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RT or LT or GT
User Name Remember Me? Password
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Newport Beach, CA, 92660
Posts: 3
RT or LT or GT
I am in between bikes at the moment but am anxiously close to buying one--I just paid off my 540i!!
I am considering the R1200RT, the K1200LT and the K1200GT but am having difficulty deciding which one--knowing that I will probably buy a second bike in a year or so.
Going crazy fast is no longer a desire for me. I am eager for day rides and have two multi-day trips planned in the months to come. I am looking for a nice touring bike that handle a GPS, Radar/Laser detector, and possibly some audio capabilities (external and not in my helmet). I don't like looking through a windshield but I like the ability to reduce the wind in my face.
Other info:
5'8" and 165 lbs.; previously on a K75s and stupidly sold it years ago.
I am not used to the low side view mirrors on the RT and LT--with a full-face helmet, I seem to need to look down and to one side or the other to use the mirror...but I have seen people put on additional, more standard mirrors.
I have heard that R's are "bullet proof" and cost less to maintain....but, again, that they are old technology and that K's are "better" but cost more to maintain....
I am concerned about dropping the LT but have some faith that I can master the approx 800lbs if enough informed people say so....
Is it possible to alter the GT's riding position to be similar to the RT? Is that the way to go....However, I do like the lower 1st gear of the RT....
I like riding "in" the bike rather than high "on top" of the bike....one up never two up.
and....before I take my Paxil....I rarely like to lane split but don't like the idea of completely having it removed from my repertoire.
Gratefully...and sorry for the length...OCD takes over at times...
I am considering the R1200RT, the K1200LT and the K1200GT but am having difficulty deciding which one--knowing that I will probably buy a second bike in a year or so.
Going crazy fast is no longer a desire for me. I am eager for day rides and have two multi-day trips planned in the months to come. I am looking for a nice touring bike that handle a GPS, Radar/Laser detector, and possibly some audio capabilities (external and not in my helmet). I don't like looking through a windshield but I like the ability to reduce the wind in my face.
Other info:
5'8" and 165 lbs.; previously on a K75s and stupidly sold it years ago.
I am not used to the low side view mirrors on the RT and LT--with a full-face helmet, I seem to need to look down and to one side or the other to use the mirror...but I have seen people put on additional, more standard mirrors.
I have heard that R's are "bullet proof" and cost less to maintain....but, again, that they are old technology and that K's are "better" but cost more to maintain....
I am concerned about dropping the LT but have some faith that I can master the approx 800lbs if enough informed people say so....
Is it possible to alter the GT's riding position to be similar to the RT? Is that the way to go....However, I do like the lower 1st gear of the RT....
I like riding "in" the bike rather than high "on top" of the bike....one up never two up.
and....before I take my Paxil....I rarely like to lane split but don't like the idea of completely having it removed from my repertoire.
Gratefully...and sorry for the length...OCD takes over at times...
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Houston, Tx, USA
Posts: 9
I'm 5' 7" and while it can be a beast at low speeds and I can only get my tip toes on the ground at the same time, I just slide over a little bit to one side and can get my foot flat on the ground. I sat on a rt back in 2000 when I bought my lt. It is lighter than the lt but the lt has more room or seems to to me.
The lt has a killer stereo on it and while you can get the radio as an option on the rt it doesnt come with a trunk or tour pak unless you add it and there are no speakers in it or a place toy put them.
Oh and don't be discouraged by the negative stuff you hear in here.
After all its a forum where owners seek answers and report problem that they have had. I know after reading about all the rear drive failures, I got a little spooked and every time I got on mine I figured mine was doomed to fail, but so far so good. Go to your local Beemer dealer and arrange for some test rides and see which one you like better. I like my lt, and it's not perfect but what bike is. Service is expensive on all the Beemers, but then again so are most bikes.
Oh and yes I have dropped mine. Sooner or later almost everybody does, but mine have all been very low speeds or stopped and it just got over too far and all it did was lightly scuff the very bottom of the tip over plastic pieces and the black strip on the saddle bags. You cant tell by looking at it, but if you run your fingers on the underside of those pieces you can barely feel a little roughness. It's fallen over twice I think and knock on wood it has been quite awhile since I've let it fall over, but when it does happen unless your strong as an ox about all you can do once it gets over too far is slow it's rate of fall and kind of gingerly let it go down. This is a great forum and if you decide on a lt I'm sure you will like it as much as I do.
