BMW K 1200 GT

If you're one of those people who like their creature comforts but sees no reason why you should put up with dud performance, BMW may have just the thing for you.

The K1200 GT is the second bike to carry that designation - the first used the old along-the-frame four and I must admit left me a little cold. It was down on cornering clearance and was generally a long and heavy thing to handle. So maybe I was being unfair when approaching the new chap with fairly low expectations.

I've thoroughly enjoyed riding the K1200 S and R -m both seriously quick motorcycles - but was wondering what would happen in GT guise. The fears turned out to be completely unjustified, as Bimm has managed to retain the lively nature of the engine, but wrap it in a more touring-oriented package.

The basics
The basics of the package include BMW's new generation across-the-frame four, which claims a healthy 150-plus horses in this state of tune. The company deserves to be blessed for not detuning the engine too far (it claims over 160 horses in sports guise) just because if was going into a GT. 

On paper, the powerplant is fairly conventional: four valves per pot, fuel injected, mated to a six-speed gearbox and shaft final drive.

That lot is held together by a somewhat unusual two-sided alloy bridge, with the company's unique front and rear suspension systems hanging off either end. The front is a Hossack style set-up, while the rear is a single-side, double-jointed swingarm. The demo bike ran the company's push-button ESA suspension adjustment.

Braking is via twin four-pot callipers up front, working floating discs, plus a two-piston calliper on the rear.

The set-up is power assisted and has anti-lock.

In the saddle
While BMW typically carries fairly high pricing, you do get a very long list of features included in the deal. In this case (which is an up-spec version) we have electric screen, electronic cruise control, panniers, luggage rack, heated grips and seats, adjustable rider seat height, multiple trip meters and trip computer, anti-lock brakes...the list goes on. You really are pampered on this bike.

 Bimm knows how to build for comfort, and this machine is roomy with (thanks to the optional ESA suspension adjustment) a good range of suspension settings varying from cruising settings through to performance. Add a topbox with a pillion backrest (which is available in two sizes) and you have a very capable long distance two-up bike. Having cruise control is a huge benefit for anyone planning long trips.

The electric screen has a very useful range and, at 190cm tall, I was pleasantly surprised that it even worked for me - providing, in conjunction with the fairing, fairly comprehensive head-to-toe weather protection.

Performance is stunning and will roast anything else in the class. The engine is sharp off the bottom - but likes a few revs to get rolling - and has a monster of a midrange. Top end is more than ample.

Geabox action is a little clunky. It's accurate and the shaft is smooth, but the changes can take a little practice to get right.

 The unique front end can take a little getting used to, particularly as it doesn't have the same dive and feel as a conventional fork. However you do eventually learn to 'read' it - the messages are there, but are different.

Something it can do is hold a very steady attitude under heavy braking, which is particularly useful when on unfamiliar roads.

Its ESA offers plenty of adjustment and the suspension performance overall was hard to fault. If you are really pressing on, the overall set-up does not have the feel or nimbleness to pretend it's a sport bike. But then again it's going to take a damn good sport bike rider to get away from it, as there is no shortage of acceleration on tap. Cornering clearance is surprisingly good.

Fuel economy is good - about 17km/lt, which means you have a long way to go on the 24 litre tank, before the trip computer starts to get anxious. The distance to empty read-out is a handy feature.

All up
This bike turned out to be a pleasant surprise and I was genuinely reluctant to give it back. It's a seriously quick and comfortable toy, but is manageable enough to be useable around town, despite its 250 kilo dry weight. With a starting price of $29,500 (plus whatever spec you add), it's not cheap. But it's one of those machines that is so good at what it does that you'd quickly forget about the cost.