Greetings All!

[jayjacobson]

Just wanted to say "HI" to everyone. I'm a brand new to the web site and BMW motorcycles.

After much research, and a thorough comparison with HD and Honda, I bought a 06, LT. I'm picking it up on Saturday (or shortly thereafter). It's Black, and has all the basic options. I did not order it with the CD, alarm or central locking system. I bought it from the family-owned BMW Dealer in Winnetka, CA.

I've been riding for two years, now. I took the basic MSF rider's course to get my endorsement.

Please, any suggestions or comments would be welcome.

[dshealey]

Just wanted to say "HI" to everyone. I'm a brand new to the web site and BMW motorcycles.

After much research, and a thorough comparison with HD and Honda, I bought a 06, LT. I'm picking it up on Saturday (or shortly thereafter). It's Black, and has all the basic options. I did not order it with the CD, alarm or central locking system. I bought it from the family-owned BMW Dealer in Winnetka, CA.

I've been riding for two years, now. I took the basic MSF rider's course to get my endorsement.

Please, any suggestions or comments would be welcome.

Welcome to a great web group! You did not say what you have been riding up to now, but if it is not a big heavy bike, just be careful at first with the LT. The most common thing to happen to new LT riders is that they do not yet have the proper respect for it's weight, and no experience with a system that has no front fork dive on braking. If you make sure you have the front wheel straight ahead for the last 3-4 feet of a stop there will be no problem. If you have the wheel turned any at all during that last foot though you will quite likely be learning how to pick this big lady back up! Please don't ask MANY of us how we know that! :D :D

Is the new '06 actually Black, or the graphite grey color? Hope they did bring black back, it sure was a popular color for a couple of years. My last LT was black. Unfortunately it is in LT heaven now. :(

[STARFIGHTER]

Howdy Jay
Good choice of colors....(black being the fastest, graphite almost as fast)
Hope you rode something tall and heavy before, the LT is a handful.
Lots of knowledge here, and plenty of opinions. Feels like home.
See ya' out there.

[TMH]

Is the new '06 actually Black, or the graphite grey color? Hope they did bring black back, it sure was a popular color for a couple of years. My last LT was black. Unfortunately it is in LT heaven now. :(
The BMW Motorrad web site shows a Magnesium Black Metallic, but the PDF of the brochure on the San Jose BMW site shows Night Black. Don't know which one is current, but that Magnesium Black Metallic looks pretty good.

Didn't know they stopped producing the non-metallic Black ones for a while. I wasn't previously into Black bikes, but I do love my new '02 black LT: It must be the fastest color!

Echoing the others, I hope that you have cut your riding teeth on something pretty big and heavy. I haven't had the pleasure (yet) but I know that when something with the mass of an LT starts going down, gravity is gonna win! Just makes rider attention just that much more important when riding the LT. See a situation coming up where you think that you will only need to slow, but not stop? WRONG! Always think "I'm going to need to stop up there" and prepare for doing so. If you can just slow and proceed, well that's good. But if you had not anticipated a stop but need to make one at the last moment, well the LT might not be too forgiving of that.

Being always prepared will keep your confidence in your new ride high, and the paint shiny!

Good luck, and post some pics when you get her home.

Tom

[BillCav]

Hi Jay, glad you've joined the group. These are the most informative bunch of guys and gals I've run into in a long time, you'll enjoy them. Yes, watch those brakes WOW! The first day I took my 05 LT home I had to ride in traffic for 10 miles and even when I though I was "drifting" the brakes they stopped faster than I ever expected, like now!! The other thing I would like to mention is, even though I let my bike warm-up by running it for a few minutes it still hesitates on take off a couple of times before it smooths out. You'll be asking a lot of questions over the next year or so. Just take it slow and easy and all your questions will be answered.

Cheers, Bill

[hschisler]

Jay, welcome to the world of LT info. I learn new things here every single day. Spend lots of time reading the current threads, the old threads, FAQs, and the HoW (Hall of Wisdom).

Hey -- I'm from Lancaster, too. Ohio, that is.

Welcome!

[jorawro]

Welcome Jay - get Paul Sayegh videos as soon as possible. Learn how to remove the tupperware and do your own servicing and you will be able to save a fortune on maintenance.

Once you have owned this bike for a while it will truly spoil you to anything else on the market. And yes - black is the fastest color:D .

