Morning Reads: 5 March 2007

[mika]

The motorcycling world viewed from the saddle of a BMW. A daily look at all things BMW, Euro-bike, products and things I find interesting on the internet. With links to news, reviews, events, riding skills, maintenance and racing series updates. Morning Reads is a one stop shop for motorcycling information.

TodayÔÇÖs Birthdays / Calendar

Dear Readers;

I began posting Morning Reads to do two things; cut down on the number of my posts and to have some fun. I have not always managed the former but have had fun. Now posting this thread is taking on an additional role of providing a much needed distraction.

My mother is entering the end stages of her time in hospice. I am taking the overnight sitting duties for her care until she rallies or dies. Because of this Morning Reads will continue in a modified form. I do not have internet access but will be pulling things to work with. I will be posting morning reads in a different form, at different times and poradically for the near future.

Mika

News:

http://londonbikers.com/story/dd409e0a-e69d-473e-8bc0-a27ea2efe590]londonbikekers.com[/url] ÔÇô on the English launch of the new K12 RSport

webBikeWorld.com URBAN Helmets N350 Moto ÔÇô review.

Woot

Todays Woot

The Blog

Over Heard in New York | Voice of the City

Today a look at the K 1200GT.

Since its introduction I have begun to like the K 1200 GT a bit more. My preference remains for the more organic lines of the previous K line and in particular the K GT. The fairing of the new GT has much to recommend it from the riderÔÇÖs perspective. For the near future I will not be a rider but a viewer of pictures and from the perspective of a fellow rider. From this view I still find something lacking. My initial reactions to the new GT were negative. I believe I suggested the bike reminded me of the Honda Pacific Coast redone as a slab sided scow.

I hold out hope for the GT. The BMW car line is being re-sculptured at the direction of management. The coming car lines will be more flowing and organic in nature. This feeds hope that once the car line is done it will be time for an updated GT.
.
No matter what you think of the look there is a lot of bike sitting on two wheels. This assessment of the GT was confirmed when the new GT was picked by Cycle World as the top sport tourer in their 31st Top Ten competition.

I have included the press kit information for the GTs 2006 release and the press notice for the Cycle World award. Check the national BMW sites for more model information.
BMW-motorrad.ca - Canada

BMWmotorcycles.com - USA


BMW K 1200 GT

The K 1200 GT is the successor to the existing K 1200 GT and is based on the innovative engine technology of the K 1200 S and K 1200 R. The second generation of the GT offers top-class driving dynamics, a key feature here being the fact that the engine is designed for particularly high torque. This makes for supreme performance figures and maximum agility: the performance of the sports touring bike will be over 110 kW/150 bhp.

Likewise, the chassis components leave nothing to be desired. The K 1200 GT has the same technical basis as the K 1200 S and offers customers Duolever front wheel control, the Paralever for rear wheel control and the electrically adjustable suspension strut (ESA) as an optional extra. The GT deserves the name ÔÇ£Gran TurismoÔÇØ like no other. Its standard features include an adjustable seat and handlebars. The windshield can be electronically adjusted to suit individual preferences. Other equipment features are the pannier system and the BMW Motorrad Integral ABS in the part integral version. BMW Motorrad also provides a tailor-made range of special equipment and accessories.

The new K 1200 GT offers perfect wind and weather protection and is the optimum riding machine for tours and long distances. Nevertheless it is surprisingly narrow and very elegant in appearance.

