Should I buy one?

[decompressing]

Hi everybody...in a real quandry here...spent years riding K1100LTs which I always enjoyed, then went to Honda ST1100 which was a great bike, better acceleration, but noisy at speed. Tried to cure this by changing screens which didn't seem to work so I plumped for a newer ST1300. Noise issue cured by much better screen but handling was crap..anything over 90/100mph the bike constantly felt close to going into a weave scenario...in the end I tired of this and have for the moment gone back to a ST1100.

Howeverm the noise thing is still p*ssing me off big time! Thinking about a K1100LT again, although decent ones with low mileage are becoming hard to find.

Then thought about a K1200LT....am trying to get a ride on one but in the meantime, any opinions would be helpful. I need a bike that handles well on twisties as well as long boring motorway rides...is it as big as it looks? And whats the handling going to be like compared to a K1100? Most of my riding now is two-up, but I do ride sometimes on my own, usually long journeys. I like "spirited" riding, not just plodding along and, although I know this sort of bike isn't ever going to be a sports bike, I still like a bike to feel like a bike (as opposed to a car on two wheels).

Had a try of a Honda GL1800 and found it just simply boring to be honest...you just didn't feel like you were riding a bike.

Any observations would be appreciated.

Marc

[atrovarious]

It will take some time to adjust, but I'm confident that once you've put some miles on an LT, you will find it hard to go back.

[RonKMiller]

The LT sucks - that's why I've had two of them in 6 years and pushing 125K between them. :D

Gold Wing = RV for the old fat bald guys - I've got the old and bald part down but refuse to get fat. Terrible gas mileage. Porky high speed handling.

ST = almost a sportbike but B O R I N G.

K1200LT = pretty much in between, and for my money the absolute best bike for riding two up - period. Great gas mileage. Tricky low speed handling but I don't spend my time hanging around parking lots running cones.

[mconlogue]

Hi everybody...in a real quandry here...spent years riding K1100LTs which I always enjoyed, then went to Honda ST1100 which was a great bike, better acceleration, but noisy at speed. Tried to cure this by changing screens which didn't seem to work so I plumped for a newer ST1300. Noise issue cured by much better screen but handling was crap..anything over 90/100mph the bike constantly felt close to going into a weave scenario...in the end I tired of this and have for the moment gone back to a ST1100.

Howeverm the noise thing is still p*ssing me off big time! Thinking about a K1100LT again, although decent ones with low mileage are becoming hard to find.

Then thought about a K1200LT....am trying to get a ride on one but in the meantime, any opinions would be helpful. I need a bike that handles well on twisties as well as long boring motorway rides...is it as big as it looks? And whats the handling going to be like compared to a K1100? Most of my riding now is two-up, but I do ride sometimes on my own, usually long journeys. I like "spirited" riding, not just plodding along and, although I know this sort of bike isn't ever going to be a sports bike, I still like a bike to feel like a bike (as opposed to a car on two wheels).

Had a try of a Honda GL1800 and found it just simply boring to be honest...you just didn't feel like you were riding a bike.

Any observations would be appreciated.

Marc

I came off a 97 K1100LT (what a chestnut roaster!) with 89k + miles, and purchased a brand new 2005 K1200LT in 2004. You wil not be disappointed!

The K11 is small compared to the k12, but the handling and comfort will make you smile. I found the K11 to be buzzy, and fairly uncomfortable to ride any distance. Wind protection sucked, and the motor heat was hot on the upper legs.

Take a test ride on a k12, i am betting thatyou will have a for sale sign on the K11 that day.

[Twistgrip]

Marc,

Vines at Guildford,just down the road from you, have a demo K12LT,in Storm Grey,for sale at the moment.

[quohog]

welcome. I havent been an LT owner long, a few weeks. I currently have a 93 CBR100F, 05 Road Star, and an 01LT.

It wont have the power of an ST. much more comfort though, If you are riding two your partner will love it, (How i ended up with mine) It wont handle in the twisties like the ST but under a very capable rider it will hold its own. I can attest to 350 miles that way in SE Ohio back roads two up. I was very impressed. I had ran into some sportbike riders that were shocked that I stayed within eyesight most of the way behind them. ( probably lack of experience because i could have run them down on my old CBR).

As I tell most riders I come across. Decide what kind of riding you prefer to do and what will you actually do because if you can only afford one bike make sure it is the most versatile.

My wife is really happy on the back of my Road Star wich is set up for touring but she loves the height, ride, and view from the LT. unfortunatley she can snooze back there.

hope this helps. Quohog



ps one key to handling is good tires and there are a few options depending on what you want to do with the bike.

[ConspiracyofOne]

I put 148k miles on a 99 ST1100 between 00-02 and currently ride a '00 KLT. The only time I wish I still had my ST is when I travel solo, or are on a VERY long stretch of slab. Once you get used to the low speed handling (which isn't much different from the ST) the bike really excels. Once the KLT is above 4k rpms, hang on as it will go! I personally don't find it as comfortable, but I perfer to be slightly leaned over when riding, not sitting up straight. I think the KLT is better compared to an ST than compared to a Wing. Just my opinion, but it is the correct one!!! :bmw:

[c00k1e]

I almost did the same as you ST11-ST13-K12lt
But the ST13 deal fell through at the time and then I tried out a mates - what a design flaw that bike has. Engine is capable of more than the 11, but handling sucks over 100 (11 takes 2 and luggage at 120 with no problems).
I still have the ST11 and ride her in the winter or when working on the K12lt.
You wont have as much problems taking to her as newbies to big bikes, but she is big of course.

Great fun on the twisties (just come back from the alps), a true all day touring bike. FAR more comfy than the 11, and your partner will be nagging you to take her for a ride!!
It wont do 120 though like the 11 - BUT you will get to your destination faster - as you wont need to stop except for fuel.
You have to work the gears more than the 11, that was my biggest change. The 11 stays in top from 15-140, k12 you have to use the gears properly.

[frankl]

I also came from a ('97) 1100LT to a ('01) 1200LT with no regrets.

If you rode a 97 1100LT without difficulty then you are obviously comfortable with the high centre of gravity, seat height and power - always at your disposal. The 1200LT is even heavier by SEVERAL pounds, but once she's up and running you feel like you're on a thoroughbred racehorse. Seat height should not be a problem if you're average height.

Weight difference is immediately noticeable especially with low speed maneuvering through busy traffic with two up and gear. Key is practice, practice, and more practice. Keep your head up and go lightly on those brakes in tight turns otherwise .... well you know. :o

Cost of maintenance is proportionate to the 1100LT with the exception of advanced features like integral ABS. My local dealer quotes $220.00 Cdn for a brake fluid change ... and he'll throw in a free clutch fluid change as a courtesy. Other standard stuff can be done yourself with a manual once you figure out how to take off the tupperware. Parts/dealer tech labour are $$ top heavy but if you can afford a BMW then it comes with the territory.

Bottom line for me is that while I enjoyed the 1100LT for 5 years, I have never regretted making the move to the 1200LT.

Hope this helps !

Good luck with your decision.

[Jabrown]

I came off a st1100 last year and I love my decision for the k12lt beautiful bike but not nearly as easy to throw around, but when you have more weight thats what you get. It does handle very well at speed though. I wouldn't even consider a different bike right now.

[decompressing]

Guys,

Thanks for all the replies...lots to think about....C00k1e....what sort of comfortable cruising speed can you maintain on the 1200? 100mph+ or is that too ambitious?

I know at the end of the day I'm just going to have to have a ride on one and see if it floats my boat...

Marc