BMW K 1200 LT-C reviews

I owned a 2003 BMW K1200 LT for about 2.5 years before moving up to the Adventure. Best all around bike that BMW makes, in my opinion. Just finished 7400 mi, 2 wk trip to west coast and back. Bike performed flawlessly. Handles as good as most sports bikes - great torque, power, can pop wheelie in 2nd gear, but very well behaved in traffic. The only gripe I have is that the standard seat is not comfy for more than an hour. An after market seat is a must. I originally had knobby tires, but opted for Tourance/Anake for a smoother and more stable ride on hard surface. Bike is a bit too heavy to do any serious off road riding, although it will handle hard packed dirt and gravel roads with ease. Very well made and dependable. Show less

BMW finally replaced the K1100LT. Good riding position and plenty of power. Not a good seat and the windshield doesn't (but can be replaced). This is a very good bike. Even the wife likes it (we've ordered lower passenger pegs, as it's not made for adult passengers). Worth the money. Show less

Warning, this bike is very addictive. I have never ridden a bike this comfortable that offers the performance which is nearing a full out sport bike. It does have a clunk when shifting from first to second gear as has been reported, but it is nothing that isn't quickly forgotten. The ESA is worth it's weight in gold if you ride with a passenger at times. The K1200GT will take you from the store down the street to the other side of the country as fast as you care to go and in total comfort. Show less

As I was searching for a bike, I narrowed it down to three: the Ducati Multistrada, Suzuki VStrom 1000 and the BMW R1200GS. The Ducati lost out as it really isn't meant for off-road work. The VStrom is a nice bike, but I really wanted a bike that was built to withstand almost anything and would last many, many miles. The BMW R1200GS won hands down. Although the price tag would send some running, one has to realize that these bikes are engineered to last 300,000 miles. I would be more than happy to sit on mine at the 200K mark. Once on the bike you realize that is a very, big, bike! At 5 feet 7 inches and a 29 inch inseam, my feet do not sit firmly on the pavement. Thus, my only complaint is the lack of a suspension that can be lowered for on-road use. The adjustable damping for the front and rear suspension works fantastic, but doesn't lower the bike. The lower seats help out a little, and I may opt for a lower suspension. But for now, I get around just fine. It takes a little getting used to. Apart from the height, the R1200GS handles as nimble on the road as a bike half its size. I could not believe how tight this bike can take the turns! It is so much fun to ride, and I ride it every single day. I can't wait to test it in the dirt! As far as the staff goes, the dealership I went through is top notch. The fantastic experience I had began with the salesman. Easy going and knowledgeable, he gave me all the information I needed to make the right choice. And it does not stop there. Everyone at that dealership will do whatever they can to insure you have a positive experience. The staff is extremely well-informed and will take all the time necessary to give you the help you need. These guys are true professionals. All-in-all, I am supremely happy with my GS. It is by far the best bike I have ever owned. It will take you wherever you want to go in comfort and style. And with the reputation of BMW Motorrad, I know this bike will last a long time. Show less

I am a new owner of the BMW K1200GT. Truly an expression of sleek design and proven quality to be expected from the manufacturer. A proud 20 year owner of its ancestor- the K100RT, this proud offspring has opened my eyes to what a generation of R&D can provide. It is a big bike, with incredible throttle response, yet refined in touring capabilities. With optional cruise control, ESA and an onboard computer, eating daily commuting miles can be achieved at 49 mpg, and even more. Storage capability is at an acceptable minimum, with included sidebags and one small fairing pocket at the front right side. Optional rear bags and tank bag will enhance longer trips and should be considered. Show less

Just came back from a 1100 mile trip to VA. 500 miles of heavy rain and wind..bike is rock solid and in total control. Have had R1150 RT and R1200 C and liked them both but neither compare to the solid sure footedness of the GS.Avg. 48 mpg at 80 mph. Show less

I love this bike. Having owned many BMW's in the past 25 years this is certainly the fastest version of sport touring that I have ever done! However some modifications were in order. The seat is a torture rack after an hour. Solution: A Rick Meyer custom seat that also now allows me to be flat footed. Verholen bar backs and a Cee Bailey touring windshield completed the transformation of this bike to a more friendly, kinder and comfortable sports tourer. Oh and one last improvement for my small hands: Vario adjustable levers. Show less

This bike is very cool. Without a doubt best I've owned (Ducati 800ss, Suzuki TLS, Honda F4i, Kawa 600r). Handles much lighter than its actual weight, but comfy enough to put some miles on. I can't stop riding it. Show less

I have been riding for more than 35 years and have owned all kinds of motorcycles from a Honda CL 160 all the way up to my 1997 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic to which I added many extras to try and make it a touring bike. Now that I have the BMW R 1200 CL, it cannot hold a candle in comparison. The Vulcan is not nearly as comfortable even with a $400 custom Bill Mayer touring seat, and suspension wise, forget about it. I prefer the Vulcan for around town cruising and the R 1200 LC for longer trips and it really shines on twisty curvy roads, a delight to drive. The Vulcan cannot handle twisties like the BMW. There are so many finely engineered mechanical features on this model BMW, they are really too numerous to try and mention them all. I really appreciate the nice layout of the dash with attention to details like two tripometers, tachometer, and that classic looking analog clock (a nice old school touch.) The cruise control is easy to use and helps on longer trips. I haven't had a chance to use the heated grips or heated seat yet because I live in So. California where it will seldom be needed. I like the easy adjustment of the suspension system with just a twist of the knob you are ready for two up riding and another twist to go back to single riding. There is ample room for any junk you just have to carry around. I use the the top trunk for registration/insurance papers, leathers, jacket and would still have room for a few small grocery items (i.e. a 6 pack). I like the slighly less than roomy saddle bags and how they easily lock. Even with the CD stereo unit built into the right side bag there is still room to hold a helmet, gloves and small clothing items. The stereo system is not audiophile quality, but OK and I enjoy having the weather station at my fingertips. The controls are easy to use and accessible while riding and not becoming distracted. I can hear the system OK even at 70 mph, especially when playing CDs. Parked I can give a concert at tailgate parties! I was happy to find my R 1200 CL and purchase it as a pre-owned bike. The previous owner must have been a dedicated rider as the bike was very well maintained and I plan to keep her that way. I get a lot of compliments on the bike and that wild looking metallic blue really stands out in a crowd. I am very happy with this motorcycle. Show less

Great precision in this machine. Excellent ride and almost zero vibration. Two up is a dream with good accelleration and handles like a sport bike. Braking is second to none. When you're in it for the ride anything else is second best and at the end of the day you will thank yourself for buying this quality product. BMW's GPS is great and much smarter than most people you will get directions from if you can find someone at 1 a.m. in the morning. Instrumentation is clear and easy to read at speed. Show less