[Mike_H]

I own a 2005 K1200 LT. Most of my riding is two up, and has included some really long (15,000 miles) trips.

It has become too heavy for me, I think, and it is no longer comfortable. I'm considering down-sizing, perhaps to an RT.

I'd appreciate hearing the experiences of any who may have done this.

Thanks.

 

[jeffdean]

I have been there and done exactly that. Shed some 200 pounds in the process.

 

[mtrevelino]

I went from a 2000 LT to a 2008 RT. My wife does ride with me at times. She prefers the LT over the RT. She enjoyed the heated backrest, added armrest, the larger seat, and less bouncing. On the RT, she also sits higher than the driver and could see the road ahead better. She is split if she likes this or not. Basically, if all you do is two up riding, you cannot beat the LT for its comfort, of course the new GTL is a possibility!
The RT does vibrate more than the LT, but if you keep it under 70 mph, the vibration is minimal.

 

[nocanpickem]

Switched 3 yrs. ago.

RT:

More fun to ride
Better Mileage
More Comfortable for rider
Much easier to manage while motor is off
Quiet
No issues yet with 38K

LT

Liked the radio and audio controls better
Intercom worked well
I missed having reverse on one or two occassions.

 

[kellenbenz]

I just did this also. The wife doesn't ride as much as she use to but her opinion is important to me. We did test ride an RT first and she knew that I wanted lighter/sportier. She agreed and even helped me in my search for the right one.

Her comments on the test ride was that she felt as if she was sliding forward. We cured that problem with the BMW comfort seat that sits a bit more level and has that hump in the front.

My LT had armrests and adjustable floorboards for her....she does miss those but is getting more comfortable since she has ridden some.

In my opinion, I have more room in front of her now than on the LT.

The weight difference is very noticeable and welcomed...she is more comfortable that I am more confident at low speeds in parking lots. Did that make sense?

My RT does have the Vstream windshield and she actually allows me to have it in a lower position...whereas on the LT she wanted the shield up due to buffeting.

From what I have done as far as work on the bike is concerned, I find it very much easier than the LT. Plastic removal is easy and everything is much more accessible.

I have owned it for a bit over 2 months now and am sure that I made the right decision for me.

Try a long test ride and see what she says.

Ron

 

[LTFan]

Not sure if I am hijacking this thread or helping it. But here is a question I always had. What is the difference between the RT and GT. I mean in terms of the approach to making the bike. As I understand LT's approach was to make the most comfortable yet somewhat sporty (compared to gold wing) ride for two-up riding. RT was focused on making it a little more sporty and fun for the rider.

Does the GT have the same approach as RT but using a 4/6 cylinder K engine (smoother at higher rpm and speeds) instead of the 2 cylinder R engine (better engine breaking and torque)?

Again, I hope I have not hijacked this thread and the answer might help the OP to make better decision.

 

[wyowolf]

I am considering between the LT and the RT as well. I rode the RT by myself and was fine with it... i sat on the LT and it seemed really comfortable and i could sit better on it since it was lower.

will be watching this with interest. The only thing I wonder about I see a lot of RTs but most seem to be geared more toward single rider. I never see any with armrests on them... are they available?

 

[itspossible]

I made the switch from an LT to RT this spring for the same reason, was loosing confidence in my ability to handle the weight in tight situations and pulling a single wheel trailer. Bought the RT and was amazed at the ease of handling, I'll be adding a set of engine protector bars just in case but have never come close to needing them.
The bike is a bit higher than the LT and I use a Corbin seat, I'm 5' 9" with a 30" inseam but it's not a problem at all. The weight reduction is the most apparent feature, no grunting to keep her up and can easily u turn on narrow roads. I don't mind the bit of vibration that comes with the 2 cylinder and you really only feel it on acceleration. The knee position is a bit more bent but does not affect me, however my wife complains about it. Seating is just as comfy for me but my wife says she's less comfy and more exposed to wind and sits higher.
I've taken both bikes out on the track for advanced riding courses and the RT was more performance oriented. It was a decision I pondered for a long time but worked out well for my ridinf style. I'm going to be doing some long tours next year and look forward to it.

 

[OU812]

I had a 02'LT and really enjoyed it for all of my riding adventures.
The RT is just so different in every way.
You will know you made the right choice when you try a RT out. :bmw:

 

[89h98h98h98u8789]

Had a couple of K12LTs, total of 150,00 miles pulling a Bushtec trailer. Only occasionally rode two up. Love the RT for all the above reasons, but, unless your wife is hardy, I don't think she will want to do long miles two up on an RT. I know that people do, and I am impressed that they are able to deal with the smaller, lighter bike two up on long trips. The RT is wonderful for my riding at this point, most is around town and short tips without the trailer, but, it will pull the trailer if needed and do two up. Unfortunately, we all have to make adjustments as we age, and what was no problem holding up when we were 40 is not what we want to be holding up at 64!! Do be aware that the RT is tall, and even though it is lighter, it can be difficult to hold up at a stop light if the road is uneven and you are of short stature. Good luck, it is a great bike.....Best, Bob

 

[vulcan]

I went from a Goldwing to an RT.
I loved it. My wife, after a few short rides, refused to get on it.
She is 5'10, same as I am, and said there was not enough room, too mch wind buffeting, went too fast, etc.
She did get spoiled by the Wing, similar to the LT.
On top of that, the foot position caused my feet to get numb. I'm 75.
Went to a Victory Cross Country Tour. Wife is happy with that, me not as much, but it solved most of the issues.
I suggest taking a few test rides with your wife on the RT and see her reaction. There are a lot of couples out there going long distances on RTs.

