Brand new owner of a nice 2001 K1200LT-C

[VRodPete]

Just a quick note to introduce myself to your forum and to ask a few (not-so, I'm long winded, sorry) quick questions. As you might be able to tell from my name, I'm a V-Rod owner and am very active in a couple of V-Rod forums here on the 'net. Although I'm certainly quite a newbie as far as the K1200LT is concerned, I'm pretty well versed in forum etiquette. I have found the V-Rod forums to be incredibly useful and I trust this will be as well...

The K1200LT-C I have purchased is a 2001 with 48,000 miles. It's in beautiful shape (see asterisks below). I'm looking to find out what things I should pay attention to given the year and mileage. The plan is that a friend and I (he's purchasing a 2009 LT, the lucky A$$), are going to take a month off to tour from PA up to Alaska and back. :dance:

Now on to my questions.

First off, this purchase was from a non-BMW dealer as a consignment. That may have been my first mistake, as this dealer "helped" me tie the bike down on the trailer (it was snowing to beat the band yesterday, or else I'd have ridden the doggone thing). He swore that we needed to secure the front end using the handlebars (I have since read here that's a huge nono, so please don't link to the thread on this I have already read!). Well needless to say the handlebars DID rotate down until they almost contacted the body panels. I've got the instructions to reset the bar height, but there's no detailed information on how to remove the side body panels or any of the other cosmetics. Anyone willing to offer some help here? (I am pretty handy).

Second, the previous owner noted on the 42K service block that he did the service himself, and that he used 10w30 Mobil 1. From what I see, that certainly sounds like regular automotive oil, not MC oil. I know the bike has a dry clutch, but is it typical to use non-MC oil in these? (NOTE: The bike WILL be going to a dealer for the 48K and Annual service within a week or two, so your oil comments are much appreciated). In the V-Rod community there has been a lot of success using Amsoil products - are they also popular here?

Lastly, what else should I look out for, and given we'll be on a trip this summer totalling something over 8K miles, are there any "must have" supplies other than perhaps a set of tires and a changing kit?

Thanks in advance... VRP

[STARFIGHTER]

Welcome and congratulations.....you will LOVE the LT.
I just switched to Mobile One bacause BMW synth is just too $$$$$
BUT..should be 15W50

I'm a little far away to offer help but the tupperware removal needs a diagram, and a little explanation.

1. open the stingray and remove two screws that hold the little panel with the key. The panel then slides and comes out.
2. lift seat and find screws
3. 3 screws hold little clear plastic air wings
4. one screw to remove amber turn signals, screws under
5. pop rearview mirrors off (tether when replacing)
6. screws under tippover bars to remove tip over bar cover
7.....someone will tell you where a diagram is to find the others
but this should get you started

[VRodPete]

Welcome and congratulations.....you will LOVE the LT.
I just switched to Mobile One bacause BMW synth is just too $$$$$
BUT..should be 15W50

I'm a little far away to offer help but the tupperware removal needs a diagram, and a little explanation.

1. open the stingray and remove two screws that hold the little panel with the key. The panel then slides and comes out.
2. lift seat and find screws
3. 3 screws hold little clear plastic air wings
4. one screw to remove amber turn signals, screws under
5. pop rearview mirrors off (tether when replacing)
6. screws under tippover bars to remove tip over bar cover
7.....someone will tell you where a diagram is to find the others
but this should get you started


Allan

Thanks a bunch. I think I follow what you are saying, or can figure it out, but now the newbie in me will come out bigtime :D Help me out here: Stingray?

[joegottberg]

Pete

Try this link:

Tupperware Party (http://www.bmwlt.com/files/displayimage.php?album=search&cat=0&pos=1)

Joe

By the way, you'll love her!!!

[Daveh]

Try this one:

http://www.snafu.org/pics/k12lt/print.html

The first pic shows the stingray with the lid up.

The K1200Lt motor is the same as many small car motors and uses car type motor oils. I find the 20w50 has the widest temp range so I use it year round. I find the Clymer manuel easy to follow.

Dealer service, be prepaired!! The service you mentioned will set you back around $1500. The cheapest thing on a BMW is the rider!! :)

A few of us did a tech day in Easton last fall. That's where you can learn to service the LT yourself, if you like saving the bucks.

[trainingwheelz]

Click around in "technical" (see above, right side) in the "halls of wisdom," there are a ton of technical files and user-submitted files including plenty on "tupperware removal."

Second, pick up a copy of the CD service manual, it'll be the best money you've ever spent. They are about $150-175 at the dealership. (I'd suggest you get one for $10 on eBay, but that's immoral and awful, and would subject me to the wrath of the membership here, wink wink nudge nudge)

Third, change that oil NOW...there's plenty in the halls of wisdom, or do a search in the forums on how to do it...and while you're at it, change the final drive oil and transmission oil. Just to be safe.

