BMW K1200GT VS FJR

[TriggerT]

I was just re-reading a review of the K1200GT before I though the magazine in the trash, and noticed that the K1200GT puts of max of 945 Watts! WOW! Not that I would pay the extra 5K for that, but i guess you wouldn't have to worry about adding any electrical items on to the BMW. The 06-07-08 FJR models are better that previous ones, but damn 945 watts.

 

[SecuLaw]

I was just re-reading a review of the K1200GT before I though the magazine in the trash, and noticed that the K1200GT puts of max of 945 Watts! WOW! Not that I would pay the extra 5K for that, but i guess you wouldn't have to worry about adding any electrical items on to the BMW. The 06-07-08 FJR models are better that previous ones, but damn 945 watts.

That's to power the defibrillator to restart your heart after the BMW mechanic tells you what its going to cost to change your oil.

 

[markjenn]

BMWs have always been known for high electrical capacity. Most models use automotive style dry alternators driven by a fan belt off the engine rather than the wet stators like the FJR.

Another "headroom" trait of BMWs is much greater useful loads. A K1200GT has a published useful load of 600 lbs, while the FJR is down around 450 lbs. (Many FJRs are routinely overloaded obviously. The bike with the most ridiculously low useful load is the Honda GL1800 Goldwing - would you believe that according to the book, you are not supposed to put more than 408 lbs of passengers, cargo, fuel, and accessories on this bike? Unbelievable.)

All part of the tradeoffs of different makes.

- Mark

 

[Mr Bill]

I was just re-reading a review of the K1200GT before I though the magazine in the trash, and noticed that the K1200GT puts of max of 945 Watts! WOW! Not that I would pay the extra 5K for that, but i guess you wouldn't have to worry about adding any electrical items on to the BMW. The 06-07-08 FJR models are better that previous ones, but damn 945 watts.

There was a k12 S at EOM this year. That bike was magic...it could disappear with a flick of the wrist!

 

[TriggerT]

I was just re-reading a review of the K1200GT before I though the magazine in the trash, and noticed that the K1200GT puts of max of 945 Watts! WOW! Not that I would pay the extra 5K for that, but i guess you wouldn't have to worry about adding any electrical items on to the BMW. The 06-07-08 FJR models are better that previous ones, but damn 945 watts.

There was a k12 S at EOM this year. That bike was magic...it could disappear with a flick of the wrist!

So it had the new Cloaking mechanism on it then? That would explain why they are putting those high output alternators on their bikes. I just new the BMW's were made by Klingon's. Could be nice for riding through WI, since their speeding tickets are so damn much.

 

[Jazzzzz]

I was just re-reading a review of the K1200GT before I though the magazine in the trash, and noticed that the K1200GT puts of max of 945 Watts! WOW! Not that I would pay the extra 5K for that, but i guess you wouldn't have to worry about adding any electrical items on to the BMW. The 06-07-08 FJR models are better that previous ones, but damn 945 watts.

There was a k12 S at EOM this year. That bike was magic...it could disappear with a flick of the wrist!

A test ride on a K12R was some of the most fun I've ever had on two wheels. I'd wind up dead if I owned one.

 

[Scab]

Man, please. My FZ has some SERIOUS electrical issues. I know from personal experience that it is lacking, but I am not sure of the exact output. I read on the FZ forum that the bike has 8 extra watts. EIGHT!

 

[TriggerT]

8 extra watts will not be enough to use the cloaking device BMW seams to have invented. Sorry, but I foresee lots of tickets for you while on the FZ.

Seriously, I would think that bikes such as the FJR, the GL1800, and other touring bikes would have LOTS of extra output. In this day and age, there aren't too many serious touring riders that aren't adding heated gear, GPS, CB's, and all the other electrical goodies.

 

[Mr Bill]

A test ride on a K12R was some of the most fun I've ever had on two wheels. I'd wind up dead if I owned one.

I'd end up in jail if I had one, besides, I'm not a BMW people

 

[Honzo]

BMWs have always been known for high electrical capacity. Most models use automotive style dry alternators driven by a fan belt off the engine rather than the wet stators like the FJR.
Another "headroom" trait of BMWs is much greater useful loads. A K1200GT has a published useful load of 600 lbs, while the FJR is down around 450 lbs. (Many FJRs are routinely overloaded obviously. The bike with the most ridiculously low useful load is the Honda GL1800 Goldwing - would you believe that according to the book, you are not supposed to put more than 408 lbs of passengers, cargo, fuel, and accessories on this bike? Unbelievable.)

All part of the tradeoffs of different makes.

- Mark

Of course the question will come up in legal proceedings if your machine has a malfunction resulting in injury or death: "Mr. Doe, the list of cargo, people, operating fluids, and misc found at the scene and catalogued by your insurance company totals a weight exceeding the machine's maximum published load capacity. Was your motorcycle overloaded at the time, Sir?"