Would you buy a K1200LT all over again?

almost did last week... for spares!

I would in a minute if they still made them. I tend to by a bike and then get a three or four year extended warranty and when that is up I get a new bike. I like reliability and as bikes get older the reliability starts to diminish and something will eventually break. I have owned my 2007 since 2008 purchased with 1000 miles on it and I now have 30K on the bike. I guess it depends on your expectations and experience with the machine. I have had no mechanical issues at all and find the bike to be the best tourer for me. This year I have to decide whether to keep it or buy new. It will be a tough decision.

Yes I would buy another LT!! I wish they still made them. I just bought this one and plan on running it into the ground. Had 24k on it in September 0f 2013 has 31plus K on it now and will have a lot more. I enjoy riding not letting it sit around and collect dust. Great bike so far. I have learned a lot form this forum. Keep up the good work ,Keep posting.

Dave
2005 K1200LT
2008 Gl1800 Roadsmith Trike
1989 Gl 1500 Goldwing sold with 205k mile and just broke in.
1978 GL1000 bought new rode 18 months put 30K on it sold.
Always looking for an excuse to ride!!!

I would not.

It is a great bike when properly maintained, but the deal killer for me, and I should have investigated more prior to purchase, is the really sparse dealer network. Coming from a Japanese bike history I'm accustomed to a dealer on every corner in every town.
Being stranded 3x with this bike isn't enjoyable.

Having said all that, I will keep this thing until the engine gives out or it has some catastrophic repair issue.

I had to say maybe, I love my LT but with some of the new stuff out now I really like the RT and just the range of tires and stuff for them to maintain is easier. but them what are you going to get so many miles of smiles out of.

Slight explanation for what I'm about to say:

I do all the maintenance on the machines, have recently done a complete "go over" of the LT, new clutch, brake lines, starter relay, new starter and clutch slave cylinder, rear drive rebuild, rear main seal, transmission reseal, , and other stuff. The LT is an AWESOME machine, but the cost of ownership is OFF scale per miles ridden. My R-GS and two Airheads are MUCH cheaper to run and maintain, because of the Rear Drive issues, and some other engineering failures by the "mothership"

So to answer the question - Not NO but HELL NO!!!

Do I love my LT? HELL YES!!

You asked .

I voted no, which doesn't tell the whole story. The bike is absolutely an awesome motorcycle - for its designed purpose. It's the purpose that I voted no for, not the bike. I've had my share of problems with the bike, yet still have never regretted owning it.

NO, I bought as K1600GTL

Haven't looked at any other bikes since I bought my 2000. SO, don't know what other options there are?
Bob

If this forum didn't exist, then no way (I'd be looking at that new Goldwing F6B!!!!!); it does, so I voted yes. Regardless of the issue, the advise from everyone on this forum makes it surmountable.

Voted no but like another respondent, I love my 99 LT. I do my own wrenching which would normally bias me towards a "yes" vote since the cost of service and repairs is mostly paid in sweat equity and not cash dollars (which is what my CFO (wife) see's going out). However, I've found the ratio of wrenching to riding exceeds what I consider tolerable. I'd rather spend the time riding. If you're the type of rider that gets immense satisfaction from working on your ride and have the tools, place, and means to do it then I think that changes the equation. Also buying and trading before the warranty end makes if you can afford to do so.

My reasoning: buy an LT if (1) you plan to do all maintenance and repairs (after warranty), (2) you are willing to pay a dealer to do all maintenance and repairs (which could be $10K +/- over a ten year span or so and, (3) if you're going to trade it at warranty's end.

Current one is my second (Both bought new)

I voted yes, but it was close to a no. The GTL Exclusive is getting close. Just not ready yet to pay 30 large for a bike that needs another $1,000 of windshield, hand protectors, leg protectors, etc. And has the dumbest oil check and change procedures ever devised. I mean two colinear drain plugs? Did BMW engineering have a contest to see who could design the goofiest oil drain configuration?

I voted Yes, being on my 3rd LT and totaling close to 200k miles on all 3 (all bought used).
However I just purchased a 2011 RT because my new commute includes street riding as well as highway and I wanted something lighter and more nimble than an LT to ride the mean streets of Los Angeles (maintained like crap). The 05 LT will be up for sale shortly with a new rear EBC rotor and pads, all new brake lines and front pads, and a new fork seal. The clutch was replaced at75k (about 5k miles ago), along with the slave cylinder.
It was the most comfortable bike for my pillion and I may have to spend some money to make the RT an "acceptable" substitute.

