New Member Twin Cam RT SE 2013 2400 Miles

[Jacksnipe]

Hello all. The RT is a  recent addition to my fleet which includes a Kawasaki Versys 1000 and Suzuki Burgman 650. I have had a few BM's before, an RS 1200 SE flying brick and a K1300 GT SE (Just sold)  Both had their issues, the Brick by the time it had done 24000 miles had chewed up 3 clutches caused by master and slave cylinder issues, the GT had by the time 7000 miles came along earlier this year needed a new clutch as the plates were quite dry and causing a judder, the work on the GT was courtesy of the extended warranty, the flying brick work was down to yours truly circa £1600 !  I took much thought and research to go for the RT and plumbed for the last of the Twin Cams. As the consensus from BM independents (Experts) I trust all said the Twin Cam is the best of the bunch. The bike is as new and just had its first MOT. I rejected an LC as I am not fully convinced it is totally sorted yet, and even though I can afford new bikes I tend not to as the depreciation  falls off a cliff and I think new prices  particularly for  BM's is salty  to say the least. The RT was bought for its handling and ease of use. It has had some R&G Crash bungs on front and back, fenda extender, Tank pads, Side stand Foot since I collected her and Sat Nav cradle. I am more interested in lithe handling bikes that bikes than hurtle between corners. I prefer making progress but retaining decent corner speeds and the RT is a master at this. Next upgrade already ordered for spring when she is back on the road Roadsmart 3's, simply superb had then on my latest model Suzuki V strom 1000 and the bike handling (Good anyway) transformed by the Dunlops, faster acting front end great grip dry and wet and IMHO superior to PR'4 which I have on the Kwak and on my last BM.

[David.]

Welcome Jack, good first post, IMO, you've made the right choice.

There seems to be a few nice low mileage TC RT's kicking around. I've got a 2012 model, purchased 2 years ago with only 3,000 miles on the clock.

Have similar feelings to you on the TC v's LC models.

My RT has Dunlop RoadSmart 1's fitted, very happy with the performance & mileage.

[guest3954]

+1. I've got the TC, great bike. If you get chance send me a picture of the bungs

[Casbar]

I ride a TC and own a LC. Both great bikes, could easily own a TC. Not sure about the experts view, or your comment about the LC not being totally sorted yet. I think they are a brilliant bike, goes and handles really well.

[guest3074]

I had a TC for 3 years and now a year on the LC and wouldn't want to go back to the TC 

[guest2360]

Not sure about the LC not being sorted.  Yes the first batch had the shock recall 2 months after its launch and that's it nearly 3 years on.  All the early TCs had a cam fault which resulted in an engine cut out at very low speeds and there was a complete switch gear swap for many.  Think there was also a fuel line issue as well, then there's the rear wheel spacer saga. 

[David.]

The TC RT first appeared in 2010, after 3 years in production, most problems will have been ironed out.

[Jacksnipe]

Thanks for the welcome, having spent way more on repairing BM's than any of  my more numerous  Japanese Bikes (incidentally never been let down by one Jap bike yet) I am reluctant to spend my hard earned on a  BM unless I am sure as I can be it is fully sorted. BM  in fairness have form for developing their bikes in the market and the test pilots are Jo soap. Ok they have good after sale support but know how to charge (circa £100 per hour  labour ) so hence the experts I quoted NNNPD including respected BM main dealers Q in May this year "How reliable are the new LC's " "Too early to tell" what about the Twin Cams " Go for as new as possible 2010 onwards best there is"

The LC's owners I meet love the bike, but as always you pays your money you makes your choice.

I bought a premium grade bike from BM main dealer, two years warranty and Euro cover. Will pay for ext warranty at end of 2 years and off load bike prior to 30000 miles when the ESA stops being covered. This will likely be many many years away as I alternate my machines use.

[guest2360]

So who was the BM dealer who told you it was too early to say how reliable the LC is, if I understand you correctly.  From your location was it Pidcock's.

[Steve F]

Ah! Welcome Jack from the dark side, from where I once frequented when I also had my K13GT EE!! I miss the raw power of the in-line four GT motor, but I do enjoy this RT LC. It's an absolute pleasure to ride and so relaxing when touring. Anyway, good to hear from you and enjoy the quirky boxer twin!

[Jacksnipe]

RT Man, would not ask said dealer as I have too much knowledge of same. Steve thanks for the welcome glad you like your bike as well.

[guest2360]

Not going to tell us then?

[leonjennings]

Dont suppose you know what happened to the bars

[Jacksnipe]

Leon, Keh ?

[Our Gee]

Is all this in some sort of code, I'm getting a headache.