BMW has been busy this year! They have also just announced the K 1200 GT, a sport-touring version of theK 1200 S super-sport bike. The motorcycle has a larger fairing and small saddlebags and it looks like a fun ride. More information will be posted when available.
UPDATE: July 2007 – The BMW K 1200 GT has been named one of the top ten motorcycles for 2006 by editors of Cycle World magazine.
At the 31st Annual Cycle World Ten Best Bikes awards dinner held this month, the BMW K 1200 GT received the magazine’s award for Best Sport-Touring Bike.
This is the category for motorcycles designed to combine the best elements of sport riding and touring, covering long distances over multiple days.
“We are honored to have earned another spot on Cycle World’s coveted top ten list,” commented Arturo Pineiro, Vice President, BMW Motorrad USA. “This is the 13th year BMW has been chosen for a top ten award.”
Features and Technical Highlights
Introducing the new K 1200 GT, BMW Motorrad is strengthening its worldwide market leadership in the touring segment and gaining an even greater lead in the market.
Following the success of the former model bearing the same name, the new K 1200 GT opens up new dimensions in riding dynamics and long-distance qualities, once again proving the outstanding skills and competence of the white-and-blue marque.
A special feature of the K 1200 GT is that this new machine does not require the slightest compromise, but rather overcomes the apparent contradiction between superior sportiness and a high standard of touring comfort.
BMW’s new top-end motorcycle combines maximum agility and dynamic performance with an ideal package for long trips and pleasant journeys. To reach this objective, the development engineers at BMW Motorrad have carried over the trendsetting running gear and engine technology of the former K 1200 S and K 1200 R straight into this new sporting tourer.
The innovative wheel guidance systems – the BMW Duolever at the front and the EVO-Paralever at the rear – make a very significant contribution to the excellent and highly dynamic riding characteristics of the K 1200 GT.
Drive power comes from the cutting-edge straight-four engine in transverse arrangement, developing maximum output in the GT version of 152 hp (112 kW) and thus currently setting the benchmark in the touring segment.
Not one single competitor in the market offers the same standard of dynamic performance as the new K 1200 GT. A comparison with the previous model clearly proves the huge step taken by BMW Motorrad with this new machine: The K 1200 GT is more powerful (maximum output up by 17%), develops more torque (up by 11%), offers a higher theoretical cruising range (up by 17%), and at the same time is lighter (down by 6%), but is nevertheless able to carry a higher load (up by 19%).
It goes without saying that the new GT has all the features you can rightly expect of a BMW touring machine. In particular, it is just perfect for riding with a passenger and covering long distances in comfort and style. Maximum riding comfort is indeed ensured by excellent protection from wind and weather, the electrically adjustable windscreen, perfect ergonomic design of the rider’s seat thanks to flexible height adjustment of the seat itself and the handlebar, as well as side cases featured as standard.
Last but certainly not least, the K 1200 GT also meets the greatest demands in terms of environmental compatibility and safety. Apart from a fully controlled three-way catalytic converter, the high-performance EVO brake system with semi-integral ABS anti-lock brakes and an electronic immobiliser are among the features naturally offered by this sophisticated new tourer as standard equipment.
Given all these qualities and its consistency through-and-through, the new K 1200 GT is able to meet even the high standard of comfort so important to the passionate touring rider, at the same time making the sporting heart of the dyed-in-the-wool motorcycle enthusiast truly skip a beat. The “GT” abbreviation for Gran Turismo, therefore, describes this BMW sports tourer even more appropriately than ever before.
The new K 1200 GT is available in three standard colors to be combined with two contrasting colors on the side covers and the seat, thus interpreting the unique character of this Gran Turismo in various different ways.
As usual, BMW Motorrad also offers a wide range of optional extras and special equipment tailored to the new machine and leaving nothing to be desired. Apart from comfort-oriented features for traveling in style, the customer has the choice, to mention just a few examples, of Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA), an on-board computer, a xenon headlight, cruise control, or the BMW Navigator.
The most important features of the new K 1200 GT in a nutshell:
– Front-mounted straight-four power unit, cylinders inclined to an angle of 55°
– 1,157 cc, 112 kW/152 hp at 9,500 rpm, 130 Nm/96 lb-ft) at 7,750 rpm
– Duolever suspension at the front
– Paralever suspension at the rear
– BMW Motorrad Integral ABS, semi-integral version
– On-board electronics with CAN-bus technology
– Electronic immobiliser
– Brake pad wear indicator
– Seat and handlebar adjustable
– Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA, optional)
– Aerodynamically optimised full fairing
– Electrically adjustable windscreen
The most important technical distinctions improving the new K 1200 GT over its predecessor:
– Increase in maximum power (+ 17%)
– Higher maximum torque (+ 11%)
– Decrease in unladen weight (- 6%)
– Higher load (+ 19%)
– Larger tank (+ 17%)
– Longer theoretical cruising range (+ 17%)
Engine
The K1200GT engine is a high-performance straight-four second-generation power unit. The new K 1200 GT is powered by the same engine that has already hit the headlines in the K 1200 S and K 1200 R.
