Trade in: '08 Street Triple for '05 K1200?

[yorkie_chris]

I think you exaggerate.

My mate had a K1200GT, it actually handled quite well despite having weird suspension. It was also the comfiest 175mph armchair I thought possible. However despite the speed it wasn't fun to ride. He liked it, 2 up with loads of luggage it did everything he wanted.

The biggest downside to it was it was a maintenance nightmare. At massive expense. Worst problem was the back end disintegrated on the way back from France, destroyed the output box, rear brakes, ABS sensor and ring.

Was that a lemon because apart from some niggles I've heard they're quite reliable.

Originally Posted by SUPERSTARDJ01

Not if you know how to corner correctly ;-p

Tell you what mate, get it and I'll take you to the corners I'm on about and you can show me how it's done

Hey, you did ask. It's your choice at the end of the day, it's a good looking bike but as yc says,BMW parts aren't cheap. I've got mates with bmws and they love them, it's a marmite thing I find.

[yorkie_chris]

Originally Posted by specialone

Tell you what mate, get it and I'll take you to the corners I'm on about and you can show me how it's done

The mate I'm on about took his to the alps and stuff, 2 up, with luggage.

I've ridden my XJ900 on little tracks with a full set of dive kit on the back too. It might not have been fast but it worked...
Horses for courses.

I'd put the K1200GT up against the sprint. Obviously it isn't going to handle like his pocket sized striple but they aren't bad.
Definitely one of those bikes where the bulk all but disappears when you're rolling.


Can't believe I'm defending a BMW!


It's mental that a wear item like a bearing can have the potential to destroy the back end like that. I think it must be a poor design TBH. Can't really comment on how frequently this occurs though.

[embee]

Certain BMW's have had a reputation for rear suspension bearing failures, read up on it before committing I'd suggest. As pointed out, can be very expensive.

On the other hand, you may well have no issues whatsoever.

Originally Posted by yorkie_chris

The mate I'm on about took his to the alps and stuff, 2 up, with luggage.

I've ridden my XJ900 on little tracks with a full set of dive kit on the back too. It might not have been fast but it worked...
Horses for courses.

I'd put the K1200GT up against the sprint. Obviously it isn't going to handle like his pocket sized striple but they aren't bad.
Definitely one of those bikes where the bulk all but disappears when you're rolling.


Can't believe I'm defending a BMW!


It's mental that a wear item like a bearing can have the potential to destroy the back end like that. I think it must be a poor design TBH. Can't really comment on how frequently this occurs though.

Oh my heavy ish sprint coped in the alps in September with me, the wife and all HER luggage on the same corners, it wasnt that fast like you say but it was hard work, especially downhill.
The sprint is another bike that loses its weight once moving, i just wished it changed direction as quick as my drz which is like a fly at that

The weight is all low down so not that hard to handle really, I'm a bit fed up with chain and sprockets.

Just had a quick Google and the final drive bearing does go but there was a recall in 2010.

[andrewsmith]

Google K1200R issues and have a look!

Gearbox seems to fail quite often and thats about a £3k repair bill