New (to me) 2008 K1200GT

[jetmechanic]

Hello everyone, I'm new to the MOA, newish to BMW bikes, and a returning rider after 15 years! Just purchased a 2008 K1200GT from a friend that seems to be performing great so far, just need some TLC items to be back on the road. What would be some great upgrades or equipment to add to this monster? Any opinions on aux lighting?... I'm ready for the recommendations! Thanks....

 

[brownie0486]

This is my brothers 07 1200GT, he's got two sets of aux lights on his and the billy brake aux lights that flash then go solid. He's got an 08 GT in the barn as a parts bike [ for the plastic which is getting very scarce to source ].

 

[Lendog]

Hello everyone, I'm new to the MOA, newish to BMW bikes, and a returning rider after 15 years! Just purchased a 2008 K1200GT from a friend that seems to be performing great so far, just need some TLC items to be back on the road. What would be some great upgrades or equipment to add to this monster? Any opinions on aux lighting?... I'm ready for the recommendations! Thanks....

I adjusted the valves and replaced the idle control motor (although the canbus system failed to recognize the part was out of spec) on a k1200gt running hot and stalling, with 79,000miles prior to a trip, the next time I encountered the bike it is running great with 105,000 miles
I have a k1300gt and the only issues I have are keeping it under 125mph and the front wheel close to the ground

 

[jetmechanic]

This is my brothers 07 1200GT, he's got two sets of aux lights on his and the billy brake aux lights that flash then go solid. He's got an 08 GT in the barn as a parts bike [ for the plastic which is getting very scarce to source ].

Brownie, this is awesome!! This is exactly what I'm looking to do. I'd love to know what he's using for lights, both up top and on the bottom near the forks. And yes, plastic is getting hard to find. However, I think I found an aftermarket group, but I don't think the "lines" are the same.

 

[jetmechanic]

I adjusted the valves and replaced the idle control motor (although the canbus system failed to recognize the part was out of spec) on a k1200gt running hot and stalling, with 79,000miles prior to a trip, the next time I encountered the bike it is running great with 105,000 miles
I have a k1300gt and the only issues I have are keeping it under 125mph and the front wheel close to the ground

Len, this bike is a monster, but I'm amazed by the control, input, and handling I have on the bike. I need to get my valves adjusted as well, so that's going to be late summer service trip. I don't think I'd be comfy doing that task myself, so unfortunately I have to take it to the BMW shop.. $$$

 

[brownie0486]

Brownie, this is awesome!! This is exactly what I'm looking to do. I'd love to know what he's using for lights, both up top and on the bottom near the forks. And yes, plastic is getting hard to find. However, I think I found an aftermarket group, but I don't think the "lines" are the same.

He's running two sets of Denali D2's with Denali's controller.

 

[jetmechanic]

Thanks for the info... I'm actually speaking with them for some products.. I'll check into this setup. Thank you for the reply!

 

[jetmechanic]

Brownie,

I do have another question??... How did he mount the lights up top near the mirrors? Is he using a Clearwater mount?

 

[brownie0486]

Brownie,

I do have another question??... How did he mount the lights up top near the mirrors? Is he using a Clearwater mount?

I'm not sure he knows, his mechanic located them from some source and he just paid for them and the install. The bracket attaches under the plastic and passes through the two pieces of plastic at that location. Seems solid enough when I checked them out when I got to his p0lace for last summers excursion north into Wyoming and SD.

