2006 BMW K Review

Intro

BMW, the German automobile and motorcycle manufacturer, introduced its K 1200 line in 2005, producing four models: K 1200R, a standard bike; 1200S, a sport bike; and 1200GT and 1200LT, sport touring machines. The company carried these models over to 2006.

The 1200R, 1200S, and 1200GT models are powered by 1157cc, liquid-cooled, horizontal-inline, four-cylinder, four-stroke engines with dual overhead cams and fuel injection. Duolever central suspension girder struts absorb the road bumps in front; Paralever single-sided swing arms with adjustable spring preload shocks and rebound damping handle the rear suspension. These models have six-speed manual transmissions with shaft final drives.

The K 1200LT, the biggest and heaviest machine in the line, has a 1172cc, liquid-cooled, longitudinal in-line four-cylinder, four-stroke engine. Like its siblings, it has a dual overhead cam and fuel injection. A Telelever telescopic fork with four inches of travel provides the front suspension; the rear is a single-sided swing arm with rebound damping. It has a five-speed manual transmission—with reverse—and a shaft final drive. The exhaust systems on all models met the strict new emissions standards that took effect throughout the European Union in 2006.

These are all substantial machines, designed to cruise at high speeds on the autobahn and to handle winding mountain roads with aplomb. Standard features for the 1200LT include ABS, a CD player, cruise control, and a power outlet. A plethora of options are available for all four models, ranging from different seats and windshields to a navigation system and panniers. You can even get an ABS removal kit, in case you just don’t want that much help with your riding.

New For 2006

  • N/A

2006 BMW K Specs

  • Model: K 1200R; K 1200S; K 1200GT; K 1200LT
  • Engine Type: 1157cc, liquid-cooled, horizontal inline four-cylinder, four-stroke (K 1200R, K 1200S, K 1200GT); 1172cc, liquid-cooled, longitudinal inline four-cylinder, four-stroke (K 1200LT)
  • Bore and Stroke: 3.11 inches x 2.32 inches (K 1200R, K 1200S, K 1200GT); 2.78 inches x 2.95 inches (K 1200LT)
  • Compression ratio: 13:0:1 (K 1200R, K 1200S, K 1200GT); 10:8:1 (K 1200LT)
  • Valve Train: DOHC
  • Induction: Fuel injected
  • Ignition: Electric
  • Transmission: Manual six-speed (K 1200R; K 1200S & K 1200GT); manual five-speed (K 1200LT)
  • Final Drive: Shaft
  • Fuel Capacity: 5 gallons (1200R & 1200S); 6.3 gallons (1200GT); 6.2 gallons (1200LT)
  • Estimated Fuel Economy: N/A
  • Brakes (Front): Dual disc
  • Brakes (Rear): Single disc
  • Suspension (Front): Girder (1200R, 1200S, 1200GT); telescopic fork (1200LT)
  • Suspension (Rear): Single-sided swing arm with adjustable spring preload shock and rebound damping (1200R, 1200S, 1200GT); single-sided swing arm with adjustable rebound damping (1200 LT)
  • Wheelbase: 62.2 inches (1200R); 61.8 inches (1200S); 61.9 inches (1200GT); 64.1 inches (1200LT)
  • Rake: N/A
  • Trail: N/A
  • Seat Height: 32.2 inches (1200R); 32.3 inches (1200S & GT); 30.3 inches (1200LT)
  • Curb Weight: 546 pounds (1200R & 1200S); 622 pounds (1200GT); 835 pounds (1200LT)
  • Tires (Front): 120/70 ZR17
  • Tires (Rear): 180/55 ZR17 (K 1200R & 1200GT); 190/50 ZR17 (1200S); 160/70 ZR17 (1200LT)

Accessories

  • Additional Dual Power Accessory Socket Kit
  • BMW Navigator II
  • Flip-Open Face Helmet Headset Kit
  • Heated Low Riders Seat Kit
  • Leather Top Case Inner Bag
  • Modular CB Radio and Interface
  • Right Side CB Radio Antenna
  • Tank Utility Pouch
  • Voice Intercom System
  • Windshield - High Version

Key Competitors For The 2006 BMW K

  • Honda Goldwing
  • Yamaha V Star Silverado
  • Moto Guzzi Norge
  • Aprilia ETV 1000 Caponard

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