2003 K1200 GT Handling

[LLeiper144474]

I am a new owner of a 2003 1200GT. I have read nothing but bad about handling. I read that the center stand tends to drag, or causes the bike to want to pivot on leaning over on sharp curves. Anyone have any experiences to share on that bit of information?? I have had no problems with slow speed U turns which was also reported to be a problem. I am an experienced rider, but I know it’s best to learn from others mistakes if at all possible.

[Bobmws]

Sounds like the complainers were overloaded, had worn suspension, or had it set too low. I've had no such problems.

[SheRidesABeemer]

I've authored plenty on the bad handling...my GT pulls to the right big time, making it a lot of work on lefts but that seems unrelated to a draging center stand. The only time my center stand scraped was at the track...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2039/2271012061_fa2706b60e.jpg

[OHScot]

Mine handles fine only drags when two up and I forget to adjust the rear suspension. Really have to coutersteer kinda hard on short tight turns, Dragon type stuff, heavy bike can be a bit of a work out. No pulling but I have heard some pull a little to a lot to the right ( can't remember where I heard of one pulling a lot but it is fresh on my mind):whistle


Here is a spot to look for all that is KGT
http://www.i-bmw.com/

[DashRiprock]

Consistent tread wear through 3 sets seems to confirm the pull to the right. I have a limited riding history, so, I take the significant muscle input for granted. There is a zone of effortlessness that shows itself out on the road, but the low speed stuff is a workout. That's mostly due to inexperience but I sure don't get any help from the big blue thing.

[jgr451]

I replaced the rear with an Ohlins,and it was so good,I am about to change the front,and the steering damper as well.

I suspect the overall handling will be stunning.For a heavy bike..

Mine does not particularly pull to the right.I have ridden it no hands on occasion.I scrape bottom only when two up going over a bump and didn't adjust the rear.

YMMV.

04 K1200GT,40,000 km.

[GregFeeler]

I agree with other posters here that the center stand dragging is caused by failing to adjust the rear shock preload correctly. I've never had that problem and I'm a fairly aggressive rider.

As for pulling to the right, just about every BMW does that to some degree - with maybe the K-bikes a bit more so. It's caused by the additional weight of the drive shaft and rear drive unit on the right side. In the case of K-bikes, the engine crank shaft is also on the right side. If you put sufficient load into the left saddle bag, you can just about naturalize this behavior. However, I've never found it bothersome and I don't feel like I have to fight the bike.

If you have more than 20,000 miles on your bike you might be thinking about new shocks. I know of people who have been happy with them up to 60k or better, but others who appeared to be having worn shock type problems at 20k. Until they get *really* bad, worn shocks are hard to detect because you get used to them as they decay.