You can go to your local BMW dealership with your vin number and they can give you a printout of any and all service done at any BMW dealerships on your bike, that'll give you a good idea of service done/necessary on your bike, they can also give you an idea of what service should be done at the 48K mark. Minimally, if you don't have service records, oil, brake fluid, consider a fuel filter (and as long as you are down there, valve adjustment, etc)

Look at the forum list, there are sub-forums by geographic area, most have tech days where the really good wrenches get together and perform maintenance...great way to learn about the bikes and save a ton of cash.

Welcome to the fold, ignore the cranky members (they're all good of heart, just sometimes forget to show it), and enjoy the new wheels

[VRodPete]

Thanks everyone. I have to say that in my short (few hours :) ) time here that this forum is every bit as good as the VRod forums!

I'm dying to get out on my first decently long ride!

Dave... if/when you guys ever have another tech day around here please let me know. I love turning wrenches and do all my own maintenance on the VRods.

[wyliedave]

Congrats on the purchase. I too bought a 2001 a few months ago but i just turned 84K. I had a fuel filter come loose in the tank that left me stranded. It seems to be pretty common. I now carry some clamps and an automotive oil filter wrench to remove the union nut on the tank. I also purchased a clymer manual off ebay, new delivered to my door for 37.00. My bike has had the final drive failure, very common, lots of data here on it. There are also several post on how to tie down on a trailer. I'm using the mobile synthetic because as someone already mentioned, much cheaper than BMW.

Read and do the canisterectomy if it hasn't been done.

Don't park on a slope in nuetral or you will be sure to join the "dropped club". Don't ask how I know that one.

Keep the battery charged.

Welcome aboard, read a lot here and try to attend some tech sessions.

Dave

[zippy_gg]

Congrats on the purchase. I too bought a 2001 a few months ago but i just turned 84K. I had a fuel filter come loose in the tank that left me stranded. It seems to be pretty common. I now carry some clamps and an automotive oil filter wrench to remove the union nut on the tank. I also purchased a clymer manual off ebay, new delivered to my door for 37.00. My bike has had the final drive failure, very common, lots of data here on it. There are also several post on how to tie down on a trailer. I'm using the mobile synthetic because as someone already mentioned, much cheaper than BMW.

Read and do the canisterectomy if it hasn't been done.

Don't park on a slope in nuetral or you will be sure to join the "dropped club". Don't ask how I know that one.

Keep the battery charged.
I will disagree that the fuel filter getting loose in the tank is common. It is more like a rare occurence when the person working on the bike did not properly secure the clamps to the lines. The final drive failure issue is more debatable as far as "common":rolleyes: ; yes it does happen, and without rhyme or reason, but the unofficial rate is 4%. Probably much higher that we would like, and highly visible because the fact is debated a lot on this and other BMW related forums.

[budzee]

Hey VRod, you absolutely must get these videos. http:sayegh.org/bmw/service-video.htm

[Palerider]

Welcome Vrod and congrats; LT..........and a Mooney..............cool

:cool:

[DasBoat2003]

Congrats and welcome to the LT world. Good folks here; knowledgeable, too.

I've used Mobil1 15W-50 for the past three years in my '03 LT. It was oil change time last Saturday, so I was asking myself why I put 15W-50 in ANY liquid-cooled engine when the mornings are 20-30 degrees F and the afternoons never get above 65.

I put 10W-30 (Mobil 1) in the bike this time around. Readings and posts I've seen show that flow is the issue - not weight; especially at lower temps when the engine has not warmed up yet.

My factory manual specifies API ratings, but not weight. Can anyone help me out on that?

Good luck with the bike and welcome again.

Dave

[BennyBob]

Welcome, and best wishes. I highly recommend the Clymer manual for the bike, and would urge you to get the printout of the 48k service from your nearest BMW dealer or I think it's here on the web as well. Request a tech session and see if you can get the members in your neck of the woods to lend a hand. You'll make friends and be ready for your trip when done. Pay attention to the torque specs they are important and use the Hall of Wisdom. Some of these guys have been riding & servicing the LT since it as introduced.

BTW, the screws are different lengths and need to be in the correct positions. ;)

[LAF]

Welcome to another PA rider!!!!!!

On the oil if you are a rounder, 10-40w would be Winter and a 20-50w or 15-50w Summer.

You will learn so much on this forum.

I am going to call out for a possible Tech Session on a brake flush, and a coolant change.

What that means is hopefully I can get a more experienced person in the area to come, and other riders and then do a service/maintenance procedure and let us all learn on my bike.

I will post in the proper area when I ask for help on these two procedures.

Meantime enjoy your new bike, read the forum, and get the Clymer Shop book.

[Daveh]

Here is some more good reading:

http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=21061

http://www.gunsmoke.com/motorcycling/k1200rs/valves/index.html
The valve check and adjustment is the same for the K1200RS and LT.

[bmwriderm]

Starfighter gave you a good start. The radio unit needs to come off and both handle bars trim and then ignition trim. Has 4 hex hex screws.
they tighten into aluminum so don't over tighten. I've have a y2k model for 3 years and its not hard to remove plastic. Just get you a cup cake pan and keep your screws in order. Nothing comes off hard so don't force anything. The big beast takes aliitle to get used to but you'll love it when you do. Happy Riding.

