2005 K1200LT or newer? Newbie advice...

[CasperVTX]

I'm new to not only this forum, but to any BMW motorcycles. If the quality is as good as the cars, I should be ok.

My local dealer has three 2005's and one 1999 model. I mostly ruled out the '99 because it has fewer options. But if heated seats can be added aftermarket, I may.

Can heated passenger and driver seats be added to an LT not set up for it?

Also, is there anything about the 2005 model that needed fixing? Is it worth it to go to the 2006 or 2007? They pretty much have all the same options, right?

I come from a line of nothing but Honda motorcycles, but my VTX just doesn't get comfortable enough for the longest trips. I've done 2600 mile, one week trips, but I'm tired of all the wind and the lack of lockable storage.

And the Goldwing just isn't a good looking bike! (don't tell 'em I said that... :) )

Any advice? I haven't ridden an LT yet as I'll probably buy it on the spot. Trying to research a little first.

[joegottberg]

Hi,

First, welcome to the forum. There is literally a "dog pile" of information here to learn.

I bought an 05 last December and put about 9K on it since. Daily commuter.

No real issues (for me) on the bike. Normal maintenance.

The biggest reason for me to go with the 05 was the improved rake and power center stand--Awesome Feature :bmw: :bmw:

I would try to get one still under warranty. I don't think there are any dramatic improvements in the 06 or 07 (over the 05).

Good Luck buy it today. :)

[dronning]

If the '05 has the options you want it should be a better deal. The only differance is the '06 and '07 came with HID low beams - which you can add for about $100.

I'd go for a used '05, prices have been as low as $12,500 and shouldn't be more than $16,000 with lots of xtras.

Dave

[Shriker]

Honda's are excellent machines , always have been......

For me going to BMW's has been another level....refinement and a different way about there approach makes them uniquely different and full of personality in many ways.

As for the LT....a superb mount. Search around here , there is a TON of information about them. Dont get too scared by the rear end failures, slave cylinder/clutch problems, shift linkage breaks or stiff throttle cables . These are definite issues for some but relative to the total number of folks on LT's its like any other bike (Hondas included ) you here the worst first. Also , these are large, complex, expensive bikes with lots of gizmos..... they are not going to be as cheap to keep as a single cylinder dirt bike. They are generally fun reliable capable machines.

Basically the LT came out in 99 and was offered in a few trim levels each with a few more options so if you have a 99 without heated seats it was a base model most likely. They remained basically the same(with the only major change being the powered servo brakes beginning in 02-which I like) until 05 when they got: 15 more hp, slightly different front end geometry, biasply tires, an additoinal headlight (still crappy), a new instrument panel (nicer!), a slimmer rider seat to help shorter riders, and electrohydraulic centerstand (automatic) as the major improvements. These models also came with more items standard instead of optional or on different trim levels. So far they also seem to have fewer incidents of some of the aforementioned problem areas.

These bikes handle extremely well for their size and are quick , smooth and efficient. Definitely ride one if you can to see if its right for you but most seem to love them.

Hope this little bit helps.... :bmw:

[ferggie]

I moved from a VTX to the LT. It took some getting use to but man the LT is one sweet ride. The biggest difference is the riding position. You are seated more straight up and your feet are under you on the LT. Depending on your size the seat may be an issue. I bought an 06 with just over 6000 miles on it for around 16K which saved me about a $1/mile new. I would go with a 05 or newer, it seems many of the old issues have been addressed.

[zippy_gg]

My local dealer has three 2005's and one 1999 model. I mostly ruled out the '99 because it has fewer options. But if heated seats can be added aftermarket, I may.

Can heated passenger and driver seats be added to an LT not set up for it?

If the 99 does not have the heated seats chances are there is no wiring harness in place for you to hook up after market or used seats.
However if you can do any electrical work this is not much of an issue, but you will have to come up with your own connectors as BMW does not sell them as spare parts. Rat Shack should have what you need for that.
Then go to www.beemerboneyard.com (http://www.beemerboneyard.com/) or www.ebay.com (http://www.ebay.com/) and look for used seats.

[jrlakin]

It is my understanding some of the 99's that did not come with heated seats, weren't wired with the connectors for them either. I have a 2000, and it did not have a heated seat when I got it, but the connectors were wired in. It is pretty easy to figure it out, and the dealer should easily be able to look and see. BTW, the connector for the driver's seat is under the driver's seat and on the left side sort of tucked away under the panel. It is sort of a pain to hook the seat up frankly. The passenger seat connection is much easier to find. IT is under the passenger seat. The heated back rest is another issue too. The 05 definitely has more amentites, such as the hydraulic centerstand, more horsepower, and a different front light set up and an "improved" seat and fork. Many debate whether these are really improvements or not, and most say the 05 and after seat is actually much worse. If I were getting a newer bike, I would certainly make sure it is covered by a warranty. Repair costs can be very expensive, and so for that reason alone, I would probably say you should be looking at the 05 model. JMO

[bflemingor]

The year you want really depends on the size of your wallet... I bought an'06 in late '06 for $17K, with roughly 5K on the clock. It came with almost every farkle you could possibly want.... There was an '05 in this area that went for $9.5K this winter, with less than 8K on the clock. Watch for the deals - they are out there...

[OneShot]

CasperVTX,
If the concept of riding in 20° temps excites you, being the only bike on the road all winter long, riding at 70mph with warm buns and hands, and you dream about riding without bugs splatting all over you and your bike? Then the LT is for you. Since my buying an '06, I now favor the winter months over the summer months.

When you buy an LT, rest assured, the bike will be ready for you to expand your riding pleasure throughout the winter months when you're ready.

My daily average riding distance for the last 620 days has been 35 miles a day. I used to average 8 miles a day before buying an LT (3000/yr). There are guys here online that probably triple my daily average.

Cool isn't having a stable of bikes in the garage hooked up to battery chargers. . .
. . . Cool is having the right kind of bike that will allow you to ride everyday. An LT will make this easy to do. :)