BMW Luxury Touring Community - New GT this year, or wait for the new LT?!

messenger13

May 30th, 2006, 10:23 pm

I guess nobody can really answer that question for me...but oh well. I'm asking it anyway.

Yea...last Thursday I sat on the new GT. The wife sat on the back. She liked it! (Bad move # 1)

Last Saturday, I went for a 420-mile ride on the Ninja. I had a blast! But on the way home, I just could help but think that I coulda had just as much fun on the GT . . . AND be more comfortable. (Bad move # 2)

Today, the new rider magazine shows up with GUESS WHO on the cover?! I went right straight to the article and read it . . . thoroughly. (Bad move # 3)

I then showed the cover and article to my wife. She did NOT give me "the look". (Bad move # 4)

After dinner, the wife (aka CFO) and I talked over the math and she gave me the green light. (Bad move # 5)

I showed my wife pics of the new Yamaha FJR1300 online. She said, "Ew! I don't like that at all. And it doesn't look comfortable.". 'Nuff said! (Bad move # 6)

This is getting down-right ugly...isn't it?! http://www.bigbikeworld.com/forum/smileys/smiley26.gif

Zotter

May 30th, 2006, 10:51 pm

So, uh - when do we see picys of the new addition? <g>

motorhead

May 31st, 2006, 12:43 am

As fun as the NEW K R/S/GT bikes are .... You need to ask yourself how long you can survive riding a bike that is so damm fast ??

I know of 2 very experanced riders locally that "HAD TOO" have one, only to sell them shortly after purchase :confused:

Sure anyone can convince themselfs they are man enough to handle one, and that if fills their nitch of being the ideal ride .... Will one replace an LT for 2 up riding ? I doubt it ... Will it make you sweat, ride faster than your angels can fly ? ... Bet on it !!

Good luck on your decision ...

Frankly riding the S scared the crap out of me, seeing first hand how easy it was to ride faster than common sense dictates was sobering enough to say thanks .. but NO !

JMHO.
Scott

meese

May 31st, 2006, 2:00 am

But the rider still controls the bike speed, by using that thing on the right handlebar. Sure the new bikes can be scary fast, but so can a GSXR or R1 for about half the price.

My brief ride on a GT showed it to ride just fine at lower throttle openings and higher gears. It was docile enough to ride comfortably, but get it above 5K rpms and hang on. So the power is there if you need/want it, but doesn't seem to affect overall rideability if you don't.

I'm so used to wringing the LT out and throwing it through curves because I know I can push it's limits and it will remain stable, but give me plenty of warning if I'm nearing a limit. The GT seemed to be the same, but just at a much higher limit.

messenger13

May 31st, 2006, 6:58 am

As fun as the NEW K R/S/GT bikes are .... You need to ask yourself how long you can survive riding a bike that is so damm fast ??Um...my Ninja is faster. So no problem there.

As for 2-up comfort, my wife liked the GT. And she wouldn't hold back if she wasn't comfortable. (Fortunately, my wife keeps her weight down. :) ) I was really expecting her to tell me to "forget it". Then we sat on one together. She said it was no less comfortable than the LT. She repeated that last night.

ClearwaterBMW

May 31st, 2006, 7:09 am

Joe...
i'm glad for your post as i am considering trading my '02 LT for the GT as well. i know that your wife said she is as comfortable on the GT, but.... what about the WIND PROTECTION from the pillion seat... that can't be good, or is it?

i am 5'6" 170# and my wife is 5'7" 120#

thanks in advance

dwsdad

May 31st, 2006, 7:11 am

...or wait for the new ZX14 based Connie to hit.......

glenhinegardner

May 31st, 2006, 7:11 am

Hey Joe

Statring June 4 BMW of Cleveland is open on SUNDAY (extra day to shop), if you can wait that long? I'll tell Dale too leave the light on for you!

