Impressions from the new 08RT

[RTRandy]

Finally able to share photos of the new 08RT.

Me and my good friend "Doc" Herman took possession at the same time of our new RT's a couple of weeks ago. Doc got a blue one and I chose the silver. We ordered after market items before the bikes were built so we had everything put on at the dealer before we took delivery at the dealer.

A proud moment.

http://gallery.mac.com/rpscott2/100060/077/web.jpg

"Doc" was in surgery all morning so he showed up still in scrubs for the great moment.
He brought a change of clothes to ride the bike home while his wife came to follow in his car .
That's Johnathan our mechanic who put both our bikes together over on the right putting a last minute touch on the bike. Great job, Johnathan!!!

http://gallery.mac.com/rpscott2/100060/089/web.jpg

So let's take a look at all the cool stuff. Much of the added on items are because of the great advice on the forum. For example this Monster brand iPod controller mounted on the empty space above the left faring. Believe it or not, so is that little button above it. Anyone want to guess what the button does?

http://gallery.mac.com/rpscott2/100116/DSC01795/web.jpg

We'll get back to that button later.

Never heard of a California Scientific windshield, but thanks to the guys on this forum, I decided to try it. Super pleased with it. Very smooth quiet air flow over the helmet.

http://gallery.mac.com/rpscott2/100116/DSC01796/web.jpg

Birthing scene watching the bike get born.

http://gallery.mac.com/rpscott2/100045/DSC01709/web.jpg

Ok this is cool. I bought the Wunderlich radiator protector which comes with a silver screen that matches to outside silver trim. We painted the silver screen with a mat black paint. Looks cool on the silver RT plus rocks won't hit the radiator.

http://gallery.mac.com/rpscott2/100045/DSC01710/web.jpg

Doc and I both purchased the Kenwood radio from Autocom so we could have bike to bike communication. It works great even at around 2 miles apart. Notice the two screws which actually utilize the belt clip on the radio to mount to the rear of the bike. The blade antenna goes out the back and is mounted under the top case rack out of sight. On the right is the Autocom. Great product!

http://gallery.mac.com/rpscott2/100045/DSC01708/web.jpg

Bought this kick stand platform from Wunderlich which really helps when parking on loose gravel or soft asphalt.
http://gallery.mac.com/rpscott2/100116/DSC01799/web.jpg
http://gallery.mac.com/rpscott2/100045/DSC01712/web.jpg

Had Motolights put on. Can't say enough good about these. I could go on and on about all the benefits and safty .
http://gallery.mac.com/rpscott2/100116/DSC01809/web.jpg

But here's what's really cool about them. We put the ON OFF switch from Cycle Gadgets on the turn signal cancel switch. Hold the cancel switch for two seconds and they turn on. Hold again for two seconds and they turn off. So how do you know if they're on or off? We had the LED indicator mounted on the dash next to the tach.
http://gallery.mac.com/rpscott2/100045/DSC01713/web.jpg
Red means OFF Green means ON
http://gallery.mac.com/rpscott2/100141/DSC01790/web.jpg
http://gallery.mac.com/rpscott2/100141/DSC01791/web.jpg

Some self explanatory add ons:

iPod holder and lead for Autocom. Sounds awesome!
http://gallery.mac.com/rpscott2/100141/DSC01803/web.jpg
http://gallery.mac.com/rpscott2/100141/DSC01802/web.jpg

Tank protector and knee pads from Wunderlich. Also my BeadRider beaded seat. One of the single best items on the bike for long distance days. Actually one of the single best items on the bike, period. Not the best looking thing in the world, but the comfort makes up for it.
http://gallery.mac.com/rpscott2/100141/DSC01800/web.jpg

BMR Shelf with Valentine on right, Zumo at center, iPod holder hidden under left wing extension. Great solution for easy reach and easy visibility plus no vibration.

http://gallery.mac.com/rpscott2/100145/DSC01806/web.jpg

Push to talk button for Bike to Bike radios.

http://gallery.mac.com/rpscott2/100116/DSC01794/web.jpg

Oh yea, . . that button you can see in the photo. Someone on this forum a long time ago talked about hard wiring a garage door opener. That's a "Momentary" switch which works the garage door opener. Works great ! I bought the switch at Fry's, but hope to find one not so shiny and hopefully more weather proof.