No, I probably would not buy another one. I do however really enjoy riding it. They just have to many issues and I seem to get all of them. A RT might be in the future at some point.

Much the same here. I was leaning towards GTL (and still probably am), but the new wasserboxer RT has my interest. The simpler maintenance is very attractive as is the lighter weight. Probably a bigger windshield and a few other mods and it might be an acceptable two-up mount.

I voted yes because I sure all bikes have problems. I wanted a big bike for comfort and I took a chance. It's a tough decision because now I'm fully aware of what I have. Seven grand five years ago for the LT wasn't that bad of a deal and the deals are even better now and people continue to buy them. It will always be a great bike even at the risks.

I was at the dealer on Saturday talking to the parts guy and another customer came back from a test ride on the new liquid cooled RT. He asked if I wanted to take it for a spin. Nice bike. Feels way lighter than the LT. If my riding was primarily one up, I'd take a hard look at the RT. BUT, my wife loves the comfort of the LT so it stays in the garage. Maybe one day I can add the RT as well......

Would have to say yes since I've bought two of them. The maintenance is a killer for sure, but the style, the ride, the technology is just hard to beat.

Also, I'm spoiled relative to some of you - Two dealers in the same city, several long trips and not stranded once, no major failures (well the clutch was an operator error).

Am hoping to replace my 2001 with an '05 or newer, but they seem to be getting harder to find in my area.

I have a nice well-farkled 2007 with 40K miles that will need a clutch soon. Want to make me an offer?

I have some of the key parts (viton o-ring) and tools (alignment tool) and plan to do the work this coming winter. Once the clutch is done, it won't be for sale again any time soon.

What he said....

One negative for the LT for me is the lack of after-market parts.

I voted yes, because I haven't found anything yet that my pillion likes as well. getting the comfort performance and economy of the LT is pretty special.

Would I buy one new? No.
Nor would I buy about any other bike new. Prices are just too high for the amount of riding I can do and the income I make. Now, if I ever get into seven digits without the decimal point and without working many hours so I can ride more, I reserve the right to change my mind...though an expensive bike won't be my first purchase there, either. I'm not faulting anyone for buying a new bike -- and thank goodness you do, makes used bikes available for cheap b***ards like me. Just not what I'm going to spend my limited cash on.

Used? LT seems to be more bike for the buck than anything else out there...maybe a third the price of a used Harley and half the price of a used Goldwing. My dealer supports my LT and my '85 K100 Just Fine. If my LT dies catastrophically tomorrow, I'll buy another one. If my final drive fails tomorrow, I'll get it fixed -- even if I have to buy new parts, I'm still ahead of the competition.

Every time I sit on my LT, I smile. That's the point, right?

I voted No, but have still really enjoyed the LT. In hindsight, I should have just gone with an RT and would likely still be happy with riding it. As it is, the LT has taken a lot of maintenance and is still not all that reliable. I'll likely be trading it on an RTW some time in the near future.

I absolutely love this bike as a touring mile eater. I really think it's awesome in a lot of ways. But Jury's still out on buying another one. It just has too many issues.Although I've had none of them .The ABS pumps can be problematic. I still think the Servo assist is the most absurd, ridicules over the top piece of crap I've seen. Power brakes? Really??Seems to me. I should be able to handle stopping after 23+ years of riding without power assist. And.Even though I can strip most of the Tupperware (including stingray) off now in less than 30 minutes. Would I buy another?? Too soon to answer. I get frustrated working on her. Thinking about some of the design flaws. But then I get on it and ride. And all the frustration melts away and marvel at just what a great road machine it is.But every bike has flaws. But I am getting better working on it so.. Maybe I would. The wife really love her though. And I do too. But it's a love,hate relationship sometimes. I just think there are things BMW could have done better.

I agree pretty much with James216's comments. There is a lot of risk associated with owning our bikes. Quality-wise it appears to me that there is a very large range between a "good one" and a "bad one". That said, things like the telelever front suspension and overall handling package really spoil you, but if I were riding only solo then the LT would be at the bottom of my list, come to think of it, so too would BMW as a brand. Just too many quality issues. The only motorcycle ever built with more focus on pillion comfort than rider comfort.

