Having tested an LC last year yesterday I tested 17K's worth of new RT while my 2013 GSA was in for service. I was suprised that my impression of the LC (which frankly I had forgotten) was repeated with the RT. I don't like the fly by wire throttle which sets you off with a huge kick then cuts in to make the delivery more linear as the revs rise. Yes it feels definitely faster than the TC normally ridden but if you whacked open the throttle as much as the electronics do maybe it would be more comparable. The RT was also rougher on the overunn and less smooth around town at 30 mph in 4th than my Hilltop tweeked TC. Gearbox is as clunky as the old K1300GT and tricky to find neutral - definitely a step back from the TC. The wind protection, handling for its weight and suspension ride comfort were the best I have ever ridden.
I then blasted back up the A65 to Cumbria on my TC and found it never once lacking in performance - performance that I enjoyed controlling and not the black box. IMHO much of the satisfaction in owning a bike is the feedback you get when twisting the throttle and for me the grunty precision of the TC wins out over the curious mixture of smoothness and overmanaged delivery on the LC's. There are lots of aspects of the new bikes like riding modes, better suspension, narrow seat, indicators which are improvements over the earlier models and this thread is not principally directed at taking a pop at the LC as opposed to contributing my genuine impressions for other GS owners and recognising how good the TC is for those wondering about the new bike.
I know several people who have gone water cooled and love their new bikes so very good luck to them and enjoy your new bikes but it's not for me.
A TC is indeed a wonderful beast - you're not having mine
I then blasted back up the A65 to Cumbria on my TC and found it never once lacking in performance - performance that I enjoyed controlling and not the black box. IMHO much of the satisfaction in owning a bike is the feedback you get when twisting the throttle and for me the grunty precision of the TC wins out over the curious mixture of smoothness and overmanaged delivery on the LC's. There are lots of aspects of the new bikes like riding modes, better suspension, narrow seat, indicators which are improvements over the earlier models and this thread is not principally directed at taking a pop at the LC as opposed to contributing my genuine impressions for other GS owners and recognising how good the TC is for those wondering about the new bike.
I know several people who have gone water cooled and love their new bikes so very good luck to them and enjoy your new bikes but it's not for me.
A TC is indeed a wonderful beast - you're not having mine
I am of a similar vein. I have booked a test ride on the LC on a day my TC is in for service. I am a gs fan through and through and would never consider anything else.
Thats good