[boadb2sys]

Welcome Jay! My name is Rich and I'm also new to this site and to BMW motorcycles. I live in Virginia and I will be picking up my new '06 Magnesium Black Metallic LT on the 17th of this month!!! I have been reading a lot of posts on this site and there are tons of experienced riders giving some great advice. So, I would suggest that you continue to read and ask questions here. It looks like you'll get all the helpful advice that you need.

Rich Ridge
2006 K1200LT (In 9 days and counting.)
2005 Suzuki C50
1996 Honda Magna

[smithbs]

FYI

The best way to pick an LT up is to:

Stand next to it with your back to the seat, bend at the knees and grab the handle grip with one hand and the rear passenger grip with your other hand. Lift up, while stepping back into it slowly. She will come right up.

Not that I would know and not that you will ever need this info. /giggle

Ask the dealer to show you :).

[Tomakazie]

Congrats on your new purchase. I to have the 06 K1200LT Magniseum Black Graphite. (Very fast color) Gave up a gray RT to step up to the LT. What everyone keeps saying is true. It is a bit "how I say Heavy" ... but only at slow speeds. once your away it is the best. I do 98% of my riding 2 up on both on my old RT and the new LT (as of the 12/28/05) Respect it's size and how it works. The wind has to really be strong to move you around compaired to other bikes. Allways remember... " No fool's no fun" be safe and enjoy your new ride.

[jayjacobson]

Welcome to a great web group! You did not say what you have been riding up to now, but if it is not a big heavy bike, just be careful at first with the LT. The most common thing to happen to new LT riders is that they do not yet have the proper respect for it's weight, and no experience with a system that has no front fork dive on braking. If you make sure you have the front wheel straight ahead for the last 3-4 feet of a stop there will be no problem. If you have the wheel turned any at all during that last foot though you will quite likely be learning how to pick this big lady back up! Please don't ask MANY of us how we know that! :D :D

Is the new '06 actually Black, or the graphite grey color? Hope they did bring black back, it sure was a popular color for a couple of years. My last LT was black. Unfortunately it is in LT heaven now. :(

Hey Dave,

I have been riding a Bergman 650 (which is actually a very large scooter), weighing in at 550 pounds. So the LT is about 300 pounds heavier. I have already learned to keep the front wheel very straight. Yes, that fork dive did surprise me the very first time I made a panic stop! My LT is described by BMW as "Metallic Black." It looks more Black, than graphite Grey, to me (but I have been accused of being color blind before).

I hope you were not seriously injured when you totalled your LT.

[jayjacobson]

Howdy Jay
Good choice of colors....(black being the fastest, graphite almost as fast)
Hope you rode something tall and heavy before, the LT is a handful.
Lots of knowledge here, and plenty of opinions. Feels like home.
See ya' out there.

Thanks, Allan!

[jayjacobson]

The BMW Motorrad web site shows a Magnesium Black Metallic, but the PDF of the brochure on the San Jose BMW site shows Night Black. Don't know which one is current, but that Magnesium Black Metallic looks pretty good.

Didn't know they stopped producing the non-metallic Black ones for a while. I wasn't previously into Black bikes, but I do love my new '02 black LT: It must be the fastest color!

Echoing the others, I hope that you have cut your riding teeth on something pretty big and heavy. I haven't had the pleasure (yet) but I know that when something with the mass of an LT starts going down, gravity is gonna win! Just makes rider attention just that much more important when riding the LT. See a situation coming up where you think that you will only need to slow, but not stop? WRONG! Always think "I'm going to need to stop up there" and prepare for doing so. If you can just slow and proceed, well that's good. But if you had not anticipated a stop but need to make one at the last moment, well the LT might not be too forgiving of that.

Being always prepared will keep your confidence in your new ride high, and the paint shiny!

Good luck, and post some pics when you get her home.

Tom

Hey Tom,

Delivery paperwork describes it as "Metallic Black." I have never considered Black before. But after buying a Black truck, I was sold.

As far as the weight, I will give myself extra room. Obviously, the LT will not stop like a 400 pound crotch rocket. My current cycle weighs in at 550 pounds.

Thank you!

[jayjacobson]

Hi Jay, glad you've joined the group. These are the most informative bunch of guys and gals I've run into in a long time, you'll enjoy them. Yes, watch those brakes WOW! The first day I took my 05 LT home I had to ride in traffic for 10 miles and even when I though I was "drifting" the brakes they stopped faster than I ever expected, like now!! The other thing I would like to mention is, even though I let my bike warm-up by running it for a few minutes it still hesitates on take off a couple of times before it smooths out. You'll be asking a lot of questions over the next year or so. Just take it slow and easy and all your questions will be answered.