The lt has a killer stereo on it and while you can get the radio as an option on the rt it doesnt come with a trunk or tour pak unless you add it and there are no speakers in it or a place toy put them.
Oh and don't be discouraged by the negative stuff you hear in here.
After all its a forum where owners seek answers and report problem that they have had. I know after reading about all the rear drive failures, I got a little spooked and every time I got on mine I figured mine was doomed to fail, but so far so good. Go to your local Beemer dealer and arrange for some test rides and see which one you like better. I like my lt, and it's not perfect but what bike is. Service is expensive on all the Beemers, but then again so are most bikes.
Oh and yes I have dropped mine. Sooner or later almost everybody does, but mine have all been very low speeds or stopped and it just got over too far and all it did was lightly scuff the very bottom of the tip over plastic pieces and the black strip on the saddle bags. You cant tell by looking at it, but if you run your fingers on the underside of those pieces you can barely feel a little roughness. It's fallen over twice I think and knock on wood it has been quite awhile since I've let it fall over, but when it does happen unless your strong as an ox about all you can do once it gets over too far is slow it's rate of fall and kind of gingerly let it go down. This is a great forum and if you decide on a lt I'm sure you will like it as much as I do.
Last edited by Coot : Today at 3:31 am .
Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Posts: 11
G'day,
I just went through a similar process. I already had a 1200RT and I was unhappy with the ergonomics. I'm 6'4"" and 275 pounds... I'm also not too interested in going super fast or cornering with a knee scraping. The RT engine was great on the open road with what I considered to be good performance. Around the city the high first gear was a bit of pain, especially on hill starts.
I took a GT for a test ride and too be honest it scared me, fantastic acceleration and excellent cornering ability. I found the throttle a bit touchy and though that this would be a real pain in city traffic (I occasionally ride to work in the centre of Sydney) The seat was also uncomfortable after about 30 minutes and the windscreen ineffective for my height.
I decided the LT was the way to go. The radio can be heard at cruising speed, the comfort seat is fantastic and the performance, whilst not that of the GT, is still exciting. Cornering ability is great and matches my riding style perfectly, although I am scraping the undercarriage from time to time. Mine came standard with the tall screen, with the screen raised to the highest setting I am looking right through it, also sitting in a bubble of still air. Despite the weight of the bike I find it better in stop start traffic than the RT. Also, the electro/hydraulic stand is fantastic!! As well as the puddle lights and the central locking. It's just a pity that the LT doesn't have the newer technologies yet that the RT and GT have. I never got the chance to test ride the LT before I bought, however, I knew from sitting on it that it was going to right for me.
Cheers,
Brendan
Sydney
Australia
I just went through a similar process. I already had a 1200RT and I was unhappy with the ergonomics. I'm 6'4"" and 275 pounds... I'm also not too interested in going super fast or cornering with a knee scraping. The RT engine was great on the open road with what I considered to be good performance. Around the city the high first gear was a bit of pain, especially on hill starts.
I took a GT for a test ride and too be honest it scared me, fantastic acceleration and excellent cornering ability. I found the throttle a bit touchy and though that this would be a real pain in city traffic (I occasionally ride to work in the centre of Sydney) The seat was also uncomfortable after about 30 minutes and the windscreen ineffective for my height.
I decided the LT was the way to go. The radio can be heard at cruising speed, the comfort seat is fantastic and the performance, whilst not that of the GT, is still exciting. Cornering ability is great and matches my riding style perfectly, although I am scraping the undercarriage from time to time. Mine came standard with the tall screen, with the screen raised to the highest setting I am looking right through it, also sitting in a bubble of still air. Despite the weight of the bike I find it better in stop start traffic than the RT. Also, the electro/hydraulic stand is fantastic!! As well as the puddle lights and the central locking. It's just a pity that the LT doesn't have the newer technologies yet that the RT and GT have. I never got the chance to test ride the LT before I bought, however, I knew from sitting on it that it was going to right for me.
Cheers,
Brendan
Sydney
Australia
TNT - TheNakedTruth
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Lakeville, MN, USA
Posts: 312
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jackie
I have heard that R's are "bullet proof" and cost less to maintain....but, again, that they are old technology and that K's are "better" but cost more to maintain....
I am concerned about dropping the LT but have some faith that I can master the approx 800lbs if enough informed people say so....
...one up never two up.
and....before I take my Paxil....I rarely like to lane split but don't like the idea of completely having it removed from my repertoire.