1. Features and Technical Highlights.

Introducing the new K 1200 GT, BMW Motorrad is strengthening its worldwide market leadership in the tourer 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. In a nutshell, therefore, BMWÔÇÖs new top-end motor?¼cycle 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 technol?¼ogy of the former K 1200 S and K 1200 R straight into this new sport?¼ing tourer. The innovative wheel guidance systems ÔÇô the BMW Duo?¼lever at the front and the EVO-Paralever at the rear ÔÇô make a very sig?¼nificant 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 ver?¼sion of 112 kW/152 hp and thus currently setting the benchmark in the tourer 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 per?¼fect for riding
with a passenger and covering long distances in com?¼fort and style. Maximum
riding comfort is indeed ensured by excel?¼lent protection from wind and weather, the electrically adjustable windscreen, perfect ergonomic design of the riderÔÇÖs 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 de?¼mands in terms of environmental compatibility and safety. Apart from a fully controlled three-way catalytic converter, the high-per?¼formance 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 ÔÇ£GTÔÇØ 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 colours to be com?¼bined with two contrasting colours 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 fea?¼tures for travelling 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:
ÔÇó Front-mounted straight-four power unit, cylinders inclined to an angle of 55??
ÔÇó 1,157 cc, 112 kW/152 hp at 9,500 rpm, 130 Nm/96 lb-ft) at 7,750 rpm
ÔÇó Duolever suspension at the front
ÔÇó Paralever suspension at the rear
ÔÇó BMW Motorrad Integral ABS, semi-integral version
ÔÇó On-board electronics with CAN-bus technology
ÔÇó Electronic immobiliser
ÔÇó Brake pad wear indicator
ÔÇó Seat and handlebar adjustable
ÔÇó Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA, optional)
ÔÇó Aerodynamically optimised full fairing
ÔÇó Electrically adjustable windscreen

The most important technical distinctions improving the
new K 1200 GT over its predecessor:
ÔÇó Increase in maximum power (+ 17%)
ÔÇó Higher maximum torque (+ 11%)
ÔÇó Decrease in unladen weight (ÔÇô 6%)
ÔÇó Higher load (+ 19%)
ÔÇó Larger tank (+ 17%)
ÔÇó Longer theoretical cruising range (+ 17%)

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 112 kW/152 hp at 9,500 rpm and peak torque of 130 Newton-metres or 96 lb-ft at 7,750 rpm. These performance figures alone bear clear testi?¼mony to the outstanding dynamic potential of BMWÔÇÖs new model cur?¼rently 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 engineÔÇÖs 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, pro?¼vid?¼ing the appropriate load on the front wheel and at the same time en?¼suring the handling of a genuine sports machine. For a detailed de?¼scription of the technical details, please see the press pack on the K 1200 S.

Six-speed manual gearbox.
The six-speed gearbox of the BMW Motorrad K Series is both light and compact, and is conveniently integrated into the engine housing.
Particular fortes 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 wheel suspension.
Like the other K-models, the new Duolever front-wheel suspension ensures superior precision and accurate tracking at all times, com?¼bined with supreme suspension comfort. The entire structure offers optimum torsional stiffness and is designed for light and agile handl?¼ing. With resistance forces kept to a minimum, the suspension re?¼sponds 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 suspensionÔÇÖs 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 sporti?¼ness with a strong touch of dynamic performance.

Rear-wheel Paralever suspension and optional ESA.
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 light?¼?¼weight 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 Para?¼lever 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 MotorradÔÇÖs
unique Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA) allowing the rider to adjust the spring/damper setting individually simply by pressing a button on the handlebar.

EVO brake system with Integral ABS and brake pad wear indicator.
The new K 1200 GT proudly features BMWÔÇÖs proven EVO brake sys?¼tem also to be found in the other K- and R-Series models. With brake disc diameter of 320 millimeters (12.6????) at the front and 294 millimeters (11.6????) at the rear, the EVO brake system is perfectly equip?¼ped 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 ÔÇô 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 in?¼di?¼cator (warning indicator) telling the rider when the brake pads have been worn down to the limit
and need to be revewed.

 

[mika]

Single-wire system (SWS) with CAN-bus technology.
It is only natural for a modern BMW motorcycle to feature a modern databus network connecting all of the machineÔÇÖs electrical and el?¼ec?¼tronic components, with digital information now being trans?¼mitted 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 motorcycleÔÇÖs 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 databus network just described). Like on a modern car, the ignition key incorporates a coded data chip com?¼municating via a transponder in the ignition lock with the electronic engine management. So both ignition and fuel supply are only acti?¼vated when the data exchanged corresponds as required, allowing the rider to start the engine.

Info-Flatscreen.
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 motor?¼cycle. 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 re?¼serve left in the tank.
The connoisseur choosing the optional ESA suspension adjustment or the TPC Tyre 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 photo?¼electric cell.

Sporting and lean body.
The striking, aerodynamically optimised 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, of?¼fers 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.

