Why A Gt???

[cccpastorjack]

After owning my new GT for about 3 months and getting adapted to it, I wanted to share some of what I absolutely LOVE about it:

1. ESA!!!! - Yippee! For me, this may be the best feature of the bike. Honestly, before purchase I didn't figure I would use it much, BUT I USE IT ALL THE TIME. And, I wouldn't want to own another primary bike without it if at all possible.

Today I had it set for one rider and was riding two-up with a heavy load to boot. After a number of miles, I noticed that the ride was lacking somewhat and thought, "Hmmm...what's my suspension set on?" I simply pulled over, pushed the button and set it to "two riders" and asked my daughter to see if she could tell any difference. She's eighteen years old for crying out loud! In less than a 1/4 mile she said, "Oh yeah -- loads of difference!" So could I!!!! Great Feature!

2. ABUNDANT POWER (and then some)!!! I tell you, this bike will freakin' FLY!!! An 1800cc cruiser came flying up behind us and wanted to "push" us a bit. Just once, I rolled it on in 6th and we flat walked off and LEFT him wondering what happened.

And... to boot, it has GOBS OF TORQUE. Today I was coming to stop in 5th gear at a light when it changed to green. I looked at the tach and it was at 1,500 rpms -- no need to downshift -- just gassed it and it pulled back up to speed (two up) with no problem. I mean, it pulled HARD!

3. "COOL" FACTOR -- "Does this bike make my butt look fast?" Yes!!!!
I just have to admit it...my EGO loves this bike! Riding a GT is an ego TRIP!!! And, I must admit, there is something cool about riding up on a BMW. It just "reeks" of quality - with the bad boy engine to back it up! For me, the GT is like a tough guy in a business suit. I get more compliments on this bike than any other I have ever owned. People from all walks seem to admire it. "Class" all the way!

So...I guess you can tell...I like this bike more than any bike I have ever owned. How about you other GT owners? What do you like about being a GT owner?

[grifscoots]

She can dance. The bike just leans and leans and leans. I run out of ability before the bike does.

All day comfort. Tank to tank to tank and I'm still ready to ride.

Sure footed. This bike sticks, even in the wet.

Cheap to own. None of the services have been over $150.00 (yet).

Easy to work on. I can strip one nekid in 1/8th the time it take me to strip an LT (and I'm fast on an LT). Exception: we still haven't figured out how we're going to do the valves, yet. But, IIRC, it was severaly years before the LT was zeroed in.

Riding positions. There are many different ways you can sit this bike. Curled up, straight up and all the in betweens.

You covered power, ESA and I agree.

Last but not least: I look forward to riding her everyday.

[bob_menton]

Yup. Yup, yup, yup. :D

- Bob

[meese]

Why A Gt???Simple. Because they don't make a K1200RT. :) The LT is plenty comfy but too heavy, and the RT just doesn't interest me, so a GT is the next best option.

Of course it's not all perfect. I've had to talk my way out of more than one ticket since getting the GT. :cool:

[Heracleitus]

Simple. Because they don't make a K1200RT. :)

Wouldn't that be something? The K motor in an RT. Possibly perfection.

[cccpastorjack]

Wouldn't that be something? The K motor in an RT. Possibly perfection.


Why weaken the platform? :histerica


What else do you GT owners like about your bike?

[slparry]

Wouldn't that be something? The K motor in an RT. Possibly perfection.

Apart from a radio and a tank bag rack, and a whole load of missing horsepower I fail to see what the RT has the GT does'nt ... :)

Of course if you're desperate for a K1200RT ... get some custom badges made to replace the GT ones ;)

[royal]

