For the past two years, the K16GT has been a terrific bike. Problem free, remarkable engine, and generally superb in every category. My only complaint, which has intensified recently has been it's weight, particularly when two up. The K16GT with a trunk, gear and a passenger is quite a handful at low speeds. In fact, as time has gone on, I found that to a certain degree, I was reluctant to want to take the K16 on shorter rides, simply because it is a bit of a chore to lug out, and manuever in traffic, etc. My only other gripe has been that the transmission is too noisy during shifts. It's actually a bit embarassing to shift and have it emit the loud "THWACK" at each shift.
Enter the new RT. I had ridden the new RT before, and liked it. Having owned RT's in the past, the most recent being the 2010 camhead, the new RT felt like it was improved over my last RT, which I had really enjoyed and thought was a great bike. Certainly the added power is noticed, and it is smoother, but not not at all a night and day difference in smoothness compared to my 2010 camhead. Back on point, I felt that my 2010 was a bit underpowered for two up riding, hence the move to the K16GT. The new RT now has plenty of power for two up riding in my opinion.
Side by side comparing the two, the new RT does just about everything better than the K16. Acceleration is only slightly behind the K16, yet the RT is more playful and fun from a handling perspective. It's definately the bike I would want when the roads get tight and twisty. The RT has a much nicer transmission, and shift assist, as well as dynamic ESA. Add to this the wind protection is slightly better, it costs thousands less, and weighs 140 lbs (ish) less, and what's not to like.
Honestly the only thing I will really miss on the K bike is that wonderful six cylinder. I have enjoyed my boxers in the past, and love the punch of this new one.
Enter the new RT. I had ridden the new RT before, and liked it. Having owned RT's in the past, the most recent being the 2010 camhead, the new RT felt like it was improved over my last RT, which I had really enjoyed and thought was a great bike. Certainly the added power is noticed, and it is smoother, but not not at all a night and day difference in smoothness compared to my 2010 camhead. Back on point, I felt that my 2010 was a bit underpowered for two up riding, hence the move to the K16GT. The new RT now has plenty of power for two up riding in my opinion.
Side by side comparing the two, the new RT does just about everything better than the K16. Acceleration is only slightly behind the K16, yet the RT is more playful and fun from a handling perspective. It's definately the bike I would want when the roads get tight and twisty. The RT has a much nicer transmission, and shift assist, as well as dynamic ESA. Add to this the wind protection is slightly better, it costs thousands less, and weighs 140 lbs (ish) less, and what's not to like.
Honestly the only thing I will really miss on the K bike is that wonderful six cylinder. I have enjoyed my boxers in the past, and love the punch of this new one.
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