My first BMW

[RuneMLC]

Well I did it sold my H's :confused: and bought a K1200Ltc 2002 with 5700 miles :dance: any advice on what to look out for with this year. Will it be comparable to the wing I just sold! Have not seen the bike yet But it looks like new in the photos.

[DavidTaylor]

Congrats on the new bike! It will be better than the wing, of course, I'm a little biased.

[jorawro]

My 2002 has been "good as gold". Just ride and enjoy. Keep your front wheel straight and your head up when stopping - this suspension is dramatically different. Practice on the brakes - they stop you VERY quickly. You won't truly enjoy this machine until you accept the fact that it loves being revved - the wing is a tractor (powerwise) and the LT is a Ferrarri.
Have fun:)

[bflemingor]

Both the Wing and Valkryie are torque monsters - run them down to 1,000 rpm in 5th & they'll walk right up to 100+ with a twist of the throttle.

The LT is more like a two stroke - or my old Vrod - come's alive above 3K. Run an LT down to 1K & it'll probably die... However, the LT is more like a sport bike on the twisties - the 'wing never came close off the super slab.

You had more storage in the 'Wing, but more comfort and farkles on the LT - nothing quite like heated grips on a cold morning, and the 'Wing had a more-or-less fixed windshield - wait until your first ride on a nasty day...

[wacolt]

Welcome to the forum. I've had my LT for about a month now and found that keeping the wheel straight when stopping is important. Stop on even ground (approach road entries at 90 degrees if you have to stop) as the bike is taller than others and will tip over if you aren't careful (ask me how I know).

Sit back, enjoy the ride. I can't talk to Goldwing but the LT gives me the most fun I've had with my clothes on in quite some time!

[RiderRay]

Welcome to the family and this great forum. As everybody says, keep the wheel straight when stopping and keep your hand off the front brake lever when making low speed turns (parking lots and the like). Just like a wife, she can be unforgiving, but a real pleasure if you cater to her few quirks!

Also, and don't ask how I know this, be sure that you leave her in first gear WHENEVER she is on the side stand. Many of us use the sidestand to shut our LTs off when we stop.

There is a good thread in this forum and a video on how to pick her up if she falls. Find and study it, you will probably need it (don't ask how I know this either)!

Be safe, have a fantastic time and keep a picture of your Wing so that, from time to time, you can look at it and remember her because the LT is going to spoil you for other bikes forever.

Ray

[juggler]

Rune,

It depends on which Wing you had. I had a GL1500 for nine years and a GL1800 for two before I bought my LT. The LT is edgier and revs better. Handling is much, much sportier than the Wings. The bike feels taller, and has a higher CG. But it will be a minor adjustment from the Wing. It is a smidgen heavier, but all that weight seems to just melt away once you are rolling... unlike the GL1500 or GL1800 which still feel heavy underway.

It has less storage space than a Wing, but not that much less *usable* capacity compared to the GL1800. I'd say it's more comparable to a GL1200 Interstate for luggage capacity.

Maintenance on the LT will be somewhat more expensive, and the plastic bits don't snap on and off easily like the Honda's. But doing your own work is totally doable. You will want to invest in a battery-power screwdriver and the proper size torx bit for it.

Oh, and the speakers sound better than the stock GL1800 audio system. My GL1500 had a 300W aftermarket amp, after which the GL1800 sounded very anemic.


Enjoy your ride.

[Montycs]

Welcome to the group. I second stopping straight with your head up. I never thought to leave the bike in 1st when the key was off, but it does make sense. ( Ask me how I know that one) The LT is heavy to lift, but the forums here have great advice on picking it back up. Enjoy your LT, it really is a great MC

[RuneMLC]

Thanks for the heads up, I've heard the LT was a little top heavy To be honest The 1800 felt heavy as well, Never dropped it or the Rune but That doesn't mean I wont :confused: I sure loved the torque of the rune but the wing never did impress me two deferent bikes. Had the Rune a year an a half the wing three mouth What a boat. I should of keep the Rune :cool: I'm hopping the Lt will satisfy both the wife and myself. Defiantly a mutch cooler looking ride than the wing. Will see! :yeah: Thanks again Ray

[beemerrider]

Welcome to the group and congrats on the bike. Grab your favourite cigar and a nice cognac and read away. It's always nice to come to a site and share info with others and there is no quabbling or arguing like some other sites I go to.

Enjoy your LT, but I don't have to say that because everyone here knows that you will.

Again, welcome to the family. :)