I think the better question is, Why BMW ? The answer is simple. They are the best motorcycles made. Period. Why GT ? Because there is nothing in it's class. Yes, the FJR, ST1300, Concours, and others are fine bikes, but they are not a GT. The same can be said about all BMWs. Why a GS ? Simply, because there isn't anything in it's class. Same for the LT and the same for the RT. I live right next to a Honda dealer, a Harley dealer, a Suzuki dealer, a Yamaha dealer and a BMW dealer. I frequent all of these dealers regularly, as I love all motorcycles. I love looking at them and being around them. But nothing compares to BMW. And I have owned ALL the major brands, at one time or another. I am so sick and tired of hearing about final drives and clutches and whatever else. I agree that there are issues that I wish would be addressed by BMW and, hopefully, they will be. But, even with these nagging concerns everyone seems to have, BMW is still the best manufacturer of interesting, fun to ride, exciting, and beautiful bikes out there. I can't believe I'm lucky enough to have one. I am so sick and tired of listening to people complain about anything they can think of. When I go to the BMW dealer, I just look around and see the RTs, the LTs, the GS, the GTs and I think, there is just nothing out there that compares to these bikes. It's like a toy store for people who really love motorcycles. Okay, I feel better getting that off my chest. Time to go ride. And I don't even own a GT. I own an RT. But, I think the GT is an incredible machine. You all are lucky to be riding one. Everyone on this board is fortunate to be riding whatever BMW they are riding. Sometimes we all sound like spoiled children. Not enough gratitude to BMW for making these wonderful machines. 'Nuff said. Sorry for hijacking the post. It was necessary therapy for me.

Roy

[Heracleitus]

Apart from a radio and a tank bag rack, and a whole load of missing horsepower I fail to see what the RT has the GT does'nt ... :)

Of course if you're desperate for a K1200RT ... get some custom badges made to replace the GT ones ;)


Radio and better wind protection. The weight gain wouldn't be much. The "whole load of missing horsepower" is exactly the point of putting a K engine in the RT. How could you have missed that obvious point? :)

[meese]

Apart from a radio and a tank bag rack, and a whole load of missing horsepower I fail to see what the RT has the GT does'nt ... :)Better wind protection, ergonomics, and passenger comfort, but let me keep that fabulous slant-4 motor and Duolever chassis technology. And without adding 200+ lbs to make it into a full LT. I don't care about the radio as I use an iPod, but a fully integrated, working intercom with all the options would be nice too.

And changing the badges does nothing. I don't care what people think I'm riding, I care what it feels like to me.

Also, I don't feel "fortunate" to be riding a BMW. I work hard for the money to be able to afford whatever bike I want. The fact that I chose a BMW, warts and all, and put down the cash is showing BMW gratitude. That's how the free market works. But I'm also not blinded enough to think they're perfect, or brainwashed enough to think that BMW can do no wrong. Simply put, the GT is currently the best bike out there for my riding style and needs. If my needs or the available options change, then I'll look at the other offerings and possibly reconsider.

But then again, this is supposed to be one of those "The GT is perfect and we're all so lucky to be riding one" threads, right? So I'll leave y'all to your utopian musings. :)

[tlash]

Not enough gratitude to BMW for making these wonderful machines.

What flavor is Bavarian Kool-Aid these days?

[Randy]

I love the GT for all of the same reasons as Jack and Grif mentioned at top of this thread. I love to travel on it and it has some of the most useful luggage of any bike I had previously owned. It is fast, smooth and comfortable.

I also love the K1200S, the GTs little brother. 10% more horsepower and 100lbs less weight make it a riders dream. This a bike that speaks to you when you ride.

Then there is the GS. It is noisier, vibrates more, doesn't have the wind/rain protection of the GT or the looks of either of the other two. What it does have is a huge fuel tank and a very standard upright seating position. The strictly utility design of the luggage allows an amazing amount of 'stuff' to be packed.

I spent the month of June on the GS on all kinds of roads and in all sorts of conditions. Prior to that trip I really never 'got' the people who professed such love for the boxers. Now, I think I understand, I find myself choosing the GS far more often than the other two for errands or riding to work.

