2004 BMW K1200GT

To many motorcyclists, the Italian term gran turismo conjures images of a big powerful machine with substantial bodywork, fully laden, being effortlessly ridden from here to infinity.

For a number of years the GT motorcycle has been conspicuous by its lack of availability. Of course, standard tourers and their luxury variants have filled a surprising void extremely well. So, why has BMW decided to build a gran turismo? The answer is simple; there has always been a faction of serious motorcyclists that wanted a fully featured, agile touring machine powered by an under-stressed, large capacity four-cylinder engine.

The £10,995 BMW K1200 GT, a grand tourer for the 21st century, has arrived and features many of BMW's industry-leading innovations that have been introduced during the company's recent record breaking years.

A powerful and proven heritage

The K1200 GT is based on the ultra-modern, reliable and proven technology of the K1200 RS. The power plant is the biggest and most powerful motorcycle engine in BMW's history. The liquid-cooled, in-line, four-cylinder fuel-injected engine delivers a maximum output of 96kW (130 bhp) at only 5,500 rpm. Maximum torque has been increased by 10 per cent (over the previous model) and now develops 100 Nm (74 lb-ft) from 3,500 rpm, reaching its peak at 6,700 rpm where it is outputting 117 Nm (86 lb-ft).

Power delivery is controlled by the third generation of Digital Motor Electronics the Motronic MA 2.4. The sophisticated control system is the ideal way of implementing such important features as the reduction of fuel consumption and complying with future exhaust emission requirements. The oxygen sensor, catalyst surface coating and engine management have all been modified to reduce emissions to an even lower level than before.

The running gear clutch, six-speed gearbox and drive shaft all emanate from the K1200 RS and remain unmodified. However, the rear wheel now measures 5.5 inches and runs on a wide, size-180 tyre.

Defeating wind and weather

The GT's aerodynamic design retains the industry-leading characteristics of the RS, but to provide even better wind and weather protection the fairing now has a wider profile at the bottom. This directs the flow of air even more efficiently around the rider's legs. This profile section on the GT is finished in black (irrespective of model colour).

Two of the bodywork's most striking features are the integral hand protectors (finished in body colour) and a new, higher windscreen that is electrically and infinitely adjustable. The versatile and precise positioning of the screen is designed to cater for riders of differing stature and preference, and provide better deflection of the elements.

Ride, relax and stop

The Telelever, BMW's unique front end still remains the most significant development, for many decades, in front wheel suspension. With minimal dive under heavy braking the Telelever delivers impeccable tracking and sure, precise steering.

At the rear, BMW's equally unique Paralever ensures optimum guidance of the rear wheel and suspension. Acting as a double swingarm it substantially reduces the change of load response of the drive shaft thereby enabling optimum tracking of the rear wheel at all times.

While the anti-dive but compliant characteristics of the suspension guarantee good road holding on any surface, and superb handling, they also transmit a high degree of comfort for rider and passenger during braking. The ability to relax is further improved by many ergonomic features that are now commonplace on most BMW motorcycles. The following items are adjustable on the K1200 GT: rear suspension, seat, screen, footrests, gearshift lever, clutch and front brake levers.

The front wheel incorporates BMW's new and innovative EVO front wheel brake which is used in conjunction with a semi-integrated version of Integral ABS. This derivative of BMW's third generation anti-lock braking system allows experienced users more control of the rear brake. Applying the front brake lever causes the electro servo power distribution to act on both front and rear wheel brakes simultaneously, proportionally and load specifically split. However, sole use of the foot brake lever acts only on the rear wheel brake. ABS works simultaneously and integral to both brakes in operation.

EVO servo-powered braking requires approximately half the manual pressure to achieve the same stopping power as a conventional system. Braking is further improved by equipping the K1200 GT with two large front discs and sintered brake pads. This combination produces an increase in potential braking forces of between 15 and 20 per cent. The EVO front brake is a significant advance in motorcycle brake technology and is fitted as standard to the K1200 GT making it, arguably, the safest touring motorcycle available.

Pack up and go

Fitted as standard equipment are luggage rack and supports, cases and covers that are all finished in the model's body colour. BMW's usual after-market options allow a choice of tank bag or soft rear top bag to be attached as supplementary to the standard luggage system.

Other important optional accessories and special equipment include heated grips and heated seat (available straight from the factory), cruise control, and a lower seat (also available with heating).

The K1200 GT can be ordered in either of two colours: Orient blue metallic or Grey green metallic. In either case the seat is black and the front and rear indicators are finished in white.

Customers can call BMW's information line: 0800 777 155

Specifications for BMW K1200 GT.

• Cubic capacity - 1171 cc
• Bore/stroke - 70.5/75 mm
• Max output (kW/bhp) - 96/130 at rpm 8750
• Max torque (Nm) - 117 at 6750 rpm
• Design - In-line
• No of cylinders - 4
• Compression ratio/fuel grade - 11.5/premium
• Valve control - DOHC
• Valves per cylinder - 4
• Intake/outlet dia - 26.5/23 mm
• Fuel supply - Motronic MA 2.4
• Alternator - 840w
• Battery - 12/19 V/Ah
• Headlight - H 7/55 W, H 3/55 W
• Starter - 0.7kw
• Gearbox - 6-speed gearbox
• Gear ratios - 1 - 2.045, 2 - 1.6, 3 - 1.267, 4 - 1.038, 5 - 0.9, 6 - 0.82
• Rear-wheel drive - BMW Paralever
• Clutch - Single-plate dry clutch dia 180 mm
• Type of frame - Cast aluminium frame
• Spring travel front/rear - 115/150mm
• Wheel castor - 124mm
• Wheelbase - 1555,,
• Steering assembly angle - 62.8°
• Brakes - front, Dual-disc brake, dia 320 mm, rear, Single-disc brake, dia 285 mm
• Wheels, Light-alloy - front, 3.50 x 17 MTH 2, rear, 5.00 x 17 MTH 2
• Tyres, front -120/70 - ZR 17, rear - 180/55 - ZR 17
• Length - 2,250mm
• Width with mirrors - 920mm
• Handlebar width - 715mm
• Seat height - 790/820mm
• Weight, unladen, with full fuel tank - 285kg/
• Max permissible weight - 500kg
• Fuel tank - 20.5 ltr
• Fuel consumption - 90 km/h (56 mph) - ltr/100 km, 120 km/h (75 mph) - ltr/100 km
• Acceleration - 0-100 km/h (62 mph) - 3.7 sec
• Top speed - 245 km/h
• Price OTR - £10,995
• Colour options - Oriental blue metallic, Grey green metallic