Glen
05KLT

messenger13

May 31st, 2006, 7:16 am

...or wait for the new ZX14 based Connie to hit.......For the record...it won't be a "Connie" anyway. It'll be called a ZX-14GT, or something like that. The Concours is going bye-bye.

DaveDragon

May 31st, 2006, 7:26 am

...or wait for the new ZX14 based Connie to hit.......
I've had a conversation with a very reliable source at Kaw that indicates the Connie rumors are just that, rumors.

I have a buddy at Kaw who is "In the know" as it where!

Read Sean's response below.

>From:
>Date: Tue May 30 11:23:09 CDT 2006
>To:
>Subject: Re: ZX-14 Touring Model?

Dave, Nope, perhaps the rumors stem from the fact that the Ninja ZX-14 is known as the ZZR 1400 and comes with luggage mounts and a center stand in Europe and Japan. The gig is ok... lots of red tape and corporate BS though. -Sean

>-----Original Message-----
>From:
>To:
>Sent: Tue, 30 May 2006 11:22:22 -0400
>Subject: ZX-14 Touring Model?
>
>Sean: On our ride, we were debating if Kaw is going to make a touring model out of the ZX-14. Some said they heard “yes” through the rumor mill while other said the heard “no.” Is there anything that is declassified that you can share with us to settle this issue. Thanks. Dave. P.S. How is the new gig going?

* ps. I removed the email addresses for confidentiality *

ClearwaterBMW

May 31st, 2006, 7:26 am

...or wait for the new ZX14 based Connie to hit.......

or just add the ZX-14 to my LT and GS.... the same money as trading the LT for the GT
hmmmm.

dwsdad

May 31st, 2006, 8:57 am

Man, the rumor mills run hot and cold. I'm hearing from "reliable sources" that the new ZX14 based Connie will be a reality....and very soon, like Fall. If it ain't true, it's too bad. Kawasaki is missing a pretty good market, but then they dropped out of the touring bike market, too.

I've had a conversation with a very reliable source at Kaw that indicates the Connie rumors are just that, rumors.

I have a buddy at Kaw who is "In the know" as it where!

Read Sean's response below.

>From:
>Date: Tue May 30 11:23:09 CDT 2006
>To:
>Subject: Re: ZX-14 Touring Model?

Dave, Nope, perhaps the rumors stem from the fact that the Ninja ZX-14 is known as the ZZR 1400 and comes with luggage mounts and a center stand in Europe and Japan. The gig is ok... lots of red tape and corporate BS though. -Sean

>-----Original Message-----
>From:
>To:
>Sent: Tue, 30 May 2006 11:22:22 -0400
>Subject: ZX-14 Touring Model?
>
>Sean: On our ride, we were debating if Kaw is going to make a touring model out of the ZX-14. Some said they heard “yes” through the rumor mill while other said the heard “no.” Is there anything that is declassified that you can share with us to settle this issue. Thanks. Dave. P.S. How is the new gig going?

* ps. I removed the email addresses for confidentiality *

bmwhd

May 31st, 2006, 12:49 pm

I showed my wife pics of the new Yamaha FJR1300 online. She said, "Ew! I don't like that at all. And it doesn't look comfortable.". 'Nuff said! (Bad move # 6)

That's funny. When I brought the FJR home, I was poised for disapproval (she likes cruisers). This is what she said: "that's the best looking motorcycle you've ever owned and the only one I've ever liked".

Take your wife to see an FJR, they show better in person just like the GT. Also, the pillion comfort is first rate. With the top box and back pad she likes it better than the LT.

Also, tell the CFO that the $8K you save will let you keep the Ninja ;-)

maward

May 31st, 2006, 1:39 pm

That's funny. When I brought the FJR home, I was poised for disapproval (she likes cruisers). This is what she said: "that's the best looking motorcycle you've ever owned and the only one I've ever liked".