The point of this reply: I really think the GT remains one of the best bikes on the planet in almost every way. I was anxiously waiting for the GT to arrive since the rumors surfaced in 2004. It turned out to be every bit as capable and rewarding as I expected it to be, enough for me to sell the LT shortly after the GT arrived. The thing I didn't expect was that I would love the GS as much as I do. The GT is a great bike to ride and every time I choose to ride it I am amazed at just how good it still is.

I am glad I am fortunate enough to own the three bikes that I do. If I had to sell one, I would probably keep the GS and the S. If I could only have one, it would probably be the GT.

[blankshot]

I like the KGT for all the reasons mentioned before, even though I did not think I needed the ESA but I love it now. With a little tweaks here and there (windscreen, Heli bars, and seat next) I even like more then my beloved ST2 dare I say. And now after the 6k service and a new SW revision there is not enough oh's in smooth... I have only one small issue, I wish the rear brake leaver was adjustable... that is it.

I bought the LT because I had to, neck problems. I bought the GT because I WANTED IT!

[scout70]

I recently purchased a 2007 BMW 335i car--a twin turbo rocket. During the course of the purchase I happened to mention to the sales manager that I was personally offended by many of the Japanese car manufactures who copy both Mercedes and BMW right down to the numbering or designation of their cars. The new Toyota copies the 3 series BMW and even Honda makes bikes that look like Harleys. All you have to do is look at the FJR or ST and see BMW design. Anyway, he remarked to me the old saying that "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery." Thus, the BEST get imitated.

The GT is not a cheap knock off. It is a state of the art motorcycle from the best and most successful automobile and motorcycle manufacture around. BMW is always thinking about the rider and safety and I rely on that when I am out on the road myself or with a passenger.

The suspension, brakes, engine and technology in the GT is unmatched by any other manufacturer. Yes the bike needs some tweeking to accomodate our individual shapes and sizes, butm, it is beautiful, well designed and performs. I like the riding position, sleekness and handling and tight engine. I also appreciate the ESA suspension and instrument lay out. Best of all, it is a BMW original and not a counterfeit.

Scout
2004 RT
2007 GT
2007 BMW 335i
2007 Mercedes ML CDI

[supersonic]

Yep.

AT my age, it not JUST about the ride anymore, but about riding the best!!
:dance:

There's only a couple of 'real' cycles( BMW, Harley, Ducs, etc) , all the rest are knock-offs. BMW is one of the 'real' bikes.

[jayjacobson]

....The fact that I chose a BMW, warts and all, and put down the cash is showing BMW gratitude. That's how the free market works. But I'm also not blinded enough to think they're perfect, or brainwashed enough to think that BMW can do no wrong. Simply put, the GT is currently the best bike out there for my riding style and needs. If my needs or the available options change, then I'll look at the other offerings and possibly reconsider....
+1!
What flavor is Bavarian Kool-Aid these days?
Actually, it's what's IN the Kool-aid.
I recently purchased a 2007 BMW 335i car--a twin turbo rocket. During the course of the purchase I happened to mention to the sales manager that I was personally offended by many of the Japanese car manufactures who copy both Mercedes and BMW right down to the numbering or designation of their cars. The new Toyota copies the 3 series BMW and even Honda makes bikes that look like Harleys. All you have to do is look at the FJR or ST and see BMW design. Anyway, he remarked to me the old saying that "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery." Thus, the BEST get imitated.

The GT is not a cheap knock off. It is a state of the art motorcycle from the best and most successful automobile and motorcycle manufacture around. BMW is always thinking about the rider and safety and I rely on that when I am out on the road myself or with a passenger.

The suspension, brakes, engine and technology in the GT is unmatched by any other manufacturer. Yes the bike needs some tweeking to accomodate our individual shapes and sizes, butm, it is beautiful, well designed and performs. I like the riding position, sleekness and handling and tight engine. I also appreciate the ESA suspension and instrument lay out. Best of all, it is a BMW original and not a counterfeit.
Yes, you're right. The japanese can do it for thousands less AND with twice the reliability! BUT, in the end, it's STILL a knock-off.

[fas]

I've been running around the USA too much lately and missed this thread.

