BMW K1200 LT Dual Sport reviews

This review for 2006 BMW K 1200 R . The drop down menu does not have my model. The motorcycle has been been own by me for the last 15 years. Beside regular maintenance such as motor oil, driveshaft fluid , and tire changes , the only repairs it needed were the valve cover gasket , and driveshaft cover gasket replacement. I suspect these items were worn due to relative low usage in the last few years. The rubbers got less flexible and start leaking oil. Overall, I would describe the bike reliability and quality as very good. The bike riding takes time to get used too due to duolover front suspension. The bike does not do a "nose" diving when braking. Initially, its feels strange but after a while you get used too it and it is actually feels great. The engine power is endless. The bike handling is great. It takes some skill to get into corner with it, however at the corner it fells stable and even mid corner breaking does not affect bike handling. Breaks are top notch, the only thing that the front break gets squeaky sometimes. The riding position is comfortable overall. However , at go and stop traffic it gets somehow tiresome. Show less

Love this bike because it's a cruise missle on 2 wheels. Comfortable, quick, and pretty good on the gas. 150hp at the engine is more than enough, even for a short, gravity challenged person. Took this bike in the mountain twisties, highways, and around the Great Lakes. With the cruise control, ABS, heated grips and seat made it a easy choice for my everyday rider - until the snow starts flying. But alas, I'm getting older and this bike is heavy. Moving it around is a little bit of a challenge, but manageable. I think the K-bikes were underrated for what they could do. The in-line 4 cyl really spooled up quick and the next thing you know, you're doing 90 in 3rd gear on a 6 speed transmission. The ride was smooth a butt'ah. Shifting was a little clunky, but if you preload your shift it went thru the gears fine. It was a little pain to do maintenance because of all the tupperware, but that's the same with all these bigger sport-touring and touring bikes (exceptions are the big V twins). Show less

I’ve owned this K1200RS since 2004, and have ridden it all over the country. Miles and miles , one and two up. It has never been an issue riding all day for a week or more. As you riders know, this can be tiring, especially if you are not in riding shape. Wind buffering behind the stock windshield is almost non existent. Solid and confidence inspiring going along the interstate. Comfortable and planted while powering through corners of all types. Fun. This bike is solid as a “brick”. The aero dynamics are outstanding. Mechanically, I’ve never had even a small issue with this bike, ever. The BMW K12RS is an outstanding sport touring bike. Even at the age of this model, it’s still competitive with the Yamaha FJR and Kawasaki Concourse. Not as much horsepower or torque, but that is understandable considering the age of the motor and technology improvements etc. If you have an 02-04 with cruse control and heated seats you are riding an almost perfect bike, in my opinion. If I can think of anything else to add I’ll edit this as we go along. Show less

After being a BMW customer for 40 years and having purchased and owned several BMW automobiles and various motorcycles including 600 GS and 800 GS, 1200 LT, and 1600 GTL. I have come to the conclusion that I would never ever purchase another BMW product. BY way of background and not being a person who writes negative reviews, I feel it's necessary to post my treatment by Motorrad this last spring. The motorcycle in question is a 1600 GTL, last July I received a factory recall to have the fuel pump replaced, I advised the BMW dealer that I previously paid to have one installed, they inspected it and said it looked fine. BMW motorrad insisted it be replaced again which was performed as a factory recall in July 2021. The motorcycle sat in my garage for 6 months and was not driven. After starting the bike, I noticed a faulty fuel issue - I took it back to the BMW shop, they tested and advised it needed another fuel pump. THe price for pump and labor was $1,000. They advised me that motorrad would not pay. I called motorad at their 800 number, which by the way is a complete waste of time because nobody answers and you just get the runaround. After numerous calls and being on the phone for hours I eventually got through. THey advised me they were going to check with the deal to verify my complaint and would reach out to me by no later than March 24th. That did not happen, typical of BMW and again after numerous calls they got back to me 4 weeks later. They advised me that the higher ups in the organization would not reimburse me for the second fuel pump hence my posting. I think it's important for everyone that reads this to know that the mileage on the motorcycle from the installation of the recall fuel pump to the one I had to pay for was 17 MILES. Needless to say, they can shove their BMW where the sun doesn't shine. Show less

I purchased my K1200 new at the end of 2003, and sold it at the end of 2019; I put approximately 40K miles mostly in Southern California. This is a superior performer in terms of power, suspension, and braking. The fit and finish was excellent, mechanically sound, no major repairs or issues other than routine service and tires. Compared to my current bike (2019 BMW R 1250 GS) the seating position is "sport" which means you are bent at the waist leaning forward with more bend in your knees. For shorter rides (say under 100 miles) this is not too much of a problem, for anything more you will experience soreness and minor muscle cramps. Heated grips and seat make it comfortable in colder weather. Fairing provides excellent wind protection. The generic "flaw" in this particular bike are the rear engine seals and the seals of the final drive train. At 40K and 16 years mine began to leak with the cost of repair equaling the net worth of the bike. Suggest you ask if the fuel line "quick connects" have been upgraded, this was a BMW recall item, if not replaced raw fuel may leak onto your engine. I used Bridgestone Battle AX, BT021 tires and found I was replacing the front tire every 5-6k even though I maintained proper air pressure. Side cases are air and water tight, with substantial volume, are locked, with a second handle that allows them to be easily removed and used as "little suitcases." This bike weighs about 680 lbs wet, at low speed turning the front wheel is less than nimble, once you get past 10 MPH the front is very responsive. Suspension is firm and tight. I considered a K 1600 GT but they are a larger (and more bulky) bike vs. the K 1200. I chose the R 1250 GS due to superior riding position, horsepower, substantial torque, ride modes, and ground clearance...and have not been disappointed. The K 1200 GT is a superior motorcycle, perhaps one of the last combining practical sophistication, refinement, and raw power. Show less

Cons: very top heavy and tricky to handle in tight quarters, difficult to maintain because of all the "tupperware". Pros: very smooth bike, extremely comfortable for long distance rides, can take a lot of hard riding and not even breathe hard love my K1200LT Show less

Cons: heavy heavy bike would not recommend for a new rider, repairs and maintenance are not exactly user friendly, top heavy difficult to handle in tight and close quarters. Pros: extremely smooth motorcycle, meant for hundreds of miles a day with no problems, the weight seems to disappear when at speed, "drive it like you stole it"! Show less

Been riding over 50 yrs. Best touring machine I have ever ridden. Rider/Passenger comfort @ the best it could be. Low maintenance. High relability Show less

CONS: If considering a 1200LT you must have a minimum inseam of 32 inches. The Front seat is limited in its height adjustments and only go up from there. BMW does make a low profile seat that might get you an extra 1-1.5 inches but for an extra $300. If you ride 2-up; You might want to consider the passenger weight... Pref less than 175lbs. as they sit higher than you and the center of balance is high. You have to get rolling to a min of @ 7mph before the handling feels comfortable. Also, alot of parts to remove for services. PROS: Agile pleasure once rolling! All issues so far have been minor and inexpensive to repair for competent handy-person. (Owned from 25kmi-34kmi.-today) MODS: Added a battery disconnect. for winter/extended storage. Show less

I have owned nearly a dozen bikes during the last 50 years plus. I have wanted a K1200LT since they came out but could never justify such luxury. I am so sorry I waited. I bought a 1999 with 7,403 miles on it last year from a guy just like me. There is nothing about it that I don't like. It has performed flawlessly and I find myself making excuses to ride it every day. The K1200LT is one of those machines that you can park but you have to look back at it when you are walking away. I really like the way that bike makes me feel. That is surprising at my age. Just don't wait. Show less