Take your wife to see an FJR, they show better in person just like the GT. Also, the pillion comfort is first rate. With the top box and back pad she likes it better than the LT.

Also, tell the CFO that the $8K you save will let you keep the Ninja ;-)

I agree with Todd. After all, even ELJEFFE says he does not care much for the looks of the GT, but he bought it anyway.

hoog62

May 31st, 2006, 4:10 pm

I showed my wife pics of the new Yamaha FJR1300 online. She said, "Ew! I don't like that at all. And it doesn't look comfortable.". 'Nuff said!

She's just telling you (or you're hearing) what you want to hear.
Not saying no is the same as saying yes around my house. I never get a "yes" where a motor vehicle is concerned.
Has she said "It's up to you" yet? That'll be next.

Look at it this way, the sooner you buy it, the sooner you're in position to buy the next gen LT.

messenger13

May 31st, 2006, 5:37 pm

Trust me Dave, after 20 years of marriage, I know my wife. I can't believe she's "ok" with this.

jayjacobson

Jun 1st, 2006, 3:39 am

Tallyho

Jun 1st, 2006, 3:37 pm

Trust me Dave, after 20 years of marriage, I know my wife. I can't believe she's "ok" with this.

Then don't believe it. :o

Man, when some of you boys get the itch for new wheels, watch out! Total impulse and environment riding roughshod over good judgement and sensibility. :p

I agree with Motorhead. By the end of summer or certainly by Christmas, you'll see plenty of secondhand GTs available for sale from those with too many tickets and $4K per year insurance rates. This is exactly what's happening with the new KS and KR bikes around here. Then again, I will look forward to seeing your postings two years from now......"GT vs New LT, Should I do it? Didn't realize they were putting a V6 in it!" :rolleyes:

bmwhd

Jun 1st, 2006, 3:42 pm

Then don't believe it. :o

Man, when some of you boys get the itch for new wheels, watch out! Total impulse and environment riding roughshod over good judgement and sensibility. :p

I agree with Motorhead. By the end of summer or certainly by Christmas, you'll see plenty of secondhand GTs available for sale from those with too many tickets and $4K per year insurance rates. This is exactly what's happening with the new KS and KR bikes around here. Then again, I will look forward to seeing your postings two years from now......"GT vs New LT, Should I do it? Didn't realize they were putting a V6 in it!" :rolleyes:

Now that's funny! :) and true. Waiting has never been my strong suit either. Took super human strength to make it as long as I did before replacing the LT with another LD bike.

messenger13

Jun 1st, 2006, 4:25 pm

Then again, I will look forward to seeing your postings two years from now......"GT vs New LT, Should I do it? Didn't realize they were putting a V6 in it!" :rolleyes:Trust me...this keeps running through my mind.

Well...my delaer is looking for a Deep Blue GT for me. If he finds one, the lady and I will go ride it. If she gives it a second thumbs up, it'll be mine.

eljeffe

Jun 1st, 2006, 5:03 pm

Didn't realize they were putting a V6 in it!" :rolleyes:

The likelihood of a V6 appearing in the Next-Gen LT is about the same as Jessica Alba coming over to give me a blowjob. Nice to think about, but never gonna happen.

hoog62

Jun 1st, 2006, 6:00 pm

http://www.bmwlt.com/gallery/files/2/7/9/2/JessicaAlba_Granitz_8662751.jpg

.

messenger13

Jun 1st, 2006, 6:08 pm

Hhmmn . . .

http://www.bmwlt.com/gallery/files/1/7/8/bbm2.jpg

meese

Jun 1st, 2006, 11:11 pm

Hey, you nicked that image. :mad: But that's OK, so did I. :)

messenger13

Jun 1st, 2006, 11:17 pm

The purest form of flattery! :)

S2DOG

Jun 2nd, 2006, 7:49 am

hI Joe, I had to weigh the numbers for a bit but not for the sake of affordability. The real trick for me was weighing the new GT's features (or lack of) against the LT I have now.

