[Robin]

Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am scraping the money together to buy an '02 K1200LT w/ 8K miles on it and EVERY available option. The dealer will trade the lower seat for the stock seat if I want. Every thing i've read about this bike has been positive EXCEPT vague references to the rear end of LTs earlier than '03. What are we talking about here? Something like the ticking on an FJR (my other bike of choice) that happens to 5 to 7% of the bikes and requires replacement of the valveguides usually done by the dealer under warranty? Or something nastier (I've heard about the rear selfdistructing twice on one bike)?
I'm coming off a '79 Suzuki GS750E that I ride every day and do 400 mile days occasionally. I don't think the worst LT in the world could be as uncomfortable as the GS for long distances. I really want this bike but I'll go for an '03 if the rear is a big problem.

Robin

 

[ZB50]

Robin,

Welcome to the group.

I came from an 80 XS-1100 Yamaha. I know where you are coming from.

Sometimes you just have to step out on Faith. Dixie now has 28K.

I have heard that many, many rear failures (altho very unwelcome), have been covered under warranty. Ater reading the failure reports, I will keep a close eye on the fluid levels and listen for unusual noises. Above that,,,, I know that I made the right decision in buying the LT

The LT is IMO the BEST touring bike on this planet.


YMMV

Jimmy Woodard ZB50
Montgomery, AL

 

[meese]

I'd say if you're happy with the '02 and the deal, then go for it. And this is from someone who has had the rear drive fail on my '02. It's a known weakness with the LT, affecting maybe 3-4% of bikes. Many have been covered by BMW under warranty, or at 50% out of warranty. Some haven't been covered at all. And the '03 bikes can fail as well, though it seems much less likely overall.

The fact that BMW has been inconsistent in their response, and unwilling to admit any sort of failure or resulting fix has many of us frustrated, which is most of the noise that you hear. But what we do know about it means that it ends up being a minor inconvenience (if it happens near home and you have a good dealer) or a major inconvenience (if you're on a long trip and have to fight for reimbursement costs), but an inconvenience nonetheless.

There are a few other minor issues, but again the collective wisdom of this board goes a long way towards sorting those out.

Oh, and if you have the inseam, then do go with the standard seat over the lowered one. A custom-fit aftermarket seat is the best option, but many people have been happy with the standard seat.

And do let us know how it goes.

(And to Jimmy-love those old XS11's. I've been through a lotta miles and states on those old Yamahas.)