BMW Touring reviews

As a replacement to my cherished yet aged 1987 K75S, my initial buying considerations were a mid-weight sport tourer. Comfortably solid on the highway yet nimble on the majority of backroads I tend to seek. Reliability and low maintenance were also obvious considerations. Perusing various models, I came across the F800GT. Looks notwithstanding, BMW definitely hit my sweet spot with this model. There are so many plusses. First, the overall fit to my body and riding style. I'm #170 at 6'0". A bit tall but not a big boy. My bike has the ZTechnick V-Stream windscreen and am glad for that. I would imagine the stock windscreen would have created helmet issues. The belt drive absolutely rocks, but I have read of belt breakages with riding on gravel roads. That has left me a bit leery of being able to travel less groomed roads. The parallel twin motor (90hp/63lbs) is absolutely perfect for me. Living on the Oregon Coast, I can overtake most any line of RVs and rubber necker tourists with a downshift and a flick. The fuel tank is located underneath and affords easy access to refueling w/o pulling off my tank bag. It also lowers the weight distribution and gives greater agility. MPG is as advertised. It's great. My *one* con- the side cases. On my old bike, I could fit my 21" tent poles and keep a clean and secured profile with my gear. The F800GT cases, while wider, are not long enough to accommodate my tent. That's a bit of a rub. But, every other metric for my personal comforts has been met. I dig the analog faces for speed/rpm and yet have some new digital toys in ascertaining needed info. Overall- I look forward to every ride... Show less

I'm a hard core 50 year plus motorcycle enthusiast. I've owned at least 75 motorcycles of all modern makes except Ducati. I've had at least 8 or 10 BMW's and really liked each of them. Most were RT1200R's. They're dependable, reliable, easy to work on if you have to. No chain, no belts to mess with. They handle well and brake well and have a decent amount of power. However, I have never owned a single BMW that was comfortable right out of the crate. BMW needs to go to seat building school. It is my single biggest complaint with the BMW's. I am going to get a custom seat made for my 2016. I also have a Harley Ultra Classic and when I asks my wife which bike she prefers......it's the Harley every single time because it is more comfortable. The BMW is absolutely safer, and will run circles around the HD in performance, handling, and braking..... HANDS DOWN!!! it's not even close. Show less

I put 127,000 miles on this bike. Other than an occasional flat tire, I NEVER had any problems. THAT'S reliability. At 107,000 miles a sidecar was installed. I was dead in the water ONE day. Mechanic failed to tighten the nut when points were replaced. Tightened nut, good to go! 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

I enjoy riding this bike. At 36,500 Miles my drive shaft self destructed. I was riding on a trip on a straight road when it started to shake and sounded like a tin can full of marbles. I had to rent a uhaul and trailer. Cost $3,400 parts and labor not including uhaul. If you have deep pockets you will continue to enjoy this bike. For reliability it's hard to beat the Japanese. I asked bmw to help with the cost since this was such low mileage. They told me to take a hike. Show less

I have owned the motorcycle for about one year now. I have put 6200 miles on it and it has proven to be extremely reliable and comfortable. There are people that talk about it being underpowered, however I have not found this to be the case, I can always drop a gear and accelerate. Even with my wife on the back the bike will just get-up-and-go. Show less

I actually own a 2006 R 1200 RT and love the platform. I test drove this bike and it is super clean - very quick and smooth… Excellent handling and being offered at a great price. I’m used to a lighter colored bike and that’s what I am going after - however this would also make a great choice. Show less

Purchased this 2006 K1200LT with only 31000kms on it. Compared to my 2001 K1200 LT it has much more torque and feels way smoother at all RPM’s. Steering also feels more accurate and intuitive as a result of some changes BMW made to the geometry. Much more modern and useful display as well. Seat comfort is also markedly improved. The electric centre stand works perfectly, and is a welcome addition. Stereo sound is basically the same as my 2001. Hand grips are more comfy than the heavy rubber grips my 2001 had. Also, throttle effort much less than my 2001 making blipping the throttle for downshifting easier. I feel the fit and finish on the 2006 somehow improved, although my 2001 was also great. In short. I would always go for a later LT as opposed to the first generation now that I’ve owned both and can compare. Basically, BMW appears to have given the LT much more power and also improved numerous areas. On another note. I run radials on the LT( Dunlop Road Smart three’s ). Basically the same weight rating as the Metzler Marathon 888 bias ply, but way better handling and comfort (Less choppy). The LT’s chassis deserves radials,they will transform the LT. In short I love the bike. All my other bikes are dedicated sport bikes, so it’s nice to have a great handling touring bike in the garage . Passenger seat awesome as well. The wife loves it. A real class act too. I get compliments all the time. Show less

Amazing bike, high-performance ride with awesome exhaust notes from the stock pipe! Ride position is better than most motorcycles with the same class, the best feature is definitely the quick-shift and the BMW Navigator with left hand grip command, so simple and easy to use! Must upgrade the windscreen and seat to make the perfect long rides enjoyable! Extremely good looking with nice touch of sportiness-sophisticated appearance! Must have sport touring ultimate driving machine! Show less

I really enjoyed my LT but maintenance and any kind of work want to repair is both expensive and difficult usually to access and do. I buy another one but I'd buy it only if it was a bargain.. shocks stereo lighting are all weak points. Still nicer than a goldwing.. Show less