"BIKE" sport-touring tests

[sportourista]

The October issue of the British motorcyle magazine "BIKE" has a very "in depth" road test article comparing the new K1200GT, R1200RT, ST1300 Honda and the auto- shift Yamaha FJR.

In case you haven't read or can't get this publication, the R1200RT was the unanimous winner, even though at the beginning of the test, it was considered to be a quircky long shot.

The new K12GT (which finished last) was criticized heavily for many reasons including, but not limited to, power delivery, rider ergonomics, distorted windshield, inconsistent cruise control, etc.

Since I was considering a new K12GT as a future purchase in the spring, this certainly makes me think twice about my choice, even though I have never been one to let others opinions totally influence me.

I would love to hear the reaction to this article from other forum members since nobody on this site seems to be shy in expressing what they believe.

Let the words begin...........

S. Daniel

[meese]

Ride them all, and then buy what speaks to you. That's the only review that really matters.

[sbrooten]

Ride them all, and then buy what speaks to you. That's the only review that really matters.

Ken is right. Reviews are SO subjective that only you can make a decision. While it is okay to read that stuff, decisions should only be made after a turn in the saddle.

[hugoscheuer]

The October issue of the British motorcyle magazine "BIKE" has a very "in depth" road test article comparing the new K1200GT, R1200RT, ST1300 Honda and the auto- shift Yamaha FJR.

In case you haven't read or can't get this publication, the R1200RT was the unanimous winner, even though at the beginning of the test, it was considered to be a quircky long shot.

The new K12GT (which finished last) was criticized heavily for many reasons including, but not limited to, power delivery, rider ergonomics, distorted windshield, inconsistent cruise control, etc.

Since I was considering a new K12GT as a future purchase in the spring, this certainly makes me think twice about my choice, even though I have never been one to let others opinions totally influence me.


I would love to hear the reaction to this article from other forum members since nobody on this site seems to be shy in expressing what they believe.

Let the words begin...........

S. Daniel

Well, I can't believe that oil head can deliver power anywhere equivalent to the K GT, I have never noticed a distorted image in my windshield (don't look through it anyway) and my cruise control consistently stays within 1 mph. The ergo's are typically BMW, so love em or leave em. However if that includes the f%$$%&* seat, I can't differ with them on that point.
Pays yer money and takes yer choice.

[bobcopro]

Maybe the power delivery problem was too much of it! I love my GT. The one thing that these reviews never seem to take into account is the little workmanship details. You pull a BMW apart and the wiring connects with nice little water tight connectors all routed sooo nicely. You pull apart the asian bikes and they tie all the wiring together in the headlight shell with bullet connectors. It just seems that the details of the build on the BMW's is so much nicer. I have owned a lot of bikes and for me this K1200GT really is the ticket. Also my BMW dealer is REALLY good at kissing ass, especially the service department.

[grifscoots]

An RT over a GT? Puhleaze.

The GT will blow the RT out of the water with power delivery. The stock windshield sucked and was replace with a Cee Bailey. Ergo's are adjustable, the cruise control is without fault. I have a $52,000 Ford pickup that doesn't have as nice a cruise control.

An RT over a GT? I'm just thunderstruck. Let's see, a two cylinder over a 4 cylinder? The RT is a thumper compared to the smoothness of the GT.

I just don't see it. Them boy's are hallucinating.

[backpain]

An RT over a GT? Puhleaze.

The GT will blow the RT out of the water with power delivery. The stock windshield sucked and was replace with a Cee Bailey. Ergo's are adjustable, the cruise control is without fault. I have a $52,000 Ford pickup that doesn't have as nice a cruise control.

An RT over a GT? I'm just thunderstruck. Let's see, a two cylinder over a 4 cylinder? The RT is a thumper compared to the smoothness of the GT.

I just don't see it. Them boy's are hallucinating.

+1 Grif eloquently says it puuurfeckt.

Reviewers are the most contrarian nit pickiest contradicting types ya ever seen. They could make you second guess your hopes of going to heaven because, when they went to lunch there, it didn't live up to their expectation of the asparagus, even with the warm company of St. Peter, wasn't cooked like Mom use to make it. Ride the GT and ride the RT and we'll see you here later with a big freaking grin on your face <GT>

[RainmanEverson]

I sold my old HD FLHR and put about 250 miles on a new RT, then roughly the same on a new LT. ... Uh, then I sported out on an '06 GT. I literally got a boner after two 45 minute sprints. After I went down to Daytona BMW and plunked it all down, some will say I overpaid for my brang-new BMW K1200GT... to them I just smile and nod quietly and get back on. As one of my new bruddas put it, it's all very subjective. Another pointed out the workmanship: that much is certain. The fitment is better than anything I've seen in a long time, maybe ever for a production motorcycle. Nearly every detail is as good as it gets in my book... with the well-admitted exception of the saddle... which downright stinks. It's okay, one o' you bouys pointed me at Rick Mayer and that's getting fixed with a new handcrafted, custom replacement.

Did I pay too much for this much excitement about an inanimate object? (strike that, there ain't nuttin' about this motorcycle that's inanimate!). Honestly, I haven't had the first second of buyer's remorse (which I'm prone to) after spending $22K.

If I could just get un-handcuffed from my desk for a leetle (deference to Mr. Grif) while, I could go back to that phat feeling in my jeans.

Rainman
K12GT - as yet un-named
(there's an ongoing raffle for the best name, get your entries in soon, winner gets lunch for two on the Rainman)... proceeds to ACS.

You great doods take care... :think:

[MarkE]

:yeah: :yeah: :yeah: New Here guys
Does anyone know If BMW breaks in the bike before it is released to test ride?
every Jap bike I have ever owned was pretty smooth right out of the box, but never really got any smoother. My HD wide glide went through a huge transformation, motor and tranny wise. At 2500 miles smooth as glass. My GT gets smoother every time I ride it. 587 miles and counting. Best bike I have ever owned.

[Dvaprez]

I got my new GT today. That bike is simply the best built bike I have ever seen. When you're thinking about a ride, ask your self this question...what do really want?

[DavidTaylor]

Ride them all, and then buy what speaks to you. That's the only review that really matters.

Yep, what Ken said. The only opinion that you will end up caring about is yours.

[grifscoots]

:yeah: :yeah: :yeah: New Here guys
Does anyone know If BMW breaks in the bike before it is released to test ride?
every Jap bike I have ever owned was pretty smooth right out of the box, but never really got any smoother. My HD wide glide went through a huge transformation, motor and tranny wise. At 2500 miles smooth as glass. My GT gets smoother every time I ride it. 587 miles and counting. Best bike I have ever owned.

I know my LT hit about 15 thousand miles, farted, and then ran like unbelievably. These bikes do take awhile to break in. The guys that have had their GT's for awhile say they just get better and better.