Bmw K 1200 Lt
The Bmw K 1200 Lt has a top speed of 200 km/h, produces 116 hp and weighs 370 kg. Motoryk rates it 7.8/10.
The BMW K 1200 LT was introduced in 1999 as BMW's flagship luxury touring motorcycle, designed to compete directly with the Honda Gold Wing in the premium long-distance touring segment. It featured a longitudinally-mounted inline-four engine, an electro-hydraulic center stand, electrically adjustable windscreen, and an optional reverse gear, making it one of the most technologically advanced tourers of its era. Production continued until 2009, when BMW discontinued it without a direct replacement, leaving a gap in their lineup that was partially addressed by the K 1600 GTL introduced in 2011.
116 hp
Power
130 Nm
Torque
370 kg
Weight
200 km/h
Top Speed
6.5 L/100km (approximately 15.4 km/L, real-world average)
Fuel
Faired
Body
Video Review
What Buyers Should Know
Watch the Final Drive
The shaft final drive and rear differential are known weak points — inspect for leaks and check service history, as replacements can cost $1,000–$2,500.
Flagship Touring Comfort
The K1200LT features a fully adjustable suspension, heated seats, reverse gear, and a massive fairing — making it one of the most comfortable touring bikes ever built.
Depreciated, But Hold Value
Values have stabilized significantly in the used market, making a well-maintained example a strong buy; however, high repair costs can erode savings if maintenance has been neglected.
Generations & Specs by Year
Original K1200LT introduced; inline-four engine, full fairing, integrated luggage, reverse gear, and air suspension standard.
"The ultimate long-haul throne, if you dare park it."
After 15,000 miles on the K1200LT I can tell you the engine is genuinely exceptional — that inline-four pulls hard from 3,500 rpm and the heated seat, heated grips, and integrated stereo make transcontinental riding feel almost absurd in its comfort. The air suspension is properly clever on the motorway, soaking up expansion joints without drama, though it occasionally hunts nervously on broken B-roads like it can't quite commit. The reverse gear sounds gimmicky until you're facing uphill outside a Swiss hotel and 335 kilograms of motorcycle starts rolling backward; then it's the best feature BMW ever put on anything. But let's be honest about that weight — it's not just a number, it's a genuine physical commitment every single time you move this bike at low speed, and if you catch a boot wrong in a gravel car park, you're calling for help.
Pros
Cons
Used Buyer Review
"The ultimate tourer — if you buy the right one."
$5,000-$10,000 usedThe K1200LT is BMW's grand touring heavyweight done properly — when it works, nothing touches it for long-haul comfort. That inline-four pulls smoothly from low revs, the fairing cuts wind like a fighter jet canopy, and the heated seats genuinely work. Find a well-maintained example and you'll cover 600-mile days feeling fresher than you deserve. But here's the thing — neglected examples are a money pit waiting to swallow your wallet whole. The ABS, reverse gear motor, and radio electronics are all potential headaches on high-mileage bikes that haven't been loved. Budget realistically. Service intervals aren't optional suggestions here, and parts aren't cheap. The final drive and clutch on anything over 80k miles deserve serious inspection before you hand over cash. Get a pre-purchase inspection — non-negotiable. Check the Paralever rear suspension for play and look for any signs of the notorious ABS pump issues. The right one is genuinely brilliant; the wrong one is genuinely brutal.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Bmw K 1200 Lt — owned, ridden, recommended.
Common Problems
🔥 2 CRITICALSpongy brake feel, warning lights, pressure accumulator condition
Clunking sounds, rear wheel play, service history
Hard starting, stuttering at speed, pump noise
Battery drain, voltage warning light, dimming electrics
✅Pre-Purchase Checklist
Capable tourer but expensive to repair when issues arise
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Bmw K 1200 Lt
Bmw R 1250 Rt
Bmw K 1600 Gtl
Bmw K 1200 Gt
Bmw K 1300 Gt
Bmw R 1200 Rt
Compare Bmw K 1200 Lt Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
Bmw K 1200 Lt vs Bmw R 1250 Rt
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Bmw K 1200 Lt vs Bmw K 1600 Gtl
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Bmw K 1200 Lt vs Bmw K 1200 Gt
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Bmw K 1200 Lt vs Bmw K 1300 Gt
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Bmw K 1200 Lt vs Bmw R 1200 Rt
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
More Bmw K 1200 Lt Guides
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Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Bmw K 1200 Lt? +
Servo-assisted braking system failure (EVO brake): Spongy brake feel, warning lights, pressure accumulator condition (serious) | Final drive spline wear and failure: Clunking sounds, rear wheel play, service history (serious) | Fuel pump and fuel system issues: Hard starting, stuttering at speed, pump noise (moderate)
Is the Bmw K 1200 Lt a good motorcycle? +
The ultimate tourer — if you buy the right one. Rating: 7.8/10. Best for: Experienced riders wanting serious long-distance capability cheaply. Avoid if: You want low maintenance or tight budget.
What is the horsepower of the Bmw K 1200 Lt? +
The Bmw K 1200 Lt produces 116 hp @ 7,250 rpm, with 130 Nm @ 5,500 rpm of torque. Top speed: 200 km/h.
Is the Bmw K 1200 Lt good for beginners? +
Not really — the Bmw K 1200 Lt is better for experienced riders (116 hp can be intimidating). Experienced riders wanting serious long-distance capability cheaply Avoid if: You want low maintenance or tight budget
Is the Bmw K 1200 Lt reliable? +
Owners report 2 critical issues to watch for on the Bmw K 1200 Lt, notably: Servo-assisted braking system failure (EVO brake) (Spongy brake feel, warning lights, pressure accumulator condition). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.
Is the Bmw K 1200 Lt good for daily use? +
Experienced riders wanting serious long-distance capability cheaply Fuel: 6.5 L/100km (approximately 15.4 km/L, real-world average).
How fast is the Bmw K 1200 Lt? +
The Bmw K 1200 Lt reaches a top speed of 200 km/h, producing 116 hp at 370 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.
What gear should I buy for a Bmw K 1200 Lt? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Bmw K 1200 Lt, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/bmw/k-1200-lt/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
