BMW K1600 GTL vs K1200 LT A Comparison Video

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  • Опубликовано: 3 дек 2024

Комментарии • 90

  • @danmilewski1248
    @danmilewski1248 23 дня назад

    Hello Kirk, I own a 2000 K1200LT, 2nd owner since 2019 with 71k miles on her. I put 40k of those miles on her. She’s had no repairs needed, only preventative maintenance and upgrades, all based on your videos. My wife and I love the LT!
    I had the pleasure of renting a 2018 K1600 GTL in CA a couple years back and I fell in love with it! I rode it 1,200 miles from the ocean, through the mountains, and through the desert. The GTL is balanced, nimble, and loves the highway and craves the curves. I love the shift assist, the power, and the hill assist is nice. I would buy a GTL but my wife loves the classic look of the LT. Thanks for the compare video!

  • @marktompkins5302
    @marktompkins5302 Месяц назад +2

    As, the owner of a 2004 K1200LT with over 100,000+ miles with satisfactory operation and with regular maintenance it's been heaven on two wheels! The women who like motorcycle driving my life use my 2021 HD 883. Since it's a lighter bike! At the end of the day we both are happy! Since, I'm the pack mule and her the scout! We both have our individual independence!

  • @esmiley3
    @esmiley3 Месяц назад +1

    Sir, I have been waiting for your comparison video.
    I have a 2005 LT, I traded my 2003 LT for it and I will never let it go - the 2005 was my dream bike along with my 2011 S1000 RR, not giving her up either.
    By the way I turn 62 in five weeks.
    The dude on the LT is killing it! He showing everyone watching that LT’s are awesomeness! I will buy a GTL and make room for her. Hopefully I will love her as well.
    “K” biker forever!
    Lastly, please make a GTL service poster, The LT poster you made is awesome. Yes, I bought one.

    • @kirksmotorrad
      @kirksmotorrad  Месяц назад +1

      The guy on the LT... He is 80! No kidding!

    • @alfredmartin-rq5gd
      @alfredmartin-rq5gd 28 дней назад

      hi, I have a 2005 bmw k1200lt and my instrument cluster went out, do you know where I can find one. or any thoughts on why it went out

    • @esmiley3
      @esmiley3 27 дней назад

      @ No, sorry… Did both the analog and digital information center stop working?

    • @alfredmartin-rq5gd
      @alfredmartin-rq5gd 27 дней назад

      @@esmiley3 yes, both the digital info center and analog stopped working

  • @EricGiroux-hz7wc
    @EricGiroux-hz7wc Месяц назад

    Hi Kirk, great video. Owner of k16gt 2012 (since 3 years), i can assure that the seat is worst than the GTL. It come in a 2 pieces and you are always seating between the 2 pieces. This is the only negative experience that i got. Now, i have a Corbin seat on it and the more i ride, the more i like it. I agree for the wind on the handle and it is worst with the deflectors closed. Thanks for the tip for the saddle bags. In the rain mode, you feel the difference. Many peoples had an issue with the reverse. Best regards.

  • @dennisemanuel6141
    @dennisemanuel6141 Месяц назад

    Hey Kirk hello from Portugal it's Dennis,another great video!Glad u like the GTL !I have a 2012 and love it too!Miss it it's at home on the west coast. Probably gonna pick up a GS here.Believe it or not I sometimes miss the LT I had a 02 it did have better wind and rain protection!

  • @KeithVakoc-no7eg
    @KeithVakoc-no7eg Месяц назад +2

    Gerhard 🙏

  • @metal2metallica
    @metal2metallica Месяц назад

    K bike enthusiast here. K1200R, K1200GT, K1300s x2.. love my K bikes. Selling the R and one of the K13 bikes this year.. might get a k16 some time. Would love to try the LT. Such a shame no more 4 cylinder K bikes available.

  • @kevinmckenna5389
    @kevinmckenna5389 22 дня назад

    Again, spectacular rider.