Electrically adjustable windscreen.
Focusing on the shape and design of the windscreen, the designers and aerodynamicists at BMW Motorrad have created an ideal com?¼bination 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 millimetres or 3.94????. All the rider has to do is
press a button on the left-hand handlebar to set the wind?¼screen 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 per?¼fectly to his requirements by choosing the right model and adjust?¼ment options.

Seat designed for all ergonomic requirements.
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 riderÔÇÖs 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 waist?¼line 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 millimetres (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 ÔÇ£ergonomic triangleÔÇØ 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.

Handlebar adjustable for height.
To ensure that the handlebar can also be adjusted to riders of various height with their own seating preferences and different styles of rid?¼ing, the handlebar is adjustable to four different levels, moving to?¼wards the upper body of the rider when required by a maximum of 40 millimetres or almost 1.6????. Again, this ensures an ideal po?¼sture under all conditions, with simple, manual adjustment for height by means of teeth and bolt clamps.

Design and colour concept.
The new K 1200 GT offers a perfect symbiosis of touring comfort and sporting performance ÔÇô 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 emphasise the dynamic character of the new K 1200 GT. And the ma?¼chineÔÇÖs slender proportions all round, combined with the very com?¼pact engine cover, again point clearly towards the sporting and dy?¼nam?¼ic 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 chiselled headlight stands out as a dynamic highlight typical of the brand.

The three main colours for the body of the K 1200 GT ÔÇô Dark Graphite Metallic, Deep Blue Metallic, and Crystal Grey Metallic ÔÇô form a per?¼fect combination with the two colours 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 colours chosen.

Elegant Dark Graphite Metallic combined in standard trim with lighter, Granite Grey side covers and a Grey seat, gives BMWÔÇÖs new tourer a most sophisticated look and at the same time emphasises its sporting understatement.

Paintwork in Deep Blue Metallic combined with dark, slate-coloured 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-coloured 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 personalise the K 1200 GT to his individual wishes. Colour combi?¼na?¼tions with greater contrasts focus more on dynamic performance, underlying the differences between the riderÔÇÖs area and the body of the machine.

2. Range of Equipment.

Optional extras and special equipment.
A genuine Gran Turismo, the new K 1200 GT offers an ideal blend of
sporting performance and touring comfort even in standard trim. And as usual,
BMW Motorrad provides a wide range of optional extras and special equipment perfectly tailored to this new model.

Many of these features will thrill the demanding long-distance rider looking for maximum comfort on his journeys. At the same time the enthusiast with a penchant for innovative technologies will find nu?¼me?¼rous functional options ranging from an on-board computer all the way to a xenon headlight adding to the personal touch of this unique sports tourer. A genuine highlight is Electronic Suspension Adjust?¼ment (ESA) already mentioned, allowing simple and individual ad?¼just?¼ment of the suspension and running gear under all kinds of con?¼ditions.

Introducing the K 1200 GT, BMW Motorrad is for the first time offering special combinations of equipment options. Details on these Equip?¼ment Packages tailored to different requirements are presented in the pricelists. And obviously the customer can order additional fea?¼tures over and above these Packages or, as usual, focusing just on in?¼dividual items of his choice.

Optional extras and Equipment Packages are delivered straight from the factory, special equipment may also be fitted subsequently by the customerÔÇÖs local BMW Motorcycle Dealer.

Optional extras.
ÔÇó Windscreen, high
ÔÇó On-board computer including oil level warning unit
ÔÇó RiderÔÇÖs seat, low (800ÔÇô820 mm/31.5ÔÇô32.3????)
ÔÇó Electronic Suspension Adjustment ESA
ÔÇó Anti-theft warning system DWA
ÔÇó Heated handles (with automatic adjustment of heating function on models also equipped with an on-board computer [not applicable to the US market])
ÔÇó Xenon headlight
ÔÇó TPC Tire Pressure Control (scheduled for autumn 2006)
ÔÇó Seat heating
ÔÇó Cruise control
ÔÇó Seat in Grey or Black
ÔÇó Color variants for the tank and side covers

Windscreen, high.
Choosing the new K 1200 GT, even the tall rider need not forego ade?¼quate protection from wind and weather. And precisely this kind of protection is offered by the windscreen 60 millimeters or almost 2.4???? higher than usual, with infinite electrical adjustment just like the stand?¼ard windscreen.

