Used 2002 K1200 LT - Help?

[RunnerInPeoria]

Hi:

I'm a new member and am currently looking at a used 2002 K1200 LT with 27k miles. The bike appears to be very clean with only 2 scratches I could see. Obviously, I don't want to buy a lemon or model which is known to have 'issues'. So, if some of the other BMW owners could offer some advise I would appreciate it:

1. If you were buying a used bike, what would you look for?
2. Would you ask a mechanic to take a look at the bike?
3. This may seem like a dumb question (and yes, there is such a thing) but does the K1200LT have a safety device in place which causes the handle bars to 'shake' when you go 'no-hands'?

Thank you in advance for your help!

Regards

Cjc

[ATDRS]

The LT is a great luxotourer.
Only "issues" are low speed handling (practice) and some seal leaks.I would buy an extended warranty that covers seals, then ride and ride and ride.. :)

[Gizmo1137]

Hi:

I'm a new member and am currently looking at a used 2002 K1200 LT with 27k miles. The bike appears to be very clean with only 2 scratches I could see. Obviously, I don't want to buy a lemon or model which is known to have 'issues'. So, if some of the other BMW owners could offer some advise I would appreciate it:

1. If you were buying a used bike, what would you look for?
2. Would you ask a mechanic to take a look at the bike?
3. This may seem like a dumb question (and yes, there is such a thing) but does the K1200LT have a safety device in place which causes the handle bars to 'shake' when you go 'no-hands'?

Thank you in advance for your help!

Regards

Cjc

In your inspection of the bodywork ie. the scratches you found, I would look closely at the tip-over wings to see what condition they are in. The reason being, is the LT is a big and heavy motorcycle and many have had them tip over either at a stand still or slow speed maneuvers. Clean scratch free tip-over wings likely means the motorcycle has not fallen over many times or at all.

As for what to have a mechanic check, asside from the usual checkpoints that a mechanic will check, the main component to have checked is the final drive as there have been a number of reported failures. Also check that there are no issues with the ABS components of the braking system and no issues with the clutch.

Not sure what exactly you are asking as I am not aware of any "safety device" that would cause the handel bars to shake when you go no hands. What the LT does have is a steering dampner that prevents front end shake in some conditions.

Best of luck to you.

[cws]

would be better posted in the K1200LT forum, rather than the R1200RT forum ;) for a few more responses.
Handle bar shake is something we experience "no hands" around a given speed (35-40mph/80kph) at it seems that its mainly attributed to tyre wear. Been a lot of discussion about it.... ( I'm a sufferer, still looking for the fix..)
cheers

[sheldan2]

Get an extended warranty on the bike. That one does not have many miles on it, so you should be good to go. 67k on my 02 now

[RunnerInPeoria]

In your inspection of the bodywork ie. the scratches you found, I would look closely at the tip-over wings to see what condition they are in. The reason being, is the LT is a big and heavy motorcycle and many have had them tip over either at a stand still or slow speed maneuvers. Clean scratch free tip-over wings likely means the motorcycle has not fallen over many times or at all.

As for what to have a mechanic check, asside from the usual checkpoints that a mechanic will check, the main component to have checked is the final drive as there have been a number of reported failures. Also check that there are no issues with the ABS components of the braking system and no issues with the clutch.

Not sure what exactly you are asking as I am not aware of any "safety device" that would cause the handel bars to shake when you go no hands. What the LT does have is a steering dampner that prevents front end shake in some conditions.

Best of luck to you.

Hi:

Thanks for the quick response and great ideas.

Ok, I'll be the public fool and ask what are tip-over wings?

As far as the handle bar shake is concerned, when I test drove the bike, I momentarily whet no hands and the although the front end or tire didn't shake, the handle bars did. Not so much I lost control but it was unsettling. As soon as I grabbed the handles, the shaking stopped.

I'm dealing with a private seller in this particular case so buying an extended warranty is not an option. I did email the seller asking him the same question I posted here. I'm curious as to his answer.

Again, thanks for helping out an ex-rider who wants back into the 'game'.

Regards,

Cjc

[cws]

Ok, I'll be the public fool and ask what are tip-over wings?
The black plastic "wings" on each side of the engine. Underneath are the crash bars. If the bike goes over either stationary or at very low speed, they are designed to (and do) hold most of the expensive plastic bits off the ground, ie mirrors, saddle bags, etc.

As far as the handle bar shake is concerned, when I test drove the bike, I momentarily whet no hands and the although the front end or tire didn't shake, the handle bars did. Not so much I lost control but it was unsettling. As soon as I grabbed the handles, the shaking stopped.
Like this? (http://s128.photobucket.com/albums/p196/cws127/K1200LT%20steering%20wobble/?action=view&current=K1200LT_steering_wobble.flv)

Check if the rear or front tyres are "cupped". Search "wobble" in the threads for a lot of to-ing and fro-ing about the problem. General concensus is properly balanced new tyres will fix it (some tyres are worse than others when it comes to being out of balance, my second set of new tyres didn't fix the problem :(. Still my pet peeve.).

