BMW K 1200 LT-C reviews

This is my first BMW. What a difference in ridability. This bike is so smooth, feels so comfortable and solid. It will not be my only BMW. Show less

I bought mine last summer. I rode it to Las Vegas on September 3, 500 miles in nine days and it was a real joy. I did 2,400 miles to Bike Week in Daytona in March. I had the bike less than a year and put 17,000 miles on it. I don't ride it to work either! At first the bike seems top heavy, and it probably is on gravel roads. On paved roads it cruises as fast as you want, with plenty of reserve to pass other cars. Did I mention this bike has plenty of power to get you out of the way of other cars? With a corded helmet, the stereo sounds great too. I recently completed my first IBA run (1,000 in 24 hours) and was comfortable the whole time. I have had three Harley Ultra Classics, and I won't be going back to them. The Harleys are hot, vibrate, and don't have good wind protection like the LT. I won't buy another bike without reverse either. The reverse, power windshield, and power center stand are just the topping on the cake to a really well engineered bike. Show less

I bought my K75T/C in April, 1986 and still own it. I have had five other motorcycles over the same time period and still keep the BMW. Performance: Fast enough but not in the Japanese race bike league. Comfort: Bars are 1" - 2" too low for me - I'm tall. To replace the bars require all new longer electric cables, clutch cable and brake lines - too expensive. The windshield causes helmet buffeting (reason for 4 stars). Complaints: If you park on the side stand expect 20 - 30 seconds of smoke on initial start up. (Fixed on newer models). The roll center (center of gravity) is too high making the bike feel tippy at low speeds. I am on my 3rd dash cluster (that is why I do not know my mileage) - moisture kills them. Kudos: Absolutely dead smooth at any speed. Very comfortable. Eats sweepers for breakfast and flies down highways (75 - 80 mph. is its "Happy Speed". 500-mile days are no problem. I'm always over 50 mpg. Footnote: The K series of bikes were modular construction so once you learn the assembly techniques, they are fairly easy to work on - until you need a special factory tool!!! Show less

I have owned many motorcycles, some tourers and other cruisers. I have never experienced a motorcycle so well balanced in handling, power, quality of fit and finish and ride ability under all conditions. This K1300GT has it all. At first, I was a little intimidated by the massive amounts of power this bike lays out, but got used to it in short order. When cruising on the freeway and going 80 mph. the engine hums at 5k rpm. but you never feel it because it is vibration free (or almost). It has such great balance on the engine and it pulls away from anything at highway speeds, making it a great "get out of the way" machine. Riding two up couldn't be easier with the ESA II suspension system that allows you to adjust your ride to any condition and number of passenger and/or bags. This bike purrs in mountain riding and handles the wickedest turns with ease. Show less

The decision to buy a bike wasn't hard; which bike to buy was tough. It took me a year of reading, test driving, and asking around to narrow it down. Lastly, I made a list of everything that I wanted to do on a bike, and one item was that I wanted to ride in the dirt, which meant "Sorry, Harley". don't get me wrong, Harley's are nice bikes, I wanted to play in the dirt and explore. There are so many dirt roads in every state that to ignore them just wouldn't be right. First the negative; the seat is uncomfortable, so plan on stopping and walking around every 150 miles. Now for the positive; it drives as well on the pavement as it does on the dirt. There is an almost endless reservoir of power, great torque, agile, light, and shaft driven (low maintenance). The gas mileage is awesome as is the eight gallon tank. On the interstate, I was passing cars and trucks with ease; on the dirt, the handling was amazing. If you have a little extra cash, get a top case. I bought mine from the dealer in Longmont Colorado and was really impressed. They treated me well, were professional, and wouldn't let me leave until they showed me the essentials (how to check the oil, where to hang my helmet, how to remove the side and top cases, etc.). They also worked with me on the price. In closing, if you want to ride on the streets, that's fine, but real men play in the dirt. And this bike will get you where you need to go and to those places where you wish you could go. Show less

I have had a lot of bikes in my 35 years of riding, from Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki and Harley. They were all good bikes with a lot of good features. Then I decided to look at the BMW K1200 LT. It has a lot of standard features that were options on other brands of bikes (ABS brakes, heated grips, heated seats and alarm system). It has some options that I don't think other brands even offer, like power center stand, power windshield and central locking. The BMW is also sleek looking, has great gas mileage, excellent quality and has silky, smooth power. If their is any negative comment to make about the bike, it's the cost of some of the accessories that you could spend on it. I think that the $150.00 cup holder is a little extreme. If anybody knows were I can buy a cup holder cheaper, I would be very happy. Show less

I have been very unhappy with my third Wing - a 2007 18000. I test rode this bike twice. The first time was when the BMW demo trailer came to Portland - and loved it! It had both the low seat and low suspension, which was too low for me. My local dealer has a 2010 demo that he let me ride for over an hour on freeway, curvy back roads and in some heavy traffic, too. The difference between this and my wing was WOW! It is smooth, light to flix into corners and I love the adj. suspension and windscreen. As soon as I sell my Wing, I will be buying this. I have had Goldwings since my first new one in 1984 - now it's on to BMW! Show less

I had a great experience purchasing this bike from the dealership and dealing with its sales associate. He was a true professional and a great person. He made every effort to be upfront and honest with me. I would recommend this dealership to anyone without hesitation. Thank you. Show less

I've been riding since I was 15 and have had several bikes in the last 50 years. I bought my LT in Nov. '09 after being without a bike for 20 years. My wife and I wanted to do some serious long distance touring and after comparing and testing everything out there for a couple of years, was sure the LT was the only choice. We have not been disappointed. People rave about their purchases (especially expensive ones) as if they are still convincing themselves they made the right choice. With that in mind, I can only say the LT delivers with 5 stars. It's a big, easy to handle, comfortable, fast, dependable, smooth, luxurious, (any compliment will fit) motorcycle investment. It's BMW's best effort. Yes, once you start to move it feels and handles like a dream sport bike. I wouldn't advise taking it out on rough backwood 4X4 roads, but that isn't what it's designed for. German engineering and craftsmanship is superb and every small detail gives pleasure in ownership. I've been passed by crotch rockets in the twisties and just wonder where they would be at the end of the day after several hours of riding while we swooshed by them in comfort. With getting over 51 mpg on the highway, this big black beauty will go 300 miles on a tank of gas.. non-stop. Show less

Well, after 20K miles, I am happy to say that I am still very satisfied with my R1200R. I haven't found any other motorcycle I would even consider trading mine in on yet (yes, the wife still loves hers too).
As expected, the BMW has been flawless in the reliability department.
Whether you want to take a leisurely ride in the country, or a spirited ride on the twistiest roads you can find, this bike is more than equal to the challenge. Although the R1200R did not seem to get some of the press of the other performance motorcycles out there, I would have to say for real world, everyday riding, it's hard to beat.
The only negative thing I can say is the wind protection is a bit lacking. But hey, it's a naked bike, what do you expect, get the hand warmers.
What do you have to lose? Go take one for a test ride. Go on the twistiest road you can find and don't be afraid to push it past 4500 RPM coming out of the corners. It will pleasantly surprise you with more than enough torque. Show less