I primarily commute on the bike but also get out for longer runs occasionally when I can. Never thought I’d be wishing for a longer commute but once you get on this bike you don’t want to get off it. That is of course until your butt starts screaming at you. At 5’9", I have the seat at its lowest setting. This leads to the famous BMW slide toward the gas tank and makes longer trips less than ideal. On a bike where everything is so incredibly well thought out, it amazes me that the saddle (central to a decent riding experience) can be so bad. Even on short trips I find myself continually squirming and repositioning myself in the saddle. Sure I can buy an aftermarket saddle for $500 - $600 but when you spend the kind of money that you do for this bike, I don’t think I should have to.
Only other gripe is that I occasionally get some funky feedback from the handlebars for no apparent reason. This tends to happen at lower speeds or when taking tight corners but it’s never been a major issue and overall the stability of the bike is incredible. When I first started to ride it I was a bit overawed by the size and weight but no matter how hard I push it into corners it never budges and I’ve never felt anything other than in complete control. It’s also amazing how a huge bike can shrink the longer you have it. When I look at it now it doesn’t seem in any way large compared to when I bought it. I’ve heard and read some complaints about the servo assist brakes but personally I have no problem with them. When you ride a bike anything that will help you stop quicker while maintaining control can only be a good thing.
Despite the above moaning, I absolutely love my RT. I fell in love with the styling the first time I saw it and was completely smitten after I finally got to test ride it. Everything about the bike inspires confidence, and the reliability is second to none. I’ve ridden it almost every day since I drove it off the showroom floor and have not had a single issue. Scheduled services have been done despite the feeling that she would keep running without them. On longer trips this reliability along with a 6 gallon tank means you can just sit back and enjoy with no worries about leaking fluids, bits falling off or how long to the next gas station.
No bike is perfect and everybody is looking for something different. This is not a sports bike but will keep up with most of them if asked to, it’s not an all out tourer in the ilk of a Wing or an LT but it’ll take you from one end of the continent to the other no problem, and it’s not a cruiser but will allow you to cruise all day (and with fewer gas breaks) with a little help in the saddle department. My RT is not perfect but she is like an old friend now, completely reliable, confidence inspiring and always fun to hang out with.
Upgrades/Accessories: LED brake lights, Throttlemeister, Aeroflow tall windshield (although it causes too much buffeting for my liking so don't use it much), and topbox. WISHLIST: Bill Mayer saddle, highway pegs, and driving lights.
Reviews are provided on an "as is" basis with no warranty and should be considered entertainment only. Reviews should not be used for any purpose whatsoever, including but not limited to, making decisions about any referenced vehicles, products, modifications or other information.
