1200LT vs Harley Street Glide

[reschwert]

Good morning;

I stumbled across this web site while looking for and at the new BMW1200LT. WOW! Beautiful bike..SO, I called the nearest dealer in Canton, Michigan only to discover that he doesn't have one. Next two to three weeks.or So!

Anyhow, I am seriously interested in thenew Harley Styreet Glide but the 1200LT definately caught my eye. So why should I even consider the 1200Lt and or the 1200GT ? (Maybe this is sort of like asking Colonel Sanders why Chicken?)

The Harley Street Glide is also beautiful, and they both (1200LT and Street Glide) are about the same price at about 21K. W

When I talked with the dealer this morning, he asked what I wanted on it? Not like it's two all beef patties etc. but looking at the options and acessories columns on the BMW web sites, they kind of indicate that it comes with everything, whatever that is. What options are there? I guess that isn't important at this time.

So back to the basic question BMW K1200LT vs. the Harley Street Glide !

I have also looked at some of your comments about the 1200GT, so what is the difference between the GT and the LT ? Performance? I don't know, that's why I am asking.

Looking forward to your comments. They will help, but I know, not as much as going out and test riding both of the bikes

[TBob]

as going out and test riding both of the bikes

That will tell u all u need to know. IMHO no comparision.

-TBob

[NOGILLS2]

Last Year when I was looking, I wanted an ELGC and was not aware of the LT. I had not ridden in 25 years and decided to get a bike and with childhood dreams and some cash we started looking.We rented an ELGC for a week and headed out. I was very happy with the ELGC but my wife hated it, it beat her to death, I had to help her get off of it one time she was in such pain. We still have not figured out why, we have friends that have them and both love them. We returned the bike and I was nearly in tears, a friend came up on his new HD EGS and asked "What's up?" so I told him and he suggested I come ride his LT, said the wife would love it. So we took him up on his offer, 15 min latter the, wife said she could ride it. So we went to the BMW dealer to get one, none in stock and no idea when they would get one. So I came on this site and bought an 03 from the classifieds. That was last Feb and we have logged 20K on our LT this past year, we rode several 12 hour days together and she has not complained once.

Thats my story and I'm sticking to it!

[KBandit]

the GT versus the LT and the harley? that's like comparing a cheetah to garfield the cat.

ride all three and make up your own mind.

if i were riding one up i'd get the GT.

for two up i'd get the LT.

if i were a rich man i'd add a harley for chuffing around town. but personally i don't think i'd ever get a hawg if it was my only bike.

[pgoltz112]

Here's my story. Been riding a Harley for years. Currently have an Ultra Classic. After riding on two different BMWs in Europe and Africa I decided that if I really wanted to have the full motorcycle experience I needed a BMW. Because I always ride 2 up, I looked at the LT. My girlfriend loved it and I bought one 2 days ago. No law against having both a Harley and BMW, but I'm guessing my Harley won't get many more miles on it. I'm delighted with the LT and l look forward to lots of long distance riding. The handling is unbelieveable.

[Sharkey]

I've been riding HD's off & on since I was 17. Went with two friends to BMW dealer in July because one of them was interested in an LT. All three of us have been riding together since we met at the local HOG club in '99. Two of us had no intension of buying one and making the usual jokes that harley riders make about other bikes. Well the dealer turned us lose with the LT for the day. Long story short all three of us bought one when we got back to dealer. I got mine the Friday July 29. The salesman ask me when I wanted to do my 600 mile service I said Monday he said can't do that closed on Monday how about Tuesday. I have 16,000+ miles on it now. I have only ridin the HD once since I got the LT. My signature line kinda sums it up.

[Russ]

In addition to going out and test riding both, what kind of riding do you want to do? What has been your past rides? Do you want to continue in that manner and/or style, or are looking to make a change to something different?

What's important to YOU...brand? ride/handling characteristics? maintenance? dealer support network? etc, etc..... answer those (and other) questions for yourself and you'll most likely come to a decision as to which one will "fit" you the best.

regards

[dshealey]

Your question, as you alluded to, is akin to standing up in a Babtist church and asking which is best, the Bible, or the Koran. :D

I got back into riding after 28 years off bikes by riding my son in law's Harley Softail Heritage Classic. After 4,000 miles on that, decided to get back into it again myself, and started looking. Did not know what kind of bike I wanted, except that it was not going to be a Harley! Had some fun on it, but just too feet forward, tractor like for my blood. I ended up with an LT, and rode those very happily for 124,000 miles!

When my son in law was home on leave, I talked him into riding the LT. He was a long time Harley rider, started when he was 15 and had Harleys ever since. He reluctantly took the LT out, and about 30 minutes later rode up the driveway, looked at me with a wide grin and a somewhat flushed look, and said "Wow, what an adrenalin rush!" His outlook to other than Harley changed entirely in that 30 minute ride.

