Please, tell me it's not so...

[TPE3B]

Hi All,
I've been lurking here for while because I know my next bike is a tourer. I test rode an LT and a Goldwing, and LT was just perfect.
But - LT forum discusses problems: final drive, falling off mirrors, failing final drives, center stands, reverse, bad seats that need expensive replacement, etc. etc. - just try to imagine yourself in a newbie's shoes...
Goldwing forums - they discuss trips, accessories, but not technical problems...
Please, reassure me - i really like LTs :
Andre

[DaveDragon]

We tend to dissect, cross section, study, over analyze, bitch, moan, curse, argue and occasionally discuss minor technical difficulties with the LT.http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/images/icons/icon10.gif
That being said, we love the LT or would not be riding them.

As for the GW boards, there is only so much that can go wrong with a refrigerator so whats to discuss?http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/images/icons/icon10.gif

[hawg]

We tend to dissect, cross section, study, over analyze, bitch, moan, curse, argue and occasionally discuss minor technical difficulties with the LT.http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/images/icons/icon10.gif
That being said, we love the LT or would not be riding them.

As for the GW boards, there is only so much that can go wrong with a refrigerator so whats to discuss?http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/images/icons/icon10.gif


Well, said Sir Dragon...

If you want a motorcycle that speaks to your soul, buy the LT. My 04 has only been to the shop once in 25k miles to replace a broken throttle cable under warranty. My mirror fell off from hitting/jumping actually a deer at 50mph! So, there! No gloom and doom here.

If you want a refrigerator, buy the Wing.

Either motorcycle is an excellent choice. Only you can decide but buy the one that makes ya SMILE!!!

[dshealey]

Hi All,
I've been lurking here for while because I know my next bike is a tourer. I test rode an LT and a Goldwing, and LT was just perfect.
But - LT forum discusses problems: final drive, falling off mirrors, failing final drives, center stands, reverse, bad seats that need expensive replacement, etc. etc. - just try to imagine yourself in a newbie's shoes...
Goldwing forums - they discuss trips, accessories, but not technical problems...
Please, reassure me - i really like LTs :
Andre

We do discuss the problems here, more than some of them deserve in my opinion. But, there have been VERY FEW that have left the LT for something else, and a couple of those came back. :D

But, there have been a lot of posts on the GL groups about overheating, frame cracking, luggage locks, bad CB's, steering head bearings, etc..

Look at how many riders of ANY touring bike buy aftermarket seats. Probably about the same percentage across the brands. No manufacturer can design a seat that will fit more than approx. 70-80% of the expected riders. Same here, MOST of us like the stock seat. I rode over 120,000 miles on stock LT seats, very many 1,000 mile plus days. You may or may not like it, but you will have to ride quite a while to find out.

Our worst problems are the pre '03 final drive bearing failures, and the failing clutch slave cylinders. Final drive failure is a real pain, but also amazingly easy to repair/replace. Clutch slave would not be so bad if it did not usually cause clutch replacement too.

Test ride both as long as possible and buy the one that makes you smile. Either one is overall a good choice, so do not let the problems cause you to buy the one that is second on your "smile" meter.

[hschisler]

We tend to dissect, cross section, study, over analyze, bitch, moan, curse, argue and occasionally discuss minor technical difficulties with the LT.http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/images/icons/icon10.gif
That being said, we love the LT or would not be riding them.

As for the GW boards, there is only so much that can go wrong with a refrigerator so whats to discuss?http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/images/icons/icon10.gifDave says it perfectly. HOLY COW we are a bunch of analytical-types (me included)! You'll find tons of info on this site about the things that might go wrong. You'll find tons of info on www.gl1800riders.com (http://www.gl1800riders.com) (and other sites) about things that go wrong with Gold Wings, too (cracked frames, overheating at low speeds, and so on). Yes, some of those have been fixed, but each bike (not just the GL and the LT) have their unique "issues". Every issue has a resolution and that is something you'll read about here, also. We air our dirty laundry openly!

[BLBantz]

2003 K1200LT. 25000 miles. No problems.

[stringplay]

2000 K12LT with 57,000 miles - minor problems - including some that I self-inflicted on it (don't ask me about the "meltdown").......it is the best overall motorcycle I have ever owned and would immediately buy a new one if I could.

It really does have a "soul" that half my other bikes did not have (they were Suzukis and Hondas). The other half were BMW's, of course........

