Not a ride report

[MrHondamatic]

Last Saturday, the wife and I got in her car and took a drive to the nearest BMW dealer. We wanted to do some serious looking and possibly take a test ride. We had looked at a K-GT a year and a half ago in the dead of winter, but this time we were interested in comparing it to a LT and RT.

 

As luck would have it, there were no LT's in stock, but they did have an '07 RT and a new GT. After sitting on both, the wife decided she liked the feel of the RT better, in spite of the looks of the GT that had won her over before. In fact, by now she has decided she likes the look of the RT better than the slab sided GT. Women, go figure???

 

Anyway, we ended up taking the RT out for a quick spin. And once we figured out the passenger seat heat was on, and then how to shut it off, she had a great time. I initially killed the engine when taking off. These are definitely geared a little high, but after a couple of starts and stops, it was no big deal. The transmission responded well to shifter preload, other wise it was a bit stiff. We both enjoyed the electric windscreen. I started out with it in the lowest position, and in spite of good airflow, it was very noisey. My naked Honda has less wind noise, but I suppose the difference is how the wind is routed past my helmet. Raising the screen almost to the top cured that problem, and as long as we were running above 40 or so, I had enough breeze to keep me cool. Since we were in the land of flat, straight roads, (aka Illinois) finding curves was no easy task. I got lucky and found a side street leading to a subdivision with a nice S in it. That let me get a glimpse of the cornering. It did as well, or better, two up, than my old Honda does with just me. It was then that I realized just how well it absorbed the various bumps in the road. I didn't feel them, but I could see the suspension working on the cars going by.

 

We didn't have enough time to really test it, but the wife said this is what we need. Who can argue. Besides, I had the same thoughts. Yes, you need to downshift a little more than you probably would on the GT, but I think the RT will be a better touring rig, which is what we need, and still be sporty enough for the rest of the time.

 

Unfortunately it was silver and not the good looking blue or biege that the '08s offer, so we passed for now. I still need to get a couple of things settled before I take the plunge, but I am one more step closer. Next spring maybe? She did say that this was the most fun she's had in a long time. It sure is a PITA being responsible.

[Haynes]

... the wife said this is what we need. ..... Next spring maybe? She did say that this was the most fun she's had in a long time.

 

Yes. Listen to your wife's advice. I hope that something happens to make the purchase sooner than spring. Waiting is a pain.

[red1]

About the waiting... my wife and I sat on an RT two years ago at a bike show, and both loved it. We thought we might buy one for our retirement, as the cost of a new one seemed prohibitive at the time. I was riding a nice late model Suzuki Intruder at the time, but was thinking of making a switch to a sport tourer, and was considering a V Strom, and a few similar bikes. Long story shortened- after some consideration about how many people wait until retirement to do certain things, only to find that for one reason or another they can't do them once they retire, we reassessed our financial situation, and decided that we could make it work without threating us with bankruptcy, so we took the plunge and bought a new RT in spring of 07. It was the best thing motorcycle-wise we could have done. The bike has totally lived up to our expectations, and now has almost 30,000 km on it. Just for your consideration...

[MrHondamatic]

I'm having the house painted right now, and a new furnace and central air goes in the end of this month. I'll just have to enjoy the nice looking house and enjoy modern HVAC while I wait on the bike. I'll get my bonus check the first of March, so we'll see how things look then. I'm not going to wait on retirement, but I would like to have it paid for by then.

 

I am about at the end of my rope trying to keep the old Honda roadworthy. Nothing major, but a lot of nickle and dime stuff on a 32 year old bike. And that equals to time spent, that I could be riding instead of wrenching. Good thing I am a pretty fair mechanic, or I could not afford to ride the old gal.

 

I sent her a BMW promo video of the RT in action yesterday, just to stir the pot.

[Wheels Rollin']

... the wife said this is what we need. ..... Next spring maybe? She did say that this was the most fun she's had in a long time.

 

Yes. Listen to your wife's advice. I hope that something happens to make the purchase sooner than spring. Waiting is a pain.

 

+1 for sure, Mr. H... Believe me -- your wife has a great attitude... While I dearly love mine and she's supportive of everything I do <>, I can truthfully say she's never said anything to me when we've discussed my riding over the years even remotely close to what your wife said to you... So, give her a hug... Make her dinner -- ya' got a good one <>...

 

~ Bill

 

P.S. Show this reply to her at your own risk! I can't be held responsible for any consequences that may arise <>