Why the RT is Ideal for Me

[DNA]

Used FZ-1 w/ bags (Gen 2 w/ FI). If you want a sleeker look, I believe that lower fairing panels can be purchased to make it look like a mini FJR.

I saw a newer Bandit set up just like that a few years back for ~$6K in a shop they took on trade for a Triumph with around 3k miles on it- I really liked it.

Seemed to be a great do it all bike - sadly I already had 3 in the garage and it got away.

[2RR2NV]

My wife bet me $750 that I wouldn't keep this bike for more than 4 years.  I offered $500, she wanted $1000.  So, we settled on $750.  

I may be a bike ho, but I'm can still be frugal at my bike ho'ness.

my wife didn't even give me that option....  after i buy it she says...  "now you will keep it for at least 5 years so we get max out of the warranty."   oh darn.  

[viffergyrl]

IMHO, the only upgrade that bike needs is a better rear shock and spring with a remote pre-load adjuster.  That and the fairings would make for an excellent low maintenance high performance touring rig.  

^^This will be the next mod for my RT as M.Brane has his 5' 9", 160 lb son as a pillion on occasion (he's twelve), so still a child in so many ways.... Fortunately I chauffer my own large butt around...  

[chesthing]

I bounced from several bikes before finally ending up with one as well. In my mind it's as close to perfect a bike that is out there, but I'd still like it smaller and lighter - scale it down 15% keeping all the features and it would be perfect. I'm pretty damn happy with it the way it is though, far and away the best bike I've ever ridden.

[viffergyrl]

I bounced from several bikes before finally ending up with one as well. In my mind it's as close to perfect a bike that is out there, but I'd still like it smaller and lighter - scale it down 15% keeping all the features and it would be perfect. I'm pretty damn happy with it the way it is though, far and away the best bike I've ever ridden.

*sigh* I hear ya. I've had to rock my bike off the kickstand to get it upright if its on a slight downhill slope or in sand. Cusswords are excellent torque multipliers.

[Sarchi]

Nice write-up, Doug.  Personally I was surprised that you went this direction, but your reasoning makes good sense.  Enjoy your RT!  


(I'll bet a brewsky he doesn't last 4-years, though. )

+1

Unexpected, and my money is on Doug's wife winning that bet.

I'm going to have a look at a used RT tomorrow, as it happens.  

[R Doug]

Oh Ye of Little Faith!  

 

[stromgal]

Revealing write-up; interesting to read what leads one to a particular bike. May you have manymany happy miles together.

Seems like the new RT is taking over the way FJRs did some years back. Confess I was a bit shocked at the MSRP- that's Harley territory!  

[Dave W.]

This is a really interesting write up for me to read.

You sound like a rider with a similar history to me, I have been thinking my next bike will be perhaps the K1300S as I am getting old and would like to expand my touring horizons.

I must admit after reading your review I wont limit my search to the "hypersport" type bikes.

Thanks!

[R Doug]

Dave, the hyper bike is fun. But, I enjoy the crisp handling of RT.  There is a nice review of the RT in September's issue of Rider.

[falconati]

The RT is one of the best bike series ever.  The recent models are an excellent blend of power and comfort, while keeping unnecessary weight at bay.  I'll definitely own one some day.

[DrMikey]

...
But for now, I look forward to long trips on this RT.  I like the idea that I have a bike which could pull off a solid day and ½ to 2 days of highway riding to expand my “touring radius” for week long trips to explore great places.  I am even tempted to go for my first Iron Butt.  ...

Long rides are as addictive as track days.  You will do your first LD Rally.  Next thing you know, you will have a GPS and laptop.  There's still time to get in this year's VOID Rally...

Seriously, the RT rocks.  I could afford to replace my long-in-the-tooth '03 R1150RT, but why?

[chesthing]

Cruise control, it's the #1 reason I went for the 12.

[velofishy]

Excellent write-up, Doug.  Hope you really enjoy the new ride.  It does sound like an excellent bike.

Any way I can get in on that bet?  

John

[jimmy]

Nice bike!

Gotta be honest, bro, I don't give it 9 months.

People don't change.  

[2RR2NV]

9 months?  that many? dang....  you're reaching...  

[falconati]

Eh, cmon guys - stop busting his balls about changing bikes.  I do it frequently too.  It's not that I dislike any of my rides, but I want to ride as many possible before I'm no longer able.  For me it's about experiencing all the various aspects of motorcycling.  

[DogBoy]

Eh, cmon guys - stop busting his balls about changing bikes.  I do it frequently too.  It's not that I dislike any of my rides, but I want to ride as many possible before I'm no longer able.  For me it's about experiencing all the various aspects of motorcycling.  

+1. Try as many types of bikes and riding as possible. You'll have a great time, learn to be a better rider and enjoy motorcycling more than you ever thought possible.

[jimmy]

He's a big boy and can ride as many bikes as he wants!

It's just him saying he's gonna keep this one.  We've all heard this song before...  


"My dearest friend up north, you do realize I have owned the Super Duke for two years now.  And, I don't have that desire to let her go.  I believe this KTM will be a keeper too."

                                                             

[Spanky]

Gorgeous bike Doug. I love the dark blue. Congrats!