Once I did that I lost interest in the GT. It's a nice bike, but for touring I would preffer the LT.

So, I bought a used 2003 Suzuki Bandit 1200GSF with 1900 miles on it to run around on. Cost, 4,000.00. I put on some handle bar risers and a little better wind screen and the bike is very comfortable.

When the new LT comes out I may trade my old LT, but if there is a big difference in the cost vs my used LT value, I may just keep what I have.

There is no way you can realistically compate an LT to a GT.

An any event, you go and have wayyyy too much fun on that new GT!!! :)

S2DOG

Jun 2nd, 2006, 7:58 am

I agree, the new FJR is a great looking bike.... I also like the honda st, except when you pull the hard bags off.

S2DOG

Jun 2nd, 2006, 8:01 am

Doug, lets pray not. The connie IMHO is one of the UGLIEST bikes I have seen. It looks like a 1980' retro fit to tour. But, it's all subjective...... your bike loooks good though ;)

messenger13

Jun 2nd, 2006, 8:02 am

There is no way you can realistically compate an LT to a GT.That's what I used to think. In fact, I think I typed that very same thing. But exactly what doesn't the GT have, that the LT has? A radio?! Frankly, the radio of the LT doesn't impress me all that much. And you know I'm a huge iPod fan. That's all I need.

Let's see...what else? The automatic centerstand? Quite frankly, I don't need one...nor do I want one. I'm not saying it's a "bad thing", it's just not for me.

The list is starting to dwindle...

2-UP comfort? My wife claims that this is not an issue...just by sitting on it. In fact, she said it seemed a leetle roomier. The test-ride will tell all though.

messenger13

Jun 2nd, 2006, 8:04 am

But, it's all subjective...... your bike loooks good though ;)Kinda like those yellow LTs. I love looking at them! I just would never own one! :D

S2DOG

Jun 2nd, 2006, 8:09 am

LOL!!!!! Only you can do that better than. You jouster!

RVB1019

Jun 2nd, 2006, 8:32 am

Also, tell the CFO that the $8K you save will let you keep the Ninja ;-)

Good Point!

I haven't test rode the GT but 8 large price difference is could be a deal maker/breaker.

Plus, we all know how much Joe loves his Ninja.

Tallyho

Jun 2nd, 2006, 2:23 pm

The likelihood of a V6 appearing in the Next-Gen LT is about the same as Jessica Alba coming over to give me a blowjob. Nice to think about, but never gonna happen.
Well, get ready for a close encounter with Jessica! Never say never. :D

While I don't have definitive information(yet), my main point is that there is little question something new and spectacular is in the works for the LT and the high pulse rates for the new GT may well be mitigated before another 18 months passes.(Which includes another long winter) ;)

Well, my stars! Is that a week old GT posted in the Classifieds??? :rolleyes:

eljeffe

Jun 2nd, 2006, 6:01 pm

While I don't have definitive information(yet), my main point is that there is little question something new and spectacular is in the works for the LT..... snip

The next generation LT will be based on the slant4 technology that is currently in the K1200S/R/GT. There is the possibility that it will be a 1400cc version, but it will be based on the slant4 powerplant for the KS/R/GT.

My sources (which are the same ones that were right about the 05 LT, the S, the R, and the GT) keep providing the same information. OTL is on some wild tangent based on the BMW rumor guy in South Africa who is wrong as often as he is right.

Tallyho

Jun 3rd, 2006, 1:05 am

The next generation LT will be based on the slant4 technology that is currently in the K1200S/R/GT. There is the possibility that it will be a 1400cc version, but it will be based on the slant4 powerplant for the KS/R/GT.