Cheers, Bill

Hey Bill,

Yes, I will take it very slow. I certainly would describe myself as a "new" rider (2 years/12 miles). Glad to hear that the brakes work so well!

I would guess that the cold hesitation is due to the fuel/air mixture being on the lean side (due to emissions).

Thanks!

[ibbones]

Welcome to the group. You will find great folks and lots of info. I am a newbie as well and read the board since July of last year but did not get a LT until December. It's amazing how much I knew before I ever took my first ride on this bike. Keep reading and you can learn lots.

[NOGILLS2]

Welcome to the asylum. I remember being a newbe, was not long ago. You will find more info here than you will know what to do with, at first.

I would encourage you not to miss CCR, it is in your neighborhood, North GA. I purchased my LT last Feb, 12 months ago,and I opted not to attend CCR and I still regret it. You will meet folks from all over the world that all love this machine. They are the best group of folks anywhere.

Any questions or problems just post them and you will get an answer and or help from anywhere. Also attend tech sessions where you find them, you will meet more folks and learn much about the LT, and eat some great food.

STCII is also coming up, in west NC, great riding and more info.

Again Welcome.

[zippy_gg]

Jay, one big difference between this Beemer and any previous bikes you owned is that you don't need to warm up the engine before you go. Just turn the engine on when you put on your helmet, zip up pour jacket, climb on the beast and go!!!:bmw:
In hot weather you may experience some hesitation at low RPMs. Do a search for "cutting the brown wire" on the Hall of Wisdom and you will find your answers.:think:

[avonfloater]

I have been a member of this site for awhile, but only recently started spending lots of time looking over the posts. My recommendation - spend lots of time casually looking over the site to find out where to find things and don't hesitate to ask these old pros for advice. Sure beats most dealers.

[meese]

Obviously, the LT will not stop like a 400 pound crotch rocket.Once you get comfortable with the brakes and learn to trust them, you'll be surprised how quickly the big beast can stop. I sometimes have to check my rear view mirrors just to make sure I don't out brake someone who's following too closely. :)

[TSQUARED]

I purchased my graphite LT in May after flying from Seattle to CHI and rode it back to Seattle. In the fall of 04 I began lurking on this forum for information and have two, three-ring binders of printed information on lots and lots of 'stuff' relative to this motorcycle. You won't find a more informative, helpful group of fellows than the folks posting information here. David Shealey (my favorite resource) and others of considerable knowledge and experience, have been absolutely outstanding with their help. When reflecting on what I have learned so far, including adding farkles this winter, I offer the following recommendations even though they are basic:

1. Paul Sayegh DVD's are very helpful. Everyone develops a 'system' for dismantling the 'tupperware'. I use three or four blocks of discarded styrofoam blocks about 1' x 1' x 2" thick and place a couple columns with multiple rows on the surface of each block with a permanent black marker. Then I drill holes into the right, larger column/rows. The holes are drilled (fast drill speed to prevent tearing) so that they just allow a slip fit of the torx screws and other fasteners. The three lengths of torx screws encountered can be labeled with the Sharpie marker so that when re-assembling, you get everything back where it belongs and don't have left-over screws while scratching your head wondering where they go. This isn't a problem for seasoned owners but for Newbies, it is the rule, not the exception.
Further identification at the right column helps segregate items and guides replacement. I also use dots or different numbers of slashes on screw heads and at their immediate location on the 'tupperware'. Don't worry about the marks, they come off, if desired, with isopropyl alcohol. Bottom line is: develop a system which works for you!
Also, get used to covering the bike with rags or whatever in the regions adjacent/below where you are working in order to catch screws which get away from you during removal and again during installation. This beast is loaded with a copious number of abysses which capture dropped screws never to be seen again!

If you are mechanically/electrically inclined, and wish to learn this bike, and you can find the cash to spend on after-market farkles, you can go absolutely bonkers and possibly broke. Likely, someone on the forum has already done it or can herd you in the right direction. It's kind of like what Messenger13 said to me, " Working on this great motorcycle is second only to riding it", and the pride of ownership takes on a whole new meaning...I can attest to that! Enjoy!

Terry

[michman]

Good color choice. Enjoy. I joined over a year ago and have been amazed by the knowledge and dollars saved......and spent(money saved is money spent on farkles)!!! Use the "HOW" for any questions you have and you will be amazed!!

Welcome...