 

[mika]

On-board computer including oil level warning system.
A particularly practical companion both on journeys and sporting ex?¼cursions is the optional on-board computer enhancing the wide range of functions already offered by the Info-Flatscreen fitted as standard. Pressing a button at the right end of the handlebar, the rider can call up all kinds of information presented clearly on the display ÔÇô for example the range remaining on the fuel in the tank, his average speed, average fuel consumption, and ambient temperature. The on-board computer warns the rider whenever the oil level drops below the minimum point and informs him of the risk of black ice as soon as the outer temperature drops to 3 ??C (37.5 ??F) or below.

RiderÔÇÖs seat, low.
To offer the shorter rider an even more convenient and better expe?¼ri?¼ence on the K 1200 GT, BMW Motorrad as usual is able to deliver this new model with a lower seat: Seat height is down by 20 millimetres or 0.79???? versus the standard seat, offering two height levels at 800 or 820 millimetres (31.5 or 32.3????). This gives the rider a step arch length of 1,760 or, respectively, 1,800 millimetres (69.3 or 70.9????).

Electronic Suspension Adjustment ESA.
As an option, the rider is able to adjust the suspension set-up of his K 1200 GT smoothly and conveniently simply by touching a button on the handlebar, optional ESA Electronic Suspension Adjustment set?¼ting the spring base and damping smoothly, conveniently and in?¼stan?¼t?¼a?¼neously by means of an electric motor.

Using the system is very easy: Once the rider has pre-selected the load the motorcycle will be carrying (solo, solo with luggage, pas?¼sen?¼ger and luggage), setting the spring base accordingly, he then enters his planned style of riding (Comfort, Normal, Sports). Taking in this data, the systemÔÇÖs electronic management determines the most ap?¼propriate, timum damper rates, offering the rider an overall choice of nine different settings and even enabling him to vary the damper setting while riding.


The options available as well as the current set-up are presented on the Info-Flatscreen. ESA Electronic Suspension Adjustment ensures a high standard of comfort and convenience, prevents false settings, and guarantees perfect adjustment of the spring elements to the riderÔÇÖs style of riding and load conditions. Ultimately, therefore, Electronic Suspension Ad?¼justment makes an important contribution to riding safety on the road.

Anti-theft warning system.
With the new K 1200 GT obviously being highly desirable to other motorcycle enthusiasts too, it is important for the owner to protect his machine from the risk of theft. So the anti-theft warning system responds immediately to any change in the position of the motor?¼cy?¼cle, vibration or attempted manipulation of the electrics by triggering both an optical and an acoustic alarm. The system is activated/de-activated both by the key to the ignition and the remote control in?¼cluded in the anti-theft warning function.

Heated handles and seat heating.
The rider and passenger are perfectly prepared even for bad weather or trips to cold regions on the K 1200 GT equipped with heated handles and/or seat heating. These options keep the riderÔÇÖs hands warm and agile down to his fingertips, the heated handles interacting with the optional on-board computer to automatically adjust the level of heat in Position 1 as a function of ambient temperature. In Position 2 the system consistently provides maximum heat to quickly warm up the riderÔÇÖs hands and/or protect him from extreme cold.

The optionally available seat heating operates in two stages, with se?¼parate control of the riderÔÇÖs and passengerÔÇÖs seats. The function acti?¼vated is then presented on the Info-Flatscreen.

Xenon headlight.
The K 1200 GT is available as an option straight from the factory with a xenon headlight system complete with a free-form reflector replac?¼ing the standard halogen low beam. This special reflector developed specifically for use on a motorcycle features a cylindrical beam focus preventing any undesired light scatter or dazzling effect. With the systemÔÇÖs light output being roughly twice that of a conventional halo?¼gen bulb, illumination of the road ahead in the dark or in poor visibility is significantly better and more consistent. And since the spectrum of xenon light is very similar to that of natural daylight, there is much less strain on the riderÔÇÖs eyes.