This is probably the only thing I added to the bike that really does nothing, but perhaps makes the bike look cooler. It's the rear drive hole cover from Wunderlich. Swapped out the roundel to a BMW and stuck it on.

http://gallery.mac.com/rpscott2/100116/DSC01807/web.jpg

Few more shots will be added on continuing next post. Can only post a maximum of 20 photos.

[RTRandy]

Cylinder guards. Don't leave home without them.

http://gallery.mac.com/rpscott2/100116/DSC01798/web.jpg

The black doohickey on the dash is actually a white "TollTag" painted black. TollTag is like the EasyPass or similar gizmo in other states. I need it for going through the toll roads getting in and out of Dallas.

http://gallery.mac.com/rpscott2/100116/DSC01819/web.jpg

Got clutch and brake levers which are fine though I probably should have started out with the stock levers . I'm getting used to these and using less fingers, but I wouldn't say these are a "Must have" for the RT. Probably a better bet for a GS. Got the two tone style to go with my colors.

http://gallery.mac.com/rpscott2/100116/DSC01801/web.jpg


The single most worthless purchase was this gadget from Wunderlich. DON'T waste your money! The guy at Santa Cruz BMW told me the Hexheads no longer have the lever for lifting the bike on the center stand. Having had an 04RT I thought this made sense to add it. Turns out the new RT actually goes onto the center stand easier than the older ones so you don't need a lever. Not only that, the lever won't secure properly so it actually shifts while futzing with it. Great potential for dropping the bike. Seriously, it feels like you could get out of control trying to grab on this and lift the bike..

http://gallery.mac.com/rpscott2/100116/DSC01797/web.jpg
http://gallery.mac.com/rpscott2/100147/DSC01711/web.jpg

Enough about all the gizmo's. Here's the bike finally home and waiting for the 600 mile tune up. Can't say enough good about the RT. Loving this bike !!!

http://gallery.mac.com/rpscott2/100116/DSC01815/web.jpg

[wezul]

Nice job with the farkling.
Enjoy that new ride!

[gabentx]

Just got to say WOW! Looks great, I'm jealous...I haven't farkled my '05 nearly enough yet obviously. :)

[hlothery]

Awesome photos, and great farkling with your new RT. I think my 05 is the finest bike I have ever ridden. You will love it when you get into the Hill Country around Leakey......that's when the RT really shines! Here's to good riding on your new RT.:heart

[sellis]

Thanks for posting this! I just purchased a 2007 Silver RT and am beginning the process. Lots of good ideas and tips.

Thanks Again!

Steve

[GSinNC]

Have only had my "new to me" '06 RT for about a month. It came pretty well equipped but I have been adding farkles. Have to agree the Lift Handle is not needed on the 1200 RT I was amazed how easy it seems to jump up on the center stand. Having owned a '97 RT thought the lift handle was going to be needed but not at all. My RT came with PIAA's 1100X mounted under the radiator. I too am a believer in Moto-lites but since the PIAA's were there I ordered up a set of Martin Fabrication brackets to move them down to the fender mounts so they function like Moto-lites. If I do not like them I'll simply install my Moto-lites which I removed from my LT.

[skyking96w]

Enjoy that new ride, and thanks!! You have given me a couple of good ideas.

Ray

[dnixon]

As for your garage door opener:

I previously mounted a 50 cent push button switch from Radio Shack on my old Nighthawk. Had to drill a 3/16 hole in plastic (where you couldn't see but could reach) to mount it and then wired directly to the door opener sitting under the seat. It worked great. However, after a year or two, the switch died and I had to replace it. Oh well, at 50 cents I could swing it.