After 10,000 miles of faithful service, I can say my GT has four primary attributes:

1. Power to help you find clean air to avoid careless cagers.
2. Amazing tire/brake/wheel/ABS integration.
3. Suspension ease of adaptation to load and riding style.
4. Aerodynamic package that slices thru wind at high speed providing telepathic feedback to the rider.

I upgrade every few years and I can not imagine what is coming that I will find better. Can't wait.

[kbmwgt]

I'm new here and new to the GT. I've owned one now for 4 weeks. Of course I love it. Worried about the potential problems but that will run its course.

What I think is great is the attitude I have riding it. I know I'm a rider and not going around the corner for coffe and park the thing. And I think that comes through in the type of bike it is. I've been riding for 35 years (most on a K bike) and I don't drink coffee, I don't pose...I ride. :bmw:

[XMagnaRider]

I'm new here and new to the GT. I've owned one now for 4 weeks. Of course I love it. Worried about the potential problems but that will run its course.

What I think is great is the attitude I have riding it. I know I'm a rider and not going around the corner for coffe and park the thing. And I think that comes through in the type of bike it is. I've been riding for 35 years (most on a K bike) and I don't drink coffee, I don't pose...I ride. :bmw:Any excuse to get out and ride it is fine with me. I don't care how close. Coffee around the corner, you bet! It isn't being a poser, it's just the joy of riding the GT.

[hoog62]

All you have to do is look at the FJR or ST and see BMW design.

Thanks to Rob for floating this back to the top of the bowl, I must have missed it.


Just what trend setting BMW do you think the FJR and ST are knocked off from?

[CalLT]

What flavor is Bavarian Kool-Aid these days?

I wuz wonderin the same thing. Jeesh. Makes me wanna throw away my V-Strom ... NOT. :D

[docedkin]

How's the GT for two-up work? I bought a '99 LT unintentionally. That is, my wife fell for the seat, riding position, and the overall ride. I was intimidated by the size and wondered, like some of my riding friends, where the engine was under all the plastic. The prospect of touring with my wife was compelling, however. We logged about 63K on that '99. Then the '05 came along and I traded for the newer LT, having gotten hooked on the long distance two-up smoothness and all the goodies the LT had to offer. We've been in all but four states on the '05 and since that first LT riding season, have averaged about 20K per 9 month year. (Snow and ice here in upstate NY require some downtime!) Though she only wants to be a passenger, she wants to be on the bike, like all the time! She packs for three weeks in the topbox, thinks nothing of rain or cold, and is often the one who suggests long tours. She has watched me eyeing other models including the K1200S and has said flat out, "I'm not the passenger I was in '99. You want to get something else. . .it's OK with me as long as I get to go." So. . .GTers out there. I'd love to ditch the extra bike weight and get something more agile than the LT. But. . .how's the GT for two-up work if that is 85% of the way you ride?

[Xavier6162]

For what you want, have you considered the RT?

[fas]

How's the GT for two-up work? I bought a '99 LT unintentionally. That is, my wife fell for the seat, riding position, and the overall ride. I was intimidated by the size and wondered, like some of my riding friends, where the engine was under all the plastic. The prospect of touring with my wife was compelling, however. We logged about 63K on that '99. Then the '05 came along and I traded for the newer LT, having gotten hooked on the long distance two-up smoothness and all the goodies the LT had to offer. We've been in all but four states on the '05 and since that first LT riding season, have averaged about 20K per 9 month year. (Snow and ice here in upstate NY require some downtime!) Though she only wants to be a passenger, she wants to be on the bike, like all the time! She packs for three weeks in the topbox, thinks nothing of rain or cold, and is often the one who suggests long tours. She has watched me eyeing other models including the K1200S and has said flat out, "I'm not the passenger I was in '99. You want to get something else. . .it's OK with me as long as I get to go." So. . .GTers out there. I'd love to ditch the extra bike weight and get something more agile than the LT. But. . .how's the GT for two-up work if that is 85% of the way you ride?

