1999 BMW reviews

Since the early 1980s when Honda introduced the GL1100 Interstate, most motorcycle manufacturers have offered some form of "turnkey tourer", a bike replete with large fairing, a sound system, cruise control and other luxury options. Honda has pretty much owned the category for the past 20 years but since '99 they've had competition: the BMW K1200LT. I've owned a GL1500 and have ridden the new GL1800 and like both ... but bought a K1200LT. How do I love thee, LT? Let me count the ways: 1) Engine performance, while not neck-snapping, is more than adequate for a large (and heavy) touring bike. And unlike the GL opposed 6-cylinders, the LT's in-line 1,200 cc four-cylinder has personality. Get the revs over 5000 rpm and it makes a nice mechanical whine. It won't be confused with a Huyabusa but at least it doesn't feel like an Accord. 2) Handling. While the new GL1800 is much improved in this department, the K1200LT still has an edge, at least once over parking lot speeds. Admittedly, the somewhat top-heavy Beemer can be challenging while two-up at slow speeds, but once it's rolling it seems to magically shed weight and get better the higher the speedo needle sweeps. It handles the twisties better than a bike its size has a right to while not offering a stiff, uncomfortable ride. 3. Looks. Okay, this is subjective ... but the new Gold Wing looks too much like my neighbor's Pontiac Grand Am for my tastes. The LT, on the other hand, is relatively sleek and organically swoopy. It does pay a minor penalty in luggage capacity, but if you can't pack enough clothes for a long trip on this baby, just remember the good Lord gave us the Laundromat. 4. Ergonomics. While it may not fit every rider, particularly the inseam-challenged, the LT fits my body perfectly. The saddle is spectacularly good and footpeg position suits me as well. 5. Other cool stuff. The windscreen is adjustable with the mere touch of a button. The right saddlebag holds a 6 CD-changer - yes, it does impose slightly upon packing - but how cool is it to roll down the road listening to hours of crystal clear digital sound? The cruise control is flawless, wind and weather protection is phenomenal, and it offers the typical BMW fit and finish, paint quality, comfort, reliability and durability. As there is no free lunch, you can expect to shell out fairly large maintenance fees every 12,000 miles or so, with lesser costs at every other 6,000-mile mark. It is, perhaps, the only fly in the BMW ointment. However, the price of admission to the LT ownership club will be well worth if for those who can afford it. No other touring motorcycle offers the same level of panache, class, performance and style. Show less

I really like this bike when riding backroads. It's very acceptable on the freeway, and a very good tourer with an aftermarket screen and saddle. I don't like BMW's customer service (they basically suggested I should rather not buy another BMW, and this is to a couple who own the GS, an F650 and a 330xi, and at the time I was looking to buy a K12RS). Dealer problems have been extremely expensive servicing, over $800 at the 12k services, even under warranty, as well as incompetence (except for Freeman Cycle in Beverley, MA, and they are quite expensive) - see below. It has surged to a lesser or greater extent most of its life (the only dealer I trust reckons this can be fixed at the expense of fuel mileage and power). The battery failed at 8k miles / 10 months (no warranty as BMW claimed this was my fault, in spite of this being a service item, and in spite of the dealer being asked to check it 2 weeks before). 6K service: dealer did not check battery (see above), did not check ABS lights faulting ('just ride it' was his comment), cross-threaded the oil drain screw, and did not fit a gasket. He also wanted it for a whole week to do the service. The fuel filter exploded at 16k miles. Three weeks out of action, as the dealer only puts bikes bought from him on priority (even though we bought the F650 from him and BMW put the original dealer out of business). You can't fix it yourself as that would void the warranty. The fuel tank imploded at 18k: blocked cannister, according to the dealer. No warranty. The injectors, a throttle body, fuel filter and a few other items were replaced at 24k / 3 years, under warranty. It still surges (a bit less when I balance / tune it myself according to internet recommendations), it still vibrates between 75 and 90 mph, the ABS lights still fault out whenever the temperatures are below 50F, and often even above that. I really like it otherwise, it handles very well, has good (if somewhat boring high-end) power, good brakes, rides extremely well, especially across broken pavement. It has a very good mix of comfort, handling, ride. I have used it for a fair bit of dirt roads, but it is too big, heavy and expensive for me to feel comfortable on dirt. The original screen and saddle didn't do their job very well, and with an Aeroflow large screen and lowers, fuel mileage sucks (around 36 on the freeway), with a safe range of under 200 miles. Shocking as my '88 Kawasaki Concours in similar conditions with much better wind protection always gets over 40, and goes at least 260 miles. My wife prefers riding on the old Connie, mostly a function of superior comfort, wind protection and smoother (non-jerky, less vibration) powerband. This from a person who really believes in BMW (she is the F650 / 330xi person). Upshot, if the service and attitude had been acceptable, I would be riding a K1200RS today. If the GS had been unfailingly reliable (instead of being in the garage waiting for service and repairs for 12 weeks in 3 years), I would be riding a K12RS. As it is, I am waiting for the FJR1300 or ST1300. Until that happens, I am probably going to buy a newer Concours, and put the GS up for sale. Show less