Now the GT version of this highly advanced power unit offers maximum output of 152hp (112 kW) at 9,500 rpm and peak torque of 96 lb-ft (130 Newton-meters) at 7,750 rpm. These performance figures alone bear clear testimony to the outstanding dynamic potential of BMW’s new model currently ranking right at the top in the sports tourer segment in terms of engine power.
The plateau-like torque curve with more than 75 per cent of the engine’s maximum torque available from just 3,000 rpm clearly proves that the K 1200 GT offers superior acceleration and pulling force, definitely living up to its name as a Gran Turismo.
Dry sump lubrication and the position of the compact power unit with its cylinder bank tilted 55° to the front have enabled the engineers at BMW Motorrad to move the centre of gravity as far down as possible.
This optimum centre of gravity offers the best of two worlds, providing the appropriate load on the front wheel and at the same time ensuring the handling of a genuine sports machine. For a detailed description of the technical details, please see the details of the BMW K 1200 S.
Transmission
The six-speed gearbox of the BMW Motorrad K Series is both light and compact, and is conveniently integrated into the engine housing.Particular features of the gearbox are its smooth gearshift enabling the rider to shift gears quickly and precisely, with shift travel reduced to a minimum.
Duolever Front Suspension
Like the other K-models, the new Duolever front-wheel suspension ensures superior precision and accurate tracking at all times, combined with supreme suspension comfort. The entire structure offers optimum torsional stiffness and is designed for light and agile handling. With resistance forces kept to a minimum, the suspension responds smoothly and precisely even to the smallest bumps on the road.
The kinematic configuration of Duolever suspension, finally, offers brake dive compensation remaining virtually unchanged throughout the suspension’s entire spring travel. In terms of running gear and suspension qualities, therefore, the new K 1200 GT offers an ideal combination of riding comfort also on long tours and superior sportiness with a strong touch of dynamic performance.
Rear-wheel Paralever Suspension and Optional Electronic Suspension Adjustment
Developed by BMW Motorrad, the Paralever has proven for years that power transmission and rear wheel suspension can be combined with one another most efficiently. The latest Paralever is an ultra-firm lightweight construction with the spring strut connected to the rear wheel mount by a progressive
pivot link.
This not only offers significant advantages in terms of response and the progressive damping effect, but also reduces unsprung masses, minimizes load change response, offers more ground clearance, and looks highly attractive in its filigree design. In all, therefore, the Paralever is a perfect match for the concept and philosophy of the new K 1200 GT.
The K 1200 GT is available as an optional extra with BMW Motorrad’s unique Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA), allowing the rider to adjust the spring/damper setting individually simply by pressing a button on the handlebar.
Brakes
The new K 1200 GT proudly features BMW’s proven EVO brake system with Integral ABS and brake pad wear indicator, which is also found in the other K- and R-Series models. With brake disc diameter
of 320 millimetres (12.6´´) at the front and 294 millimetres (11.6´´) at the rear, the EVO brake system is perfectly equipped to ensure superior deceleration even from high speeds with the motorcycle carrying maximum load.
The steel flex brake lines fitted as standard not only look good, but also help to provide a consistent pressure point.
Yet another standard feature is BMW Motorrad Integral ABS in its semi-integral version. On this system the rider activates the front and rear wheel brakes via the handbrake lever, while the footbrake lever acts only on the rear wheel brake – exactly the right configuration for riding in sporting style.
The new K 1200 GT also comes as an innovation with yet another safety and comfort feature fitted as standard: a brake pad wear indicator (warning indicator) telling the rider when the brake pads have been worn down to the limit and need to be renewed.
Single-Wire System (SWS) With CAN-bus Technology
It is only natural for a modern BMW motorcycle to feature a modern data bus network connecting all of the machine’s electrical and electronic components, with digital information now being transmitted through one single wire. Indeed, the single-wire system dramatically simplifies the entire system of on-board electrics, reduces the need for cables and connectors, and makes the system significantly lighter.
A further essential point is that only this technology is able to provide reliable, comprehensive and quick troubleshooting and diagnostic functions. It also enables the Service Technician to read out data and/or redefine specific parameters. And last but not least, the single-wire system with CAN-bus technology allows the simple addition of electronic accessories broadening the motorcycle’s wide range of functions.
Electronic Immobiliser
To make sure that only the rightful owner is able to enjoy the new K 1200 GT on the road, an electronic immobiliser comes as standard (and is also integrated in the data bus network just described). Like on a modern car, the ignition key incorporates a coded data chip communicating via a transponder in the ignition lock with the electronic engine management. So both ignition and fuel supply are only activated when the data exchanged corresponds as required, allowing the rider to start the engine.
Dashboard
The extra-large display right in the middle of the cockpit serves as the interface between man and machine. This is where the rider can check all data relevant to riding conditions and the use of his motorcycle. The system presents your overall mileage, trip mileage, the time of day, coolant temperature, the gear currently in mesh, the fuel level, and the mileage you can still cover when reaching the fuel reserve left in the tank.