Yes, I recently got a 2013 GTL and it is a fantastic bike. However, the LT does some things better such as overall comfort on long trips. Was going to sell the LT, now I can't talk myself into it. Guess I keep riding the 05 LT until one of us breaks down..... Wonder if they have an LT in heaven?

Chris Ogle

Yes, I would buy another, and I did! After losing the '99 it was replaced with an '06.

Nope. I'll keep the one I have as long as it's somewhat economical to repair it, but my next BMW is going to be a Honda GW1800.

Dean, Dean, Dean...I am shocked!


Not really. You going to the national?

Robert

But I could mount a roundel or two on it...............

Probably not going to the national, but certainly give me a call if you're going to be passing through. I think I have a spare beer or two and some vacation time.

I just bought my 05 off craigslist, 3000 mi away. Bike is better then advertised but the shipping was a nightmare.

I bought mine used from the dealer. It was a dealer trade in on a GTL. It had 32,000 miles on it. It was bought new from there and all the maintenance was done there. The service guy printed out the full history for me. The po was religeous with his maintenance schedule. The only non maintenance issue I saw on the printout was a problem with the Voice II system early on. The only thing I have had to do to it was replace the rear rotor and the battery. Hopefully if I keep the maintenance up, I'll have the same results as the po.

I did yesterday,its being delivered next Tuesday

WTF??????

I was scratching my head over that one also.

Had to vote NO on this one. I enjoyed it while riding, but thought the maintenance requirements were excessive and somewhat difficult to perform compared to other bikes I've owned.

Plus, when I did decide to sell it I had a hard time finding a buyer. Finally did sell it but really had to go lower than I wanted to.

That said, I'm not too sour on the bike. I did have some good times on it.

Years ago I seen my first one in the back of a truck and I thought wth is that..thought it was way cool looking for a touring bike.

So I bought one a few years ago-this site and the people on it have been super!
But I think I know why it was in the back of that truck now..lol.

To be fair mine is still running strong at 77k and only had a brake hose and the speedo prob(to tight of a zip tie) all else good except it drips a little teeny bit of oil but the clutch is super!

Never had a bike that was so hard to use the throttle though..thank God it has cruise!

Well hell, it's as clear as mud to me, and that's all that counts. Bottom line, no, I wouldn't buy another one.

I assume he means that he thinks the designed purpose is touring or mostly touring (which I disagree with, btw) and doesn't do enough touring to justify it?

I voted yes - although I do agree with the previous comments that I probably would change my mind if this forum didn't exist, I didn't have tools and willingness to perform my own maintenance, etc.

It's a perfect bike for touring, if you want to push an 880lb motorcycle. I don't. I want my FZ1 back, or maybe the FZ09 or an Aprilia Tuono. Just a personal preference.
But to bad mouth the LT? I can't. It's awesome. I didn't want my "no" vote to reflect on the bike itself.
Sorry to muddy up the waters.

The '03 I bought new is an awesome bike.

Looking back, probably would be better served with a RT.

Mater of fact, looking for someone with a R1150 or R1200 who wants a Light Truck and is in a trading mood.

As much as we enjoy riding this bike, I would have to say no. BMW is just too proud of the repair parts for this thing. I have been lucky by not having any major problems so far, but I know I am on borrowed time. sigh But it's paid for, so I'm going to keep it till it quits on me.

I would have to say no, because I like technology, and as the LT had it's time in the techno limelight for a number of reasons, the world of motorcycles has moved on, and I have ridden the GTL. It definitely has its warts, but is faster/safer/lighter/easier to ride. That said, I'm still riding my LT, which my wife LOVES, and she is not letting go of it at present. Time will tell how this shakes out, but the aftermarket is filling in the gaps quite nicely. It's all about the pillion seat, if Mom ain't happy, nobody's happy.

Since I posted. My FD blew out today .Sooo. My answer to owning another is now probably not. Although i'll get it fixed. In a couple years i'll trade up for another brand & newer.

I do love riding this bike and my girl friend loves it also but I just can't ride it without worry about the next road turning to rough gravel, can I get from the highway to the camp ground without dropping it, and issues like that. I don't like to be worrying about my destination when I am riding. These problems are probably more about me than the bike but you did ask. BTW I can ride my 1978 R100/7 with over 200k anywhere the LT will go but no way near as comfortably.