SO prefers the GT over our LT. Fits her hips better and she prefers the closer ride. She also prefers the suspension of the GT. She also loves the fact that the bags come off and can be packed in the bedroom or the hotel, not out in the driveway. She gets the fact that I prefer the GT agility in crowded environments like parking lots and urban settings. For me the LT is like an old girlfriend who got slow on the dance floor and put on 200#.

[UltraLT]

Rob,
How does your SO compare wind exposure between the LT and the GT?

Ultra LT

[scout70]

I think you will find that the LT has much better wind protection and comfort than the GT. I have a 2004 RT and a 2007 GT. I previously had a 2006 LT (which I should have kept for 2 up). I love the GT--the new design and technology, power, speed, weight, suspension and such. But, the GT is more of a sport tour bike and I think best suited for one occupant for long trips. A lot depends on the passengers size and preferences. My passenger rode from Denver to Seattle and she was 100 pounds. She had no problems but remarked that the LT and 2007 R1200 Adventure had less wind turbulance.

If you have driven a 2004 or older RT, I would compare the wind turbulance to those bikes. Not an LT. I am 5-9 1/2 and have the tall BMW windscreen on my GT. The bike suites me fine, but, I note the outside of my arms still recieve a fair amount of wind.

I am one of those riders that is not looking to be enveloped in a cocoon while riding. I like the wind. To me, any wind turbulance recieved on the GT is far outweighed by the sheer thrill of the bike. Initially I was sceptical, but, the more I drive it, the more I love it. With two up and loaded, calculating passing other vehicles is a thing of the past. With the GT you just point and shoot.

[BlackBMW]

A GT because...

1. The slant 4. Horsepower, even though performance can be twitchy and high-strung. Small inputs and the power delivery is RIGHT NOW.

2. Riding position. Bars all the way down. Seat down. Pegs in standard position. I'm slightly leaned forward and seated in a sporting position. Good bodyweight distribution across the motorcycle contributes to more responsive handling/control.

3. Wind protection: Great fairing with electronically adjustable BMW tall windscreen. In the above riding position, my head/upper-body is dropped down for smooth airflow that is not too much BUT not too little.

4. Cool Factor: No question, I feel good riding the GT.

[fas]

Rob,
How does your SO compare wind exposure between the LT and the GT?

Ultra LT

As Scout 70 said, GT is less wind protection than LT. I added the Z Technik V shield to my GT. SO said the new shield cut 20% of her buffetting. She has been on the back of every bike I have owned since 1971 and she loves the GT. She really appreciated that fact that I added the ZT shield. I had the tall BMW shield.

Check their video on the site about the ability of their shield to sustain impact. As an old pilot, a man who has opened offices in Europe where folks drive/ride fast, and over 20+ years in racing, I have seen a lot of bad shit happen to folks at high speeds. Flying metallic objects tend to cut thru plastic real fast.

I am 5'8" and 180#. SO is 5'2' and 110#. We fit the GT well and we love it.

I drive/ride a bit over the posted limits and I am amazed at how the GT slips thru wind.

:dance:

[cccpastorjack]

I must admit:

The "Cool Factor" of the GT is through the roof!!!

[grifscoots]

Ah, Jack, I'll have to agree. And working on it is a dream, too.

[petepeterson]

Very good bike, I'd say its number 1 in its little sub-class in touring... The main class champ will naturally continue to be the LT..............Pete

[cccpastorjack]

Very good bike, I'd say its number 1 in its little sub-class in touring... The main class champ will naturally continue to be the LT..............Pete


Yea...in "touring" the repair shops! :p

You LT guys are carrying around spare final drives in your saddlebags! :histerica

[sheldan2]

Jack, you say that like it is a bad thing.

[petepeterson]

Yea...in "touring" the repair shops! :p

You LT guys are carrying around spare final drives in your saddlebags! :histerica

:rotf: You carry more tools for your GT...... Lt has the lowest overall repair rate per miles rode than any other BMW :rolleyes: Go figure.............