03 -05 GT1200 - How is the riding comfortand Ergos?

[RFitch]

I've been reading this forum for about month and thinking about my next bike. BMW is at the top of my list. I have been daydreaming about the LT and RT. One maybe too big, the other too small. The GT has always looked good to me and maybe the right size. However, I've heard its not the most comfortable bike--- something about it being a long reach to the handlebars. I'm 5"11, 185LB, 33inch inseam and 33 inch sleeve length.

I take long rides --- 1000 miles a day is very common. Can this bike do the long haul without crippling the rider?

[Ricbob]

The older style GT is actually a very comfortable bike but takes some getting used to for many of us. Your body just sort of adapts to the bike if you give it a bit of time.
The other option is to purchase bar-backs to actually move the bars back to fit the riding position you wish to attain. There are several choices for this and they are actually very easy to install.
You MUST replace the seat. It is horrible. Get a Sargent or a Mayer.
By the way, i am just over 5'11" and felt the bike fit me very well. Seems to me to be made for our heigth.
IMHO this is one of the most classic/classy looking BMWs ever made.
If the budget allows, also try the new GT. Very different ergos.

[RFitch]

Thanks --- this was helpful.

[TouringProf]

I'm about your size, except I have a 32" inseam.

I came off two LTs to the GT. Would not consider the RT, as I am not a boxer fan.

Did 23 states and 2 provinces on the GT last summer in about 5-6 weeks. Not a 1000 mile a day rider, but the ride was superb. Mayer seat, risers, peg lowering kit, airhawk now and then, and what an engine. The ability to shift the suspension on the fly came in handy repeatedly, and good weather protection (Cee Bailey taller screen as well).

Hope this helps.

[jpalamaro]

Owning both the LT and the GT (in production model/new), and this would be a reversal for me from some earlier posts. The GT is a 'more' comfortable bike for me if I subjectively look at the +'s and -'s. The LT, IMO, does offer better weather protection. However, some effort will have to be made in 'seat replacement'area for the GT... lots of options there but some are good, some not so good! Not sure this old body could do two back to back 1000 mile days. Know I could do ONE, not sure on two!http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/images/icons/icon10.gif

BTW, here's my acid test: The LT is going to be traded for a KRSport when it comes out, the GT will become the LD touring cycle, and the Sport the 'fun'/performance bike.

[fas]

I've been reading this forum for about month and thinking about my next bike. BMW is at the top of my list. I have been daydreaming about the LT and RT. One maybe too big, the other too small. The GT has always looked good to me and maybe the right size. However, I've heard its not the most comfortable bike--- something about it being a long reach to the handlebars. I'm 5"11, 185LB, 33inch inseam and 33 inch sleeve length.

I take long rides --- 1000 miles a day is very common. Can this bike do the long haul without crippling the rider?

After four years on the LT, SO and I agree the new GT is the best bike for riding long distance we ever rode. Suspension adjustment for load and riding style is superb. Riding since 1971, this GT impresses me and the SO who has been hanging on the back of every bike. The ride is telepathic. Nimble is the best word to describe it in an urban environment. I set the cruse at 85 and blast up from there to plow thru traffic on the super slab. We also like being able to take the cases in to the hotel or homes when we overnight, much easier than the LT. We have our bars up to high setting, feels very comfortable.

[Ruben]

I've been reading this forum for about month and thinking about my next bike. BMW is at the top of my list. I have been daydreaming about the LT and RT. One maybe too big, the other too small. The GT has always looked good to me and maybe the right size. However, I've heard its not the most comfortable bike--- something about it being a long reach to the handlebars. I'm 5"11, 185LB, 33inch inseam and 33 inch sleeve length.

I take long rides --- 1000 miles a day is very common. Can this bike do the long haul without crippling the rider?I had an '04 GT, which is right in the middle of the range you're asking about. It had a lot going for it. The seat was the best OEM seat that I've experience on a motorcycle in a long time, much better than the seat on the newer '06-'07 models. It was smooth and powerful, and a handsome machine.

I didn't like the small amount of movement of the electric windshield, which was considerable less than the newer model. Mine had Suburban bar backs on it when I bought it used, and it felt very comfortable to me. I never did more than 700 miles in one day on it, but only because I never had reason to do so. I still felt fine at the end of the ride, and I'm pretty close to retirement age (just shy of 61).

I really hated the lighting from the headlight, which was like a step back into the stone age compared to my Goldwing. The new generation GT has great lighting.

The new generation GT has many improvements, but the seat is awful, which I think is where the comments are coming from about the bad seat. The seat on the '04 was great. The '03 & '04 (and Canadian '05) K1200GT bikes make great sport touring bikes, but they do have a bit of a long reach to the bars. There is a good possibility that whatever one you buy may already have the bar backs. The slight "lean forward" riding position is actually quite comfortable, but does take a bit of getting used to. However, without the bar backs, you need 90 MPH plus speed to get enough wind to take the pressure off you wrists, which isn't practical in most of North America. If you're familiar with the Kawasaki Concours, the riding position is somewhat similar on both it and the older GT, and lots of those are used for LD bikes, and again most of those have bar backs for the same reason.

Only a good long test ride will tell you for sure. Good luck.