[jwasbury]

Hey Choc, sorry you don't like the RT...a bit surprised though. I adore my 1998 RT. I'm 43 years old so its not an age thing. Yes its big and has a large fairing which provides excellent protection from the elements, which is perhaps a liability in hot weather. When its pouring rain, or 29 degree out (like when I rode the bike yesterday), that big fairing is a godsend. I think the bike handles very well and I've gapped guys on sportbikes on twisty roads while aboard the RT (mine is equipped with Ohlins dampers FWIW). Mine has 90hp and at 600lbs its not particularly fast but its not slow either. The last bike I logged serious mile on was a 1995 Ducati M900 Monster which I also raced in AMA CCS at Loudon, so I know how to drag a knee.

My fondness for the RT is based on the last 6 months where I've logged over 12,000 in saddle "combat commuting" from Bucks County, PA to midtown NYC daily (85 miles each way). The big fuel tank is great...only have to fill up every other day. I can think of no better machine for the purpose. All bikes are one compromise or another, but if I could only have one bike, make mine an RT because I don't know another bike that can do as many things as well.

Luckily I don't have to limit myself to one bike, so I've bought a KTM Duke. When my home renovation is complete my commute goes from 85 miles each way, to <5 miles. The Duke will be my NYC urban assault vehicle, and the RT will retire from daily service. I'm keeping it for sport touring and longer distance work.