[grifscoots]

Hi All, Please, tell me it's not so...
Andre

It's not so.....:rolleyes:

[DRothermel]

Andre:

A problem with reading these boards is that one can get a false sense that there are mucho probems with a particular bike. Last time I checked, we have somewhere around 3800 members on this site. Most of them are out riding and not typing. Sure, like anything mechanical, there have been and can be, issues. My experience... 01 LT, 52,000 miles, 03 LT, 51,000 miles, 05 LT, 21,000 until a deer decided to run out in front of me. Second 05 LT, 29,000 miles. Final drive issues, none. Clutch/slave cylinder issues, none. Had a faulty engine temp sending unit in Denver (2300 miles from home). Replaced at the local BMW dealer in half a day and back on the road again. My purchase decisions are no different today than they were twenty years ago before the internet. If a vehicle, four or two wheeled, turns my crank, I buy it. My "gut" has served me well over the years. Dick

[mark_sat]

Welcome TPE3B

I can confirm that the Wings have problems, many were on the early 1800's.
I had been riding a Wing for the last few years, and now have an LT.

It is mainly down to personal preference, BOTH are excellent bikes.

Personally I prefer the look of the Wing, YET I ride an LT.

I can say that from my experience the LT wins hands down on handling and braking!
Whatever you decide you will not be disappointed.

Good luck with your choice, and most of all enjoy what you ride! ;)

[BUGKILLER]

Being new to these forums myself I would say that the lions share of discussions are the do it yourself versus the dealer type maintenance and add on issues. What impressed me the most about these guys is the patience and detail that they are willing to offer. I'm sure that they have heard and answered the same questions over and over through out the years. Never any judgement about your level of knowledge or ridicule about the level of stupidity that one may express. Genuinely a great group of people that want to promote the sport of motor cycle riding.I have never owned a Gold Wing but prior to my purchase of the LT I did ride and research them both. Nothing negative to say about the Honda but the BMW just pulled out ahead in all categories.

[RT_COOP]

If you hung out at a Toyota or Honda Car Service facility, you'd see a lot of those cars getting repaired, even though owner's of those cars are consistantly polled to be most happy with their purchase.

This board largely helps people who are trying to service their bikes (it also helps them waste a lot of time online, but that's another thread), hence the distorted perception that things are going wrong often on these bikes. Try showing up at a rally and find an unhappy owner, you'll be hard pressed.

[usmctpdog]

I have had 2 wings and won't go back to them.

The Best Truth teller here is: 88% of K1200LT owners would buy again.

[unleashd]

Hi All,
I've been lurking here for while because I know my next bike is a tourer. I test rode an LT and a Goldwing, and LT was just perfect.
But - LT forum discusses problems: final drive, falling off mirrors, failing final drives, center stands, reverse, bad seats that need expensive replacement, etc. etc. - just try to imagine yourself in a newbie's shoes...
Goldwing forums - they discuss trips, accessories, but not technical problems...
Please, reassure me - i really like LTs :
Andre

Hey Andre,

I thought and thought and then cross verified that login handle!!!

So, are you back from your trips? Did you sell the V* yet??

BTW, Did you get a chance to go down to Morton's for their open house two weeks back? if not, run up to Bob's BMW on Saturday (4/29) for their open house and check the bikes out!!!

Hope to see you on the LT soon!!

[RideIt]

Hi All,
I've been lurking here for while because I know my next bike is a tourer. I test rode an LT and a Goldwing, and LT was just perfect.
But - LT forum discusses problems: final drive, falling off mirrors, failing final drives, center stands, reverse, bad seats that need expensive replacement, etc. etc. - just try to imagine yourself in a newbie's shoes...
Goldwing forums - they discuss trips, accessories, but not technical problems...
Please, reassure me - i really like LTs :
Andre
I have had two Goldwings and 3 LTs. If I had to go back to a wing I would quit riding.
Leon
05 Blue LT

[jorawro]

In over 40 years of riding I had never owned a bike for more than a year because I had never found one "that truly worked for me" or "held my attention". I have owned two Wings (1200 & 1500) and they were "very good" bikes but not "incredible".
I have owned my LT for four years (hmmmm) and I just put a new paint job on it along with new shocks (Ohlins----WOW are they worth the money) and a long list of other smaller items. I have ridden the sh*t out of this bike and never had a problem with it (knock on wood) but if I do I will repair it and ride.
I think the above info speaks for itself Andre. The LT is the incredible bike that I spent 40 years waiting for:D

[oknplm]

Hi All,
I've been lurking here for while because I know my next bike is a tourer. I test rode an LT and a Goldwing, and LT was just perfect.
But - LT forum discusses problems: final drive, falling off mirrors, failing final drives, center stands, reverse, bad seats that need expensive replacement, etc. etc. - just try to imagine yourself in a newbie's shoes...
Goldwing forums - they discuss trips, accessories, but not technical problems...
Please, reassure me - i really like LTs :
Andre

Based on some of the complaints that you read on this forum, I don't blame you for being concerned about buying a BMW LT. Luckily I found this forum after I bought my first LT. I think some people just like to complain and over emphasize problems. I am not saying that the LT is perfect or without faults but lets get real. Any motorcycle out there has its positives and negatives. The Goldwing and Harley both have their own quirks. Add that equation to a rider's experience level, and expertise, and you will get all kinds of opinions. Each m/c “Forum” that I visit has its own flavor and sadly at times this one seems to enjoy a good bashing of their ride of choice (and sometimes each other).

