Test Rode GT Today (Formely LT to GT Thread)

[stefeb]

Stopped by my dealer today. He had one '07GT in the showroom, and a used '06, upon which I did a demo ride. I have a few observations, and questions as a result. The observations are from an LT perspective, so some things may be a given on the GT, but were new to me.

Observations:
1. The throttle - I thought it was hypersensitive. Just a flick of the wrist and I was practically off the back of the bike. I'm not sure if this was a software related issue (as mentioned in other threads). Towards the end of the ride I became more accustomed to the throttle, but the bike did seem to buck a bit in first gear.

2. Shifting - More clunky than the LT, but this could have been due to my newness to the bike. Not a bad thing, just different than the LT.

3. Twisties - Wow! First corner was done using same technique's as LT, geesh, talk about over compensating! Once I got the feel, it was great. Man, you hardly have to lean at all, amazing.

4. Windshield - nuff said about that elsewhere.

5. Seating position - The bike I road had the handelbars all the way down, so I was leaning forward quite a bit. For me, that does not work. The bike in the showroom had the handlebars extended all the way up, and that was certainly more comfortable. My legs were very comfortable with the pegs in the stock position.

6. ESA - Excellent addition, and it works as advertised.

7. Seat Height - Although higher than the LT, the narrower seat made feet placement a wash. Rarely have both feet firmly planted when on the LT, same with the GT, plus the GT is much lighter.

8. Weight - I could really feel the loss in weight, and it felt good.

Questions:
1. When the handlebars were exteneded all the way up, the bike was comfortable, but I feel like if they were just a bit higher and back, the position would be perfect. Is there any aftermarket product that would accomplish this?

2. The CanBus - I'd like to use my NAVIII, Heated clothing, iPod, and probably an intercom at some point. Is all this possible/expensive (not the cost of the equipment, but the alterations to the bike)?

3. Is there a backrest available for the GT? I'm not trying to turn it into a small LT, but have gotten used to the backrest on the LT.

Thanks for all your input and suggestions, and am looking forwarding to learning more from you fine folks.


Thanks,
Steve

[sanjaun2]

Questions:
1. When the handlebars were exteneded all the way up, the bike was comfortable, but I feel like if they were just a bit higher and back, the position would be perfect. Is there any aftermarket product that would accomplish this?
They do make a handle bar spacer that brings it back an inch or so

2. The CanBus - I'd like to use my NAVIII, Heated clothing, iPod, and probably an intercom at some point. Is all this possible/expensive (not the cost of the equipment, but the alterations to the bike)?
No problem with any of those mods, just has to be done a little differently but simply and easy

3. Is there a backrest available for the GT? I'm not trying to turn it into a small LT, but have gotten used to the backrest on the LT.

I have heard there were some options out there for a backrest, I just went to a custom seat maker and had one made to fit the existing seat and it works great.

[backpain]

I bought my GT with the Navi-III, if you can see in the pic below, it mounts in great.

You can put up to 3 power outlets on the side of the bike (ie., prefabbed location for installation) which, if you squint, you can see the two flip up doors under the horizontal frame piece. The outlet is $40 and installation seems to go for about $50 although it looks like an easy DIY.

With the riding position I'm not sure I could imagine a backrest although I have an idea for highway pegs and a backrest might be nice there...

The sensitive throttle is just the raw naked power of the bike. Like GrifScoots's electric motor on a rheostat metaphor - it's always on. 1) Twist throttle. 2) Hold on.

I love this freaking bike! :abduct:

http://www.k-bikes.com/gallery/files/1/5/5/0/5/k1200gt_bv.JPG

[grifscoots]

No one has addressed the shifting thang, so I'll have a go. The clutch engages at the end of the throw. Shifting by just barely depressing the clutch lever is the ticket. Smoother than a goat slipping thru a hole in a barb wire fence. No more clunk.

There is also a fix by adjusting the linkage. My 07 hasn't clunked once, unless I depress the clutch lever all the way.

[stefeb]

I bought my GT with the Navi-III, if you can see in the pic below, it mounts in great.

You can put up to 3 power outlets on the side of the bike (ie., prefabbed location for installation) which, if you squint, you can see the two flip up doors under the horizontal frame piece. The outlet is $40 and installation seems to go for about $50 although it looks like an easy DIY.

With the riding position I'm not sure I could imagine a backrest although I have an idea for highway pegs and a backrest might be nice there...

The sensitive throttle is just the raw naked power of the bike.

Thanks for the information. It's good to know I can have all the farkles I have on the LT.

Hadn't really thought about the riding position, but it is different than an LT, and maybe that's my biggest concern.

