Purchased 2007 GT

[rkelon]

What are the differences between the 2006 and 2007. In addition, this is my first shaft drive bike or BMW motorcycle (have owned the cars), what do I need to watch out for taking off from a stand still? Assistance appreciated.

[messenger13]

Welcome to the site and to GT ownership! :)

The major difference between the '06 and '07 model is the brakes. My '06 GT has servo-assisted brakes. The '07s don't have the servo, and are made by Continental-Teves. Most people like them or will like them better, as they have more of a traditional (linear) feel to them. I personally LOVE my power-assisted brakes.

On that '07 of yours, you will be able to install the ASC option this coming Spring. ASC is traction control. Another option that I could give 2 hoots about...but many are excited about it.

RDC (tire pressure monitoring system) is also available as an option. I believe that this option is available to both '06 and '07 models. You may already have this on your GT.

And lastly, a Xenon (HID) headlight upgrade will soon be available for all new GT owners. I'm going to go the aftermarket route, saving myself $400-$500 in the process. Stay tuned to this forum for more thread regarding HID upgrades.

As for the shaft, just ride it like ya stole it! :D I have owned several shaft bikes in the past that behaved much differently than a chain-driven bike. But these new Beemers don't suffer the ill-effects of a shaft due to their awesome suspension systems. Just be careful rolling on the throttle coming out of a curve. The rear tire will break loose on ya. I'm used to this as I've owned several powerful bikes. But this may surprise and/or scare the bajeezus outta someone that's not used to that.

Keep the questions rolling in, and welcome again! :)

[fas]

What are the differences between the 2006 and 2007. In addition, this is my first shaft drive bike or BMW motorcycle (have owned the cars), what do I need to watch out for taking off from a stand still? Assistance appreciated.


Welcome to the GT and BMW 2 wheeled family.

Joe covered most of the 06/07 issues. You're probably real anxious to ride that shiny new toy. As far as taking off from stand still, you are clear to spool it up. Personally, I'd suggest taking 1,000 miles to get to know your new powerful baby. Keep the revs under 5,000 for a few hundred miles. Cold hard tires limit traction [it is winter in VA too] and road debris this time of year sucks, adding to our mutual peril. Our tire contact patch is about the same size as a credit card. Salt and sand junk on the road lowers the mu or friction available to that cold hard tire.

[rkelon]

I appreciate the input and will be careful. I do own some powerful Japanese bikes but I had read that there was a delay in between throttle input and bike movement. Additionally, thanks for the welocome.

[jayjacobson]

....what do I need to watch out for taking off from a stand still? Assistance appreciated.
To me, the wet cluch engages very smoothly on the GT. So, nothing!

Enjoy the ride.