  • @jeffshootsstuff
    @jeffshootsstuff Месяц назад

    Beautiful fall colors

  • @grizzlyjp
    @grizzlyjp Месяц назад +1

    No they don't just change their names as you've said at 8:38min.
    Engine tuning/ torquiness - Rain, Road and Dynamic
    Suspension - Comfort, Normal and Sports
    Pillion Suspension overlay - 1up, 2up and 2up with luggage.
    I like riding:
    - Road mode (engine setting) - I find Dynamic too torquey.
    - Sports suspension (I find "normal" and certainly "Comfort" too bouncy)
    - 2 up (because I'm not light)

    • @kirksmotorrad
      @kirksmotorrad  Месяц назад

      I do not have those modes in my suspension. It is Dynamic, Road and Rain in both areas. I do have the other modes for 2 up and luggage. The early models had your option package

  • @LTVoyager
    @LTVoyager Месяц назад

    I think your review is one of the more balanced I have seen. I own a 2007 LT that I bought new after test riding nearly every touring bike available in 2007 including Harley, the RT and others. I had the normal LT issues with the FD (pinion seal leak) and clutch (transmission seal leak). However, since Tom Cutter rebuilt my FD at 27,000 miles and I replaced the clutch and resealed the transmission myself at 54,000 miles, my LT has been rock solid and is now north of 107,000 miles.
    My wife and I toured the Alps and Dolomites in 2013 shortly after the LT was discontinued and the K1600 GTL was released. We rented a GTL and I did so with certainty that it would be my next bike. I planned to keep the LT 10 years and then trade for newer. However, after two weeks on the GTL, I agreed with my wife that this wasn’t the bike for us. The performance and electronics were intoxicating. The traction control is pure magic. I could enter a hairpin turn in the Alps in first gear scraping the pegs and whack the throttle wide open and the rear tire would slowly spin (7% slip is what the computer allowed if memory serves) and leave a faint black line through the turn. As I stood the bike up to exit and traction increased, the computer would open the throttle bodies and that bike would launch like a rocket down the straight. I wore out the rear Michelin during the 4,000 km I rode the bike and it was the only tire I’ve worn out evenly from sidewall to sidewall. Not a chicken stripe to be found. 😂
    However, after the novelty of the performance wore off and we rode a day in the rain and snow (near freezing crossing a couple of Alpine passes), we quickly realized the GTL was not the bike for us. My wife travels with me everywhere and I only ride solo around home. The GTL soaked and froze both my hands and feet. I don’t have waterproof gloves or boots for summer riding as they are simply not needed on the LT. They are badly needed on the GTL! And my wife was completely worn out at the end of each day (and these were short days of only 200 miles or so) due to the wind buffeting on her helmet. She is 5’9” and the high passenger seat on the GTL put her entire head in the slipstream even with the shield all the way up. Now, a different shield probably could fix that, but then I’d be looking through the shield while riding in the rain, and I don’t like doing that. On the LT, I can lower the shield where I can look over top of it and she still only gets mild buffeting.
    She also didn’t like the top case as it is not nearly as rigid as that on the LT. The quick release hardware allows it to bounce and flex on bumpy roads and the small backrest pad on the GTL was pounding on her back whenever we were on a less than smooth road. And the seats were far less comfortable than the stock LT seats. Again, the aftermarket can likely correct this, but it can’t lower significantly the passenger seat and that is the real problem for my wife.
    I also wanted to get away from some of the maintenance intensive nature of the LT, but the GTL comes with as many quirks as does the LT. It takes 10 minutes to properly check the oil level! And the two drain plugs with one up inside the crankcase is even dumber than the LT having a spin-on filter up inside the crankcase. The Germans may well have rocks in their butts as you said, but they also seem to have rocks in their head as you can’t make up stuff like this. They must have contests in the engineering department to see who can come up with the most complicated and ridiculous designs to make maintenance as difficult as possible. And just wait until you have to do a valve adjustment on the K1600.
    So, as long as our old LT remains reliable, we will soldier on with it. We did another extensive series of test rides in 2018 when the new Wing came out and rode it, the Yamaha Star Transcontinental, the GTL and GA, etc., but nothing got our interest enough to trade. The Grand America and Gold Wing came closest, but BMWs stance on owner maintenance and repair has soured me on a new BMW. And the Gold Wing requires too much sacrifice in terms of fuel capacity, luggage capacity, etc. Now, Honda has corrected the trunk capacity issue and Corbin makes wider lids for the side cases, but that still leaves the too small 5.5 gallon tank. However, if my LT dies tomorrow, I would probably buy a Wing and replace the seats and side cases and find way to strap on at least a 1 gallon bottle of gasoline.

    • @kirksmotorrad
      @kirksmotorrad  Месяц назад

      You sir are the King of Comments! Thanks for writing and I agree with your LT assessments!

  • @dhbrantley
    @dhbrantley Месяц назад

    The BMW K1600 is an engineering masterpiece. I’ve put 70k miles on K1600’s. As marvelous as they are, I have my current K1600 up for sale. It is used overwhelmingly for two-up riding with my wife and it’s top heaviness at slow speed has made me less sure as a rider. I know that my 2” taller custom seat is part of the problem, but I’m looking for a better two-up riding platform. We’ve had 10’s of thousands of great touring miles on these machines and I’d highly recommend one as a one-up ride.