He recently sold his Harley, and if he does buy another bike he will no longer have the "Harley only" outlook.

Ride all the bikes you are interested in. Only you can make the final decision, based on what you desire in a bike. It could well be the Harley, but our bets are on you getting the LT. Perfoamance wise, there is no comparison, either in power, speed, handling, and most certainly STOPPING! Be really careful the first time you stop on the LT, or you may end up testing the seating comfort of the TANK! :D :D

[LodiHal]

I owned a Low Rider when one Saturday afternoon two friends and myself decided to go "tire kicking" at A & S in Roseville. Long story short, after 15 minutes on the LT, I asked the salesman (Ted), "where do I sign?" I was sold. Night and day difference from the Harley. Six months later, when I had 6,000 miles on the LT, I hadn't even started the Low Rider, so I sold it. Out of the three guys, two bought BMW's.

Fast forward two years. I injuried my knee, and the seating position on the LT caused me great pain. I tried a custom seat from Mayer's, Jpegs, etc, nothing helped. Plus, I have to admit that the LT was so perfect, it was boring...

I went shopping, saw the Street Glide, and bought one. Put a 95ci kit in it, some other performance mods, and an really enjoying the hell out of it. The seating positon doesn't hurt my knee, plus it's something new to me to farkle to my heart's content.

I have no doubt that I will own another LT in the future. You can't beat it for the ultimate touring bike, yet still ride it like a sport bike when the occasion strikes.

Ride both, you decide...

http://www.halsinger.com/harley/sgfront.jpg

[motorman587]

I would not own or ride a motorcycle without ABS. Just a safety issue that I believe has saved many.

[humplatch]

I looked at and rode about everything. Came down to the same dilemma as you...choice between an Ultra Glide and an LT. At a party one night, with about six dedicated Harley husbands and wifes, a buddy summed it up to me this way AFTER extolling how beautiful the BMW handled and rode: "I'd get one myself (LT) but then I would miss the Harley culture".
I made my decision right then, and bought the LT within a week. As a sidebar, I thought I would miss riding with some of them, cause they are my close friends, but the LT falls over in the turns if you ride it that slow.

[jamesgoodchild]

I've owned both and still have one Harley. I did tons of comparisons online using forums and talking with people. I even created a spreadsheet to weigh the various merits of both of those bikes and the Wing. I did test rides on all 3 bikes. In the end, I went with the BMW, even though it means I'm 600km from the nearest dealer versus local dealers for both the wing and Harley. My rational. The BMW just called to me and "felt" right. Costs, reliability, service, accessories all didn't mean as much as the feeling I got on the beemer. In the end, after you've dumped a bunch of money on whatever bike you decide on, if it doesn't feel right to you, in my opinion you'll regret your purchase despite what the hard data on costs, reliability etc come out to.

[DRothermel]

Call Blane at Grand Rapids BMW @ 616-530-6900. He is one of the co-owners. Tell him that Dick sent you. They have 4-5 new (maybe more out back) LT's in stock. Best dealership in Michigan IMHO. No, I don't work there and no I don't get a cut on any sales. Dick

[midwilshire]

Wife & I rented Harley, Goldwing, BMW for weekend test-rides. That's roughly $400 to ground our purchase decision on experience rather than sales literature and hearsay. Drop the mouse & grab a throttle. :)

[Jerrod Maguire]

My first bike was a Harley... and beyond the Harley "culture" there's no reason to buy a Harley. They're not attractive in my opinion and they perform and function well below the LT's standards. Unless you grew up having to have one (perhaps in the baby boomer generation), I see no reason to spend good money on an inferior product. And inferior they are and that's a fact. That's my two cents.

[midwilshire]

The "culture" runs thick with BMW riders, too, though with a bit more panache. Just check out a beemer dealership and observe the BMW roundel-clad golf shirts, jackets, hats, etc. etc.

If you want to go the uncultured route, try one of these:

http://www.long-john.com/mecibug.JPG

[BruceHarrisJr]

Can't figure out how in the world one could compare these two machines in any rational sort of way. Emotionally, egotistically, and irrationally yes I suppose one could 'compare' the LT and the Street Glide; but why bother?

Comparing an LT with a properly equipped (ie. HID, oil cooler, fairing lowers, sintered brake pads, heated grips, upgraded windshield, Ohlins rear shocks, and so forth) Road Glide *might* make for a more reasonable comparison. Some of the neatest H-D riders I've met have been Iron Butt types, riding Road Glides set up for long and safe distance riding-way cool bikes and riders. Stock engines and STOCK exhaust systems along with other items to enhance comfort and safety. Unfortunatly these types of riders like us LT'ers are in the distinct minority. I b lovin' Harley-Davidson's products for what they are. The Motor Company has brought many, many nonriders into our moto community over the past 12-15 years and we are all the better for it.

