With the new K 1200 GT, BMW practically redefines the idea of sport touring by upgrading the bike's most important features such as the engine and the suspensions. Comfort is, of course, exceptional thanks to an adjustable seat and height-adjustable handlebars.

 

Introduction

For 2008 BMW improves its already famous and impressive K 1200 GT, a motorcycle which is the leader of its class thanks to a marvelous performing four-cylinder engine displacing 1200cc. Like any sport-tourer, the K 1200 GT is best characterized by its ability to offer one hell of a ride while keeping thinks easy on the rider as it offers great comfort thanks to a low seat and high-mounted handlebars. The fact that these units are both adjustable radically contribute at leaving the competition well behind.

A combination of refined styling, hard-hitting power and all-day comfort, the BMW K 1200 GT is an inviting bike always ready to leave the State with you on its saddle.

History

It all started with the introduction of the BMW K 1200 S in 2004. It was the German manufacturer’s closest thing to a supersport Japanese motorcycle as it featured a revolutionary inline four-cylinder engine which two years later was to find its way on the brand new K 1200 GT a brand new sport-touring BMW motorcycle.

The new bike was highly acclaimed by the motorcycle press as it was very unique and, in fact, not very different from the one that we’re talking today. An immediate success, the GT version of a European supersport bike goes strong today as for 2008 it gets a narrower design.

Competition

It is clear that BMW felt like having a piece of the Japanese’s cake when it introduced the K 1200 GT and success couldn’t have come in higher levels. Even though people tend to position the Hondas, Yamahas and Kawasakis in a class of their own, BMW manages to see its way in this highly competitive class and even lead it.

The Honda ST1300 is a very powerful and aggressive-looking motorcycle powered by a reliable 1261cc liquid-cooled longitudinally mounted 90 degree V-4 engine. It features a five-speed gearbox which is the most appropriate for this type of engine and for what a rider will need on its trips around the country. The BMW features a six-speed gearbox but who am I to judge?

Also in the fight for the perfect sport-tourer is Yamaha with its beloved FJR1300A. This time we’re facing a 1298cc liquid-cooled inline 4-cylinder; DOHC, 16 valves engine which bigger than the one found on the BMW and it features the same configurations, but it doesn’t quite develop the same amount of power (a claimed 145 horsepower).

Kawasaki has always kept the cylinder capacity upper than most of the manufacturers and it does no exception for this class as the Kawasaki Concours is equipped with a 1352cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, inline four with VVT engine. This makes it the biggest sport-tourer, not necessarily the best. It is clearly on of the strongest competitors of the GT, though.

Exterior

While Japanese builders try to keep their bikes as slim looking as possible and implicit more aerodynamic, the K 1200 GT makes a small compromise in favor of comfort.

The subject of this review offers the best wind protection of them all and it is due to its generous fairing and windscreen, elements which are characteristic to the Bavarian builder. Even is the manufacturer would have tried to take it easy with the large fairing, four-cylinder inline would have still determined an imposing looking motorcycle and things have stood pretty much the same so why not go for the entire package?

The headlight and signal lights are nicely incorporated in the front fairing reminding us where this bike inspired its creation (on the K 1200 S). Side fairings are relatively simple and the BMW emblem on each side announces that this is no ordinary motorcycle. A six point three gallons fuel tank is pretty impressive and its sharp lines are the ones that make things a bit more stylish if we take in consideration the fact that they are continued on the side fairings.

The rider’s seat is a place of honor so it is kept as low as possible for a better feel of the bike and more control over it. Also defining for the touring look are the side cases painted in the color of the bike which can be either Aventurin Silver Metallic, Dark Graphite Metallic, or Deep Blue Metallic.

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Test Drive

I was introduced to the BMW K 1200 GT in an unfriendly environment for this kind of motorcycle, the city. My options were fairly simple: either I was going to keep the bike at 15mph and my eyes always on the mirrors or I would take it outside town where all the fun begins. It isn’t extremely hard to ride it through traffic jams, but given its dimensions, the side cases and the impressive engine, it would be a waist of time and energy to try and get something out of it in these conditions.

Heading out of town I noticed that the 1157cc traverse mounted, liquid cooled inline four-cylinder engine delivers its power smoothly and pretty strong even from down low. The potent exhaust note also made an entry, letting me know that I’m dealing with an angry mechanical horse. And it was true. On the freeway I noticed that the engine pulls best between 6500 and 9000rpm, leaving any other form of motorized vehicle well behind. Also while I was enjoying a wide open throttle, situating the speedometer’s needle at 160mph, I found myself incredible well protected by wind and the cold rain that this time didn’t managed to ruin my day.

Everything that is related to comfort on this bike is adjustable: seat, handlebars and windscreen. It is understandable why a rider is simply delighted by the riding position and the protection offered by the fairing and screen as it doesn’t disappoint in any of the mentioned aspects.

Going through the six ratios of the gearbox was no problem whatsoever because this unit is very precise making shifting a piece of cake, but what I appreciate more is the smooth clutch. You can’t even feel when the clutch disengages, the only sign being the fact that the bike goes strong and the needles start to change positions.

This is one serious motorcycle that needs to be maneuvered with maximum care and attention so experience helps a lot. Considering that 549lbs have to be leaned in order to take corners, the rider would have to put some pressure on the handlebars and confidently lean over and then raise the bike with the help of the throttle.

I find the GT very stable both at high speeds and while strongly braking and that is mostly due to the new BMW Duolever front suspension and the aluminum frame. Even though it doesn’t feel exactly like a supersport bike, it is strongly related to one not only by name, but by engine and chassis too. Instant power is available a twist of throttle away thanks to the electronic fuel injection system. The engine is tuned for touring so that and the weight are pretty much the impediments towards braking the world speed record.