[jayjacobson]

Jay, welcome to the world of LT info. I learn new things here every single day. Spend lots of time reading the current threads, the old threads, FAQs, and the HoW (Hall of Wisdom).

Hey -- I'm from Lancaster, too. Ohio, that is.

Welcome!

Hey Howard!

I'll sure do it!

[jayjacobson]

Good color choice. Enjoy. I joined over a year ago and have been amazed by the knowledge and dollars saved......and spent(money saved is money spent on farkles)!!! Use the "HOW" for any questions you have and you will be amazed!!

Welcome...

Hey Michman,

Thank you!

[jayjacobson]

Welcome Jay - get Paul Sayegh videos as soon as possible. Learn how to remove the tupperware and do your own servicing and you will be able to save a fortune on maintenance.

Once you have owned this bike for a while it will truly spoil you to anything else on the market. And yes - black is the fastest color:D .


Hey Roy,

I think you are right! I will be spoiled. I'll get those videos.

[jayjacobson]

Welcome Jay! My name is Rich and I'm also new to this site and to BMW motorcycles. I live in Virginia and I will be picking up my new '06 Magnesium Black Metallic LT on the 17th of this month!!! I have been reading a lot of posts on this site and there are tons of experienced riders giving some great advice. So, I would suggest that you continue to read and ask questions here. It looks like you'll get all the helpful advice that you need.

Rich Ridge
2006 K1200LT (In 9 days and counting.)
2005 Suzuki C50
1996 Honda Magna

Hey Rich,

You are right. This is a very helpful web site.

[jayjacobson]

FYI

The best way to pick an LT up is to:

Stand next to it with your back to the seat, bend at the knees and grab the handle grip with one hand and the rear passenger grip with your other hand. Lift up, while stepping back into it slowly. She will come right up.

Not that I would know and not that you will ever need this info. /giggle

Ask the dealer to show you :).

Hey Brian,

Of course--I will never need this hekpful info...(LOL)!

[jayjacobson]

Congrats on your new purchase. I to have the 06 K1200LT Magniseum Black Graphite. (Very fast color) Gave up a gray RT to step up to the LT. What everyone keeps saying is true. It is a bit "how I say Heavy" ... but only at slow speeds. once your away it is the best. I do 98% of my riding 2 up on both on my old RT and the new LT (as of the 12/28/05) Respect it's size and how it works. The wind has to really be strong to move you around compaired to other bikes. Allways remember... " No fool's no fun" be safe and enjoy your new ride.

Hey Tom,

I sure will--thank you!

[Chrisdy]

I have been riding a Bergman 650 (which is actually a very large scooter), weighing in at 550 pounds.

As another new convert, I too moved from a Burgman 650 (Exec model, so slightly heavier) to the LT and there is a big difference. I still have the Burgman, which I much prefer for Town riding or in very heavy traffic. I thought the Burgman was quite heavy when I first got it, but after riding the LT for a couple of weeks, the Burgman now feels more like a 125..!! However, on the open road and in the twisties, the LT leaves the Burgman for dead, weight or no weight. Just be aware that you can't do the classic Burgman trick of slowing down gently nearly to a full stop and then picking up immediately if the junction clears. With the LT you have to be much more positive in your decision to stop or not stop (or so I have found - it may improve with practice) - safe riding.

[torso]

Welcome to the club! I hope you enjoy your bike as much as I do.

[jayjacobson]

As another new convert, I too moved from a Burgman 650 (Exec model, so slightly heavier) to the LT and there is a big difference. I still have the Burgman, which I much prefer for Town riding or in very heavy traffic. I thought the Burgman was quite heavy when I first got it, but after riding the LT for a couple of weeks, the Burgman now feels more like a 125..!! However, on the open road and in the twisties, the LT leaves the Burgman for dead, weight or no weight. Just be aware that you can't do the classic Burgman trick of slowing down gently nearly to a full stop and then picking up immediately if the junction clears. With the LT you have to be much more positive in your decision to stop or not stop (or so I have found - it may improve with practice) - safe riding.

Hey Chris,

Yes, the Burgman now feels light! The LT is much more top heavy. But the weight and distribution of it, was not the thing that took the most getting used to! I found the new clutch a little "stickier" than my prior new japanese machines. I tipped the bike over THREE TIMES by killing the engine because I let the clutch out too fast at the very end of its travel. Luckily, "Brian" gave me the tip on picking it up! Minor scratch damage only. I kept at it, adjusted the clutch, and now seem to have the hang of it--finally!