I've come extremely close on two occasions to purchasing a Harley only to back away at the 'last' minute when I slapped myself sober when I realized that I really, really do enjoy riding big miles year in and year out and the current Harley fleet just isn't capable in that department. I reckon I'll make a Harley purchase in the next two years just for plain ole fun. Isn't that a good enough reason to ride in th' first place?

[Keith]

Apples :bmw:











Oranges :(

[Renzo]

Its really a simple answer,

BMW = form and function...
HD = "Dont I look cool on this bike?"
Test ride all ..you will find what you like.
If you ask the question, I am thinking you must like the HD
You might want to try this forum,
http://www.v-twinforum.com/

See Ya!

[Jerrod Maguire]

What do you mean uncultured... isn't that a Sportster?

The "culture" runs thick with BMW riders, too, though with a bit more panache. Just check out a beemer dealership and observe the BMW roundel-clad golf shirts, jackets, hats, etc. etc.

If you want to go the uncultured route, try one of these:

http://www.long-john.com/mecibug.JPG

[BecketMa]

I ride year round.

My LT is warmer in the winter, and cooler during our 100F summers (than a HD). Cooler than a GoldWing during the summer.

Bob

[CriticalMass]

Currently have an Ultra Classic. ..{snip}.. No law against having both a Harley and BMWYeah, or [any other brand bike] and BMW.

The handlebar switch for the cruise control on my '06 LT failed after just 3,500 miles. Dealer advises the replacement switch has to come from GERMANY! BMW apparently has some unrealistic expectations about parts reliability, since they apparently won't maintain adequate stock levels on this side of the pond. It's a fun bike, but two weeks of downtime for a silly switch is unacceptable.

I'm glad I didn't sell my Goldwing - gonna' need something to ride when the LT is down for parts.

[Reno]

"I'd get one myself (LT) but then I would miss the Harley culture".
Ride your LT into a bunch of HD's hit the button for the centerstand just watch how many HD riders gather around and all the comments on how nice the LT is.
Ride as you will and Ride were you will.
Picture is my riding style :bmw:

[mikeinpgh]

I looked at and rode about everything. Came down to the same dilemma as you...choice between an Ultra Glide and an LT. At a party one night, with about six dedicated Harley husbands and wifes, a buddy summed it up to me this way AFTER extolling how beautiful the BMW handled and rode: "I'd get one myself (LT) but then I would miss the Harley culture".
I made my decision right then, and bought the LT within a week. As a sidebar, I thought I would miss riding with some of them, cause they are my close friends, but the LT falls over in the turns if you ride it that slow.

That's Funny!

[DRothermel]

Resch.......... I was over to the shop in GR this morning for coffee. They have more than six LT's in stock. Even have one 05 left. New, Ocean Blue, $1000 rebate and 4.9% financing! Dick

[DRothermel]

Yeah, or [any other brand bike] and BMW.

The handlebar switch for the cruise control on my '06 LT failed after just 3,500 miles. Dealer advises the replacement switch has to come from GERMANY! BMW apparently has some unrealistic expectations about parts reliability, since they apparently won't maintain adequate stock levels on this side of the pond. It's a fun bike, but two weeks of downtime for a silly switch is unacceptable.

I'm glad I didn't sell my Goldwing - gonna' need something to ride when the LT is down for parts.


Mass: My experience has been exactly the opposite with parts. Recent example: Two weeks ago I ordered the right lower side tupperware panel. Ordered it on Friday, it came into the shop the following Wednesday. So why two weeks of downtime? I'd have two weeks of riding time, just none of it with cruise control.

[CriticalMass]

So why two weeks of downtime? I'd have two weeks of riding time, just none of it with cruise control.Er, that would be, two weeks of downtime for the LT. I've still got my Goldwing to ride while the LT is at the dealer waiting for the boat from Germany. I had no way of knowing this situation would develop, and it sure doesn't make any sense to me to go 20 miles back to the dealer to get the LT so I can ride it, with another bike available at home to ride, then have to take it back again to the dealer and leave it for however many days they want to keep it once the switch comes in.

[tlash]

I'd have two weeks of riding time, just none of it with cruise control.
Agreed. I didn't know we couldn't ride w/o electronic cruise. My RT doesn't have cruise at all, and I've got 42K+ so far.

[CriticalMass]

Agreed. I didn't know we couldn't ride w/o electronic cruise. My RT doesn't have cruise at all, and I've got 42K+ so far.Well and good. This is, however, an LT forum. Your statement implies, generically, that cruise control is non-essential.

