2002 BMW reviews

I've had a cruiser for the past year and traded it in on the K1200RS a few weeks ago. I put about 200 miles on it the following weekend and loved every mile. Very comfortable, fast and nimble. It's a heavy bike, but so well balanced you'll never know it. I had the wife on the back and it was much easier to handle than my Yamaha cruiser. I'm still breaking in the engine, but I can tell it has lots of power and very smooth. The cruise control and hand warmers sold me. The only draw back I've had is no helmet locks for when you're off the bike. Show less

This bike can do just about anything really, really well (except for off-road, of course). I've been looking at the BMW line of sport tourers for about a year...I've test driven every one, and last month I finally got to test drive the R1150RS. Some substantial improvements were made over the R1100RS...bigger engine (obviously) and an extra 6th economy gear. The riding position is extremely comfortable...and the passenger portion is ample (no fat girlfriend jokes please!) The ride is flawless: great pull in all gears, nice low center of gravity for great maneuverability on the sweepers in the Texas hill country...an adjustable windscreen for cranking up the glass for long haul highway drives, an adjustable seat to hunker down or stretch out, heated handgrips (yes it does get chilly in TX in the winter), electrical sockets for GPS, heated clothing, adjustable suspension for sport, and 1/2-up,...the list goes on and on. In case you were wondering, I bought the bike I test drove...Going for a ride after the Thanksgiving meal today! If you see this bike at your dealer do yourself a favor and give it a test drive...You really won't be sorry. (previous motorcycles: Katana, H.D. Road King, Vulcan, Maxim) Show less

I have the non-ABS version and after only 2 months I'm very happy with it. Its my 5th bike and by far the best one. Great power and handling. Its not a crotch rocket, but thats a good thing. Much easier to ride around town and more comfortable on the highway. I'm taking it to Mexico next year. Show less

The bike is great. The brakes are fantastic and the admiring looks that you get are priceless. NOTHING else looks like this bike. Because the person who made this inquiry is 6'5 I'd say the bike is too small. I am 6'1 and 210 lbs. The bike does get a bit small over long distances. The rear seat is all but useless to a passenger if you are traveling far. The rear seat does flip up and makes a very good back rest that you will appreciate if you travel over 1 hour. Some negatives are 1) Finding neutral can be quirky becuase the bike has dry clutch. 2) The bike has the infamous "BMW SURGE" ie. the bike will lurch and surge foward if the driver is in the wrong gear. 3) At only 71 hp the bike has enough power but it certainly isn't a monster. 4) At only 2300 mile my battery had to be replaced (Three cheers for BMW service dept--they are great.) The positives are 1)ABS brakes (a potential life saver) 2) a rock steady driving platform 3) Heated grips! and 4) Beautiful styling. You can buy two japanese 1200cc bikes for the cost of this bike but it has a 3 year 36,000 mile warranty, BMW service and a "smile per mile" that very few bike can provide. Show less

The extremely smooth ride of the bike allows you to travel at speeds of 160 Km/h or above for an extended length of time. When in highways, distances simply does not exist. In narrow, winding roads, try to put down the windshield and the feeling of the bike will change for the better into some sort of a "naked" monster. When you are in for a good distance ride, no hi-sport bike will match your rythm for long. You 'll beat 'em all!! Show less

This is one great bike! It cruises easily and comfortably at 80mph all day with no backache. It accelerates well and has great stopping power esp in the ABS version. This bike will not outrun any 100+ HP street bikes on a track but in real world riding and on a twisty road where torque is important, they maybe surprised! Also the suspension Telever eliminaters front end dive and keeps the weight distrubeted well during emergency stops. I have had mine for 1.5 years and 9000 miles and nothing but positive results. The accesories are a little expensive and BMW Maintienance costs are higher than others but for a great reliable bike that has the different look from the UMJ, it hard to beat. Show less

I have owned many different bikes over the last 20 years and this bike is one of the best rides I have owned. It handles great on the twisties and open road. I feel very comfortable with the knowledge that I can take her off road if the need ever arises. The engine and transmission are very smooth and seem to get better everytime I take her for another ride. The BMW bags are simply the best in the industry and make unloading the bike after a long trip a snap. Take one for a test ride and see for yourself. Show less

As a current almost 2 year owner of a 650GS Dakar, I also wanted a larger street bike. I originally wanted a large American motorcycle but it was beyond my reach until now. I've been looking and test riding other bikes this past year and finally saw the 1150 R. I've been overlooking it as I've looked at the 1150RT and the R1200. All it took me was 1 ride to realize that this was the bike I wanted. It handles so well and doesn't feel heavy at all. Even in a small parking lot. I'm 6'4 and the pegs are a little higher than I would like, but it does fit. The power is just so smooth and the handling so sweet, I'm really happy with it. Show less

I have had many bikes over the years including several Harley's and lots of sport bikes. Each has it's own personality and comfort zone. For a number of reasons I am currently a single bike owner and the K1200LTE is a great all around choice. Just completed a 1,000 mile boys weekend tour of the Smokey Mountains with 3 sport bikes. Although I could not quite keep in up in the tight twisties, they were not far ahead. Even in this enviroment the bike has a great feeling due to such good braking, steering and overall feel. Making a big bike go fast in tight corners is very thrilling. Sometimes you feel like you are slow, but a quick glance at the speedo shows that you are moving much faster than it feels. On the more wide open sweepers this bike just loves to pick an agressive line and hold it. This combined with the comfort for the wife on the back and luggage space makes it a great weekender or long haul bike for two. You can easily cruise at 80-90 all day in total comfort. I have just under 7k miles and after a few small quirks with cruise and throttle cables in the beginning, the bike has been perfect. The sound system, headsets, communications and other ammenities make for a great overall motorcycle experiece. I would recomend it to anyone wanting a great two up luxury bike. Think 5 series BMW with no doors. Show less

I bought my '99 LTC within six months of its initial release (June '99). I did have some issues with the bike (shorted starter relay, shredded throttle cable, broken exhaust manifold bolts) within the first 12 months of ownership but, even with these problems, it is still the best bike I have ever owned and it is still an absolute pleasure to ride every time I go for a ride. I currently have over 30,000 miles on my bike and it is still as tight and confidence inspiring as the day I brought it home. Yes, it is a bit top heavy (and just plain heavy), but that feeling quickly disappears the moment the bike starts moving. I have test ridden the new Gold Wing several times and while it is truly an impressive bike (killer engine and trans), I still prefer riding the K1200. It just feels right. It also happens to be a much more attractive machine than the Honda. I can't wait for the next K1200LT from BMW! Perhaps a K1500?? Who knows, but one thing is certain. It will raise the level of luxury bikes to new time high! Show less