While I tend to agree and have in the past on this forum, my source is not OTL or anyone in South Africa. My source is in Berlin and from the certain knowledge that premier BMW dealers have been briefed. It may not be a V6 but it is looking more likely it will not be the slant4. Time will tell. I know, a lot of wishful thinking. They have to come up with something monumental or we will all just keep our current farkelized models. At any rate, my pragmatism and patience will allow me to wait for the new LT. :thumb:

messenger13

Jun 3rd, 2006, 6:00 am

At any rate, my pragmatism and patience will allow me to wait for the new LT. :thumb:Maybe you should dish a little of that out and send it my way. ;)

wardenross

Jun 3rd, 2006, 11:31 pm

Joe,

Carol and I rode the new GT. Carol states that the GT is just as comfortable as the LT. She loved it.

Boy was I surprised! Who woulda thunk it!?

You might as well get ready to trade!

messenger13

Jun 4th, 2006, 12:00 am

Joe,

Carol and I rode the new GT. Carol states that the GT is just as comfortable as the LT. She loved it.

Boy was I surprised! Who woulda thunk it!?

You might as well get ready to trade!Well, I won't be "trading" per se, but yes I'm as prepared as can be to do the deal. Today was somewhat of a cruddy day here in northeast Ohio, so I cleaned up the bikes and started detailing them. They were both a mess.

meese

Jun 4th, 2006, 12:42 am

What did Carol think about the wind protection compared to the LT?

wardenross

Jun 4th, 2006, 1:46 pm

What did Carol think about the wind protection compared to the LT?
Well........

Carol said the wind protection was the same on the GT as our LT. Boy was I surprised! But then, I'm a bit larger than Carol.

I don't think we are comparing Apples and Apples here. I'm apparently large enough to block away the wind from Carol, even on a naked bike. The LTs wind advantage doesn't really affect her when we are on the bike.

See the pic below.

messenger13

Jun 4th, 2006, 1:51 pm

Better not wear that belt buckle on the GT without a tank protector! ;)

hawg

Jun 4th, 2006, 2:08 pm

While I tend to agree and have in the past on this forum, my source is not OTL or anyone in South Africa. My source is in Berlin and from the certain knowledge that premier BMW dealers have been briefed. It may not be a V6 but it is looking more likely it will not be the slant4. Time will tell. I know, a lot of wishful thinking. They have to come up with something monumental or we will all just keep our current farkelized models. At any rate, my pragmatism and patience will allow me to wait for the new LT. :thumb:

And now ya got ME wonderin what the new LT is gonna be like!!! Dang it!!! :thumb:

meese

Jun 5th, 2006, 2:52 am

Carol said the wind protection was the same on the GT as our LT. Boy was I surprised! But then, I'm a bit larger than Carol.I see what you mean. :) Thanks for the info.

I found the wind protection on the GT pretty good, even with a smaller windscreen. You just sit closer to it than on the LT, so it works better. I haven't been able to try it with Dayle yet.

Tallyho

Jun 5th, 2006, 12:16 pm

And now ya got ME wonderin what the new LT is gonna be like!!! Dang it!!! :thumb:

The LT has fallen behind the GW in recent years with respect to the more independent buyers regardless of the associated cultures running behind each bike. With all due respect, coming out with an LT based on the slant4 is sort of ho-hum. Like the GT in my opinion. Same basic technology as the K1200R with more fairing and farkle options. Sure there's a certain excitement in that prospect but not enough for me to trade up. Luxury touring is not about ultimate power and speed. It's great to have a luxury touring bike with sportier handling and that's the way it should remain as an added value distinction from the GW or anything else for that matter. BMW has done two upgrades to the current model and seems to be headed for a complete overhaul for 2008. I, for one and maybe the only one, will be sorely dissappointed if the new LT incarnation is a rehash of the current model with what will then be a five year old heavily modified slant4 design. Having experienced the new GT myself this weekend, I cannot fathom the comparisions to the LT at all other than to presume most of you are one up riders 98% of the time. However, I believe we will not be disappointed with the new LT or its powerplant. ;)

messenger13

Jun 5th, 2006, 12:26 pm

...I cannot fathom the comparisions to the LT at all other than to presume most of you are one up riders 98% of the time. I do ride 1-up 95% of the time. But my purchase still hinges upon the wife's approval. So far, she has sat on it and is as comfortable on the GT as on the LT. Next step...a long test-ride. And from everything I'm hearing, the GT actually provides a little more room for the passenger than the LT does. Hard to believe I know.