[Jim]

Pete,

Welcome to the forum.

If you have a VCR, pm me your address and I'll send you the three service videos that Paul Sayegh made. I sold my LT and neglected to pass these along with the bike.

[BecketMa]

Paul S videos +10.

Changing the fluids is easy, but a little time consuming because of the panels; same for the air filter.

Speed bleeders make changing the brake fluids easy, two bleeders for the front and rear.

Its a good idea to replace the rubber brakes lines with stainless steel ones.

I replaced my rear brake pads with after market ones and the squeeeeeeeal went away on my 00.

Many people replace at least the low beam with a HID set up 'cause its easy to ride past the low beam's light faster than about 30 mph.

If you rely upon the speedo, BMW built the speedo to always read 110% of actual speed. If you are handy at soldering, one can remove the speedo electronics and solder a very thin wire between two surface mount tabs, and then the speedo will be around +/- 1 mph.

Plan on being very comfortable riding your LT whenever you are cold or hot on your V-rod.

Best from Tucson
Bob, 00LT

[VRodPete]

Thanks for the great welcome everyone.

Well last night I had my own personal tupperware party for the first time. I'm about 3 hours into it and I've got the bars back where they should be and the only collateral damage I could find was that the forward studs were pulled out of the two handlebar clamshell halves. A little epoxy later and they are as good as new. I ran out of time before I got it all back together, but thanks to the many folks here - starting with starfighter - it really wasn't too awful bad at all.

I already have a CD service manual on the way, and will pick up the clymer shortly. Tomorrow it's off to the dealer to get the 48K service interval list to see what I can pick off on my own before I take it in to have a professional eye look it over.

I can tell that I really have a lot to learn on this motorcycle. I feel like I know my V-Rod like the back of my hand, but this is entirely a new animal. I'm happy there's such a good forum backing it up.

Pete

[firstbeemer]

Welcome Pete, if you are interested I live in Easton, as mentioned in the post, we did a tech session at my home last fall. Let me know and we can plan another tech session at my home and we can use your bike to demo and do the service. I since have purchased a bike lift so doing another bike will be easier than doing my own. The service will cost you about $1200 at the dealer. We did my service for about $300.
Let me know.
Lou

[VRodPete]

Welcome Pete, if you are interested I live in Easton, as mentioned in the post, we did a tech session at my home last fall. Let me know and we can plan another tech session at my home and we can use your bike to demo and do the service. I since have purchased a bike lift so doing another bike will be easier than doing my own. The service will cost you about $1200 at the dealer. We did my service for about $300.
Let me know.
Lou

Lou,

A tech session to get my 48K (and probably an annual service, if that's possible) completed would be great to say the least. I will PM you my contact info so that if this can be made to happen you know how to find me :D

Pete

[Tom1200]

To answer you questions about the Alaska trip I would maybe have a final drive lined up with someone on the forum who can ship it to you if you need it. I would also look at having a set of tires located at 1 of 2 locations. 1 would be before you hit the gravel road to Alaska and maybe another set somewhere in Alaska. The tires are not common and I bet most dealers do not have a set sitting around.

But what I would do is start another tread with ideas about the trip and what to have and were to have it.

[VRodPete]

To answer you questions about the Alaska trip I would maybe have a final drive lined up with someone on the forum who can ship it to you if you need it. I would also look at having a set of tires located at 1 of 2 locations. 1 would be before you hit the gravel road to Alaska and maybe another set somewhere in Alaska. The tires are not common and I bet most dealers do not have a set sitting around.

But what I would do is start another tread with ideas about the trip and what to have and were to have it.

Good idea Tom, I'll do that now...

[Alpac]

Welcome to this forum. The more you will ride your LT the more you will like it and you are going to love this place too. This forum is a Gold mine for LT owners. There is no stupid questions to ask here. Enjoy your new bike
Is the Mooney on your avatar yours?

[Alpac]

Is the Mooney on your avatar yours?
Well I should have looked at your signature, I had the answer

[VRodPete]

Well I should have looked at your signature, I had the answer
:D Yep, and she's a dream to fly too!

[jpruddy]

Welcome aboard. I'm on my 2nd BMW which is a 2002 K1200LT -C model that I picked up at the end of last summer with 17k on the odometer and it's been nothing but a pleasure to ride.

My first trip was out to Pittsburgh and back (640 miles) in the same day and although it was a long day, I knew that I could put some miles on with this bike and am looking forward to this riding season.

I recommend Hermy's BMW in Port Clinton, PA just north of Reading on Rt. 61 for service. Even though there 1 1/2 hrs/ from where I'm at, it's worth the trip.

Good Luck.

[rortiz]

I have had my LT for 2 years now and I really am enjoying it. I switched to amsoil synthetic oil at 18000 miles. It cost a little more but I think it is well worth it!!! I also bought a 1200 service manual off e bay for like 10 bucks. It is worth alot more than that!!! Good luck and hope you have a great trip!!!