K1200GT Riding Position

[Kenn45]

I went to the St. Louis dealer to ride the new R1200RT on Saturday. The best I could say is that it is OK. I really liked the looks of the K1200GT; however, I test rode one in '03 and couldn't wait to get off of it. The position was too leaned forward, and I was in pain. I sat on but did not ride one at the dealership last Saturday, and if felt better.

Did they change the bar setup and riding position in '04? Has anyone put barbacks on theirs? How does that work? I am currently riding a '96 R1100R and am looking for a riding position similar to that or a little more upright.

Thanks

[Sfloyd]

I have an 04' GT and an 04' 1150R and believe me, there is nothing you can do to a GT to make it feel like an 1150R. In addition, there is nothing as exhilerating and electrifying as the power and handling that the GT brings to the table. Since these two bikes are completely different animals, I suggest you decide what is important to you before making that purchase. I put the RCE bar backs on mine and am quite comfortable with the riding position. I agree with you that the GT riding position is not perfect but there are scores of products to change seat height, peg location, bar location, windshield height, shifter location ect ... I love both of these bikes but for different reasons. Good luck! :dunno

[miller8400]

I have a K1200RS,I had LSL handle bars installed which allow a more upright riding position.You can find them on the 'Pirates Lair' website.

[raphaelJ]

I put bar backs on my K12GT and I like them just fine. I came from an R11GS and there is no comparison - I had bar backs on that one too, and it still was not that great...

Raphaelj

[RTdavey]

Why doesn't BMW offer an K1200 RT ???
I would buy one in a heartbeat!

[Kenn45]

A friend and I went back to the dealer Saturday and rode the GT. It felt much better than the one I rode in '03. I am not sure if BMW changed the riding position for the '04/'05 model of if I have changed. The barbacks would be a plus for me. We are talking serious power. For grins, I rode the R12RT again. This time I liked it. I will probably go that route eventually. I think it will be a better 2 up machine, even though I don't do much of that. Or, I will get an attack of sanity and stick with my paid for '96 R11R.

[SheRidesABeemer]

I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who has a problem with the GT's riding position. I have a '93 K11LT and love the looks and sound of the GT, but after 1 hour, the riding position makes my neck cramp up and back unhappy.
The 1150RT is the most logical replacement for my bike, but I'm not ready to give up my sweet K music.

Gail

[IndyGT]

I bought an '81 R100RS in 1985. I'd never had a bike with a forward-leaning riding position before and at the time of the purchase I decided, "I'm either going to hate this position or love it."
Now, 20 years, 300,000 miles, a K100RS and a K1200GT later I can say conclusively that I love it. Sitting upright on a bike feels too passive and it sends the jolts straight up my spine. The only way I feel involved and in control is leaning forward. I've never felt a need for bar-backs or anything else to modify the position.
I'll be 60 in July, but I'm not ready for an "easy chair" riding position on my motorcycles.

:thumb