I can tell you: I have owned just about every brand out there, by far the LT is the best handling, long distance touring m/c that I have found. It is also the only m/c that my wife has shown any interest in riding on and we have been married for 33 years. In fact she now gives me a list of summer trips she wants to go on with the LT. I am also on my second LT and this is the first time in over 40 years of riding that I replaced or upgraded a motorcycle with the same model. I have had no problems worth mentioning on either of the LT’s that I have owned. I deal with an excellent local BMW dealer (BMW of Atlanta) that does all my routine services. We have found a majority of the BMW riders we meet to be warmhearted, genuine individuals who would not hesitate to go out of their way to help a fellow rider.

Understand I am not bashing this particular forum in any way. It is an excellent alternative resource for information about the LT and the people who ride it. At times yes it is way too analytical and negative but that is quickly counterbalanced when you meet the vast majority of the members who visit but seldom post to the forum. They are the ones who spends their free time doing what they enjoy most. Riding their LT.

Buy it, ride it a lot, fix it if it breaks, ride some more and enjoy life.


Perry Ridgway

oknplm

[KBandit]

Hi All,
I've been lurking here for while because I know my next bike is a tourer. I test rode an LT and a Goldwing, and LT was just perfect.
But - LT forum discusses problems: final drive, falling off mirrors, failing final drives, center stands, reverse, bad seats that need expensive replacement, etc. etc. - just try to imagine yourself in a newbie's shoes...
Goldwing forums - they discuss trips, accessories, but not technical problems...
Please, reassure me - i really like LTs :
Andre

i don't think anyone here can tell you the LT is more reliable than a gold wing. it's not. but it has more character and the handling/brakes are superior. the extra care and maintenance it requires are worth it, IMHO.

[grifscoots]

You want to get really scared? Go to a Ford 6.0 liter board. You'd think those thangs were dead on the road by the hundreds.

[dshealey]

You want to get really scared? Go to a Ford 6.0 liter board. You'd think those thangs were dead on the road by the hundreds.

You mean it is true? Ford stands for: "Found On Road Dead?" Had heard that, but your post is the first real data. :D :D :D

[chibbs]

I went thru some of the same research last year. I've not been dissapointed with the LT's performance. In fact, it totally kicked my Ultra's rear in every category. The only thing I didn't like was the high cost of the 12,000 ml service by the dealership, $1000. And the only problem I've had was to replace an o-ring for the fuel quick disconnect. Oh yeh, and every now and then the radio just quits. Which can be fixed simply by disconnecting the battery.

[nightcrawler921]

Hi All,
I've been lurking here for while because I know my next bike is a tourer. I test rode an LT and a Goldwing, and LT was just perfect.
But - LT forum discusses problems: final drive, falling off mirrors, failing final drives, center stands, reverse, bad seats that need expensive replacement, etc. etc. - just try to imagine yourself in a newbie's shoes...
Goldwing forums - they discuss trips, accessories, but not technical problems...
Please, reassure me - i really like LTs :
Andre
I know what you mean. Have been lurking here too. Those issues bothered me because my closest dealer is 190 miles away. However last time I was there they tried to steer me towards a Wing. The LTs were in the corner. They offer 5 brands, but recently dropped Ducati. Also they won't allow test rides of new bikes. I am going to Denver next week and hope to finally get to ride an LT. Will let you know what I think.

[bmwusmc]

Bought my 2005 LT in Aug, 05..Demo'd the GW and then had a demo ride offered to me on the LT within a one week period..What a difference in handling! My confidence level soared with the way the LT handles..
Had a couple of problems right out of the box(clutch slave cylinder failure and leaking seal from output drive shaft)..No other problems since..I still get that silly grin on my face whenever I'm out riding-which is just about everyday..
Have 17k miles on it now and plan on putting a lot more miles on it as fast(time and speed permitting) as I can..
Ride it then make up your mind..

[TPE3B]

Hey Andre,

I thought and thought and then cross verified that login handle!!!

So, are you back from your trips? Did you sell the V* yet??

BTW, Did you get a chance to go down to Morton's for their open house two weeks back? if not, run up to Bob's BMW on Saturday (4/29) for their open house and check the bikes out!!!