It may be, to you. The point is, on a brand-spanking-new '06 model Top-'o-the-Line Tourer that's less than a year old, the buyer has a legimate right to expect the features to be functional, and STAY that way for a reasonable period of time. We all expect that kind of reliabillity with the automobiles we buy - are motorcycles different? Why?

[tlash]

Well and good. This is, however, an LT forum. Your statement implies, generically, that cruise control is non-essential.

It may be, to you. The point is, on a brand-spanking-new '06 model Top-'o-the-Line Tourer that's less than a year old, the buyer has a legimate right to expect the features to be functional, and STAY that way for a reasonable period of time. We all expect that kind of reliabillity with the automobiles we buy - are motorcycles different? Why?
Absolutely correct that the cruise should work as advertised, and the owner/you/us should expect it to be repaired under warrant. Last winter the cruise control on my ’02 LT stopped functioning on a long trip from home. I didn’t park on the side of the road and call for a tow. I finished my trip. When the bike was taken in for service on my return home the dealership fix the problem under warranty.

The point being made is that the electronic control IS a non-essential item. It was your choice to not ride the LT for two-weeks. And I know what forum I am on.

[DRothermel]

The point being made is that the electronic control IS a non-essential item. It was your choice to not ride the LT for two-weeks. And I know what forum I am on.[/QUOTE]


Tom:

Apparently you and I understand each other.

Dick

[tlash]

Thanks, Dick. To be fair, it griped me as well when the cruise on my LT malfunctioned.

Swerving this thread back on topic: I will add that the electronic cruise on my old Ultra Classic never gave me any trouble.

[petepeterson]

:rolleyes: Ok,, will whom ever knows of a brand of bike that has never had a problem please raise your hand!!:)

By the way have you had your wings frame checked for cracks yet??

One more thing,, I think RT's are cool....:bmw: Ya should see the hard time I get on the wing site :D .............Regards Pete

[danbrown]

if you like antiquated crude 40s farm implement technology buy all means go with the harley. on the other hand if you want superior german technology-engineering-and reliabilty go with a BMW. this comes from a ex harley rider.

[kip]

not sure how u get to fairly test ride both

the proof and conclusive decision comes after a nice 500 to 1000 mile ride.....

having had alot of different bikes.....having ridden 1 up and 2 up.....having been on good roads and bad.....in all kinds of conditions....what consistently amazes me is that no matter how far ive been......i still really wouldnt mind seeing whats around that next bend.....on the LT

case in point.....im coming home (north georgia) from daytona (502 miles) (last fall) .....but the weather is perfect.....conditions are optimal.....im thinking to myself...self....its only another couple of hours up to ironhorse.....might not hurt to see what John's done with the place....so I bypass home and opt for Ironhorse.....but....as I approach stecoah I realize that the sun is near setting and it would really be nice to see the sunset up on the parkway.....so.....I divert from Ironhorse.....to take in the sunset from a scenic overlook only 30 or so miles away.....coming down off the parkway I figure I might as well cruise through Cherokee too since I'm there.....finally landing at Ironhorse about dark thirty.....

even then.....I really hated turning the LT off....

thats what the K1200LT does .....it goes.....and goes....and u still want more.....

there really just is no comparison ........i guess they DO both have 2 wheels.....after that things are alot different....

and....i dare say....the rumble and vibration of other kinds of bikes tends to have a different effect of making u want to be there already.....

for whatever thats worth :)

kip
99 LT

[tkramer]

If you like the feeling of squeezing a fist-full of brake lever and coming to a quick, predictable stop, the LT is your choice. The Harley is a death trap in emergency braking situations. The stock brakes are criminally inadequate for the weight of that bike. Of course, no one ever shells out extra money to upgrade the brakes on a HD, (unless there's chrome involved).

[CriticalMass]

The point being made is that the electronic control IS a non-essential item.Point taken. But what's the point of making that point? "Essential/non-essential" totally misses my point, which was that these sorts of infant mortality shouldn't occur at all. Sure the bike can be ridden without cruise control. So what?

It was your choice to not ride the LT for two-weeks.Yes. I addressed that earlier. I either had to accept 2 weeks at the dealer or make more trips to the dealer to pick it up, then leave it again later. I chose the former.

[CriticalMass]

By the way have you ha:rolleyes:d your wings frame checked for cracks yet??Lemme' check....err, nope, that one's still up high on the list, Pete, but I've had to treat the LT's maintenance needs as higher priority, as they should be, right?

That one comes right after the items for getting the LT's cruise control working again, getting the LT's speedometer to read the correct speed, and getting a baseline metallurgical analysis done on a sample of the rear drive oil to detect early signs of wear metals from the bearings.

I can tell your concern is genuine, and I thank you for it.

