LT advice please

[roy]

Hi all, I am considering a new LT for my Christmas present and would appreciate a little advice on this bike. The weather around here doesn't allow for test rides so this is kind of "buy at my own risk" type venture.

1) How top heavy are they at stop signs? Will probably be two up a good portion of the time. Sitting still in show room didn't seem to bad, would appreciate real life condition comparison.

2) Seating for 6' footer for long haul? Again showroom Vs hours in the saddle.

3) Maintenace item accessability. Oil filter, fuel filter, plugs, etc.. I presume a reasonably compenent shade tree mechanic (I.e. me) can do this.

4) Any other advice, considerations would be appreciated.

Thanks

Merry Christmas

[mikeinpittsburgh]

Hi Roy
First check out the LT web site
http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/cmps_index.php?

1 The LT is top heavy but if you keep the wheel straight keep your head and eyes up when stopping it is ok the 05 and up are more stable due to design changes
practice in a parking lot before riding 2 up

2 The LT is an all day ride

3 many people on the LT web site do all their own maintenance
removing the tupperware is time consuming

The LT is a great bike
I love mine
Enjoy
Mike

[SNC1923]

Cool first post, Mike. Good advice and welcome to the circus. :type

[1flyer]

I'll try and answer your questions. I have an 03 KLT with 52+ thousand miles and I do a lot of my own maintenance.

1. I don't ride two up so I can't speak from experience. As a single rider it does feel top heavy at first but you get used to it. As long as you pay attention to what you are doing you will be fine. Paying attention means be careful how you come to a stop. Keep the wheel straight.

2. I'm only 5' 8" and the riding position is OK for me. I can go 6+ hours before I start dancing around on the seat working the kinks out. When the seat gets hard I'll pull out the Alaskan Leather butt pad and do another couple of hundred miles (just like their ad says!).

3. There is no accessibility. The oil filter is in the crankcase but not a problem during oil changes. Once you learn how to get the plastic off you won't have any problem doing the routine maintenance items. Valve checks and bucket adjustments are OK after the first time. The plugs are OK and long lasting with the electronic ignition. Brake fluid change is a problem. Some people do their home work and can do it. Other people get in over their head if they don't really understand the system. I let the dealer do it.

4. From what I understand it is a great bike for two up riding. It has been said that the wife is the one who says "do the deal for the LT" after comparing the BMW with other makes. I am happy with mine as a single rider. I use it most every day as a commuter bike to work and some long weekend trips out and back.

Here is the definitive web site for the K1200LT. There is A LOT of information here and is well worth a look. http://www.bmwlt.com

Final word? Just buy it.

[Rich]

Find someone who has one and arrange a test ride. I ride an RT and swapped with a guy at the Dakota Rally this past summer for a short ride, he was interested in buying an RT.

All I can say is the LT was lots heavier and to me was just a lot more bike than I would want to handle. And the guy that rode my RT was super impressed with the RT's handling, he thought it was so much lighter.

The LT was like a Caddie when you get on the open rode, I can't believe how comfy it was and you keep virtually all the wind off of you. But it comes at a price. Weight.

I'm not saying either bike is better, I'm just stressing the point that I sure would ride one before you jump the gun. It may or may not be just the bike for you.

Good luck with your decision.

[roy]

Find someone who has one and arrange a test ride.


Good luck with your decision.

I have talked to people that own them and wish the weather permitted a test ride. Problem is local dealer is closing and I might get a better deal on the 05 or 06 he has on the floor.

Really appreciate your advice.

[eddie]

I owned an 02 LT,34,000 mi.in 18 mts.This is one amazing motorcycle.I purchased it without test ridding,knew I wanted a two up tourer and knew I wanted an LT after reading owner reviews on mica peak.Most every one loved the bike and that was enough for me.I am 5'10",135 lbs.,a small guy and I never had a problem,just had to be careful until I got used to the feel of the LT.My wife says if you ride on the back of an LT you will never want to ride on the back of anything else.The LT handles like a sport bike on curves and will eat the miles on the slab.Once you are under way the weight dissapears.Go for it,you and your wife will love this bike.My wife now rides her own 1150RT so I traded for an 03 GT.I was not dissatisfied with the LT just wanted something a little sportier and faster now that she rides her own. I would and have recomended this bike to anyone wanting the best full blown tourer on the market.This is an amazing motorcycle.....

[TourDawg]

Roy,
I am near Harvard not that far from Pecatonica. I have both a K1100LT and a K1200LT. And, I like both bikes. The K1200LT even though it is 6 years old is as smooth and reliable as you could ever ask for. Both machines were purchased "used" from Rockford BMW Motorcycles and neither have any hiccups at all. You can find out alot about the K12LT by use of the web site (K1200LT.Net or BMWLT.net). However just as the "evening news" steam rolls everyone with all the bad news of the day.................. you will find quite a few on that site "ripping on BMW etc". There are 2 real gurus over there "Shealy and Neblett" both are engineers and are the true anchors with wise sage advice on the K1200LT. Alot of people are negative about the weight of the K12LT. I figured that at 6' and 160 lbs (thin and tall) I would make great (re.. essential use of the reverse). The first week I used it 100% to back out of our garage. I gradually began paddling in out backwards with some reverse assist and by a month later I paddle it backwards turning and squirming it around easily by hand while sitting on it. Make no mistake you will use the electric reverse; it is necessary for that m/c. One of the problems of "Web site advice" is those who have nearly zero knowledge often write alot and alot of the "advice" is worthless. Until you get really comfortable on the machine when you depart do so with purpose so you transit the slo environment quickly. Like wise when you slo up to stop do that last 5 mph to zero with purpose......... don't waggle around when slow.Get your head up and bring the machine to a purposeful stop. And, always be vertical well before stopping. You have an earlier K so you know much already of what I say but as good as my K11LT is (it is a beauty, mystic red) it is like comparing my 1968 BMW 1600cc car to a current 530i.......... and, I understand the 05 is even nicer than my 99. Remarks about hard to work on etc can be countered in most cases. Yes, it is easier to work on the K11LT but the cowlings come off the K12 easily and its pretty much laid bare.

I wish things could have worked out better for Rockford. You will not find a more honest, hard working dedicated "Friends of the Marque" anywhere. It makes me sad to see what is happening to them.

Carl

K1200LT
K1100LT

[roy]

Thanks to all of you for your great advice.

I have decided to wait until riding season and then start looking for a new mount. I suspect it will probably be an 05 LT but who knows.

Merry Christmas