  • @jimbroen
    @jimbroen Месяц назад

    I have a 2013 GT and so far I'm pleased about the experience of performing maintenance. My Honda NC750X has screw type valve adjusters making thing easier however where the K1600 has high quality fine thread torx fasteners to hold on body panels, the Honda has these plastic rivet things that will eventually break. The Honda is by no means problematic when it comes to performing service but the BMW just seems to be more pleasant to work on. Over the next month or so I'll be doing the 90,000 km valve check on the GT which is the first major maintenance I've done as I bought the bike at the start of this summer with 80,000 km on the clock. With 96,000 km on the bike it's as tight as a drum and I anticipate remaining as upbeat once the wave of service is complete.

  • @wol9ver6ine
    @wol9ver6ine Месяц назад +1

    The K1600GT I preferred over the GTL due to the riding position and would love to have one, maybe one day. I have a 2010 K1300GT and its a great bike but like my 2023 FJR1300ES more. Easier maintenance. Still have the GT though.

  • @icing777
    @icing777 Месяц назад +1

    But seriously, Kirk it's a great video! Pleasure watching you guys ride and listening to your calm to the point narration. Please tell me about your camera. Also where and how it is mounted and powered. Thank you! This is LennyO from the Forum ;)

    • @kirksmotorrad
      @kirksmotorrad  Месяц назад +1

      I use a GoPro 12 Creator Edition mounted to a ball mount in the center of the handlebars. I will make a short video on it!

    • @icing777
      @icing777 Месяц назад

      @@kirksmotorrad Would be awesome, Kirk! Thank you!

  • @carsyoungtimerfreak1149
    @carsyoungtimerfreak1149 Месяц назад +1

    Thank you. I just picked up a 05 K1200GT, the last brick model K. It is a bike that grows on you. I'm a Honda guy and, for me, the GT still cannot beat my VFR. Yet on specific points the K is the better bike. I have now owned a R1100RS, a R1150RT, a R1150GS and now the K. All with standard BMW seats. I like them. Much better than the VFR of the ST1100. Must be because there seriously is a lot of German blood in my family 🙂. Seriously what I find amazing on the K is the smoothness. This is really unbelievable! I also like the slightly sporting riding position, makes Autobahn miles easy. Will I keep the K? Not sure, back in the day it was almost always compared with Honda's Super Blackbird... And , as I mentioned, I am a Honda guy...

    • @metal2metallica
      @metal2metallica 29 дней назад

      @@carsyoungtimerfreak1149 try the next gen K1200GT/K1300GT. Amazing bikes.

  • @shamoy1000
    @shamoy1000 Месяц назад

    Looking forward your tire report.

  • @jubiletabustamanteserrano2446
    @jubiletabustamanteserrano2446 26 дней назад

    MUY INTERESANTE AMIGO

  • @shamoy1000
    @shamoy1000 Месяц назад +4

    I went from my K1200LT to an R1200RT for weight reduction. I'm getting older and can't hardly lift the LT anymore.

    • @LTVoyager
      @LTVoyager Месяц назад

      I’m approaching the same as I’m about to turn 65. Unfortunately, no other bike matches the LT for long distance two-up comfort. The GTL is a great solo bike as is the GW, but neither matches the LT for long haul comfort with a passenger. I’ve considered the RT, but it is such a step down from the LT and with BMW’s new stance of being very antagonistic to owner maintenance and repairs, I’ve pretty much decided that my LT will be my last BMW, particularly since my nearest BMW dealer is now 140 miles from my home.

    • @kirksmotorrad
      @kirksmotorrad  Месяц назад

      I would ride an RT if it started with K or had at least 2 more cyls to smooth it out! :-)

  • @williamgoodman6969
    @williamgoodman6969 Месяц назад

    19 k1600b . 15k to 18k Kilometers on tires (Dunlop roadsmart 3). 46,000 kms on bike.

  • @jaygrosse8365
    @jaygrosse8365 28 дней назад

    I am well-familiar with the Cherohala Scenic Skyway, it’s only about 80 miles from my house. I ride it regularly and it’s among my favorite roads in the world!
    Interesting comparison, but I’m trying to keep my well-loved K1200RS on the road for a few more years. It is getting up in miles though and developing some issues that are beyond my comfort level. The Asheville BMW dealer tells me that they are trying to get away from working on bikes as old as mine. If I can work out the logistics of getting it to your shop I may see if you can help at some point.

