[hifiman]

I just bought a 2005 K1200LT with 7900 miles. I pick it up in about a month when I travel to Atlanta. My last ride was a 1200CLC which I loved but always wanted an LT. I have been reading this forum and there is great info here. Is there anything I should know about handling or anything else before I get on her for the first time? My CLC took getting use to on slow turns which after riding a while became no problem. I am 6' tall. Is the 1200LT the same at slow speeds? Anyway thanks and I am excited and just hope the next few weeks go by quickly.

 

[SilverBuffalo]

I just bought a 2005 K1200LT
I am excited and just hope the next few weeks go by quickly.

Welcome to the forum, we've got good news and bad news,
the good news is: that you've bought the best touring machine on the market,
the bad news: time as you know has just slowed to a crawl,
these next few weeks going to feel like an agonizing slo-ow time period,
but hang in there we'll help you get through it.

The LT is a heavy machine, you'll feel it the moment you straddle it,
even a little bit intimidating depending upon your riding experience.
That's all going to change once you get her moving.

My first look at the LT (bought on Ebay) was wow that thing is big it looks like a damn Buffalo,
hence the name.

I flew to Pennsylvania to pick up my first LT,
rode her all the way into Maryland before I realized I still had another gear (5th)
by the second day I was running down Skyline drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway
and scraping things in the corners,
woohoo this bike handles or like others have said:
This big girl can dance.

 

[OU812]

Like was said here many times, the girl can dance. I came off the R1150R to the LT, and yes it is heavy. But when it is moving, totally different animal! I am into long rides, and find the LT the most comfortable bike I have ever ridden. ENJOY!

 

[DakotaDude]

Many owners believe the LT's handling is heavy at low speeds. The newer models are supposedly better than the 1999-2004 production years. Personally I have never had difficulty with my 2000 model. One of the biggest differences you will notice about the CLC and the LT is the powerband. The LT is just getting warmed up at 4000rpm (about 85mph), wheras your CLC is pretty much out of breath at 85-90 mph. The LT is also better with regard to gas mileage and all-day comfort. 700-800 mile days on the LT are not a painful or exhausting experience...I think you will really enjoy the bike.