2008 BMW K 1200 LT

Though BMW has been making motorcycles since 1923, it wasn’t until 1983 that it manufactured its first four-cylinder motorcycle, the K 100, part of its K series of motorcycles. The first K 100, a naked bike, was considered radical and ultra-modern for the time. The K line would later become the flagship of BMW motorcycles. Two years later, in 1985, BMW introduced the K 75, a motorcycle with a smaller engine that remains popular today, even though it was last made in 1995. The K 1200 RS is another breakthrough bike for BMW; it was the first motorcycle in the K series to get Telelever forks. BMW had four models in its K line-up in 2008: K 1200 R, standard, introduced in 2007; K 1200 S, sport; K 1200 GT (Gran Turismo), and K 1200 LT (luxury tourer), both sport/touring motorcycles.

BMW introduced the 1200 S in 2004 as its answer to the supersport motorcycles offered by Japanese manufacturers, including Yamaha, Honda, and Kawasaki. Reviewers note the BMW offers a more comfortable ride, including having the best wind protection. They also note the 1200 GT can be ridden in the city, but the power is better saved for freeways where it can reach speeds as high as 160 mph if a rider hasn’t turned on cruise control, which is standard on this bike. For riders who‘d rather have music than wind whistling through their helmets, the 1200 LT comes equipped with a CD player, radio, and speakers. Hard side cases, rear luggage and rack, and heated hand grips for the driver are standard on the 1200 LT.

• Not applicable to the 1200 LT as it is a carryover from a previous year
• The 1200 GT has an upgraded engine and suspension