10-23-2018, 08:08 AM
(10-23-2018, 07:30 AM)LongRanger_imp Wrote: If you're set on an RT, consider a 2014 or newer. The liquid-cooled boxer is smoother running, considerably more powerful, and has a wet clutch (vs. a dry clutch) compared to the pre-2014 models. The current generation Paralever is proving to be more reliable than those on pre-2008 R1150RT's, R1200RT's, and K1200LT's. Honestly, I wouldn't sweat it. But for the features you listed, there are several bikes that fit the bill. I'm seeing low-mileage, late-2000's ST1300's selling for $3000-$4000. That's a lot of bike for the money.
As much as I preferred the air cooled 2012, a wet clutch is a major plus.
The dry clutch on my MG rattled and the one time I feathered it (trying to get it moving after a 10 minute cool down on an otherwise fully warm motor), the smell was like following a big rig down a long grade, riding its brakes!