[KBandit]

That one comes right after the items for getting the LT's cruise control working again, getting the LT's speedometer to read the correct speed, and getting a baseline metallurgical analysis done on a sample of the rear drive oil to detect early signs of wear metals from the bearings.

DOH!

[petepeterson]

Check, check Dave it was genuine.... Its free but I don't know if its time limited... They have reported of one actually braking and sagging to the ground,so be careful....Regards Pete

[CriticalMass]

DOH!I couldn't have said it better!

[CriticalMass]

it was genuine.... but I don't know if its time limited... They have reported of one actually braking and sagging to the ground,so be carefulI was being facetious, Pete, given the direction this thread has taken.

My Wing did, in fact, fall in the serial number list for the frame reweld recall, and, though no frame cracks were found, the recall directive specified a reweld, which involved MAJOR disassembly of the bike, and all that was accomplished within 1 week, at no cost to me, and I'm goin' on down the road.

I have not encountered a problem with the Goldwing similar to what I'm now experiencing with my LT, specifically, having a component fail very early in the life of the machine, and having to endure a long wait time for parts availability, as I am now for the cruise control switch that has failed on the LT. That's my bitch, and I'm sticking to it.

[motorman587]

I going through with this with the cop bikes. My supervisors/fleet guys are not happy with the reliability of the RTPs. Claim to much on maintenance and broken parts. Starters, ABS units, side stands, belts, clutches, hyd. cyclinder and etc........ I am tried of defending BMWs. I love the bike, but wow.

[RideIt]

I think we are getting off track a bit. The question was not about someone's cruise not working, Heck I had a new 98 GW that the battery failed after only 4 months, but I put a new battery in it and rode it for 52,000 miles before selling. Going back to the orginal question - The LT will outperform the HD in every situation except the good sound. My wife would not ride with me on my HD Utlta Classic (which I liked) but will ride all day on my 05 LT. The ideal situation would be to have both, but if I had to choose for 2 up I would say go with the LT. Good Luck.
Leon
05 Blue LT

[Vance]

Am I missing something? I don't get it when people look at the HD and actually think that they are neat LOOKING! Born and raised in the Milw. area and every time I look at the HD touring bikes I think of the Clunky Police bikes. To me, the HD has no style unless you think a style that never changes is stylish!

[KBandit]

I going through with this with the cop bikes. My supervisors/fleet guys are not happy with the reliability of the RTPs. Claim to much on maintenance and broken parts. Starters, ABS units, side stands, belts, clutches, hyd. cyclinder and etc........ I am tried of defending BMWs. I love the bike, but wow.

interesting. we each have our own experiences with the reliability of our bikes. personally, i have not had any trouble whatsoever, with cruise controls, rear drives, shift linkages, etc.

but you have access to fleet maintenance histories, which gives you a unique perspective.

would you say that RTPs are, on the whole, less reliable the KZs and Harley police bikes? i'm curious. i had a KZ 750 years ago and it was pretty bulletproof. also ... what is the recommended end-of-life for a harley top end? i've always wondered how the rear cylinder lasts on an air-cooled v-twin that harley uses.

TIA.

[dshealey]

Am I missing something? I don't get it when people look at the HD and actually think that they are neat LOOKING! Born and raised in the Milw. area and every time I look at the HD touring bikes I think of the Clunky Police bikes. To me, the HD has no style unless you think a style that never changes is stylish!

AMEN! I just cannot understand the "Retro" look that is so popular. I don't have any antiques in my home, don't want any in the garage either. :D

I rode my son in law's Harley for 4,000 miles before deciding to get back in to riding myself, then I bought my first LT. Absolutely did NOT want any "Cruiser" style bike. I actually have the ability to think for myself, don't need to fall into a large crowd of "individual followers". Funny, the crowd who wants everyone to look at them and see "rebels" or "individual thinkers" are probably the most clannish of all riders.

[meese]

Some people like a style that never changes. And it's not about the bikes, it's about the image of freedom and rebelliousness carefully cultivated over decades of movies and TV. Why else do you think that 98% of all the custom choppers out there still use V-twin power, displayed proudly and in plain sight? It's just another level of the "image".

Whether it's actually true or not is beside the point. HD knows their target market, and caters to them very well. They are truly the best at what they provide, be it retro bikes, image, chrome, or an amazing array of branded products and accessories.

It just happens not to fit how I ride, so I look elsewhere. When BMW no longer fits how I ride, I'll look elsewhere again.

[KBandit]

Funny, the crowd who wants everyone to look at them and see "rebels" or "individual thinkers" are probably the most clannish of all riders.

don't look now, david, but a lot of riders think of one other group as highly "clannish." i won't spell out here what brand they ride, but it's made in germany and the first letter is a "B" and the last is a "W."

seriously, i have made some great friends on various LT rides and on this list, but before buying a BMW, i was routinely snubbed for riding a japanese bike by BMW riders. what i kept hearing: "i don't ride rice." yuck.

so i'm not so sure its a good idea to cast stones in this case.

errrr ... sorry to hijack the thread.

