BMW K1200GT

[qmotion]

Well folks, Cycle World gave BMW top honors for Sport-Touring category. Motorcycle Online just finished a review of the BMW K1200GT. Being a previous 2005 FJR1300A owner and a waiter for the FJR-AE I wonder if I should just fork up the extra duckets and rush over to the my local BMW dealer. My previous FJR had all the farkles installed, That included a Garmin 2610, XM-radio, Escort 8500 radar detector, radar laser jammer, heated grips, Corbin Dual Canyon heated seats, Rifle windshield, J&M 40 channel CB/intercom audio controller and a Scorpio alarm system.

I know the BMW cost more than the FJR by at least $5,000. I keep asking myself is BMW now truly the best Sport-Tourer on the planet. If it is then truly the best is worth paying more for. The sense of pride that I had in 2005 knowing that the FJR was the best Sports-Tourer on the planet and the added bonus of knowing it was $5000 cheaper that the best competition left me feeling extra satisfied. I find myself wondering now if I'm making the right move waiting for the FJR-AE.

When I purchased the FJR in 2005 I did so seeking the best Sport-Tourer that money could buy. In 2006 I find myself doing the same. The un-biased question now is which motorcycle is truly the best???

 

[Luke]

What every one else thinks doesn't amount to a hill of beans. Buy whichever one YOU are convinced is the best. I did!

 

[bmwhd]

Also, it's an $8K, not $5K difference:

FJR1300A - $13,499 but available for as low as $11,999

K1200GT - All US bound GTs in calendar year 2006 are pre-configured with ESA and cruise for an MSRP of $20,385 and most dealers have only 1 or 2 not spoken for so no deals.

 

[Toecutter]

Will it go 200 mph? I'm looking for something that will outrun a 'Vette (without spending $175,000.00).

 

[06INDIXIE]

Sounds like to me you have already made your mind up. But can you actually believe the magazine when the 06 Fjr was not included in the write up ? BMW will only be the best when there is no competition to compare it to. If you remember last year during all the bike magazine test when the FJR and the ST were compared apple to apple about the only reason to pick one over the other was the price difference. Can you honestly think that the BMW changed that much in a year that price is no longer an issue. I think not.

 

[jimbemotumbo]

I love the K motor. I was able to test the KGT this year before deciding on the FJR. Nice motor. Not much else. No faster. Less comfy. Sexier. 8k more expensive. Just couldn't figure out why I would want one.

 

[qmotion]

I actually did some checking the local BMW dealers and none of them have K1200GT's that haven't been sold. I'd have to order one and wait. Who knows how long. I'll just stick with what I know. The 2005 FJR served me well. I'll have to miss the ability to change my suspension settings on the fly, heated seats with sperate passenger controls and the electronic cruise control.

By the time I put all my frakles on the FJR the cost will be more like $20,000 but the BMW would end up being about $27,000 .

 

[Mike-H]

Some you'll find will swear by the UMW....others like us the FJR....who cares.... as long as your happy....screw it....just go ride & enjoy....

 

[Aviator]

Well if you go with the Ugly BMW, which is seems you already made up your mind, PLEASE do not be snobby about it. Esp. when you know the FJR is faster, sleaker, more comfy, and cheaper.

 

[Whip]

I had a chance to ride a new GT for a couple hundred miles....I think it would make a great track bike......I've owned a 2003 FJR and just made arrangements to pick up a 2006 FJR on Monday.....don't let the Mags fool ya...it's not the same kinda bike......I don't think I could ride it much more than I did....On the on the other hand I've gone all day on on the FJR many times.....

BTW I'm not a BMW basher I also own a 2005 R1200RT..

Whip

 

[panthercity]

Well if you go with the Ugly BMW, which is seems you already made up your mind, PLEASE do not be snobby about it. Esp. when you know the FJR is faster, sleaker, more comfy, and cheaper.

And speaking of snobby...

 

[markjenn]

If you have to own what the magazines consider the "best", yes, you're going to have to get the BMW. And probably another bike in a year or two. (Honda is rumored to be readying a new ST1300.) Newer designs always tend to trump older designs. Nature of the beast.

There haven't been any comparisons tests so far, but I think one can reliably predict what they're going to say: the BMW will have a little more power, a more sophisticated suspension, better fit/finish, and have a few more options. And cost $6K or so more, perhaps a bit more for awhile until the pipeline fills. The FJR will likely continue to be the "if money matters" choice.

The only major issue I have with on my 05 FJR is the cornering clearance and CW mentioned that the BMW was better. For me, this is the only aspect that might make me consider trading. Otherwise, the current bike is plenty good enough. I don't need to ride what the magazines consider the "best", just what works for me.

- Mark

 

[boogahboogah]

My 1150RT ride buddy spent $650 or so at his last service that included valve adjustment. Since he bought his bike, his maintenance costs are at least 30-35 percent higher than my FJR's. When we talked about it he was really steamed, but his dealer is the only one in a two hour radius, so he is a captive audience (and now realizes it). Also, at 27k, he's emitting a blue cloud doing a cold start...

It seems as if, besides the 7-8K initial price differential, there will be much more substantial costs for K1200GT maint over the ownership period (assuming you don't do self maint).

Also... I wonder if the K1200GT has the rear unit where you can't change the oil and it burns out at 25-30k? Anybody know ?