The connoisseur choosing the optional ESA suspension adjustment or the TPC Tire Pressure Control system, in turn, can go even further, checking out the current set-up of the suspension and air pressure in the tyres. Even the on-board computer available as an optional extra uses the Info-Flatscreen to present its functions, illumination of the instrument being controlled automatically by a light-sensitive photoelectric cell.
Styling
The striking, aerodynamically optimized full fairing on the new K 1200 GT is unusually lean and slender for a tourer. Keeping the drag coefficient to a minimum, the fairing guarantees optimum riding stability at high speeds on the road. And despite its sporting look, the light and stable fairing, benefiting
from aerodynamic refinement, offers excellent protection from wind and weather improved to an even higher standard over the previous model.
The front end of the fairing is made up of two plastic shells and the load-bearing headlight unit. With all fairing components being easy to remove and fit back in position, maintenance and service is easy and convenient at all times.
Focusing on the shape and design of the windscreen, the designers and aerodynamicists at BMW Motorrad have created an ideal combination of maximum protection from wind and weather, on the one hand, and minimum dimensions, on the other. Carefully controlling the flow of air on the side contours, the windscreen guides the wind and air rushing by smoothly around the rider, reducing the loads acting on his head and upper body significantly even at high speeds.
A further advantage is that the light windscreen adjusts infinitely by electrical control over a range of 100 millimeters or 3.94″. All the rider has to do is press a button on the left-hand handlebar to set the windscreen to his desired position. A higher windscreen (+ 60 mm/2.4″) is available as special equipment, ensuring that virtually every rider, no matter how tall or how short, is able to adjust the windscreen perfectly to his requirements by choosing the right model and adjustment options.
Saddle
To ensure maximum riding comfort and freedom of movement, the specialists at BMW Motorrad have once again concentrated on the step arch length criterion in designing the seat.
This is the distance measured between the rider’s two footprints across the inner length of his legs and around the seat, taking both the shape and the width of the seat into account. So clearly, the rider benefits from the slender line of both the frame and the body of the K 1200 GT.
To provide these advantages, the seat has an extremely slender waistline exactly where the rider sits, enabling him to easily reach the ground and offering a very comfortable knee angle. And to provide the final touch of perfection, the standard seat can be set to a height of either 820 or 840 millimeters (32.3 or 33.1″). A lower seat is available as an alternative for the not-so-tall rider (optional, with minimum seat height of 800 mm/31.5″).
The “ergonomic triangle” made up of the footrests, the seat itself and the handlebar offers maximum freedom of movement both for sports riding and in touring, at the same time allowing the rider to cruise in relaxed style without fatigue. The passenger, finally, also enjoys the unusual seat comfort offered by a BMW.
Handlebars
To ensure that the handlebar can also be adjusted to riders of various height with their own seating preferences and different styles of riding, the handlebar is adjustable to four different levels, moving towards the upper body of the rider when required by a maximum of 40 millimetres or almost 1.6″. Again, this ensures an ideal posture under all conditions, with simple, manual adjustment for height by means of teeth and bolt clamps.
Colors
The new K 1200 GT offers a perfect symbiosis of touring comfort and sporting performance – features also reflected by the design of the machine with its flowing lines and clear, striking surfaces and shapes. Self-confident, forward-urging lines clearly visible even at a standstill emphasize the dynamic character of the new K 1200 GT. And the machine’s slender proportions all round, combined with the very compact engine cover, again point clearly towards the sporting and dynamic DNA of the new GT.
Seen from the front, the K 1200 GT also looks good right from the start: The windscreen and hand protectors are compact and discreet in design, the strikingly chiseled headlight stands out as a dynamic highlight typical of the brand.
The three main colors for the body of the K 1200 GT – Dark Graphite Metallic, Deep Blue Metallic, and Crystal Grey Metallic – form a perfect combination with the two colors available for the side covers (on the tank and below the seat) as well as the seat itself. This colour concept clearly accentuates the special character of the K 1200 GT, with different interpretations depending on the colors chosen.
Elegant Dark Graphite Metallic combined in standard trim with lighter, Granite Grey side covers and a Grey seat, gives BMW’s new tourer a most sophisticated look and at the same time emphasizes its sporting understatement.
Paintwork in Deep Blue Metallic combined with dark, slate-colored side covers and a black seat, exudes a touch of superior elegance and gives the machine a particularly luxurious look.
Crystal Grey Metallic with the seat in Black and Slate-colored side covers, finally, highlights the modern and innovative design of the new K 1200 GT. In this bright and very metallic colour scheme, the GT looks extra-light and agile, at the same time offering a special touch of extravagance.
With alternative combinations of the main colour and the colour chosen for the seat and side covers, the customer has every option to personalize the K 1200 GT to his individual wishes. Colour combinations with greater contrasts focus more on dynamic performance, underlying the differences between the rider’s area and the body of the machine.
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