[dshealey]

don't look now, david, but a lot of riders think of one other group as highly "clannish." i won't spell out here what brand they ride, but it's made in germany and the first letter is a "B" and the last is a "W."

seriously, i have made some great friends on various LT rides and on this list, but before buying a BMW, i was routinely snubbed for riding a japanese bike by BMW riders. what i kept hearing: "i don't ride rice." yuck.

so i'm not so sure its a good idea to cast stones in this case.

errrr ... sorry to hijack the thread.

You can find that anywhere, any brand. But, I don't know of more than a very few I have met on this group, nor in the local BMW club that either have, or will express that attitude to other riders. We had members of the local BMW club that had Ducs, Guzzis, KTMs, a couple of Japanese bikes, and even the occasional Harley. Other than making the one loud piped Harley owner ride at the back of the pack (He could not keep up anyway), there were never comments made that were not humorous, and always taken that way that I could see.

Our local BMW club always met for breakfast on Sunday mornings at a local restuarant, and we were constantly having other brand riders stop to see what was going on when they saw all the bikes. They were always invited in for breakfast and to ride with us.

Yes, I have heard all the stories, but in my travels and circle of riders, I just did not see it.

[pstlero]

Ok, gotta throw in my 2 cents here too. I have a 99 Icon LT and have had it since 2000. In 04 I retired, and my wife & I happend to be in a HD dealership for reasons other than bike shopping. In fact, I was always one to throw rocks at my HD friends because I can't hear my stereo when they are near..

Well, I fell in love with a decked out Fat Boy they had on the floor (26K), and my wife says "buy it if you want it"? I looked to see if that was really my wife talking? So that got it started. I didn't buy that one, but did wind up with a RoadKing, but only after telling the wife I would not trade the BMW for a HD.. So she said you can have both, since the LT was paid for.

So..For the guy in the original post. If you are gonna travel 2 up and don't want a mad woman behind you in hitting distance, go BMW. (Upside is you can't hear her complaining on the HD) If you are alone and want the HD culture, noise, vibration and lack of gizmos to play with then the HD may be for you. For me, alone I am usually on the HD and when the wife and I are out, it's on the BMW. I rode the HD to Sturgis last year and did about 4K on the whole trip. Was fun, but this year am riding the LT!

Wife hates any distance on the HD, but will go on the BMW.. She does like the culture, leather, Harley thing though.. go figure..?

Both bikes have their appeal to very different needs. Choose wisely.

[motorman587]

interesting. we each have our own experiences with the reliability of our bikes. personally, i have not had any trouble whatsoever, with cruise controls, rear drives, shift linkages, etc.

but you have access to fleet maintenance histories, which gives you a unique perspective.

would you say that RTPs are, on the whole, less reliable the KZs and Harley police bikes? i'm curious. i had a KZ 750 years ago and it was pretty bulletproof. also ... what is the recommended end-of-life for a harley top end? i've always wondered how the rear cylinder lasts on an air-cooled v-twin that harley uses.

TIA.

This what happens with cop bikes. They run out of warranty and the cost go up. I have been through three cop different cop motorcycle, KZs, HDs and BMWs. I believe that our current BMWs have had the lest problems, but because also with the model changes, I have different supervisors, and different fleet managers. So they think I am defending BMW because they were not here for the other models. I had my problems with RTP, two timing belts which I had to get towed in. One hydlic. clutch which almost left stranded. The Harley, which would stop running a prarades, would always get me home. Never had to call a tow truck. I am still on my first clutch on the RTP. Had several replaced on the HD. l like I said earlier, I am tired depending BMW and will ride whatever the department/city buys. I just know that when the warranty expires, it will be the same crying about cost.

[tmgs]

Good morning;

I have also looked at some of your comments about the 1200GT, so what is the difference between the GT and the LT ? Performance? I don't know, that's why I am asking.

