If I was forty years younger, I would kept the 08 GS/Rs or whatever they want to call it now. My last two wheel was a Honda ST1100 add a "few" trips to the Dragon was fun on both. The ST had a fair amount of packing space, the 08 not a lot. My days of traveling with a exttra tee shirt, shorts and socks are long gone. So it was "bungee bag" on the seat to travel on the 08. The only thing I did not like about the 08 was the foot position and that has been beat to death on here. My thighs hurt after a couple hours of riding. I added "travel pegs", but they did not help a lot.
I debated a couple months on the RT. I am glad I did get it. Packing space is wonderful. Ride is great. Rode from Gatlinburg to SW Ohio in one trip (including a hour and a half in traffic try to get into Ohio at the bridge. Still felt good. Foot position is very good and I did add "travel pegs", but seldom really use them. Normal handling is very good. I "trotted" the Dragon at SITS. The few curves I tried at kind of speed seemed to go well, but not as good as the 08. Old age and (finnally) a tad bit of common sense slowed me down as well.
In the end, I would say, get as much of a demo on the Rt as you can to see if if fits your needs/wants. I have the base model RT, but I suggest you really research RT models before deciding which (if any) model you want. Example is the radio. I did not want the audio package, so I bought the base model, but then the dealer said, they had to install the audio before installing the CB, I wanted. Many other cost more to add on, then to start with.
Ride safe, have fun, enjoy retirement in ?? days.
Old Man Zues
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