K1200GT mods.

[FSTOUR]

I currently ride a 2004 ST1300ABS. I purchased this after selling my Hayabusa that had over 36,000 miles on it. The Busa was set up for touring, the normal lights, heated grips etc.
The biggest factor in getting the ST over the FJR or the K1200GT was the fuel range (310 miles on per tank), saddle bag size and passenger comfort. We like to have fun in the twisties but also pile on the miles.
After out first trip from Rochester,NY out to Minnesota and back by way of Canada made me consider the GT. The one and only reason I did was over 85 mph fully loaded the front end felt a bit light. Not bad but just light. I am also comparing it to the rock solid handling of the Busa. I have ridden both the RS and the GT bikes. They are nice bikes.
Now to my questions, does BMW or someone else make a lowering kit for the exhaust on the left side and a bigger saddle bag? How much $$$ And how about lower passenger foot pegs? What about a back rest or trunk system for the GT? I do not mind spending money, but the saddle bag and passenger foot pegs are a must for a touring bike.
The fuel tank, well I think BMW missed the boat on that one. I am concerned about it, but you will always have trade offs in a bike. I am more concerned on what I can fix.
I do not want to bash or put down any make or model of bike, thay are all great rides. Just some useful information would be great.
Thank you.:)

[FSTOUR]

I do not know and that is why I ask, I see eleven views but no responses. I take it BMW or the aftermarket does not make a saddle bag system for the left side bag or low mount left side exhaust system? Same with the back rest or rear trunk mod?

[thx1158]

I dropped you e-mail providing some info that you are looking for.

[MCohen]

There's no full size left saddlebag option that I'm aware of. While I'm sure you could fit a lower aftermarket exhaust to the bike or find a way to use the exhaust from the K1200LT, the left K1200RS or GT saddlebag is unique in the BMW range. Full-size bags from other BMW models such as the R1150RT won't fit. BMW does have extra large lids for their saddlebags if you want to carry more (and don't mind how far they stick out).

There's a nice aftermarket backrest option available from www.pirateslair.net. It can be used with a soft bag on the luggage rack.

Or you could fit BMW's combination soft bag and larger lockable luggage rack onto the smaller rack. It provides an easy on/off installation. A couple of better soft bags are available from www.chicaneusa.com that can be used with BMW's large rack.

If you really want a hard bag you can use whatever GIVI topcase you want with their K1200GT luggage rack system. If you already have a GIVI topcase for your ST1300 you can probably still use it.

Peg lowering and handlebar riser kits are available from a variety of companies. Start with www.suburban-machinery.com.

Michael Cohen

[k12allen]

If I remember correctly (always a big if), the Authority (aka Police) model of the K12RS has a lower muffler. If so, you could order that part which would make room for a full bag. Dunno if the Authority parts book also contains the inner part of the left bag that would make a full bag - seems it would or there would be no point in the low muffler. The outer part of all System bags (regular bags for oilheads and K12 RS/GT bikes) are interchangeable.

[YB in IN]

Wasn't there some discussion about this in the owner's news a little while back? Not that it would be that helpful since nothing is archived yet.