Hope to see you on the LT soon!!

Hi Prakash,

I'm on the road again, writing this in Azerbaijan. That's why i cannot sell my V* - not enough time in country. But i will have a 5-week break in my travel schedule after this trip during which time i must sell my old bike and buy an LT, then ride enough to do first service and see if anything is wrong. I will then travel overseas again, and must be on the road for a coast-to-coast around July 4.

I did ride to Morton's on Friday (4/15?) and test-rode both an LT and RT: both are fantastic bikes, very different though, so i immediately wanted both of them... you know the feeling.

I hope we'll ride together some time soon,
Andre

[ksailor]

Andre: Falling in love is not without its pain and sorrow. The most sincere love affair has bumps and bruises; hurt & healing (and I ain't talking about some girl!) I'm talking about my beautiful baby.

There ain't no other bike can compare (for me) with the handling, breaking, and compassion of the LT.

If she gets sick... take her to the doc. When she's well.. ride the _ _ _ _ out of er!

[danbrown]

03 - 48000 miles- no problems. just reg. service and ride it like you stole it.

[TPE3B]

Hi All,
Thank you all for responding. I really needed your support. There's something magnetic about this forum and LTs and i don't know what comes first - i think it's people...
Hope i will soon be part of this crowd.
See ya on the road,
Ride safe,
Andre

[UncleRock]

I have been riding on the street for 33 years. (Rode in the dirt before that)
As a MC Photo-journalist , I lived on my bike for weeks at a time. Of the 39 weeks, spring to fall about 26 of those would find me on the road, to this race or that rally etc.
I like to ride, I like speed, I like curves and at this point in my life I also like comfort. :D
The wing is a good ride by all means, a little bigger, less nimble in the twisties, with a ton of stuff to add on if you like.
The people on this list like BMW itself are in search of the "Holy Grail" they are just open and honest about what is not perfect about these bikes. I have talked with people that have over 500K on their bikes, have never saw a non-beemer with over 300k. (I know a wing that would have made it but John retired it at 274K for his new wing)
The reason they run so long is because of the way BMW riders, dissect everything about the machine good and bad, and share the information.
All that said at this point in my life I can go buy any bike that I want, if I replace my LT, it will be with a new LT. :bmw:
Rock

[tmgs]

Hi All,
I've been lurking here for while because I know my next bike is a tourer. I test rode an LT and a Goldwing, and LT was just perfect.
But - LT forum discusses problems: final drive, falling off mirrors, failing final drives, center stands, reverse, bad seats that need expensive replacement, etc. etc. - just try to imagine yourself in a newbie's shoes...
Goldwing forums - they discuss trips, accessories, but not technical problems...
Please, reassure me - i really like LTs :
Andre

when you buy thee MOST expensive motorcycle on the market, you are going to hear every little piss whine and moan there is ti hear, heck I was dang blasted guilty of it myself when I bought mine new in '02, I had one of the dreaded abs problems that no one could figure out then as they really had no problems with it yet (my '02 was first yuear of the power brakes) heck not one dealer in florida had even sold a set of rear brake pads for it yet when I needed them. EVER!,

but anyhow I finnally got a dealer to tell BMW NA there was issue that could not be figured out, and they replaced the entire brake system, problem solved.

I now have right at 120k miles on her, the final drive did go on it, at about 50k miles.

There is nothing worng with the stock seat, heck the GW riders put seats on thier bikes as well, keep in mind MANY BMW riders are into the long distance rider world and sit in the saddle for 1000's of miles a day. My seat was fine till about 50k miles it was just wore out remember my 50k was in a short time frame not like have a bike 15years and only putting 50k on it, it isn't 4yrs old yet and sitting at 120k miles


I never had a problem with my center stand!

I never had a probelm with my reverse! if fact who has here?

My mirrors have fallen off when the shocks got wore out and I hit good bump, since I have put new shocks o it they have not fallen off.

funny abotu the GW, my friends GW was in the shop over two month's getting that broken frame repaired

He has had tons of electrical problems with it
he still has a CD changer they can't seem to repair

they changed the computer on it for problems, they had to do some crapo with it a while back because of the fans

so see they are all not perfect by any means I don;t care who manufactures it

[rixchard]

Let me put it this way, do you want to drive your grandad's cadillac or your uncle's jag?

[Beemerider]

Heh Heh I chuckle every time I see a post like this. I went through the same thing a few years ago when we were all on the Yahooie group. Bought a 2000 and then joined the list and gads!!! What did I do? All these problems...

Well I'm now on my second problem free LT and have amassed some 70,000 miles on 'em.

Buy it, you'll like it! :)