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Superb Touring & Performance

Previously owned 2005 BMW LT, which I found too big and heavy. The GT blows my mind every time I ride it, with it's great handling characteristics and performance. It has most of the amenities that one would expect from a touring bike and at the same time can hold it's own against the higher perfo...rmance sport machines. Not to mention that this bike is drop dead gorgeous. Read Full Review

Best ST bike on the road

I am the proud owner of a K1200GT. Wow, what do I say?



Competition:

Kawasaki Concours C14

Yamaha FJR1300



Lets take a look at the key differences.



Suspension - the BMWs is adjustable, 6 different ways. I love hitting a button to get a super-smooth freeway ride to the mountains, then goin...g into sport mode for Angeles Crest highway. No other bike can do that. All 3 bikes can scrape the footpegs, which is the most I ever do on the bike.

Accelleration - the BMW is in the middle of these 3, but since any of the 3 offers almost superbike levels of accelleration, it hardly matters. If you want to go super-fast, all 3 do it well. And the BMW can be ridden hands-free at 142mph using the cruise control - seriously.

Braking - the BMW brakes are the best, hands down. They took me 3 weeks to get used to, but once you get used to them, it is easy to apply any amount of braking force needed. The ABS works smoothly, and the brakes are no longer linked - tapping the rear brake p Read Full Review

Takes you to the twisties in comfort

And it doesn't disappoint when you get there. As another owner stated, the GT's competition are the FJR1300 and Concours-14. However, there are a number of features on the GT that simply made my choice a choice of one. Cruise control, heated seats and ESA.



For me, the cruise control is not negoti...able. Sure, you can put on a ThrottleMeister to give your right wrist a rest, but it really isn't cruise. Where I ride, where there are miles and miles of straight, empty roads, it often takes a 50+ mile ride just to get to the twisties. Also, around Las Vegas with 110 degree days for 3 months of the year, the excessive heat of the Yammie and Kawa are unacceptable. Yes, there are fiddles that redirect hot air or increase insulation on both these bikes, but these are work-arounds. On the GT, there simply isn't a problem in the first place.

Pluses? The GT is quick, comfortable, rich with features, handles great, brakes like a demon, and is a really fun ride when you get to the bends.

Minuses? Price, slighlt buzzy engine, price, imperial stormtrooper looks, and price. Not really a lot to complain about.

Sum up: It gets you to the twisties in comfort and then puts a big grin on your face when you get there. Read Full Review