If you are considering new & given the above I'd go with the RT.
The current LT is due to be replaced in '09 so in it's current state is old tech. but well done, also resale value is dropping fast. The LT "brick" motor will no longer exist in any platform. The boxer continues to be refined.
You could always wait fot the new LT.
Dave
__________________
BMWMOA #120588
everythingsop.com (Related)
Current Stable:
'06 R12GS Adv, '98 Buell, '95 Ultra, '95 Fatboy, '71 Rickman, '53 Panhead
2008-9 KxxxxLT or whenever BMW updates the platform
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Merrimack, NH, USA
Posts: 1
At present I own 2001 RT great bike has its quirks but love it, I looked at the "TNG" GT very nice bike great response but felt it did not offer the element protection I am interested in, also felt pressure on wrists and shoulders , I test drove the LT and bought the bike, awaiting its arrival from Germany should arrive early June. I am 5'7" 180lbs 29" inseam. Good luck with your decision.
Jeff
Jeff
__________________
Indecision is a decision
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Dandridge (Near Knoxville), TN, USA
Posts: 9,483
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jackie
I am in between bikes at the moment but am anxiously close to buying one--I just paid off my 540i!!
I am considering the R1200RT, the K1200LT and the K1200GT but am having difficulty deciding which one--knowing that I will probably buy a second bike in a year or so.
Going crazy fast is no longer a desire for me. I am eager for day rides and have two multi-day trips planned in the months to come. I am looking for a nice touring bike that handle a GPS, Radar/Laser detector, and possibly some audio capabilities (external and not in my helmet). I don't like looking through a windshield but I like the ability to reduce the wind in my face.
Other info:
5'8" and 165 lbs.; previously on a K75s and stupidly sold it years ago.
I am not used to the low side view mirrors on the RT and LT--with a full-face helmet, I seem to need to look down and to one side or the other to use the mirror...but I have seen people put on additional, more standard mirrors.
I have heard that R's are "bullet proof" and cost less to maintain....but, again, that they are old technology and that K's are "better" but cost more to maintain....
I am concerned about dropping the LT but have some faith that I can master the approx 800lbs if enough informed people say so....
Is it possible to alter the GT's riding position to be similar to the RT? Is that the way to go....However, I do like the lower 1st gear of the RT....
I like riding "in" the bike rather than high "on top" of the bike....one up never two up.
and....before I take my Paxil....I rarely like to lane split but don't like the idea of completely having it removed from my repertoire.
Gratefully...and sorry for the length...OCD takes over at times...
I am considering the R1200RT, the K1200LT and the K1200GT but am having difficulty deciding which one--knowing that I will probably buy a second bike in a year or so.
Going crazy fast is no longer a desire for me. I am eager for day rides and have two multi-day trips planned in the months to come. I am looking for a nice touring bike that handle a GPS, Radar/Laser detector, and possibly some audio capabilities (external and not in my helmet). I don't like looking through a windshield but I like the ability to reduce the wind in my face.
Other info:
5'8" and 165 lbs.; previously on a K75s and stupidly sold it years ago.
I am not used to the low side view mirrors on the RT and LT--with a full-face helmet, I seem to need to look down and to one side or the other to use the mirror...but I have seen people put on additional, more standard mirrors.
I have heard that R's are "bullet proof" and cost less to maintain....but, again, that they are old technology and that K's are "better" but cost more to maintain....
I am concerned about dropping the LT but have some faith that I can master the approx 800lbs if enough informed people say so....
Is it possible to alter the GT's riding position to be similar to the RT? Is that the way to go....However, I do like the lower 1st gear of the RT....
I like riding "in" the bike rather than high "on top" of the bike....one up never two up.
and....before I take my Paxil....I rarely like to lane split but don't like the idea of completely having it removed from my repertoire.
Gratefully...and sorry for the length...OCD takes over at times...
You sound like an almost perfect candidate for an LT. The GT is a lot of fun, but I did not feel I would like it for a long ride. I lane split every work day for 5 years on an LT, no problem at all. I got used to the mirrors, and actually liked them. I rode a K100 dealer loaner once, and keeping the mirrors on it out of harms way when lane splitting was stressful! It seems that the LT mirrors are just UNDER 80% of the mirrors on the road, where the K100 mirrors lined up with about half of them. All those SUVs and pickups in SoCal.
__________________
I don't want to achieve immortality through my work...I want to achieve it through not dying.