I've done some reading, since the demo ride, about the leaning forward position, and from what I've read, that position is actually the most beneficial.

I'm going to take another ride on Monday, mind's almost made up.

Thanks again.

[grifscoots]

Thanks for the information. It's good to know I can have all the farkles I have on the LT.

Did I hear farkles? Check out this thread (http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15284) and this thread (http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15344)

[dshealey]

No one has addressed the shifting thang, so I'll have a go. The clutch engages at the end of the throw. Shifting by just barely depressing the clutch lever is the ticket. Smoother than a goat slipping thru a hole in a barb wire fence. No more clunk.

There is also a fix by adjusting the linkage. My 07 hasn't clunked once, unless I depress the clutch lever all the way.

That is good to know! On my 20 minute test ride, that horribly clunking tranny was a real downer. I expected a wholly new design to be better than the LT tranny, not worse. Other than the WAY too sensitive brakes, and the badly clunking tranny, it was a great ride. Now, if I ever get the wife interested in me having another bike, an '07 without the power brakes, and hopes that the transmission will actually shift without sounding like it is going to self destruct will certainly be in the running. :D

[grifscoots]

That is good to know! On my 20 minute test ride, that horribly clunking tranny was a real downer. I expected a wholly new design to be better than the LT tranny, not worse. Other than the WAY too sensitive brakes, and the badly clunking tranny, it was a great ride. Now, if I ever get the wife interested in me having another bike, an '07 without the power brakes, and hopes that the transmission will actually shift without sounding like it is going to self destruct will certainly be in the running. :D

Well David, c'mon over and you can ride my 07. Just a short ride, no 10,000 miles, please.

You'd be real pleased with the new brakes, tranny and throttle.

[dshealey]

Well David, c'mon over and you can ride my 07. Just a short ride, no 10,000 miles, please.

You'd be real pleased with the new brakes, tranny and throttle.

O.K., No 10/10ths Grif. Just ride it home to show the wife and ride it back? :D

[grifscoots]

That would take you, what?, 18 hours?

[meese]

I'm guessing closer to 60 hours, once you figure in that detour to Jacksonville. :D

[dshealey]

I'm guessing closer to 60 hours, once you figure in that detour to Jacksonville. :D

Meese, SHHHHHH! You are ruining my plans. :rotf:

[atitalongtime]

[Questions:
1. When the handlebars were exteneded all the way up, the bike was comfortable, but I feel like if they were just a bit higher and back, the position would be perfect. Is there any aftermarket product that would accomplish this?

Found this:

http://www.sierrabmw.bigstep.com/item.html?UCIDs=820323%7C1210522&PRID=1565118

Looks like the answer for me... if I had a new GT that is. :D

[messenger13]

Sounds to me like the GT falls under the "not for me" catagory Steve. You're wanting a tourer, not a sport-tourer. The GT is definitely a full-fledged SPORT-TOURER, make no mistake about it.

[messenger13]

Well David, c'mon over and you can ride my 07.You're a braver man than I.

[stefeb]

Sounds to me like the GT falls under the "not for me" catagory Steve. You're wanting a tourer, not a sport-tourer. The GT is definitely a full-fledged SPORT-TOURER, make no mistake about it.

Yes it does. I gave it a valiant try, but the lean forward position is just not for me. Amazing, though, how many people have no problem. Beginning to think I'm the odd man out.

The whole experience has caused me to appreciate the LT all over again, and that's good.

Lot's more to say on the subject, but more on a philosphical note, perhaps sometime I post in another forum.

It's good to be home. :)

[messenger13]

One of my favorite sayings is, "Know Thyself". Makes life a lot more enjoyable when you're not your worst enemy. I rode my LT several times after buying my GT, and like you, I realized more and more which bike was "home" for me.

[jayjacobson]

No one has addressed the shifting thang, so I'll have a go. The clutch engages at the end of the throw. Shifting by just barely depressing the clutch lever is the ticket. Smoother than a goat slipping thru a hole in a barb wire fence. No more clunk.

There is also a fix by adjusting the linkage. My 07 hasn't clunked once, unless I depress the clutch lever all the way.
This shifting technique seemed to eliminate the "clunk" on both the LT and GT!

[jayjacobson]

Yes it does. I gave it a valiant try, but the lean forward position is just not for me. Amazing, though, how many people have no problem. Beginning to think I'm the odd man out.

The whole experience has caused me to appreciate the LT all over again, and that's good.

Lot's more to say on the subject, but more on a philosphical note, perhaps sometime I post in another forum.

It's good to be home. :)
Over my first 60 miles on the GT, I didn't even notice the seating position! I'll have to pay attention and note the difference versus the LT.