Even though it won’t do that pretty soon, it still needs reliable brakes for those emergency stops so BMW uses its EVO system which implies partial integral ABS, four piston caliper up front and two at the rear. While riding the bike fast through corners (something that I don’t recommend) with more than one occasion you will need to hit the brakes powerfully and that’s when it will hit you. BMW knows how to get things done as effectively as possible. Always use both brakes for greater stability and more efficient braking.

Price

Excellent conditions and features always come at a price and this time the buyer has to be determined to pay for European styling and attention to details a bit more than on the Japanese sport-tourers that come as alternatives in this case. Probably the single disadvantage of the K 1200 S, the MSRP of $18,620 situates it in front of its competition also (Honda ST1300-$14,499; Yamaha FJR1300A-$13,899; Kawasaki Concours 1400-$12,899).

Conclusion

For riders who don’t feel like going with the crowd BMW offers an exclusive alternative (probably thanks to its price tag) derived from a true supersport machine in the true meaning of the word. The levels of performance and comfort are the highest and, you’ll agree with me on this one, styling is very attractive also. What more could you possible ask for?

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SPECIFICATIONS

 

Engine and Transmission:

 

Type

Transverse mounted, liquid-cooled inline 4-cylinder

Displacement

1157 cc

Bore X Stroke

79 mm x 59 mm

Horsepower

152 bhp @ 9500 rpm

Torque

96 lb/ft @ 7750 rpm

Valve Gear

DOHC, chain-driven with bucket tappets

No of cylinders

4

Compression Ratio

13.0:1

Engine Management

BMW Engine Controller - BMS K
 

Valves per Cylinder

Four

Valves

2 x 32 mm intake / 2 x 27.5 mm exhaust

Fuel Tank

HDPE, internal pump and internal filter

Alternator W

945 Watts @ 14 Volts

Battery V/AH

12 Volts / 19 Amps/hour

Engine Summary

Laterally mounted, this 16-valve, water-cooled K series engine angles the cylinders forward by 55 degrees, lowering the center of gravity significantly. Inspired by Formula

Clutch

151 mm, multi-disc oil bath

Gear Box

6 speed gear box

Primary Transmission

1:1.559

Gear Ratios

I:
2.52:1
II:
1.84:1
III:
1.45:1
IV:
1.28:1
V:
1.14:1
VI:
1.01:1
 

Final Drive System

Enclosed driveshaft with two universal joints

Final Drive Ratio

2.82:1

Chassis and Dimensions:

 

Frame

Composite aluminum frame

Front wheel suspension

BMW Duolever

Rear wheel suspension

BMW EVO Paralever

Spring Travel front/rear

4.5 inches / 5.3 inches

Ground Clearance

4.6 inches

Handlebar center point angle

61.0 degrees

Brake System

BMW EVO with partial integral ABS

Front Brakes

Two, four-piston fixed calipers

Front Rotor

12.6 inch dual floating rotors

Rear Brakes

Single, two-piston fixed caliper

Rear Rotor

11.6 inch single, fixed rotor

Actuation

Hydraulic, DOT 4 fluid type

Front Wheel

3.50 x 17 cast alloy, five double-spoke

Rear Wheel

5.50 x 17 cast alloy, five double-spoke

Front Tire

120/70 x 17 tubeless

Rear Tire

180/55 x 17 tubeless

Overall Length

91.3 inches

Overall Width

39.0 inches

Wheelbase

61.8 inches

Seat height

32.3 inches

Weight - Dry

549 lbs.

Max permissible weight

1147 lbs.

Fuel Capacity

6.3 U.S. gallons; including 1 gallon reserve

Other:

Colors: Deep Blue Metallic, Dark Graphite Metallic, Aventurin Silver Metallic

Features

 

High Windshield:

A 2.4 inch higher windshield offers tall riders protection against wind and the elements in accordance with their height. It is, of course, also fully height-adjustable to ensure optimal ride comfort at all times.

On Board Computer:

The on-board computer allows the rider to call up machine data which is then displayed clearly on the Info-Flat-Screen. The computer is operated simply and conveniently via the �BC� button on the right adjuster. The following functions are available: Distance before refueling - Average speed -Average fuel consumption - Oil level warning - Outside temperature with black ice warning at 37 degrees Farenheit.

Handlebar Adjustment:

The height of the entire handlebar including the instrument clusters can be adjusted easily and without difficulty. The handlebar can be adjusted in four stages by a total of 40 mm towards the rider’s upper body without the need for spacers or other components. This enables rapid and uncomplicated alignment to the rider and riding style, as well as optimal ergonomics in every respect.

Low Rider’s Seat:

The Low rider's seat is between 31.5 - 32.3 inches and the standard is 32.3 - 33.0 inches. Shorter riders too can sit astride the K 1200 GT safely and without discomfort if the low dual seat is fitted. It is 3/4 inch lower than the standard seat and can thus be adjusted to a seat height of 31.5 inches or 32.3 inches. The total inner leg lengths are 69.3 inches or 70.9 inches respectively.

Variable Ergonomics:

Narrow design, ergonomically optimized seat and handlebar (both adjustable), dualseat optimized to total leg length (easy to put a foot down).

EVO Paralever:

The BMW Motorrad EVO Para-lever combines the two functions of rear wheel location and power transmission. The significantly more compact and lighter EVO Paralever compensates load reversals yet more effectively, offers greater ground clearance and is impressive in its design. The suspension strut is con-nected via a progressive linkage to the rear wheel location, thereby providing significant advantages for the initial response and the progressive action of the suspension strut. In the standard configuration the spring preload can be hydraulically adjusted via an extendable handwheel.

Impact Protection for Pannier Case:

Pannier cases can be fitted with tailor-made impact protection to protect them from any mishaps and unsightly scratches.