David Shealey
Dandridge, TN
EX: '01 Black LT, BAT BYKE (Totaled at 110,000 miles)
IBA SS, BB, BBG, 10/10ths.
No bike now, but maybe in the future.
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
Posts: 115
Greetings all.
Hey Jackie
Don't expect too much sympathy around here now that you've just told us you've paid off your 540i.
Sweet ride...
Kindest regards to all
Paul Harrington
AU
E: corcaigh@internode.on.net (Related)
Hey Jackie
Don't expect too much sympathy around here now that you've just told us you've paid off your 540i.
Sweet ride...
Kindest regards to all
Paul Harrington
AU
E: corcaigh@internode.on.net (Related)
__________________
1999 Champagne LT "Bismarck"
1983 base K100 "Bavarian Belle"
Senior Member
Ride them all, and buy what you like and what fits you best! I love my LT, but I have never ridden an RT either. Next time I am in the market, I very well may try one just to see how it fits and how it rides and whether I think it would fit into my riding style. Good luck. Jim
Senior Member
I own an LT and have for over 2 years now. Bought an '03 used with very low mileage for a steal. I keep going to the BMW dealer and riding both the RT and the GT. I also keep coming away with the feeling that
1) I like both bikes
2) Both have more power then the LT
3) Both are not as roomy and comfortable as the LT
4) I am glad I have stayed with the LT... It is the bike for me.
Coming from someone that likes all three, I know I made the right decision but I wouldn't mind owning 2 or 3 bikes ...
1) I like both bikes
2) Both have more power then the LT
3) Both are not as roomy and comfortable as the LT
4) I am glad I have stayed with the LT... It is the bike for me.
Coming from someone that likes all three, I know I made the right decision but I wouldn't mind owning 2 or 3 bikes ...
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Hamden, CT, USA
Posts: 438
Quote:
Originally Posted by jrlakin
Ride them all, and buy what you like and what fits you best! I love my LT, but I have never ridden an RT either. Next time I am in the market, I very well may try one just to see how it fits and how it rides and whether I think it would fit into my riding style. Good luck. Jim
+1. Ya gotta ride each of them, and not just around the block. You've ridden before, so you will have a pretty quick intuitive feel for each, and they are quite different in their personalities. My guess is that you'll rule out the GT, although note that you can get a custom saddle for each of the bikes. If both the RT and the LT speak to you, my suggestion would be to try to get an '06 RT. The previous owner will have taken the inital depreciation hit. You're going to get another bike in 2 years, you can get the new LT (if, indeed, it ever comes out). At that point you will realize that you do not really need the RT and you can give it to me in appreciation for being so helpful .
__________________
Bill
Hamden, CT
'99 Canyon Red K1200 LT - Buddah Bike
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Please select one User Control Panel Private Messages Subscriptions Who's Online Search Forums Forums Home -------------------- Bikes Bike Talk K1200LT R1200RT K1200GT (The Next Generation) R1200GS Other K-Bikes Discussion K-Bikes.com - Excellence in Motion Other R-Bike Discussion Accessories, Gadgets, and Gear GPS Ergonomics & Rider Comfort Satellite Radio Lighting Shocks and Suspension Intercom, CB, & 2-Way Radios Rider's Gear & Luggage iPod/MP3 Tires Radar Detector Trailers, Sidecars, & Trikes Batteries, Chargers, & Electrical Other Stuff Community Curve Cowboy Reunion Ride Tales Classifieds Dealer Experiences Surveys and Polls Survey Repository Site Sponsors Supporting Dealers BMW of Denver A&S BMW Motorcycles BMW of North Houston Bob's BMW Grassroots BMW Supporting Vendors AutumnRiders BeemerBoneyard.com Benchmark Helmets Buck's Kickshifter CycleGadgets.com CycleNutz Derby Cycles Destination Highways Digital Brushes Digital Office Solution EHNet Internet Services EzyMount Products Highway Ottomans Junkyard Juice Just Ride it Accessories KonTour Seats Millenhaus MotoDiscovery Nick Plenzick Enterprises Riding is Wonderful Three R Plastics Shango Rider StumpWare Unicorn Adventures Uni-Go Trailers XenonDepot Regional Discussions USA Central East Northern California Mid West Rocky Mountain North East South Central North West South East South West Canada Europe Australia, New Zealand, and AsiaPac Site Support Announcements Contact the Help Team
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