    • @kirksmotorrad
      @kirksmotorrad  28 дней назад +1

      People send their bikes here from all over the country, I will be happy to work on it for you!

  • @luiselizondo1038
    @luiselizondo1038 18 дней назад

    Hi Kirk! Great Video! Glad to see you back in the saddle! Odd Question. I have a 99 K1200LT. It needs a starter. Any videos out there you can recommend to watch on that starter replacement? I've looked over your site and really didn't find any. Appreciate any assistance you could provide. Thanks!

    • @kirksmotorrad
      @kirksmotorrad  18 дней назад

      My clutch replacement series will get you there. The trans needs to come out for the starter.

    • @luiselizondo1038
      @luiselizondo1038 18 дней назад

      @@kirksmotorrad OMG! Not what I wanted to hear AHHHHH! I've done the clutch job already once! painful! Ok, last question. Any suggestions on how I can absolutely confirm it's the starter? I've done the norm. Replace Battery, check wiring from battery to Starter, checked grounds, I think I checked the starter switch on the handlebar as well. Thanks! :)

    • @kirksmotorrad
      @kirksmotorrad  18 дней назад +1

      @@luiselizondo1038Apply power directly to the starter and see how it responds

  • @zycoBR
    @zycoBR Месяц назад

    Tenho um amigo que tem uma, viajamos sempre aqui no brasil, saímos do sul do brasil para assistir os gps de moto velocidade na argentina a gtl dele é muito boa em tudo só a proteção contra o vento andando é menor mesmo, mas eu adoro a minha lt ando 1000 km no dia e não sinto nenhum cansaço mesmo tendo 66 anos.

  • @KatoSon-s7o
    @KatoSon-s7o Месяц назад +1

    Can you share which windscreen you’re using on your GTL? And your thoughts about it? Thanks!

    • @kirksmotorrad
      @kirksmotorrad  Месяц назад +1

      I did that in my last video.

    • @KatoSon-s7o
      @KatoSon-s7o Месяц назад

      @@kirksmotorradthanks! I just came across your channel after getting my first K1600.

  • @alfredmartin-rq5gd
    @alfredmartin-rq5gd 28 дней назад

    Hi , looking for a 2005 bmw k1200lt instrument cluster. mine stopped working

  • @threehanded8853
    @threehanded8853 Месяц назад

    @kirksmotorad I am curious on the performance of the windshield with the hole in it! I bought one without realizing it would come with the venting. I rejected the idea of it out of fear I would get wet in the rain. So I would like to hear your experience or perspective on it.

    • @kirksmotorrad
      @kirksmotorrad  Месяц назад +1

      I am very happy with this windshield and dont think it really matters in the rain. Sure rain can come through but when it is raining I usually put the WS all the way down to see better

  • @tmar0075
    @tmar0075 Месяц назад

    When i mentioned possibly getting a Road glide the first thing my son says does it have 160hp then he goes thru the list of features on his K1600b..all i can say..well it's shiny😅..Ride Safe..Enjoy ur videos immensely 👍

    • @kirksmotorrad
      @kirksmotorrad  Месяц назад +1

      HD has some great paint! I am with your son though!

    • @tmar0075
      @tmar0075 Месяц назад

      @kirksmotorrad We r laughing now...😂

  • @icing777
    @icing777 Месяц назад +1

    That leaf.... :)

  • @chiefjoseph8154
    @chiefjoseph8154 Месяц назад

    Some day motorcycles will come with adjustable seats (not just an inch) and handlebars.

  • @ricky1duval818
    @ricky1duval818 Месяц назад

    Hi, I bought a 1995 r1100gs and I got it running,sounds good,except it sprays gas out the exhaust fan,could you help? Could it be the lambda.? All the shielding has disinagrated

    • @kirksmotorrad
      @kirksmotorrad  Месяц назад +1

      Start with the Lambda

    • @ricky1duval818
      @ricky1duval818 Месяц назад

      @kirksmotorrad thank you,that's 1st just don't have a lambda on my Harley

  • @parkland4530
    @parkland4530 Месяц назад

    Getting old. My 2002 LT spent the summer in my garage while I rode my 2015 Can Am Spyder..

    • @kirksmotorrad
      @kirksmotorrad  Месяц назад +1

      The Can am is a fun ride! BTW the guy riding the LT is 80! Although if you ask him he says he is 70/10

    • @parkland4530
      @parkland4530 Месяц назад

      @ Good for him Kirk, and thanks for the many videos that kept my LT on the road over the years. I’m 75.