Three factors are in my favor when considering the GT.

I am 40 years old. I may not need the creature comforts provided by the LT to 'enjoy the ride' like some of my elders do. (Yes, I used that word on purpose. :D)
My wife is petite and in great health.
I'm still young (read: stupid) enough to need/want more gitty up & go than the LT provides.

ATDRS

Jun 5th, 2006, 4:31 pm

I wish that I had waited but I took the plunge.
After the 85 mile ride home I went back to my dealer and took the LT back. Now I have 2 bikes and I wish that I had just bought the GS, as I had planned, to accompany the LT in the garage.
Anyone want my GT? No tax and no 600 mile service to pay for. :D
Tim S
atdrs@qwest.net

ppp

Jun 6th, 2006, 3:16 pm

Well ATDRS it's funny because the first thing i said to my dealer after spending the afternoon with the GT was :

" my next BMW will be a GS and i think i won't be selling the LT ".

I wish that I had waited but I took the plunge.
After the 85 mile ride home I went back to my dealer and took the LT back. Now I have 2 bikes and I wish that I had just bought the GS, as I had planned, to accompany the LT in the garage.
Anyone want my GT? No tax and no 600 mile service to pay for. :D
Tim S
atdrs@qwest.net

messenger13

Jun 6th, 2006, 3:22 pm

I probably have a GSA in the next 5 years too. Amazing bike.

DaveDragon

Jun 6th, 2006, 3:49 pm

I probably have a GSA in the next 5 years too. Amazing bike.
You have been assimilated! http://www.bmwlt.com/gallery/files/2/6/0/7/Aliens_borg.gif

ppp

Jun 6th, 2006, 3:54 pm

I probably have a GSA in the next 5 years too. Amazing bike.

It will definitely be an Adventure also ,but i think i won't wait that much .
The waiting will be on the new LT ,as i'll wait for them to solve all the bugs .I hope it won't take the 5 years it took with the current model ...!

rglassma

Jun 6th, 2006, 9:29 pm

I would probably wait until the new LT comes out in '08 and if then if it disappoints, get an '06 or '07 GT and save your self depreciation....

messenger13

Jun 6th, 2006, 9:34 pm

I hope it won't take the 5 years it took with the current model ...!Um...it didn't take BMW 5 years to work out the bugs on the LT! Are you nuts?! Some people are VERY happy with their '99 model, in case you haven't noticed. And I don't have one, single complaint about my '02. Nothing that's been changed on the '05 model anyway. And BMW can take that hydraulic centerstand and shove it!

ppp

Jun 7th, 2006, 3:25 pm

Um...it didn't take BMW 5 years to work out the bugs on the LT! Are you nuts?! Some people are VERY happy with their '99 model, in case you haven't noticed. And I don't have one, single complaint about my '02. Nothing that's been changed on the '05 model anyway. And BMW can take that hydraulic centerstand and shove it!

Hello messenger , I am not nuts ! I was refering to the injection / ignition glitches of earlier bikes , (brown wire etc.) , as well as the low speed handling problem bettered with a different rake on the 05 , (available late winter 2004 ), as well as the final drive issues that lead to a new rear bearing on the 05 ... . The clutch slave cylinder issue still remains ,as well as the headlight problems ,we'll have to see about the final drive ...

I do love my 05 and am very happy with it ,but to be totally honest ,i do have some complaints ,THAT was what lead me to try the GT in the first place !

I only use the LT for long distance touring and for this type of use the GT really doesn't have a chance .