 

[Lendog]

This is my brothers 07 1200GT, he's got two sets of aux lights on his and the billy brake aux lights that flash then go solid. He's got an 08 GT in the barn as a parts bike [ for the plastic which is getting very scarce to source ].

the k1300 side panels fit the K1200 but you would want to change both panels because the 1300 has a louver

 

[Lendog]

Len, this bike is a monster, but I'm amazed by the control, input, and handling I have on the bike. I need to get my valves adjusted as well, so that's going to be late summer service trip. I don't think I'd be comfy doing that task myself, so unfortunately I have to take it to the BMW shop.. $$$

valve adjustment is not that hard however it is a long days work, replacing the coolant is complicated, including requiring vacuum, being a jet mechanic is good, think of it as a land jet,
If you turn off the ABS the power reduction will be disabled, yellow and red lights won’t be flashing while you’re trying to get the front wheel down

 

[jetmechanic]

Guys,

I might pick your minds a bit more on this... I'm taking in for an annual in a few weeks, plus a brake flush job, since it hasn't anything good in a while due to sitting. I rode this beast the other day, and I love it!! Handles great, and while it has the kick, the control is great to me!.. I do want to put more lighting on it so the 4 wheels can see me better...

I mentioned the Clearwater mount because Denali recommended their mirror mount to me for their lights.. (strange but true)..

 

[Lendog]

Guys,

I might pick your minds a bit more on this... I'm taking in for an annual in a few weeks, plus a brake flush job, since it hasn't anything good in a while due to sitting. I rode this beast the other day, and I love it!! Handles great, and while it has the kick, the control is great to me!.. I do want to put more lighting on it so the 4 wheels can see me better...

I mentioned the Clearwater mount because Denali recommended their mirror mount to me for their lights.. (strange but true)..

The highway lamps on the K1600 can be bought as a add on, compact, nice fit, nice view

 

[bc1100s]

These bikes respond very well to a set of Continental Road Attack tires.

 

[jetmechanic]

Perfect timing!! I am actually getting ready to get a new set this week. I was originally looking at the Michelin Road 6 GT's or put the Road 4 GT's that's on it now. But, I've recently been wondering about the Conti Attack's

 

[brownie0486]

Perfect timing!! I am actually getting ready to get a new set this week. I was originally looking at the Michelin Road 6 GT's or put the Road 4 GT's that's on it now. But, I've recently been wondering about the Conti Attack's

My brother prefers [ as do I ] the Dunlop RS4's. The tire size on his 07 is the exact same as my 11RT and 16RS. After he tried the Dunlops on my suggestion having run Michelin 5 and 6's, he's convinced the Dunlop is every bit the Michelin offerings for traction in dry and wet conditions yet they last 10K on the rear instead of 6500-7K.

It's all I'll run till I find a better longer lasting tire but it'll have to also be equal to dry and wet road traction. Until then, he nor I will entertain another make/model tire.

 

[jetmechanic]

This is actually interesting info!! Does the fuel and response feel equal to the Michelin? I really like the way the Michelin handle in the curves and I like the stability… If so, I’m sure the Dunlops are probably even about 30% cheaper than the Michelins also…

 

[brownie0486]

This is actually interesting info!! Does the fuel and response feel equal to the Michelin? I really like the way the Michelin handle in the curves and I like the stability… If so, I’m sure the Dunlops are probably even about 30% cheaper than the Michelins also…

Turn in is exemplary, we run the twisties and sweepers often enough. If there was anything lacking over the Michelins, I'd have stayed with that makers offerings.
Over in England, the RS boys discovered the RS4's 3-4 years ago, having run other brands like the Michelins, were every bit as good at stability and handling with the addition of the extra miles per rear I mentioned. One of the guys that runs a few sets a year stated he was on his 4th or 5th pair of the RS4's and never got less than 10K on the rear, as much as 12K [ which got my attention and I gave them a try ].

Very pleased with the Dunlop RS4's. My brother takes his 07GT to the sidewall on the twisties on them, complete confidence in traction. I take mine to within 3/8" of the sidewall, but I'm older and don't play as hard as he does

 

[lee]

If you purchase from a Dunlop Pro dealer there's a rebate up to $60 for the RS IV.

https://www.dunlopmotorcycletires.com/experience/promotions/

 

[Lendog]

Perfect timing!! I am actually getting ready to get a new set this week. I was originally looking at the Michelin Road 6 GT's or put the Road 4 GT's that's on it now. But, I've recently been wondering about the Conti Attack's

I love my michelins, don’t put over size tires on it, it takes long enough to crank it left to right already