Spotlight: BMW K1200 LT

What happens when a long term, die-hard Harley rider makes the big switch and rides a totally different bike? Will it be look at first sight or a love/hate relationship?

We are going to find out. Your editor/publisher has decided to try just such an experiment.

The chosen vehicle is the BMW K1200 LT. Serious thought was given to arranging with BMW to provide a demo bike to be reviewed by our staff. But then we thought about the number of people who go out and read a few brochures, take a short test drive and then plunk down some big bucks for a new bike – any new bike. Now that is either commitment or rash behavior depending on your point of view.

The Cost: A new BMW K1200 LT with a full set of factory installed extras is in the range of $20,000. Slightly higher than a Gold Wing and less than some of the top-of-the-line Harleys.

What You Get: ABS brakes, multi-CD and radio system with digital display and 8-way speakers, on board computer, heated grips, heated seats and heated back rest, luggage rack, electric assisted reverse gear, power adjusted windshield, dash mounted control to adjust headlight, cruise control, power center stand, alarm system, loads of storage space in the integral saddlebags and travel case, map lights, vanity lights and mirror, independently adjusted driver and passenger seats, accessory power outlets,

Economy: Discussions with current owners of these indicates highway mpg to be around 42 mpg. (Your mileage may vary).

The Weight: Almost 800 pounds fully fueled. The driver sits high and the passenger rides higher still. (Put the windshield at it tallest position to reduce wind-buffeting on the passenger).

Sitting in the driver’s seat one is confronted with a dazzling array of lights, leds, switches, and other “bells and whistles.” Once oriented with the bike, and after an essential review of the various operating manuals, one begins to feel more comfortable and impressed with the vast array of features.

The LT is at least a foot longer than most ordinary bikes – a feature that gives much more room to the driver and the passenger. Sitting in the driver’s seat I find that my knees (I am 5’8”) don’t even come close to touching the fairings. The tradeoff for that kind of roomy comfort is a longer wheel base and reduced maneuverability in tight, slow speed turns.

Is this the bike to get if you are commuting in the City? No, in the city the size will work against you. However, if you love the open road and cruising long distances the LT it engineered to excel in that type of riding. The LT is especially adept at keeping the riders comfy in cold weather with the heated grips and seat and the two power outlets that are ideal for plugging heated clothing into.

So, we have reviewed the bike in a stationary position, without riding it, and we are impressed with what we...

We hope that you enjoyed reading this excerpt from "BMW K1200 LT". If you would like to read the entire article and more, you can order a back issue of Mar / Apr 2005 where this article was originally published.

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