[Ajlelectronics]

does the K1200LT have a safety device in place which causes the handle bars to 'shake' when you go 'no-hands'?



I am intrigued....

When would there be ANY reason at all to remove both hands from the bars except as a circus stunt?

[cws]

When would there be ANY reason at all to remove both hands from the bars except as a circus stunt?Long boring straight roads that exist in-between places that have exciting twisty bits in a country thats a little bigger than 'ol Blighty! eg: Sydney to Melb is a 9 hour ride if you take the main freeway...., and even the "coast" road has a lot of very daggy long straight sections that are mind numbing to ride. After a few hours in the saddle, you have to get up and stretch a little and get the jewels re-arranged, isn't that what cruise-control was invented for... :p

[justlookin]

I'm not "justlookin" any more, I guess I'm just another "new guy".
Picked up a used K1200LT (04) yesterday and had a 100 mi trip back to St Louis. (Traded my VTX 1800R)
I was going to post about the wobble this morning. I noticed it when I let go of the bars slowing down. I thought I must have something wrong. Now I know its just the nature of this beast.
The dealer had just done the 24k service and put on 2 new tires so I don't think its a tire issue.
I'm watching for clutch & rear drive issues. I can't believe how easily this bike handles compared to the VTX. Cruise control, radio and so much wind protection, I was in heaven.
Jeff in St Louis

[rando]

In addition to the tipover wings on sides of engine, check the chrome (?) rail on the side cases and below them for scratches. Mine had a few, nothing major and the seller was very upfront about having dropped it. The bike is designed to minimzie damage in such drops. unless the damage is major (subjective) that would be no reason to reject a bike. Check lever ends also to see if the bike has been that far over and that may have been a higher speed, more serious drop.

Look around here, there are plenty of threads having to do with things to check. Final drive and rear wheel play are probably the biggest, most expensive things to go wrong.

But do be aware that slow speed handling is a major issue for some folks. You really have to be prepared to learn to handle a 800+ lb bike. Once you gt used to it though, it's a pussycat of a bike with a little tiger thrown in for good sporting measure.

Good luck with it.
Randy

[jrlakin]

The only time I have any handle bar shake or wobble is when my front tires are worn and cupped. Otherwise, it goes straight as an arrow. AND yes, occassionally I do take my hands off the handbars to stretch if the road is flat and smooth and there isn't much wind.

[UncleRock]

I am intrigued....

When would there be ANY reason at all to remove both hands from the bars except as a circus stunt?
Well I find when standing on the seat crossing 7 mile bridge in the Keys, pulling my pop up.
If I keep my hands on the bars, my back hurts when I get to camp on the shore at Bhia Honda park. :cool:
Also hard to use a good camera without letting go of the bars.
Rock

[RunnerInPeoria]

The black plastic "wings" on each side of the engine. Underneath are the crash bars. If the bike goes over either stationary or at very low speed, they are designed to (and do) hold most of the expensive plastic bits off the ground, ie mirrors, saddle bags, etc.


Like this? (http://s128.photobucket.com/albums/p196/cws127/K1200LT%20steering%20wobble/?action=view&current=K1200LT_steering_wobble.flv)

Check if the rear or front tyres are "cupped". Search "wobble" in the threads for a lot of to-ing and fro-ing about the problem. General concensus is properly balanced new tyres will fix it (some tyres are worse than others when it comes to being out of balance, my second set of new tyres didn't fix the problem :(. Still my pet peeve.).

Perfect!! The video demonstrates exactly what I described. It's hard to tell from the video, but I don't think I was going the same speed but I could be wrong.

What would cause the tire to cup? Is this a case of a design flaw with the suspension of simply a case of tire wear?

Thanks for the response!

- cjc

[K1200LTryder]

Boeing has a stick shaker, but not BMW.

Maybe the LT really has one, afterall, the inherent stall characteristics almost always induce a spin.


Tank slapping safety device.... :rotf:

[Morley]

I am intrigued....

When would there be ANY reason at all to remove both hands from the bars except as a circus stunt?
To check for abnormalties in the bike's handling, bent forks, frame, wheels, etc. Same as taking your hands off the wheel in a car to make sure it tracks true.

[Morley]

What would cause the tire to cup? Is this a case of a design flaw with the suspension of simply a case of tire wear?

Improper inflation of the tires can cause the cupping

[Ajlelectronics]

I
I was going to post about the wobble this morning. I noticed it when I let go of the bars slowing down.