The bottom line, therefore, is that the rider is able to detect potential hazards more quickly and is perceived sooner by other road users. And last but certainly not least, the xenon bulb consumes about 30 per cent less energy than a conventional halogen bulb and offers a much longer service life. The high beam on the xenon headlight is the same as on the regular halogen headlight, featuring two free-form reflectors and H7 tech?¼nology.

TPC Tyre Pressure Control.
The optional Tyre Pressure Control system reliably informing the rider of current tyre pressure makes a significant contribution to both rid?¼ing comfort and safety. Tyre pressure data is provided by battery-powered sensors in the wheels, either a yellow information lamp or a red warning lamp in the Info-Flatscreen informing the rider as soon as the pressure measured deviates beyond the margins allowed from the pressure required. TPC is scheduled for introduction as of aut?¼umn 2006 and may be retrofitted as special equipment, also subse?¼quently for all models following the start of production.

Cruise control.
Cruise control ensures relaxed touring even on long distances. The system reliably maintains the cruising speed set by the rider in ad?¼vance, enabling him to let go of the gas handle and relax on his seat with both hands on the handlebar.
Special equipment.
ÔÇó Topcase, large
ÔÇó Topcase, small
ÔÇó Inner bag for topcase, large
ÔÇó Inner bag for topcase, small
ÔÇó Back upholstery for topcase, small
ÔÇó Impact protection for cases, left and right
ÔÇó Inner bags for cases, left and right
ÔÇó Tankbag
ÔÇó BMW Navigator
ÔÇó Connection cable for BMW Navigator
ÔÇó Holder for BMW Navigator
ÔÇó Additional power take-off
ÔÇó Supplementary on-board toolkit

Topcase, large, and inner bag.
Featuring this special equipment, the K 1200 GT offers the highest standard of convenience for long tours and comfortable journeys. The watertight topcase offers exceptional 49 litres or more than1.7 cubic feet of storage space and can hold up to 10 kilos or 22 lb, easily enough for two helmets. And with its painted top as well as special design tailored to the motorcycle as a whole, this sophisticated, high-quality storage box
blends harmoniously with the overall design of BMWÔÇÖs new Gran Turismo.

The integrated backrest gives the passenger optimum seating com?¼fort, and the inner bag also available as special equipment not only facilitates loading and unloading, but also serves as an all-purpose travel bag thanks to its two carrier straps.

Topcase, small, inner bag and back upholstery.
The small topcase adds another 28 litres (1.1 cu ft) or, respectively, 5 kilos to the loading capacity offered by the K 1200 GT ÔÇô enough space for light baggage or a helmet. And as a further option passenger com?¼fort may be enhanced by adding special back upholstery on the top?¼case. The inner bag also available as an option protects the riderÔÇÖs luggage reliably from dirt and damage.

Impact protection and inner bags for the motorcycle cases.
To make sure that the usual mishaps in everyday use do not leave behind any lasting traces and to protect the cases from ugly scratch?¼es and other damage, BMW offers impact protectors tailored to the cases. Inner bags perfectly matched to the size and shape of the cases ensure extra convenience, particularly with their additional pockets for taking up all kinds of odds and ends on motorcycle tours. Two carrier straps and a removable shoulder belt, finally, ensure easi?¼er transportation when the rider reaches his destination.

Tankbag.
The practical tankbag is tailored perfectly to the K 1200 GT in its material and colour. The extendible main section comes complete with a glued-in, fully-closing inner bag reliably keeping the contents dry in all kinds of weather. The map pocket offering ample space for a folded road map is also watertight, and last but not least a small zippered pocket is inte?¼grat?¼ed in the cover of the main section for convenient storage of all kinds of odds and ends.




After its introduction the K 1200 GT started to receive accolades from the press.

BMW K 1200 GT NAMED AMONG CYCLE WORLDÔÇÖS TEN BEST

Woodcliff Lake, NJ  May 31, 2006 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, the category for motorcycles designed to combine the best elements of sport riding and touring, covering long distances over multiple days.

