School me on the K1200GT

[richarddacat]

I mashed up my FJR and even though I need to clear the garage of the wreckage I'm still itching for a slab-burner.
My K75 is working for me now but....anyway, I've always like the GT's. I remember them being a little short on leg room but haven't heard or read much about the gremlins or mechanical issues.

What can you tell me about this beast? Things I should look for or expect?

There's a couple of local 2004's models, one at $5K with 44K miles and then a like new (8300miles) for $7200

 

[mw074]

A foot peg lowering kit helps with the leg room issue. Best brakes that I have ever had on a motorcycle, although quite a chore to bleed the system.  Great power. A Laminar Lip cured the helmet buffeting issue. Lousy stock seat, but a Russell cured that. Overall: 8.5 out of 10.

[richarddacat]

Lowering your pegs cuts into your cornering clearance doesn't it?

What about highway pegs? Those available?

[mw074]

They are only lowered slightly but are moved forward. I have not seen any highway pegs on this body style.

[richarddacat]

Well, what do you know....this low mileage 2004 K1200GT as mention above has showed back up and I'm down to one bike (k75C)...again.


Anyone want to elaborate on "issues"?

[beemrdon]

I've been thinking about that model too. They come up fairly regularly on craigslist.
- ) One thing that turns me off is the tiny rear case on the side that the muffler is on. BMW didn't follow the "form follows function" edict there as it sticks up at an angle that gets in the way of a full sized bag. A pity.
If that doesn't bother you, you probably won't be using it for long tours. The tank is also sort of small for a trans continental cruiser, a little over 5 gallons.
- ) The "power assist" brakes aka the servo can go out and does not work if the motor is off.
+ ) I do like the semi-linked brakes though. When pulling the hand lever, both brakes are activated but when you step on the brake pedal, only the rear is activated.
- ) Lots of tupperware to take off for maintanence.
+/- ) A forward lean position that some find tiring on long tours.
Just some random thoughts...
Anyone else want to chime in?

[The Mighty Gryphon]

A friend has had one for two years now.  He's been all over the North East with it as far north as northern Quebec.  He's 6'3" and has never commented on the bike being too small.  No complaints on the stock seat either.  Has the dealer service it ($$$$$), so no feedback on how easy it is to work on.

Bike is nice and quiet, and goes like stink.  28,000 miles (12,000 his) and no issues.

[richarddacat]

Not sure what I want. Might be my last bike, so I thinking a newer model may be best.
8300 miles on this GT and for about the same cost I can get a well cared for Goldwing with high miles.

Or hold out and wait for a 2016 FJR to show up and spend twice as much. (I’ve got bunch of FJR farkles leftover from owning two of them)

Or, live with one bike and save the $


1988K75c Rider

[mophead]

Get the 2016 FJR.  Cruise is the greatest thing yet.  ES is also nice.  Change on the fly.  Soft for the slab, hard for the twisties.

[milq]

Can’t see where you’re located but there are a couple of 2007 K1200GT bikes at the BMW dealer in Champaign, IL.

One is around $6800 with 21k miles and the other is in the mid-40k miles and I think they want $5k for it.

I rode a 2007 and it was a bloody rocket ship out on the slab, but I’d need some ergo adjustments for peg and handlebar heights. I felt like my wrists and ankles were bound up pretty bad (6’2”/ 250 lbs).

[RobP]

BBK Motorsports in Elgin IL bought all the remaining 2016 FJR inventory from Yamaha.


https://www.bbkmotorsport.com/default.asp?page=xNewInventory#page=xNewInventory&sq=fjr


They have a bunch of new 2016 FJR's listed at $12,499.