2006 BMW K 1200 GT

Sun, Sedona and a New Beemer.

By Pete Brissette, Managing Editor, Apr. 20, 2006, Photography by Kevin Wing

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Although the standard seat height is 32.3 inches, which I found to be a tad on the tall side for my 30 inch inseam when mounting the bike, an optional low seat that starts at 31.5 inches is available. Seat adjustment is quick and simple. Removing the passenger seat then the rider's seat, you merely rotate the front mounting point backward to give the added height. I used the highest position to create some room between the saddle and foot pegs, which did in fact increase my riding comfort. But then getting on and off the bike was more difficult.

BMW Motorcycles: Refined and superb. Considering this bike will probably be heavily loaded with gear, many people may chose the low seat which is listed as a no-charge option.

I found the seat to be comfortable, but one or two other journalists commented that they thought the seat was too soft and eventually became uncomfortable. I countered that sentiment with the logic that any motorcycle manufacturer has to design something like the saddle to accommodate a huge array of rider physiques and that there has to be a point at which someone will be unhappy.

As I mentioned above, the 2006 K 1200 GT made reviewing a motorcycle just about as easy as it gets. With few, if any trouble spots, this latest sport touring machine to hit the market will certainly have BMW loyalists as happy as ever and much of the competition scrambling in the future. With a base price of $18,800 the GT doesn't come cheap and the price may prove to be a hindrance to total market domination as long as the FJR remains under $16,000 and continues to build a following. Nevertheless, this K bike offers refinement and quality yet to be rivaled in the sport touring world. And that's something that has made BMW motorcycles a favorite the world over.

Notes and observations

A separate control switch for the passenger's heated seat is located between it and the rear top case/luggage rack. This should undoubtedly give passengers a greater sense of independence and help them to enjoy the ride even more. Many wives and girlfriends would appreciate that feature.

For 2007, the GT will have the TPM or Tire Pressure Control system as an option. Pressure and temperature data will be monitored "via battery-powered radio sensors on the wheel", according to press materials. A warning light will be displayed on the "Info-Flat-Screen" should the pressure be well below normal

BMW uses a single-wire system (SWS) with CAN-bus technology. As they say, "It is only natural for a modern BMW motorcycle to feature a modern data bus network connecting the machine's electrical and electronic components with digital information now being transmitted through one, single wire."

Perhaps sedate by some standards, the bodywork is simple and yet exudes quality. No vibrations or rattles were present.

Although listed as an option, a gray seat is available as well as two side-cover color options in either Granite Gray Metallic or Dark Slate Metallic. All are available at no extra charge.

Specifications Courtesy of BMW BMW K 1200 GT - MSRP: $18,800 Includes freight and PDI (Pre Delivery Inspection).
Engine
Displacement cc	1157
Bore/Stroke mm	79/59
Claimed Output bhp at	152 at 9,500 rpm
Claimed Torque lb-ft at	96 at 7,750 rpm
Configuration	Inline
No of cylinders	4
Compression ratio/fuel grade	13:1, Premium
Valves/Charge Management	DOHC
Valves per Cylinder	4
Intake/Exhaust mm	32/27.5
Engine Management System	BMS-K
Electrical system
Alternator W	945
Battery V/AH	12/19 maintenance free
Headlights W	Low 1xH7 (55), High 2xH7 (55)
Starter kW	0.7
Transmission
Clutch	Multi-plate oil bath clutch / Hydraulic
Speeds	6 speed
Primary Transmission	1.56:1
Gear ratios	I - 2.52:1 II - 1.84:1 III - 1.46:1 IV - 1.29:1 V - 1.14:1 VI - 1.02:1
Rear wheel Drive	Driveshaft
Final Drive	2.82:1
Suspension and Running Gear
Frame	Composite aluminum frame
Front wheel suspension	BMW Duolever
Rear wheel suspension	BMW EVO Paralever
Spring Travel front/rear mm	115/135
Camber mm	112
Wheel Base mm	1.571
Handlebar centre point angle	60.6°
Brakes Front / Rear	Double disc floating 12.6 inch dia, Single disc fixed 11.6 inch dia.
Wheels	Cast aluminum wheels
Tires Front / Rear	120/70 ZR 17, 180/55 ZR 17
Dimensions/Weights
Length, overall mm/inch	2.318/91.3
Width, overall mm/inch	968/38
Handlebar width mm/inch	795/31.3
Seat height mm/inch	820/840 or 800/820 (32.3/33 or 31.5/32.3)
Claimed Weight, empty, with full tank kg/lbs	282/622
Max permissible weight kg/lbs	520/1147
Fuel tank l/gal	24/6.3
Performance Data
Fuel consumption 90 km/h (56 mph) in l/(m/gal)	4.8/48
Fuel consumption 120 km/h (75 mph) in l/(m/gal)	5.8/40
Claimed Acc.: 0-100 km/h/0-62(mph) s	3.1
Claimed Top speed km/h (mph)	200 (125) plus
Colors
	Dark Graphite Metallic (946), black seat
	Crystal Gray Metallic (989), black seat
	Deep Blue Metallic (997), black seat