mika
Still Wondering
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.
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.