Cycle News - Archive Issues - 1990's

Unfortunately, the same could not be said of the transmission on our test model. Granted, it is really a minor complaint, but as well as the rest of the LT functions, the transmission's feel could stand to be a bit better. The action is rather notchy, and we even managed to a miss a gear or two under acceleration. On the plus side, however, the long-legged, overdrive fifth gear is awesome, putting the engine in a rather sweet spot in the powerband for either low-speed cruising or warp-speed touring. And the reverse is a godsend: Should you find the nose of the LT pointed MlII~~\! downhill in a parking space somewhere, fear not. Simply put the bike in neutral, reach down by your left foot and TOtate the knob from the "F" to the "R" position, then thumb the starter button. The starter motor will engage the tranny and torque you right out of your predicament. It's not the bike's most original feature, but it is a weleome one nonetheless. Long days in the saddle are to be enjoyed on this motorcycle. The LTs two-position adjustable seat, nicely setback bars, adjustable levers and almost perfect footpeg loca tion all make the (Above left) Dual 300mm Brembos with four-piston callpers and ABS make for powerful, almost worry-free braking. (Above right) Where do ya hang the chrome light bars? The l T's slimline styling is evident from the rear. (Right) located in the right-slde trunk, the six-disc CD changer comes standard on the Icon and Custom models. (Below left) A proto photo: Two BMW design teams worked independently of one another, producing mock-ups of the LT such as this decidedly more sporting version. Only the best ideas from both were utilized on the final version. Another view I knew this bike was going to be nice, but/his.nice? Having just pent a few days touring on Honda's Gold Wing in Southern California's high desert, I was anxious to swing a leg over BMW's all-new grand toUTer, but - to be honest - I didn't give the LT much of a chance. After all, there was no way, I thought, that the BMW could really stack. up against the king of touring, the Gold Wing. Boy, was I wrong. I immediately fell in love with the new LT. I've always especially liked many of BMW's upper-line models for their gadgetry' electronically adjustable windscreens, heated grips, adjustable seats, to name a few. But [lve always felt that the overall ride (plushness, to be more specific) and the overall power output of these bikes have usually left me desiring a little more. So you can only imagine how surprised I was when I opened up the throttle on the new LT for the first time and felt it really move. And when I hit that first bump in the road, well, J Simply never felt it. This bike feels as though it's riding on a mattress of air. Right away, my two bigge t concerns about the new LT were answered. The rest was gravy. Much of my commuting time is tallied during early-morning winter hours, so I like it when the manufacturers do everything they can to keep the rider comfortable, and BMW is one of those manufacturers who do. Heated grips, a heated seat, easy-ta-use sockets for heated vests, well-placed wind deflectors and that huge, adjustable windscreen make those predawn departures easier to accept. I also enjoyed the LT's easy-ta-use audio system (which, by the way, sounds fur better tl,an that of any previous BMW model), the comfortable seat and the bike's modem styling, which BMW is hoping will attract more younger riders into the touring market and, even better, onto their bike. Although the new LT is about as big as any motorcycle gets, it doesn't feel that way. Beads of sweat did not form on my body when I was threading the rather narrow and stable (at fast or slow speeds) Beemer through traffic, and the bike feels nimble and light for such a big machine. Maneuvering the bike in parking lots is simple, too, much of which has to do with a simple-to-use reverse system. What didn't T like about the LT? Not much, really. Shifting is a little notchy (l hit neutral more than once while clicking up from first to second) and the front brake squeals a bit. TI,e throttle feels a little heavy, so, for me, the cruise control was more of a necessity than merely an accessory. Overall, 1'm pleasantly surprised with the new LT. BMW did n'lt hold anything back with this one, and it is quite possibly the best tourer I've everridden. Kit Palmer experience incredibly - well, luxurious, even when the weather is a bit on the frosty side. The LT leon's heated handgrips do a fantastic job of keeping your fingers toasty (are you listening, Honda?), and on the LT Custom, you can get a heated-seat option that keeps your posterior warm, too. In fact, your passenger will have it even better than you, as the heating element extends all the way up the backrest of the second seat and can be controlled separately, as can the functions for the volume of the stereo and for the intercom. The passenger aloha access to his/her own electrical socket for use wi th BMW's thermal riding apparel when the going gets really cold. Wet-weather riding is also tolerable, thanks to the deflectors tha t are juxtaposed on either side of the windscreen. When the screen is in the full u prigh t position, it feels like you are effectively tucked away behind a transparent wall. The wind deflectors below the mirror pods do a decent job of keeping moisture away from your legs as well. So don't stop. You won't have to anytime soon. No doubt in part to the LT's aerodyamic styling, the bike is pretty fuel-friendly during extended motoring. On the computer, our test machine was delivering 43 mpg. We're not sure how accurate the reading was, but with a 6.2-gallon tank, you c'!" expect the LT to stretch well over 200 miles between stops at the pump. Wet or dry, the BMW's Kenwood (for the U.S. market) stereo system offers plenty of entertainment in transit. The six-disc changer worked flawlessly, never skipping a beat over the bumps, humps and occasional railroad track that we crossed. And the automatic servo volume control set a new standard in terms of accuracy and repeatability, increasing the volume smoothly as our speeds increased and decreasing it equally as smoothly as we came to a stop. So here comes the bottom line: The BMW K1200LT is an absolutely incredi- ble touring motorcycle, a worthy addition to the Munich fum's new generation of two-wheelers. In the LT, BMW has built a tourer that can now compete with any motorcycle in the category new or establi hed - and win. The 7 series of motorcycles? We believe it, but this is one example of a luxury in life that you shouldn't pass up. eM 1999 BMW K1200 LT Specifications Liquid-cooled, DOHC, inline four-cylinder, wi four valves per cylinder Bore x stroke 70.5 x 75mm Displace_t 1171 cc Carburetion Bosch Motronic EFI throttle bodies Ignitl_ . . ..Bosch Motronic enginemanagement system Transmisal_ 5-speed ronal drive Shaft Frame Chill-cast load-bearing welded aluminum Swingann BMW Paralever swingarm Rake/trail . .. 26.B'/NA Wheelba.. . .64.3 inches Seat height 30.3/31.5 inches Engine SUspension Front ..... .. BMW Telelever, 4.0 inches of travel Rear BMW Paralever, adjustable preload: 5.12 inches of travel Brakes Front ...........2 x 300mm Brembo floating discs wi four-piston calipers and ABS Rear ..... .single 220mm Brembo disc wi twin-piston caliper and ABS Wheels/tires Front light alloy five-spoke, 17-inch x 3.5-inch MT-H2 wi Bridgestone G701 120/70 ZR1? tubeless radial Rear ... .light alloy five-spoke, 17·inch x 5.0-inch wi Bridgestone G702 160/70 ZR 1? tubeless radial Fuel capacity 6.18 gallons Oncluding I-gallon reserve) Claimed _ weight 834 Ibs. Suggested retail price $16,900 (Standard) $17.900 C1con) $18,900 (Custom)

• Cover