2020 RTL or left over 2019/18

[Slick51]

I am looking to replace a 2 wheel touring bike (BMW K1600GTL) for 2up riding as I near 70 years old. The one who must be obeyed is not as confident in me on the big bike as she once was. I like some of the features on the 2020 RTL but could save quite a bit on a 2019 left over or a 2018 that was used as demonstrator/training bike, anywhere from 6K to 10K. Does anyone have any opinions on this?

 

[Copperman]

If the extra money spent on a 2020 isn't going to cramp your style, I'd go with the 2020. Pretty much it's the same technology, just a redesign on the body. If you want to save a few $$$, then go with the 2019.

 

[SpyderAnn01]

For 2-up riding the 20 RT is what you want. 2” more for ride and 1” more for passenger. The passenger seat is huge and there is 6 gallons more storage on the 20. Go for the 20, you won’t be disappointed

 

[Slick51]

That is exactly why I was attracted to the 2020, seems the seating is better and the styling is attractive as well. Updated lighting is another factor. Is that all worth 5K more? Which could go to accessories and farkles....not sure. What do pillions on earlier models think? Guess I need to take the wife for a ride and see what she thinks, I would probably be ok with either, but as you know what they say happy wife, dada dada da.

 

[robhowen]

I have a 2020 RTL that replaced my 2015 RTL. I've also had a bunch of Beemers in my prior days. Personally I like the 2020 much more than the prior RT model. What i like are the rear topcase, extra storage overall, seat, much more nimble feel, standard bars, etc. I suggest you try both and then decide based upon fit, function, and price.

Rob

 

[SpyderAnn01]

Ride both and I bet you go for the 20

 

[RICZ]

Hmm, a Beemer rider, eh? If you are like most, you love challenging the twisties. If that's important and you want to save money, a left over F3 Limited is something you might like. You sit in it, not on it like the RT and the suspension is more firm. I still have the original crappy Kenda tires and have yet to upgrade the sway bar and yet, I can toss that bike around some awfully tight twisties like a 19 year old, not the 84 yo that I am. I refuse to grow up.
Mine was a left over that I bought for 2/3 of MSRP. But I gotta admit, if the new RT had been out when I was buying.....I would still go for the F3L. And I am so glad I did. Another advantage, and a huge one - it's a lot easier to service without having to remove acres of Tupperware.

 

[ThreeWheels]

I had a 2010 RTS, a 2014 RTS and now a 2020 RT Limited.
The 2020 RT is by far the superior design in handling, comfort and features.
Only you can determine how much money you can afford, but if money isn't an issue, go for the 2020 model.
Or hold out until September. It's only a few months away. You can no doubt pick up a 2020 with an end of year deal.

 

[trikermutha]

Just seen one recently for like 19k for a 2019 I believe at one on the dealers in Chicago area

 

[Stache]

It’s the huge foot boards. Endless possibilities for easing my arthritic old knees

 

[Slick51]

How about passenger comfort, that's a big one for me. If I am riding solo I'm still on 2 wheeler.

 

[Slick51]

That post was for RICZ, regarding the F3L.

 

[SydeKiK]

I had the same options at my dealer 2020 or leftover 2019. I had a 2011 RT. I went with the 2020 for several reasons one being I'm 6 ft tall and after a couple hrs riding on the 2011 my knees would start to hurt. No problems on the 2020 model

 

[RICZ]

That post was for RICZ, regarding the F3L.

I did install an Utimate Midrider saddle due to its reputation for comfort, plus it moves me back an inch or more and I desperately needed that.
On the original seat, most of my passengers were a 10 year old and a 14 year old great grandkid. I got no complaints from them, but my wife (who is no lightweight, but not obese) said she would not want to spend a day on it. So far, no passenger experience with the Ultimate.
Truth be told, a large passenger will have a tighter fit on an F3L than on an RT. So if most of your rides are 2 up, and your passenger ain't skinny, an RT will fit your needs better.
Most of my rides are solo, and I like that I sit in my F3L, that it's more sporty and it's easier to service. That last one is important to me as I do my own maintenance work.

 

[CarolinaRT]

Sold my 2014 RTL about a month ago with no intention of getting another. That lasted about 3 days. My wife liked riding on the back with me and it was her that convinced me to go look at the new ones. We are members of our church bike ministry and I really missed that, so I agreed to go. I was amazed at the amount of room it had over the '14 and my wife was very excited with the extra room she had on the back seat. I sat on an F3 to make sure I didn't want one instead. I did not like the way it sat at all, the seating position on the RT was much more comfortable to me. The 2020 drivers seat is an inch lower than previous years. That was important to me, lower center of gravity. We live about five hundred feet from the Blue Ridge Parkway and because it has rained just about every day since we purchased it, we've only put 500 miles on it but I can tell you, this bike is totally refined over the 2014. Same engine and transmission as the 2014 but oh, so much smoother. I have no regrets getting this bike. I just can't get on it without taking the wife or I'm going to hear about it. Good luck on your purchase.

 

[Mikey]

2020 hands down!! That would be my pick!

 

[Slick51]

Sold my 2014 RTL about a month ago with no intention of getting another. That lasted about 3 days. My wife liked riding on the back with me and it was her that convinced me to go look at the new ones. We are members of our church bike ministry and I really missed that, so I agreed to go. I was amazed at the amount of room it had over the '14 and my wife was very excited with the extra room she had on the back seat. I sat on an F3 to make sure I didn't want one instead. I did not like the way it sat at all, the seating position on the RT was much more comfortable to me. The 2020 drivers seat is an inch lower than previous years. That was important to me, lower center of gravity. We live about five hundred feet from the Blue Ridge Parkway and because it has rained just about every day since we purchased it, we've only put 500 miles on it but I can tell you, this bike is totally refined over the 2014. Same engine and transmission as the 2014 but oh, so much smoother. I have no regrets getting this bike. I just can't get on it without taking the wife or I'm going to hear about it. Good luck on your purchase.

Did you purchase in Winston Salem, if so how did they treat you? I am planning on stopping there today on my way home to Raleigh, I have a seasonal home just outside Todd, NC.

 

[kokeshi]

We just traded our 2015 RTL for the 2020 because of comfort issues. I went from saying just tow the bike until we get to the destination to now my bags are packed and ready to ride.

 

[jspringator]

Are the 20s pretty much straight up MSRP? I don't have a trade. Cash sale. If they could come down a little on price the differential between the 19 and 20 would be more manageable for me.

 

[ARtraveler]

Are the 20s pretty much straight up MSRP? I don't have a trade. Cash sale. If they could come down a little on price the differential between the 19 and 20 would be more manageable for me.

It will depend on the dealer. The 20's are quite popular, in spite of the economic times. My tally thread as of this morning shows 52 new 2020 RT's purchased so far. And, I know that I don't have all of them listed.

The fact that you have no trade takes one questionable item out of the mix. There is a lot to play with and that, taken out of the equation, makes it better for YOU.

If you have not mentioned it will be a cash sale...keep that in your pocket until the negotiations are near the end. Many dealers count on getting the finance package...and a lot of times, the dealer gets a cut from the bank (dealers reserve).

Taking that option away from them...gives less to play with.

And remember it is the OTD (out the door) price that counts. You should keep that in mind when negotiating the fine points.