  • @jamesmuller4232
    @jamesmuller4232 Месяц назад

    The LT Motor has a reputation for lasting forever, is the GT/GTL motor as long lasting? Thanks for your videos.

    • @kirksmotorrad
      @kirksmotorrad  Месяц назад

      Yes and yes. They will last at least as long!

  • @hugebear53
    @hugebear53 Месяц назад

    I tested a k1200lt after hitting a deer on my '08 GoldWing in 2015. If they gave me an LT, I'd sell it and buy an actual motorcycle. I couldn't wait to give it back to the dealer. Fortunately, I'd tested the K1600 with my wife the week before and she loved it more than the '08 Wing we were actually on our way to buy. The dealer gave us a great deal on a 2014 K1600GT ❤😍

    • @LTVoyager
      @LTVoyager Месяц назад +2

      I have 107,000 miles on my LT and have ridden about 5,000 miles on a GTL during three tours of Europe and the UK and have about 120 miles on an extended test ride of a 2018 GW right after the new model was released. Neither the GTL nor the GW hold a candle to the LT for two-up long distance travel. I keep wanting to buy a newer bike as my 2007 is getting long in the tooth, but nothing has the all around capability of the LT. The GTL has far more performance, but gives up a lot in wind and weather protection and comfort. And it is a much of a maintenance headache as is the LT. Similarly, the GW had much greater performance and had comparable wind protection (didn’t get a chance to test rain protection), but gives up fuel range, luggage capacity, seat comfort to name a few things.

    • @warrenmurchie6599
      @warrenmurchie6599 Месяц назад +2

      An actual motorcycle?? Thems fighting words mate.😛

    • @LTVoyager
      @LTVoyager Месяц назад +2

      @warrenmurchie6599 No reason to get worked up. There is no question a K1200LT requires a real man to handle it safely and successfully. Please don’t make fun of someone who isn’t able to do that. 😁

    • @warrenmurchie6599
      @warrenmurchie6599 Месяц назад

      @@LTVoyager ha ha good one. In case you haven't realized. I'm Wazza from the forum.

    • @hugebear53
      @hugebear53 Месяц назад

      @LTVoyager you're probably right. There's no way I could push that pig up every hill I encounter, or dig my heels in the ground deep enough to get it stopped going down that hill. Maybe it just needed maintenance, but it was without a doubt the second worst motorcycle I've ever ridden. I started on a Suzuki 2 cylinder 2 stoke in 1969 that terrified me. Wind and weather protection? From my wife "It's a motorcycle! I have a car for wind and weather protection" We put 85,000 miles on our Wing in the 6 years we had it, a lot of it pulling a tent trailer across Canada and the US.

  • @m.f.m.67
    @m.f.m.67 Месяц назад

    "My reverse is not operational..." $$$$$$$$$$ for a new module. At least you can do your own labor on the R&R.

    • @kirksmotorrad
      @kirksmotorrad  Месяц назад

      I have to take my bike in for a recall and they say the reverse should get fixed. I am hoping!

    • @m.f.m.67
      @m.f.m.67 Месяц назад

      @@kirksmotorrad Don't see how that's possible unless the reverse IS the recall. Let us know.

  • @ctjanney
    @ctjanney Месяц назад

    have an '05 K1200LT and I'm looking at a 2014 GTL, but I'm also looking at a 2018 K1600 All American. What are your thoughts on the All American?

    • @LTVoyager
      @LTVoyager Месяц назад

      Do you mean Grand America? I am not aware of an All American model unless it is very recent from BMW.

    • @m.f.m.67
      @m.f.m.67 Месяц назад +1

      Grand America=103 mph speed limiter. Don't do it unless you like a bike that weaves on the interstate like a drunken sailor.

    • @ctjanney
      @ctjanney Месяц назад

      Grand American, and wow! Great to know. So scratch that off my list, Santa.

    • @m.f.m.67
      @m.f.m.67 Месяц назад

      @@ctjanney Yes, the aero's on the GA and B (I owned a B for a few months) are all screwed up. Strangely enough, the GTL is much better than the GA in that regard, and thus has no limitations on the highway.

    • @LTVoyager
      @LTVoyager Месяц назад

      @ Yes, that is a major flaw as I always ride in excess of 100 MPH when touring with my wife.

  • @threehanded8853
    @threehanded8853 Месяц назад

    Reverse is not operational because the module overheats and fries itself - known issue.

    • @kirksmotorrad
      @kirksmotorrad  Месяц назад +1

      They claim they will fix it in the recall repair

  • @peterston4039
    @peterston4039 24 дня назад

    I miss Gerhard