Will You Keep Your K12S (or KLT) Once the New "GT" Comes Out?

John,

Well, there's a lot of "if's" here. in your situation, assuming the FJR doesn't come your way next spring, it seems more likely you might consider selling or trading the K-S for the new RT/GT. You even played with the idea of the present GT for awhile. There's no question that the K-S is way more sport than tour.

My former GT was a very good 40 degree motorcycle; a temp. range we see alot in the early morning around the Northwet. Below that, I just won't ride a motorcycle. While the K-S, at least for me, seems to be a much better 50 degree motorcycle in the winter. I'm talking about relatively short 50 - 75 mile day rides, here.

I could be tempted by the new GT if it has most of the mid range performance of the K-S, feels nearly as light as the K-S, feels as connected to the road as the K-S (i.e. the fairing does not have the effect of isolating the rider); while at the same time has the added benefit of showing itself to be a very good 40 degree motorcycles. As a general rule, Beemers are not "hot" bikes, so summer heat (especially around the Northwest) is not a major issue as it would be for you.

I sure wish BMW would, at least, launch a tease campaign of some sort if they are not ready to release the bike, just so we could at least have a few discussion points on its overall design concept.

Miles

John

As an LT rider this will be one difficult decision. I should have bought an RS in retrospect when I got the LT in Nov 2000, but now, 92,000 miles later, I am hard-pressed to say where the LT has failed me. I kinda feel that I wouldn't have a license now (thank god for cruise control) and that I wouldn't have seen as much of Canada and the US as I have where my only missing states are a few in the SW.

I have recently done the BRP three times and I fail to see how that could be done faster without seriously risking my license so a faster bike wouldn't help there. The conclusion I've come to is that the trade-off in a more intense, "personal", close-to-the-action bike ride (especially in tight corners) has been reasonably traded for the touring satisfaction and the sweeper action that the LT provides. So, while I have regrets, I can only have one bike.

Now, would I actually get rid of the LT for the new GT. Unless its really cold or raining, I always ride with the Euro screen all the way down, including the inerstates - its the pathetic way I have of making the LT less, well "LT-ish". Looking at the current GT and thinking about probable improvements, I think its the bike for me. But, hell, the LT's just paid off and I do have to cross the country a couple of times yet to do the canyon country and hit the Pashnit Top 10. Maybe a GT in 07. But then, maybe a hotted up GS with street tires would be just what the doctor orders.