found a pristine sample loaded up with only 8000 miles on it. So off to FL to pick it up. While I thought I woudl like the Rt I never thought I love it as much as I do. BMW has taken the old RT that was a great bike and made it nearly perfect! Man does it like to roll up the miles and in total comfort. So my GS has a new stable mate in the RT and for now I am a really happy camper! Oh yeah and one thing I also loved about the LT was the ease of cleaning !! I am a perfectionist and very anal so being able to detail my bike in 30 minutes is a big plus. Harley's are nice but all that chrome and stuff to clean is not for me. Been there done that with my Royal Star and Valkyrie. I don't mind not seeing he motor either. But again .... all personal choices. All great bikes!