K1200GT or K1200LT?

[dlestina]

That is the question.... At least for me anyway. For nearly 8 years I lived in NW Arkansas you know, home of the Pig Trail, Eureka Springs, and some wonderful Ozark Mountain riding. Back in April I left NWA for job in Dallas, TX and a couple of months later I sold my 2004 K1200 GT due to my in ability to really feel comfortable riding in and around the big city. Man I miss riding!

Well, as luck would have I may be going back to NWA and one of the first things I'm doing when I get there is buy another BMW motor cycle. From my research and personal review, the new K1200GT is vastly improved over the last model. All the things that I didn't like on my bike have been reworked in the new model. The question I have now is whether or not I want another GT or if I would find greater enjoyment out of an LT.

Have any of you owned both bikes? My riding will be commuting to and from work and of course the weekend getaways of 2 to 6 hours of riding. My big 2 concerns are weight and performance of the LT and comfort of the GT (i.e. wind buffeting and seating position). Thanks for your thoughts...

-- Dan

[sfarson]

Given the riding intents you have I would lean towards the GT. If you had noted long transacontinental rides on the horizon, I would suggest LT. But for your commuting, 2-6 hour weekend rides, curvy roads, etc... GT, despite a little extra wind... which might be preferable on a hot Arkansas summer day, and can be optionally eliminated with an aftermarket screen. HTH.

[eljeffe]

Dan,

I transitioned from the LT to the GT last May. It's been the best decision in motorcycling I have ever made. You get nearly all the creature comforts of the LT, minus 200 pounds, plus 50 HP and tons of torque. The 49L topcase option for the GT has more room in it than the LT's topcase, and I have found the sidecases just as roomy (if not more than the LT).

[grifscoots]

Hey Dan, rode an LT for 6 years and have had a GT now since Sept. Both can be ridden across the country (especially after getting the GT seat redone), both can rock and roll thru the twisties and both have great element protection (the GT needed a windshield swap to a Cee Bailey) with less protection on the GT. I love both bikes.

Here's why I switched: the GT has less weight, more power and rides the twisties like it was ESP. It costs less than the LT, but I prolly added another 3 grand in farkles. Of course, on the LT I eventually added twice that.

I'm 50 years old and purdy beat to hell by life, working, playing and bike crashes (pins, rods, scars, an ankle fusion, etc.) Last January I went down smashing some ribs and got the back some. The GT, for me, is more comfy than the LT ever was. The riding positions are almost countless. Riding for 37 years, rode Harley before the LT and am amazed that this bike works for me.

ESA is downright kewl, the motor and tranny are sweeter than your first kiss. The bike strips of it's body panels twice as fast, but we're still cogitating the mechanics. It'll happen. Took awhile to get the LT down as it will for this bike. There are rumours that the Windows based software could be hacked and will be available to us.

Bottom line: happy boy here.

[jpalamaro]

I currently own the '05 KLT and the '06 KGT. Both magnificent. Day trips, 300 mile days, tour all you want, GT great. If you just want plush comfort, 600 mile days, and like the feet down, upright position, LT.

Given my choice of riding on any given day, it's going to be the GT. If I ever make my FL-Pacific NW -FL trip, well, will have to rethink that.

Mark Neblett on this site commutes as I best remember a number of hours per day, in the DC area, on the LT. Given the commuting nature of the riding, and the possibility of lots of miserable weather, well, that's a coin toss for me. As you can tell I like them both!

Feel free to PM me should you have any specific questions.

[dlestina]

Thank you all for the information. I posted the same message in the LT forum and received similar replies before that conversation went south. :) My decision was a 65/45 split in favor of the GT and now after hearing the feedback of so many that have ridden both I know the right decision is the GT. I can't wait to buy my new bike! :D

[Dvaprez]

Hey Palamaro, Let me know if you're looking for company on that pacific NW ride from Jax!

[TouringProf]

Thank you all for the information. I posted the same message in the LT forum and received similar replies before that conversation went south. :) My decision was a 65/45 split in favor of the GT and now after hearing the feedback of so many that have ridden both I know the right decision is the GT. I can't wait to buy my new bike! :D
I use my BMWs for both commuting and long distance touring. I owned a 2001 and 2002 LTC, and when the GT came out, traded the LT in on it. Not sure I agree with those who might opt for the LT on long distance trips over the GT. While I piled the miles on the LTs when I owned them, after a little more then 2 months after taking delivery of the CGM GT, I had covered about 12,000 miles, 23 states, and two canadian provinces. Lost the high COG, weight, gained HP and torque, and love the bike.

YMMV

[kip]

i think a passenger would prefer the LT over the GT
at least my passenger would
im sure the GT is a better bike for a driver particularly if you ride hard if the passenger isnt as much a consideration

im tending to think that a new GT combined with keeping my old LT may be the utopic situation

altho i do keep lusting for a GS

:)

[jayjacobson]

K1200GT or K1200LT?

Hey Dan,

I owned a 06 LT and currently own a 07 GT. I traded in the LT on a GT because I never quite got used to the weight of the LT. Initially, I did not like the feel of the dry clutch on the LT either. But, got used to that after several thousand miles.

Now, the GT will need several mod's that the LT did not to make it a comfortable road bike. A new windshield and a new seat.

[info]

I had an 04 GT and traded for an R1150RT at the end of the year because I didn't care for the GT but honestly haven't ridden the new one. I like the LT, as big as it is, it really keeps me focused and I don't mind the extra weight. I rode the new RT and didn't care for it but that is another story. I currently have an 05 FJR and that satisfies my ST need better than the 04 GT.
Anyone go from an earlier GT to the new model? Comments?

[messenger13]

Anyone go from an earlier GT to the new model? Comments?One guy tried to. But within the first 10 miles his head exploded from all the excitement. :rotf:

[jayjacobson]

One guy tried to. But within the first 10 miles his head exploded from all the excitement. :rotf:
Oooohhhhhhhh, my head has been feeling a little tight under the helmet........