 

[jeffdean]

I went from a Goldwing to an RT.
I loved it. My wife, after a few short rides, refused to get on it.
She is 5'10, same as I am, and said there was not enough room, too mch wind buffeting, went too fast, etc.
She did get spoiled by the Wing, similar to the LT.
On top of that, the foot position caused my feet to get numb. I'm 75.
Went to a Victory Cross Country Tour. Wife is happy with that, me not as much, but it solved most of the issues.
I suggest taking a few test rides with your wife on the RT and see her reaction. There are a lot of couples out there going long distances on RTs.

I am 72 and have no problem with the ergonomics of an R1200RT. My wife does not either. She is 5-7 and weighs 125. If your wife weighs within the BMI limits for her height, she should have no problem with the RT's passenger accommodations. If she is, how do you say it, rather ample in stature, she might have accommodation problems.

http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/

 

[Ponch]

I am 72 and have no problem with the ergonomics of an R1200RT. My wife does not either. She is 5-7 and weighs 125. If your wife weighs within the BMI limits for her height, she should have no problem with the RT's passenger accommodations. If she is, how do you say it, rather ample in stature, she might have accommodation problems.

http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/

BMI calculators make assumptions to lean boby mass that may not work for everyone. Some could be the same height and weight and have completely different BMIs. The only way to know is to measure it.

 

[jwdeluxe]

This spring, in a moment of weakness, I sold my beloved 2001 LT. I thought I wanted a RT, because my travel plans weren't going to happen for a while. I bought a 1996 RT1100 without a test drive, mostly because of what I'd read on these forums. Well, I just got back today from a 550 mile tour of the Arkansas National forests. My opinion is- In the corners I found myself wishing I was on the LT. In Eureka Springs, Russelville and Branson I was really glad I was on the RT. The RT does nothing exceptionally well, but everything it does is so near perfect and once I got it through my head how she wanted to do things, every mile just kept getting better.One of my partners was on a Kaw Connie and the other on a beautiful Yam Roadstar, both very nice machines, but when we'd take a break the Yam rider was hurting in the backside and the Connie rider was hurting on the front side. I honestly did not have a moment of discomfort, probably due to the Russel Day Long seat, extended bars and lowered pegs. What a mile eater this Lady is!! I do think the Lt is awe inspiring over 5 mph, but she can be very intimidating under that. On the RT there is not a real rush anywhere, but there's not a spot where she doesn't take good care of you. So---I guess I'm in love again. J.W.

 

[vulcan]

I am 72 and have no problem with the ergonomics of an R1200RT. My wife does not either. She is 5-7 and weighs 125. If your wife weighs within the BMI limits for her height, she should have no problem with the RT's passenger accommodations. If she is, how do you say it, rather ample in stature, she might have accommodation problems.

http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/

Just want to clarify in case my wife ever reads this.
She is 5'10" and weighs under 135 pounds. Not "ample" by any means.

 

[gladiator99]

I am also thinking of switching to a lighter ride. My 2006 Lt is a great touring maching but somewhat heavy for short trips in the city. I just had a total knee replaacement and I won't be riding for another month or so. I have someone interested in my LT and I found an Rt with low miles for sale nearby . It is an 09 with some extras and only 13k miles.
Owner wants $14,000. Does this sound like a fair price?
I have never taken a test drive on an RT so I would be buying it without a test drive. Sounds like from what I am reading here that it would be the right move.
Cheers,
Jim :dance: :dance:

 

[LTFan]

Price seems close to fair. But why would you skip the test ride? Although you like the RT it would make sense to test ride this specific RT to ensure everything is right with it. Even if it takes an extra month to buy it while you recover, its worth the wait.

 

[gladiator99]

Price seems close to fair. But why would you skip the test ride? Although you like the RT it would make sense to test ride this specific RT to ensure everything is right with it. Even if it takes an extra month to buy it while you recover, its worth the wait.

I suppose I could purchase conditional to a test ride to show me the features and handling of the RT. The seller is about 500 miles away from me so a test ride might be impossible right away. Also I have to sell my LT before I can commit to this purchase.
I am getting anxious to get back to riding again. I may have to find a local RT owner and swap bikes for a short test run.

Cheers,
Jim :dance:

 

[dmottv]

I sold my '99 LT with 88k on it and currently have an '02 RT-P. I loved the LT, the horsepower, smoothness, the weight for long rides, the amenities & comfort, and so did my wife. However, the RT is plenty quick, a little more fun in the twisties (though I enjoyed scraping the LT pegs too), handles long rides quite well whether on the interstate or back roads, and is lighter to the tune of about 200 lbs. I miss the radio and speakers, don't have a rear seat yet but my wife doesn't ride near as much as she used to, and think that reverse should be on every bike over 600 lbs, but don't think I'll go back to the LT. The GT looks like fun but I enjoy the simplicity of the boxer.