Just picked up a 99 in mint condition. This is my second BMW. It's a great all around bike. Love the fuel injection, start it right up on a cold morning and ride away! Corners like it's on rails! Great tourque! Draws a crowd when you park it -- Only a Harley gets more looks. Only dislike so far, too quiet. I don't like loud pipes, but the stock pipe makes it sound like a sewing machine. Show less

For a good all-around bike, especially for a beginner, this is the way to go. With a nice stance, great handlebar height, and plenty of torque, it's a great way to learn what cycling is all about. Shooting off the line between cars at the green light is no problem. The one drawback to the vertical stance and the cross-breed tires is that is doesn't take curves like a sport bike, but the advantages show thru during 2+ hour rides...No fatigue. It's also great for your occasional trail ride at around 400 lbs with plenty of power to get thru most obstacles. Show less

I purchased my 25th motorcycle (4th Beemer) on 01/02/01 and after 2000 miles, I can say this is the best motorcycle that I've ever owned, bar-none! I sportbike ride it very hard and it accelerates, brakes and goes thru the curves like a true roadracer. Then it's ready for across the land tour, all in one motorcycle. It is by far the best sport/touring motorcycle on the planet. The transmission will not break, it is strong as an ox, but is hard to get into 2nd and 1st coming to a stop real slow, until you learn its trick. It is also the most stable m/c I've ever ridden and the ABS brakes are worth the entire package period! I've had everything from Harleys to Cafe Racers. Buy one, you will not be disappointed. Buy the 4 valve with ABS, newer the better. Check out bmwmoa.org Show less

I've owned many bikes over the years and this is one of the nicest rides and almost flawless in maintanance. I've been clocked at 135MPH. They say it can go 139, but if you can reach 125 to 135 consider yourself lucky. This bike is heavy, but balanced so well any one with a little experience can ride it. But like any bike, if you lay it down and can't pick it up yourself, don't buy it! With two people up a steep grade you don't have to worry about passing. Its there! The seat has 3 height ajustments so your back doesn't get too sore. PET PEVES? BMW needs to Ajust the seat to foot rests. All the weight is on your backside so either make an extra cushion or get off the bike more. That seat does become like a hard chair after about 80miles. Mine is for sale for $6500 firm. Trade in is about $7500 and retail anywhere over that. Also, if you ride in the city and every day like I do, there is a lot of wear and tear on that clutch so be careful when you buy one that has 30000miles on it and no clutch job. This bike was made for the every day liesure cruiser with a flare for excitement and adventure, but within the realm of its capability. Its not a drag bike, even though it will do the quarter in 12.5 secs. and its not a baja, even though at very slow speeds you can get there. (-: BMW always has special financing at different times of the year and you can find good on line financing for person to person. I will buy a new BMW if I sell this one. Show less

As Cycle World Stated, "This is a serious competitor in the 'If I could only own one bike' category." I couldn't agree more. The neck-snapping acceleration, the makes-you-ride-better handling, the awesome, totally-in-control braking (I'm an MSF instructor), and the fact that you're riding a scoot that isn't like everybody else's. This is a bike that few will consider when buying because there are a lot of stupid people out there and they don't even know they're stupid. Show less

I purchase my 1995 R1100RSL (30K miles) about 3 months ago after owning a bunch of other BMWs, none newer than 1987, I can say without a dought this is the finest bike I have ever owned. It has power, is smooth and handles great for its size. The brakes are incredible, stopping power is firm and steady. The ABS system is highly recommended and I would never own another motorcycle with out it. The fit and finish is up to BMW standards. The riding position, with bar backs, is very comfortable and the stock seat is ok. I do have to agree that the transmission is a bit clunky, but compared to older airheads I have owned, it's not too bad. All in all I plan to keep this one for a while. Show less

I bought my R1100S a year ago and at first generally enjoyed it. Fit, finish and technical innovations are impressive. However I think that BMW has now stretched the Boxer engine to it's limit. Power is good throughout the rev range and there is plenty of torque. But, the engine feels rough and it's far too noisy mechanically. Handling is very good. It follows the line you decide upon and gives a feeling of security. Front brakes are adequate but the squeal at low speed; very embarrassing.

Smooth clutch but clunky gear change. Seat is uncomfortable and tilts forward so that the rider slides into a nutcracker position. Nice try BMW but not for me. Last week I traded for a new Honda CBR1100XX Blackbird. What an improvement in every respect!

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This bike has useable power at any rpm, it is balanced and handles well for its weight. Gear shifts are deliberate but almost noiseless once the technique is learned. Brakes are powerful and easily controllable. The front suspension minimizes front end dive and is firm without punishment on bumpy roads. The motor is as quiet as an automobile and surprisingly smooth for a twin. Maintenance is relatively simple and cheaper than a comparable four cylinder. The only fly in the ointment is a close-coupled relationship between foot pegs and seat. The seat begins to feel like a semi-soft brick after an hour. BMW gives a 3 year 36,000 mile warranty with roadside assistance which partially off-sets the plus $10,000 purchase price. In one year and over 9,000 miles nothing has burned out or vibrated off. Show less