I'm on my 3rd LT, can't get enough.
Turbine smooth K motor, 5 (later 6 ) speed box with a reverse gadget powered from the starter motor.
They had a facelift in 2004 and went to the very complex and expensive to repair but "wow, mister that's impressive" electro-hydraulic centrestand. Engine power went up from 98 to 115BHP, and there were a few other minor mods, so pre=04 bits don't usually fit post -04.
They have a tendency to roll off the sidestand if the road slopes at anything like plus 1 or 2 degrees from flat (ask me how I know ).
Fantastic tourer capable of 500 mile days every day for weeks.
Highly impractical for short. in-to-town journeys as they take up the same roadspace as a Smart Car or two
You can smuggle reufgees in the massive panniers and topbox.
Downside is that the tupperware is all encompassing and expesive to get into if you pay main dealer prices. I can get mine naked in less than an hour if I want to, but it takes LOTS of practice.
I think of mine as a GoldWing without all the schmaltz. It does the job superbly well, with the minimum of fuss, and without any of the "Christmas Tree" additions.
Spares are plentiful. but they stopped making them a year or two back in favour of the K1200 GT, which is a different mind state altogether. (Stunning bikethough). and the resale values are low compared to new prices (My '04 model was £14k, sold on for 8k 3 years later
)
My current 99 model is an SE Lux with chrome trim, heated seats and grips, trip computer, 6-CD changer in the pannier and a few other shiny bits. Current value is about £4k. (Not for sale though, sorry). The aftermarket range of goodies is very limited as they were never sold in big numbers. I've added floorboards front and rear, a larger screen, HID light, and a few other bits, but that's really about all you can get hold of.
Hope this helps.
Mungrel