MotorBikes/roadtesting the BMW K1200 GT: BMW launched its new K 1200 GT on March 25th - two days later The Irish Times began its road test. This 2006 version of the K 1200 GT has 17 per cent more power, 11 per cent more torque, 17 per cent more fuel capacity - giving a 22 per cent increase in its cruising range, is 6 per cent lighter and can carry a 19 per cent heavier payload. All of which adds up to a huge difference.
The GT tag is well-deserved. This is a big, powerful tourer, ideally suited to today's version of the Grand Tour. It is not, nor is it meant to be, the ultimate in refined comfort, for that go to the K 1200LT or the R1200RT, the accent is more on performance yet with a very high degree of comfort. There really are only two other machines on the market that rightfully fall into this class, the Honda Pan European and the Yamaha FJR 1300A.
Having tested all three, what makes the BMW stand out is the overwhelming power of the engine: 112kW (152bhp) is only 16 per cent more than the previous model. The torque at 130Nm just 11 per cent more but, the combined effect of them makes for a really satisfying, exhilarating ride.
The Grand Tourer's benchmark trip, Calais to Nice within the day, would be effortless child's play. With this amount of power, rarely does one have to resort to changing down before overtaking. An imperceptible twist of the wrist has this machine surging forward like a greyhound out of the trap.
Technically the bike bristles with the high-tech, high-spec approach which BMW have made their own. The front dual wishbone forks were first seen on the K1200S. Coupled with BMW's Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA) they make for a comfortable, precise ride under a wide variety of conditions.
The windscreen, which we noticed does not have the concave top section of the earlier model, is electrically adjusted. The handlebar height can easily be raised or lowered. The standard seat height of 820-840mm can be reduced to 800-820mm. On the SE model we tested, you get the Xenon headlight, Electronic Suspension adjustment, seat heating with separate controls for both rider and passenger, heated grips, cruise control and an on-board computer. Panniers are standard and provide 113 litres luggage space. There is a choice of topboxes, 28 or 49 litres as well as a 23 to 32 litre tank bag.
From autumn it will be possible to order or have retro-fitted the RDC tyre pressure control, which monitors tyre pressures and warns the rider of any variations.
In terms of ride comfort the K1200GT is not as supremely comfortable as, for example, the K1200LT or R1200RT. The GT is more Aston Martin than Rolls Royce. It is a genuine attempt to provide the elusive combination of comfort and sports-style riding, and it does this superbly. It will appeal strongly to the somewhat younger, say under-40, riders.
Although the electrically adjustable screen provides good protection we were a bit disappointed to find that the wind noise, wearing a BMW EVO 4 helmet, was more than we would have expected throughout the adjustment range. The gale force wind conditions which prevailed throughout our test rides did not help, though they did help show us how directionally stable the GT is in cross-wind conditions which would have lesser machines all over the place.
The LCD panel located between the analogue speedometer and rev counter is clear and easy to read and is capable of providing everything you want to know and more.
Roadholding on every surface encountered was impeccable. Braking, thanks to the partial integral ABS, as perfect as BMW expect us to expect.
In just about every respect it has the edge on the only two machines that amount to any relevant competition.
Early indications are that it will be times more sought after than the previous model, indeed a case of "shop early for Christmas" if you want one.