Looking forward to your comments. They will help, but I know, not as much as going out and test riding both of the bikes

well your comparing apples to oranges

Hd it's a fine machine for crusiing around everywhere, personally I like the way the BMW handles at high speeds much better, after riding hd fl series for 20 some odd years they will have to make some huge changes to get my interest back into them for the touring bike, the lt stops better rides better and ost definitly handles high speed better,
personally if you like to tour cross country on a motorcyucle take the BMW,
Now the GT the new '06 K1200GT is one fantastic machine, it is 620 lbs 152 hp rides like a cadi handles like a larger sport bike I just test rode one during the IMS in Atlanta, to me it is a great maching for touring, now if you ride two up everywhere you will want to wait and see how they handle the passenger riding position,

I have a 118k miles on my lt and still love the bike
I don;t know who many miles I have on fl series hd's but it is a ton! I'll keep my lt........ or buy the GT for all my touring riding

Tom

[brantvol16]

Well, I am late to this thread but wanted to say that I am working my way to a decision hopefully this week (should be working period but that is a different story!) I have a mid-size Suzuki cruiser and am looking for something that WE can enjoy. The list is K1200LT, Yamaha Venture, HD Ultra Classic. 3 different solutions to the same problem. It does really come down to personal preference and choice but faced with a 20K+ decision, it is natural to seek advice. How can I possibly know what the bike is like to live with while standing in the showroom or on a brief spin around the block? For comparison purposes, the Canadian pricing is: Yamaha Midnight Venture
$21,500, HD $27,500 and BMW 27,000 for an 05 demo wiht 2K km. The Yamaha and HD both have intercoms, none on the LT. Of course, the LT has ABS, CD, heated seats, that famous centre stand and GOLD paint!

I hope to have this bike for a long time and am putting pressure on myself to make the perfect decision. My gut is taking me to the BMW but I felt had to check them all out and spend way too much time on line researching! :)

BTW, SO sat on both a Nomad and a Gold Wing and declared them both off the list.

Geoff

[hschisler]

...How can I possibly know what the bike is like to live with while standing in the showroom or on a brief spin around the block?You should take each of your finalists for a very long, extended test ride. Dealer doesn't want to let you do that? Go somewhere else. Can't find a dealer who will let you do a test ride? Ask a friend, or a friend of a friend... whatever it takes to actually have some seat time in the bikes you are deciding between. When it's all said and done, as others told me and I proved to myself was true, whatever "moves" you is what you should buy. If your final choice is lacking something that another finalist has you can add it (intercom, cruise, HID, CD, heated turn signal buttons, espresso machine...). :D

[Eric_R]

Geoff,
Just buy the LT, you know you want to :p
(told ya I was on this list , too)

[tmgs]

Well, I am late to this thread but wanted to say that I am working my way to a decision hopefully this week (should be working period but that is a different story!) I have a mid-size Suzuki cruiser and am looking for something that WE can enjoy. The list is K1200LT, Yamaha Venture, HD Ultra Classic. 3 different solutions to the same problem. It does really come down to personal preference and choice but faced with a 20K+ decision, it is natural to seek advice. How can I possibly know what the bike is like to live with while standing in the showroom or on a brief spin around the block? For comparison purposes, the Canadian pricing is: Yamaha Midnight Venture
$21,500, HD $27,500 and BMW 27,000 for an 05 demo wiht 2K km. The Yamaha and HD both have intercoms, none on the LT. Of course, the LT has ABS, CD, heated seats, that famous centre stand and GOLD paint!

I hope to have this bike for a long time and am putting pressure on myself to make the perfect decision. My gut is taking me to the BMW but I felt had to check them all out and spend way too much time on line researching! :)

BTW, SO sat on both a Nomad and a Gold Wing and declared them both off the list.

Geoff

BUY The LT, unless you want cheap maintenance, then go for the HD or yamahahahahaha, I will say I have heard great stories on many very high mileage BMW's the hd won;t do that, not this new twin cam engine, I've seen too many low mile twin cams in the shop already for engine repairs. you might think of a later model EVO engine (post 93 - pre 99)

they are basically bullet proof as long as you warm them decently, I did not like the engine dependability, highway handling or ride of the 01 I had, it's what made me switch to BMW after riding HD since I was 18 years old, and that was a tough decision.

JMHO of course

Tom

[brantvol16]

Geoff,
Just buy the LT, you know you want to :p
(told ya I was on this list , too)

Eric, you busted me!! In truth, I do want the LT but am driving myself nuts. Also making it tricky since I am trying to factor my other German luxury machine (300SL) into the equation. That coupled with the end of cheap BMW money this Friday is making life exciting!

Geoff :rolleyes:

[buddoggin]

I've been doing a 100 mile a day commute for the last 2 years on a 103" HD Ultra. I just sold it and purchased an 04 LT. My reasons were mostly brakes and handling. If you have ever made a high speed panic stop on a Harley, you'll know what I'm talking about. That said, the LT can't come close to the comfort I felt on the HD. The legs forward riding position was perfect for me. I've made a few changes to the LT (lower pegs, Mic-o's and J-pegs) and it's much better, but IMO the HD was much more comfortable.

[dshealey]

I've been doing a 100 mile a day commute for the last 2 years on a 103" HD Ultra. I just sold it and purchased an 04 LT. My reasons were mostly brakes and handling. If you have ever made a high speed panic stop on a Harley, you'll know what I'm talking about. That said, the LT can't come close to the comfort I felt on the HD. The legs forward riding position was perfect for me. I've made a few changes to the LT (lower pegs, Mic-o's and J-pegs) and it's much better, but IMO the HD was much more comfortable.

