What's the best-value LT for under $10,000?

[EPD1102]

As you can tell by my post count, I'm new to this forum. I've been lurking for a while trying to research if one of the LTs is the bike for me. I've decided that I want to buy a BMW touring bike for my wife and I to ride. She says it has to have a radio, a good passenger backrest, and comfortable. We will be doing some decent overnight trips but probably not anything super long-distance. The problem is that I can only budget about $10,000 for the new bike. The more that I can stay under $10,000, the better. I don't know much about the LTs since all of the BMWs that I have owned were the GS bikes.
I have heard only good things about the K1200LT but it's hard to find a decent one around here in my price range unless it has a lot of miles.
I can find the K1100LT bikes but I've read that they are kind of top heavy, they have quite a bit of vibration at speed, and they are warm to ride in the summer due to engine heat venting onto the riders.
I haven't read much about the K100LT but there's a decent sounding one advertised here in Indiana in the BMW Owner's News.
I'm looking for advice on whether to go with an older K100LT or K1100LT or if I should bite the bullet and go with the K1200LT. Are we going to be much happier with the 1200?
Thanks in Advance

[messenger13]

You may want to fill in your profile a leetle bit, so we know the general area where you live. Never know...one of us might live right next door to you. Might be able to get a nice test ride out of the deal.

Regarding the poll, I think the K1200LT is head & shoulders above the other 2 K's. Your challenge will be finding a good one for under $10K. Having said that, if you find one that's been properly maintained, I don't think mileage is a major issue. The "brick" powerplant is pretty darn bullet-proof. It's the final drives on the '02s and older that you have to be a leetle more concerned about. And even then, I'm not so sure it's a major concern. Just ride it until it breaks, and we'll tell ya how to fix it. Heck! We'll even ride to your house and help you with it. We're just kinda sorta wacky that way. http://www.bigbikeworld.com/forum/smileys/smiley23.gif

Welcome to the forum...and don't be a stranger. :)

[EPD1102]

Messenger13, thanks for the reply. I have added some details to my profile. I forgot about that part because I was just so happy to have registered.

[jwacree]

Have you seen my 2000 LT in the classified section. I like to think of it as a worry free BMW. If you are worried you might drop it and scratch the paint or chrome, don't worry I've already done that for you. If you are worried the shop might scratch the paint on the wheels, dont worry I've already done that for you. If you are worried about buying a wrecked and repaired bike, after all how can you be sure it was repaired correctly. well you ride it for 7 or 8 thousand miles and I've already done that for you.

[DarkCloud]

seadog@insightbb.com at Bloomington, IN has a 99LTI with an autocom for 7KOBO.

PM with any questions about K100RT's or K1100LT's. I would like to sell one of them.

JON
Clinton, IN.

[mwnahas]

No question, for passanger comfort, you can get a 1999 - 2001 K1200LT for your price range. I had a 1987 K100 and liked it ok, but the wife could not ride more than one day of 400 miles. With the K1200 my wife can go consecutive days and some 600 mile days. Also its easier to get parts for the newer k1200. I bought my K1200 used, and I'm glad I upgraded. Its the one I should have bought in the first place. :)

[AlaskaFish]

Pretty much like everyone else is saying, go for the K1200LT! I have been riding two-up with my wife for over 30 years on many makes and styles of Bikes, but the 1200LT is her absolute favorite! Mine too! And don't worry over the mileage on these animals as long as they can show you maintenance records. They do have some known problems, but nothing that cannot be overcome with this group of dedicated and knowledgeable people on this list!

John

[EPD1102]

I guess I'm going to have to go with the K1200LT. I was kind of hoping that there would be more controversy about it so I could convince myself to go with the less expensive K100LT. It seems pretty unanimous though that the 1200 is the best choice. I appreciate the advice.

[bigbear]

I guess I'm going to have to go with the K1200LT. I was kind of hoping that there would be more controversy about it so I could convince myself to go with the less expensive K100LT. It seems pretty unanimous though that the 1200 is the best choice. I appreciate the advice.

I have A 85 K100RT which is a great bike for solo riding. Add a passenger and things get real crowded real fast. I just purchased an 02 1200 LTC and there is absolutely no comparison in passenger comfort and ride. The only reason I bought the 1200 LT was for passenger comfort over the long haul.

I am not an experienced 1200 owner yet, but I would have to reccommend that you go the 1200 LT vs the K100 or K1100.

my .02 cents worth