So if the theory of its operation holds
The only theory here is if you're within the tire's load rating capacity, you're fine. And a solo rider even with luggage, is WELL WITHIN those limits, so no worries. By the way, the new RT is only around 70 lbs heavier than our bikes (616 vs 688), and NOBODY weighs that much. On the contrary: Have you seen the size of most touring riders/passengers? In fact, THAT is the whole reason of coming up with such tire: most touring folks EXCEEDED the GVWR of their bikes, and in order to sell more bikes, bike manufacturers needed such a tire to increase it. And that's exactly what happened. I used to own a 2014 RT, and coincidentally, it's exactly the same bike, but now magically has a cargo capacity of over 100 lbs more, all thanks to the beefier tire. Make your own conclusions
. And finally, you don't want a brick of a tire if pushing the bike in the twisties, so for me, I wouldn't put a GT even if it lasted 10 times longer. I'm WELL WITHIN the load rating of my tires. In fact, even with my 125-lb wife (and my 165) and luggage, I'd be well within them. So I suggest folks who ride mostly solo and like to push their bikes, do a bit of homework and run some numbers, rather than just believing the marketing
.
Basically the same crap with runflat tires. Most folks think they're safer, but they're ruined after 10 miles (even before on heavier cars), nobody patches them, and actually collapse from 25 to 50 miles (depending on car's weight). PLUS you need special equipment to remove them, not available in most towns. AND nobody carries them. So are they really safer than regular tires? Only if you work in the Bronx on the graveyard shift
. But if you just listen to the marketing, you'd be in for a big surprise if travelling on an empty road (that's why I also always carry a flat repair kit in my cars, and fix a flat right away before tire is ruined, runflat or not). Always better to know all the facts, and then make a sound decision. There's no right and wrong; just what's the best compromise for YOU
. Signing off this thread.