Should I trade.....

[info]

....perfect  04 R1150RT for a new LT??? Advice please.

[sagerat]

Without any additional info, I'd say "No."
 
The RT is a more enjoyable bike and is more of a sporty ride.  The LT is not quite a land barge but it's dang close.
 
LT is better two-up but the RT is not exactly spartan.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

nope

[bubba zanetti]

uh-uh

[cbsnbiker]

Short answer: probably not, without knowing what you want out of a bike.
 
Longer answer: what do you want out of a bike?
 
If you want a Goldwing-like riding experience, but with a lighter and more nimble ride, get the LT.
 
If you want to ride two-up for long distances, take your passenger for a test ride and find out what her (his) preference is.
 
If you want a buttery-smooth engine (or, to be more precise, a well-isolated engine), get the LT.
 
If you want better gas mileage, get an LT (so I'm told).
 
If you want a lighter and more nimble bike, keep the RT. If you want an even lighter and more nimble bike but with similar amenities, get an R1200RT instead.
 
Tell us what you want, and we'll give you some more input.

[Against The Wind]

no...

[Nesbocaj]

Ummm, Why??? Driving cross country???   Lose a bet????

[info]

Yeah. Driving cross country.
I've got an FJR for sportier touring and an R1100R for when I need the fix.
I think I might so I'll let you know.

[sideshow]

Even if you said "beat-to-hell '01 RT" I would still say no on that trade.
 
LT: because you hate what makes riding adventurous.

[Tony T]

Uh, no. I like the LT’s better.

[Nimh]

Yeah. Driving cross country.
I've got an FJR for sportier touring and an R1100R for when I need the fix.
I think I might so I'll let you know.

Well if that's the case, the LT may be a great time.

[Zen Rider]

One, okay, two words - light truck!  

Knuff said.

[Stickman]

I'm saying YES, mainly to be non-conformist.
 
Only downside is while the LT has reverse, it lacks parktronic warning bells.  Would be even better if they had the park assist system being used on the new Lexus LS, but I suppose you have take what you can get.

[cbsnbiker]

Yeah. Driving cross country.
I've got an FJR for sportier touring and an R1100R for when I need the fix.
I think I might so I'll let you know.

Sounds like an LT might be for you, to provide a greater variety of riding experiences.
 
The ultimate test: take one for a test ride. See what you think of the LT.
 
My memories of a test ride several years ago: very comfortable two-up (I did bring a passenger for the test ride), smooth, speedy enough, amusingly farkled, reasonably nimble above about 15 MPH, wallows like a pig (I exaggerate, but only a bit) under 15 MPH.

[slowrider]

The LT isn't for me because I don't do much two up riding, at least not with another adult on the back. So, I don't need all the pillion farkles or extra weight. It's a beautiful bike and great for those who want the heavier BMW K tourer. It's lighter than a Wing but from there your choices in heavy luxo tourers are pretty much cruisers. I like the R1200RT a lot and it may be my next bike.

[Moo_Vin]

I ride a 2000 LT.  Here's what I like about it:
 
The engine is powerful enough for my riding style.  It's not a 'Busa, but I can keep up with my buddies without straining, one with a Duc 749 and the other with a FZR.
 
The wind protection is outstanding when I need it.  With the electric screen full up, the below-the-mirror-wind-wings closed, and the grip heaters on, I'm good for hours down into the 20's (F) without heated gear.  My knees tuck into the faring and I sit in a nice still pocket of air at highway speeds.  My feet tend to get cold first.
In hot weather with a low screen fully retracted, my head and upper chest are in clear air.
 
As mentioned above, over 15mph it handles like a sport bike.  The weight melts and as long as I respect it's weight, it'll drag pegs with the best of them.
 
There are lots of farkle-sources.
 
The wife loves the passenger seating.  She says it's comfortable and she doesn't get wet if it rains.  She also loves the sheer volume of stuff she can pack for a trip.
 
Here's what I don't like about it:
Dealer service is expensive.  Parts are expensive.
 
The dealer network isn't as extensive as some of the other brands.
 
Some riders see a BMW and assume that I've got a negative attitude towards non-BMW riders.  It's an inaccurate assumption.

[Tar Snake]

Since you have other types of bikes why not?
 
I rode an LT once and it was amazing how automotive feeling it was. When you look out over the dash area seeing handlebars not a steering wheel was the only clue you weren't on 4 wheels.
 
Very comfy and relaxing to ride. I'd bet two up would be great, but even unladen it sure is a big sucker!
 
It left me wondering though if something like a Miata might be just as much fun? And you'd have the advantage of a roof for rainy days and A/C for the summer heat.

[cbsnbiker]

It left me wondering though if something like a Miata might be just as much fun?

Bite your tongue.
 

[Lon]

Yeah. Driving cross country.
I've got an FJR for sportier touring and an R1100R for when I need the fix.
I think I might so I'll let you know.

... Oh.  You neglected to mention that before.  If you're... diversifying your motorcycle collection, then yes, get the LT.  Or better, go all the way and get a Gold Wing.

[Lon]

It left me wondering though if something like a Miata might be just as much fun? And you'd have the advantage of a roof for rainy days and A/C for the summer heat.

Lotus Exige

[dflow]

Yeah. Driving cross country.
I've got an FJR for sportier touring and an R1100R for when I need the fix.
I think I might so I'll let you know.

I wouldn't do it, but then I tend to be a minimalist. Whether you do or not it seems your stable consists of rides that functionally overlap a great deal. Looks to me what you really need is a dual sport.

[Mr. Average]

Under no circumstances should you, or anyone else, make such a trade.

[info]

It's a done deal. Pics to follow.
My stable includes a few other bikes so I'm happy. The bike is HUGE. It dwarfs everything else in the garage. The handling is very good for it's size but feels tricky at low speeds. I've been riding for over forty years and my passenger is a very happy camper now. That played a big part in the decision. She gets cold(heated seats are great) and nothing gives you the wind protection and amenities like this bike. I had an 04 K12GT but the sport seating didn't work for my passenger. The 04RT I really liked so it was tough to let it go but I tend to change bikes more frequently than I do my passenger so all is good.
Thanks for the tips and advice. (I actually have been thinking about an Elise though, not the Exige)

[cbsnbiker]

It's a done deal. Pics to follow.

Congrats!

Keeping a passenger happy is a virtuous activity.

Take it for more rides, and let us know what you think in more detail.