Need help researching a new/used bike

[HH-60EngineTroop]

Hello all first off my name is Gabriel Bell and I am in the US Air Force, stationed in Georgia. I have been riding for a little over a year and I currently have a Yamaha V-star. I am researching bikes because I am looking at getting a new/used one in the next 5 to 6 months. I have been looking at all brands but I keep coming back to the BMW K1200LT and I think I am in love with it without ever seeing one in person. I just want to know what are some pros and cons that you all have about the bike. I plan on getting this bike and it being my last one for a long time and I will do all my own maintance (if I can work on planes I should be able to work on this) to keep down on cost because we all know the military does not pay that well. I think I am going to look at an 05 and up model years because I like the styling of those years. When looking at a used bike besides the normal stuff anything I should look at or is there anything that should be a red flag???? Thanks for all the help and Yes I do wave at everybody when riding down the road, because that's just a sign of respect in my opinion.(I saw that on another post). Oh and I plan on going on long trips thats why I like everything I have seen on the BMW so far. Again THANKS!!!!!

Gabriel Bell

[ArthurKnowles]

There are a lot of beginner threads out there for purchase, and I do suggest you just browse through some for light reading. Or seearch for a bit. But even so, I'm sure the more experianced posters will chime in. For my two cents worth it goes something like this...

Do not buy any used motorcycle without some factory warrenty left on it. This is so you can buy an extended warrenty. No ifs. No ands. No buts. These motorycles are expensive to repair should anything major (sometimes minor considering the location of the part to be replaced and what it entails to get to it) happen to it.

If you buy used without an extended warrenty, be preparred to put in some significant money somewhere along the way. Just because it's a possibility. Not that it must happen that way, but you shouldn't be surprised or upset if it does occur that way.

This is why I bought an '06 over an '05. The '05 in the color I preferred was on consignment and could not get an extended warrenty. So, for me that meant no purchase.

After that, my advice is take any motorcycle you choose to buy to a dealer for an extended evaluation and service check. Verify records. A well maintained vehicle is usually a better choice than one that has not beeen well maintained. A dealer can also run a service bulletin check and tell you of any extended work that should have been performed under warrenty that was, or was not, performed on the motorcyle. Anything that wasn't done while it was under warrenty means you will need to pay out of pocket to fix if you think it needs it.

All the other issues, like final drive, electrical, etc. I'll leave up to those that really want to post about it. I personally bought mine form a dealer and have been happy with the service (already had the radio repalced under warrenty, the rear rotor (under SB/warrenty), and the reverse fixed (unplugged sensor). That work alone saved me $2000 ~ $3000 and more than covered my extended warrenty ($1100) plus a good chunk of the purchase price. I'm a very happy LT owner at present. :)

[Jabrown]

There are pros and cons to every bike. What someone might see as a con, another rider might see as a pro. Buy it, Ride it, Love it.

I flew to Texas from Illinois and at the time had never ridden a K1200LT, and rode back over 850 miles. I love the bike but there are simple things that just don't seem right. There is the Dreaded front-end/head-shake wobble. Aside from that I love this thing I just wish parts were more affordable. Like you I work on my own, and yes you can if you worked on planes. I worked on Chinook Helicopters for 8 years and the bike is a breeze compared to that.

[CharlieVT]

As an experienced mechanic willing to do your own maintenance I wouldn't consider a warranty a "must have."

Over the years different things got added/changed. (I have a 2000,very happy with it and wouldn't hesitate to buy a 99, 00, or 01.)

Some folks know what changed and when, I don't remember that stuff.
Again, searching will pull up lots of info, you can read for hours searching the archives.

At some point power assisted brakes were added then discontinued I think.
Early models don't have linked brakes, newer ones have linked brakes. This complicates brake service somewhat.

Early models had a hesitation problem in hot temps. There were various fixes.

Final drives: some years are at greater risk but I don't think any are immune.

Front fork configuration change: done to improve slow speed handling, I suspect the change increased risk for wobble. The change causes some tire manufcturers to stop recommending their radial tires for those years with the front end change.

Power center stand is an important feature for some folks, earlier models don't have it, although it can be retrofitted. Some have gone from he power centerstand back to the manual one.

The best deals are probably to be found on low mileage early model bikes. They are out there, and I wouldn't hesitate to buy one if it checks out.