I was the exact opposite. Funny how being the same basic humans we have such widely different physical ergonomic requirememts. I absolutely hated the feet forward position, killed my back. When I was riding my son in law's Harley before I got my LT I rode with the tips of my boot toes on the back edge of the running boards. For me, the LT foot position was absolutely perfect! I did not want it more forward, backward, or up/down.

If I rode the Harley 300 miles, my back was killing me, and you almost had to peel me off it. With the LT, 1,000 mile days were a non-issue.

[yaklt]

This sort of sounds like talkin' about women -

One guy says: "Oh, I like the blonde haired, blue eyed gals;"
Another says: "I like 'em looking good off my arm - in a silk dress when out on the town."
Yet another: "I want a thinker - someone I can talk to"
and still another: "I like if they'll play a game of hoops with me, and keep in good shape."

They all have something to offer!

Know what you like most.
Know that no one gal will be _everything_ you've ever wanted.
Get what you like!

I meant in bikes, of course. :D

[Steve_R]

I'm with you Dave. I may even be a little more goofy as I ride with the balls of my feet on the pegs instead of hooking my boot heel at the peg. :eek: For just minute change I will sometimes hang my heels off the pillion pegs or shift my feet out to the J-Pegs, when they're on the bike, just for 10 minutes or so.

[yaklt]

I'm with you Dave. I may even be a little more goofy as I ride with the balls of my feet on the pegs instead of ....I thought that was the way to stay in best control. That's how _I_ ride.

[dshealey]

I'm with you Dave. I may even be a little more goofy as I ride with the balls of my feet on the pegs instead of hooking my boot heel at the peg. :eek: For just minute change I will sometimes hang my heels off the pillion pegs or shift my feet out to the J-Pegs, when they're on the bike, just for 10 minutes or so.

Oh I did that LOTS on Ld rides. I would often flip the passenger pegs down and hook my legs over them to get blood flowing differently. As you did, I would often hook my hells on the passenger pegs also. Those were the moves that made LD riding relatively easy. Some like the feet forward position, and like something like J-pegs, but I would not use them if I had them. Just cannot stand my feet out front.

Actually, when driving long distance in cars, I pull my feet back to right in front of the seat a lot. When I was learning to fly I would often pull my feet back like that when getting a little tense or tired from training, the instructor would have to tell me to get my feet back on the rudder pedals. :D

[buddoggin]

I thought that was the way to stay in best control. That's how _I_ ride.

When I'm on my sportbike... no problem, but at the end of a long work day, with 50 miles of freeway ahead, I like to be comfortable. I don't have to have the balls of my feet on the pegs to be in control of my bike.

[mikeinpgh]

feets in front hurts my back also
on long rides I will go from rider pegs to passenger pegs to top of tip over wings
I thought about getting jpegs but I will have to borrow a bike with them to try first
when I took the MSF class we had little cruisers and when we were doing the obstacle crossing we were to stand on the pegs it was very weird trying to lift up with my feet in front of me kind of like doing a pull up

[UncleRock]

Well the comparison is
"Riding the HD is like riding your sister, it will get you there, but it's just not the same" :D
Now I've had 14 of the former (still got a few around here somewhere) they are tractor's with 1950 tech.
Rock

[dhendy]

One guy says: "Oh, I like the blonde haired, blue eyed gals;"
Another says: "I like 'em looking good off my arm - in a silk dress when out on the town."
Yet another: "I want a thinker - someone I can talk to"
and still another: "I like if they'll play a game of hoops with me, and keep in good shape."

They all have something to offer! :D

Just like no against owning a BMW and HD...no law...well...in some states...

[Navan]

The LT is my commuting bike - as well as touring and practically everything else.
The only thing to watch is it's height. For short "in-seam" people flatfooting can be difficult.

[zippy_gg]

The LT is my commuting bike - as well as touring and practically everything else.
The only thing to watch is it's height. For short "in-seam" people flatfooting can be difficult.Eventually you'll get used to it and will find what technique works for you. Don't try to flat foot both feet, instead try putting your left foot down by slightly turning your wheel to the right (key word SLIGHTLY, as in counter-steering). You can practice this, keeping the bike in first gear and clutched, right foot on the brake pedal, and your eyes monitoring your rear view mirrors (in case you have to quickly take off if some cage is about to rear-end you because someone "didn't see you"! It will become second nature pretty fast.
Of course you may have to make an exception is the street is not level and it is not safe to put your left foot down, but still keep the bike in first gear and clutched, with your eyes checking the mirrors.;)