Question from RT rider

[Micky]

Hello everyone,

I am a new member on this site. Riding BMW's for 45 years.
Now that we are getting up in age, myself and the wife that is, are
considering purchasing an LT. Presently riding a R 1100RT for the past
six years.
My wife thinks that we are unable to pack clothing, ect. in the bag of the LT,
as well, compare to the removable Rt bags. Is there anyone who had experience with
both type of bags?
My other question is: I found a 99 LT, with under 7K miles, like new condition, for $ 9 K.
Need some opinion on the 99 LT,s.

Thank you, Miklos Hubay. Shoreline, WA.

[eljeffe]

Miklos,

Just get liner bags for side and top cases, and you can pack and take your clothing and stuff with you.

[tbarstow]

Miklos,

I have both bikes (2002 LT and 2004 RT) and they each have their own issues with the bags.

The LT bags:
You don't have to lock them at all times.
You can't put them on wrong and burn a hole through them with your rear tire.
They are weatherproof.
You must have everything completley inside the bag or the closure system won't work.
Interior contours lend themselves to having the bag liners to make packing less painful.

The RT bags:
Removeable when you want to pack/unpack them inside.
City lids allow them to be functional and a heck of a lot skinnier than the LT rear end.
Closure system is very simple.
You can pick up a used set that are relatively inexpensive if yours get damaged.

The locking and attachement system is a pain in the behind.
You have the silly orange tab that gets bent and keeps you out of your bag.
They open in the middle, dumping all of your stuff out on the wet ground.

The top cases are completely different. The LT wins hands down, if for no other reason than you can actually put 2 full face helmets in it and not damage the helmets. The LT case is lined, the RT case isn't. The RT case looks like its going to fall off the bike when in motion, even when it's secured properly. The RT case is contoured and has exposed support ribs inside it that really limit what you can put in it.

The RT is a heck of a lot of fun 1 up, all the power of the LT on a bike that weighs almost 300 pounds less helps keep the Air Conditioning running on high.

For 2 up touring, I would go with the LT. We aren't big people and 2 up on the RT is pretty tight.

My $.02.

[yaklt]

(sorry - somehow this double posted)

[yaklt]

This won't be how you pack, but for comparison - this is essentially the same equipment and packing on my old 99 R1100RT, and 05 K1200LT (and the side bags still have maybe 20% room to spare on the LT here).

I gave up trying to upload the last file (image uploads are _so_ unpredictable for me on this forum), so here's the link to the LT Loaded (http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5292/2573/1600/DCP_1350.jpg) -- note the difference in rider space / tank bag area, etc. very noticeable difference on the road for me.

[lovetomotor]

Hello everyone,

I am a new member on this site. Riding BMW's for 45 years.
Now that we are getting up in age, myself and the wife that is, are
considering purchasing an LT. Presently riding a R 1100RT for the past
six years.
My wife thinks that we are unable to pack clothing, ect. in the bag of the LT,
as well, compare to the removable Rt bags. Is there anyone who had experience with
both type of bags?
My other question is: I found a 99 LT, with under 7K miles, like new condition, for $ 9 K.
Need some opinion on the 99 LT,s.

Thank you, Miklos Hubay. Shoreline, WA.

Mickey,

I live just around the lake from you in North Kirkland. I sold my 1150RT 3 years ago for the LT and have never looked back. The bags on the LT are larger than the RT, but mostly the LT bags just work better in general. I would say the main thing to consider when trading for the larger LT is just to make sure you are ready for the larger bike, because it is larger and heavier, but handles better in my mind and is a dream on the highway. I suspect you will also enjoy the water cooled 4 cylinder.

Send me a private message and maybe we can meet up at the coffee shop and compare notes.