ÔÇ£We are honored to have earned another spot on Cycle WorldÔÇÖs coveted top ten list,ÔÇØ commented Arturo Pineiro, Vice President, BMW Motorrad USA. ÔÇ£This is the 13th year BMW has been chosen for a top ten award.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£This yearÔÇÖs Ten Best recipients show just how good every bike-makerÔÇÖs game has become,ÔÇØ said David Edwards, editor-in-chief of Cycle World. ÔÇ£WeÔÇÖve got motorcycles from eight manufacturers and five different countries.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£The 311 motorcycles that have received this award over the past 31 years represent the best of motorcycling,ÔÇØ observed Corey Eastman, Cycle WorldÔÇÖs marketing director. ÔÇ£This yearÔÇÖs ten best bikes represent machines that offer unprecedented levels of performance at levels of sophistication that our industry has never before witnessed.ÔÇØ

All winners and runner-ups in the ten different classes can be seen in the July issue of Cycle World.

Since its introduction, the K 1200 GT has strengthened BMW MotorradÔÇÖs worldwide market position in the touring segment. Following the success of the former model bearing the same name, the new K 1200 GT offers added dimensions in riding dynamics and long-distance performance. Innovative wheel guidance systems - the BMW Duolever at the front and the EVO-Paralever at the rear - make a significant contribution to the K 1200 GTÔÇÖs riding prowess. Drive power comes from the cutting-edge in-line four cylinder transverse mounted engine, developing maximum output of 152 bhp setting the benchmark in the touring segment.

Riding comfort is enhanced by excellent protection from wind and weather, the electrically adjustable windshield, ergonomic design of the rider's seat with height adjustment of the seat itself and the handlebar, as well as standard side cases.

The K 1200 GT also meets stringent requirements for environmental compatibility and safety. Apart from a fully controlled three-way catalytic converter, the high-performance EVO brake system with partial-integral anti-lock brakes and an electronic immobilizer are standard features offered by this sophisticated new tourer. Optional equipment includes Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA), an on-board computer, cruise control and the BMW Navigator GPS system.

ÔÇ£Given all of these enhancements, features and options, the new K 1200 GT is able to meet the very highest standards of comfort so important to the passionate touring rider, while, at the same time, making the heart of the dyed-in-the-wool sport rider truly skip a beat,ÔÇØ observed Mr. Pineiro.

THE END

 

[Holly]

Mother

I wish your mother peace and comfort, M1ka. My mother is rapidly reaching the same stage but is still fighting. It is hard watching them go but I'm sure having you there is a great comfort to her. Robert Munsch who writes wonderful children's books wrote one called Love You Forever. Kids don't get it, but I don't know of a single adult who can read it without crying.

Bless, Bless
Holly

 

[salcar]

Dear M1ka, sorry to hear about your mother. i wish yuo all the best in these hard times.

 

[J Brase]

My best thoughts to you during this difficult time.

John

 

[manicmechanic]

Take care of your family first, John. We're thinking of you.

 

[BeerTeam]

The motorcycling world viewed from the saddle of a BMW. A daily look at all things BMW, Euro-bike, products and things I find interesting on the internet. With links to news, reviews, events, riding skills, maintenance and racing series updates. Morning Reads is a one stop shop for motorcycling information.

Dear Readers;

I began posting Morning Reads to do two things; cut down on the number of my posts and to have some fun. I have not always managed the former but have had fun. Now posting this thread is taking on an additional role of providing a much needed distraction.

My mother is entering the end stages of her time in hospice. I am taking the overnight sitting duties for her care until she rallies or dies. Because of this Morning Reads will continue in a modified form. I do not have internet access but will be pulling things to work with. I will be posting morning reads in a different form, at different times and poradically for the near future.

Mika

News:

John,

Sorry to hear about your mother. My thought are with you.

Thanks for doing the Morning Blog.
Jim Klas

 

[Voni]

I wish your mother peace and comfort, M1ka. My mother is rapidly reaching the same stage but is still fighting. It is hard watching them go but I'm sure having you there is a great comfort to her. Robert Munsch who writes wonderful children's books wrote one called Love You Forever. Kids don't get it, but I don't know of a single adult who can read it without crying.

Bless, Bless
Holly

A wonderful strangely comforting book:

http://robertmunsch.com/books.cfm?bookid=40

Hugs, M1ka.

Voni

 

[BRADFORDBENN]

Sigh...

for those of you who have not heard John's mother has passed. Peace to her and John and all.

 

[stewby]

My deepest sympathy, John.