Mike,
I have a similar bike from 1995 – but it’s an RS, not an RT. I’ve always wondered what an RT was like to ride, but I always thought the front fairing and windscreen was just too big. My fairing is much smaller, it has ABS but no traction control, no electronic suspension settings, no push button windshield, and no audio system or GPS. Just a really comfortable long range cruiser that’s not too big to use everyday around town.
I’ve read others say the RT is not very interesting to ride. But for me, the RS is great. I’ve always wanted a big heavy bike that is very comfortable at freeway speeds but still a little sporty. All my smaller older bikes (like the Yam RD400) have struggled to get to the back roads that I want to ride. My rides always need a stretch of 60 MPH roads to get to them. And touring on a smaller bike is not my cup of tea either.
There is a person for every bike – the RT is obviously not for you. I ride with a group that all have Harleys. I wouldn’t want to ride some of their bikes, and they probably would be bored riding mine. I like the smooth quiet ride my bike gives me, but I’d also like to have something more anti-social and politically incorrect when I’m in the mood for that.
Keep looking, you’ll find what you’re looking for.