I was in heaven.



Seems to me to be the best way to get there. Please don't take offence, I don't mean any, but NEVER EVER EVER take both hands off the bars while riding. I am no safety freak by any means , but I can think of few things that would be more dangerous.

[RunnerInPeoria]

Seems to me to be the best way to get there. Please don't take offence, I don't mean any, but NEVER EVER EVER take both hands off the bars while riding. I am no safety freak by any means , but I can think of few things that would be more dangerous.


I don't take offense and normally I never do such foolish things, but in this case it may be a blessing. Reading some other posts here about the wobble issue it may be an excellent indication the tires need replaced which the owner did not mention.

take care!

P.S. I am impressed at the quick response I have received from my posts. I plan to stay member here as long as i can.

[MattKas]

Hi:

I'm a new member and am currently looking at a used 2002 K1200 LT with 27k miles. The bike appears to be very clean with only 2 scratches I could see. Obviously, I don't want to buy a lemon or model which is known to have 'issues'. So, if some of the other BMW owners could offer some advise I would appreciate it:

1. If you were buying a used bike, what would you look for?
2. Would you ask a mechanic to take a look at the bike?
3. This may seem like a dumb question (and yes, there is such a thing) but does the K1200LT have a safety device in place which causes the handle bars to 'shake' when you go 'no-hands'?

Thank you in advance for your help!

Regards

Cjc
I think 2002 model has the highest rate for rear drive failures. Try 2003 or 2004.

[Texas42]

As far as the handle bar shake is concerned, when I test drove the bike, I momentarily whet no hands and the although the front end or tire didn't shake, the handle bars did. Not so much I lost control but it was unsettling. As soon as I grabbed the handles, the shaking stopped.


Cjc

It needs a new front tire.

[Daman858]

Got wobble?

Air up them front tires to 42 psi and you might see a big inprovement! If that won't do it for ya, as previously mentioned, you prolly need a new front tire. remember that motorcylce tires wear much different than car tires and the LT being the BIG girl that she is is somewhat hard on tires.

My 2002 has been-and I knock on wood-trouble free!

[RunnerInPeoria]

I think 2002 model has the highest rate for rear drive failures. Try 2003 or 2004.


Thanks Matt.

Chandler, AZ, eh? I'm from Peoria, AZ.

Any issues riding on the valley roads? I don't intend to do a lot of in town driving but rather get out of city as early and quickly as possible.

[MattKas]

Thanks Matt.

Chandler, AZ, eh? I'm from Peoria, AZ.

Any issues riding on the valley roads? I don't intend to do a lot of in town driving but rather get out of city as early and quickly as possible.
No issues. :-)

[Voyager]

Hi:

I'm a new member and am currently looking at a used 2002 K1200 LT with 27k miles. The bike appears to be very clean with only 2 scratches I could see. Obviously, I don't want to buy a lemon or model which is known to have 'issues'. So, if some of the other BMW owners could offer some advise I would appreciate it:

1. If you were buying a used bike, what would you look for?
2. Would you ask a mechanic to take a look at the bike?
3. This may seem like a dumb question (and yes, there is such a thing) but does the K1200LT have a safety device in place which causes the handle bars to 'shake' when you go 'no-hands'?

Thank you in advance for your help!

Regards

Cjc

Why do you ask question #3?

Matt

[shadowofshoe]

Tell us more detail about your purported new possible purchase!!! Theres a lot of /// here.

Mike

[RunnerInPeoria]

Why do you ask question #3?

Matt

There was an issue when I test drove the bike where the handlebars shook. It appears there is an issue with the front tire. No matter, we decided to pass on this bike and are still looking for another K1200 LT > 2002.

Thanks!

[RunnerInPeoria]

Tell us more detail about your purported new possible purchase!!! Theres a lot of /// here.

Mike

We are looking for a K1200 LT 2003 or better. The 2002 we were considering was ruled out for lots of different reasons.

When we find and buy 'our' bike, we will post some pics.

Thanks!

[jwimberley]

I have owned the 2002 since it was new and had all the services done at the dealer in Oklahoma City. Under warranty the speakers and most of the items in the audio system were replaced due to a growling sound. Don't know what was the problem. I pruchased a warranty from Pinnacle after BMW warranty ran out. I had the ABS pump replaced which would have cost more than the warranty. I have enjoyed riding the bike for 40K miles throughout Rocky Mtn states and OK/TX.
Jim

[tyroneteeth]

I'm not so sure that the absence of scuffing on the tip -over wings indicates the bike has never been over. If I am not mistaken, the wings can be replaced. What real issue is associated with a tip-over anyway?? Mine has been over and it still seems to be just fine. Would you offer a seller less money because the wing is scuffed?