BMW K 1200 GT

1. Features and Technical Highlights. 2. Range of Equipment. 3. Engine
Output and Torque. 4. Specifications. 5. Colours. 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, BMW's new top-end motorcycle 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 technology of the former K 1200 S and K 1200 R straight
into this new sporting tourer. The innovative wheel guidance systems -
the BMW Duolever at the front and the EVO-Paralever at the rear - make
a very significant 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 version 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 perfect for riding with a passenger and
covering long distances in comfort and style. Maximum riding comfort is
indeed ensured by excellent protection from wind and weather, the
electrically adjustable windscreen, perfect ergonomic design of the
rider's 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 demands
in terms of environmental compatibility and safety. Apart from a fully
controlled three-way catalytic converter, the high-performance 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
"GT" 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 combined 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 features 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: • Front-mounted
straight-four power unit, cylinders inclined to an angle of 55°
• 1,157 cc, 112 kW/152 hp at 9,500 rpm, 130 Nm/96 lb-ft) at 7,750
rpm • Duolever suspension at the front • Paralever suspension
at the rear • BMW Motorrad Integral ABS, semi-integral version
• On-board electronics with CAN-bus technology • Electronic
immobiliser • Brake pad wear indicator • Seat and
handlebar adjustable • Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA,
optional) • Aerodynamically optimised full fairing •
Electrically adjustable windscreen The most important technical
distinctions improving the new K 1200 GT over its predecessor:
• Increase in maximum power (+ 17%) • Higher maximum torque (+
11%) • Decrease in unladen weight (- 6%) • Higher load (+
19%) • Larger tank (+ 17%) • 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 testimony to the
outstanding dynamic potential of BMW's new model currently 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
engine's 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, providing the
appropriate load on the front wheel and at the same time ensuring the
handling of a genuine sports machine. For a detailed description 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, combined with
supreme suspension comfort. The entire structure offers optimum
torsional stiffness and is designed for light and agile handling. With
resistance forces kept to a minimum, the suspension responds 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 suspension's
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 sportiness 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 lightweight 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, minimises load change
response, offers more ground clearance, and looks highly attractive in
its filigree design. In all, therefore, the Paralever 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 Motorrad's 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 BMW's
proven EVO brake system also to be found in the other K- and R-Series
models. With brake disc diameter of 320 millimetres (12.6'') at the
front and 294 millimetres (11.6'') at the rear, the EVO brake system is
perfectly equipped 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 - 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 indicator (warning
indicator) telling the rider when the brake pads have been worn down to
the limit and need to be renewed. 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 machine's electrical and
electronic components, with digital information now being transmitted
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 motorcycle's 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 communicating via a transponder in the
ignition lock with the electronic engine management. So both ignition
and fuel supply are only activated 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 motorcycle.
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 reserve 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 photoelectric 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, offers 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 combination 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 windscreen 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 perfectly to his requirements by
choosing the right model and adjustment 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 rider's 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 waistline
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 "ergonomic triangle" 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 riding, the handlebar is adjustable
to four different levels, moving towards the upper body of the rider
when required by a maximum of 40 millimetres or almost 1.6''. Again,
this ensures an ideal posture 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 - 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 machine's slender proportions all round, combined
with the very compact engine cover, again point clearly towards the
sporting and dynamic 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 - Dark Graphite
Metallic, Deep Blue Metallic, and Crystal Grey Metallic - form a
perfect 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 BMW's 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 combinations
with greater contrasts focus more on dynamic performance, underlying
the differences between the rider's area and the body of the machine.