I've had a lot of bikes and have used them for fun, commuting and touring. I've had most makes (Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Ducati, Triumphs and BMW's), and some pretty fast ones too (stage 2 tuned 150 bhp CBR1100XX Blackbird). I have some experience with motorcycles, so what I say next will not sit easily with the magazine roadtesters (who mostly trarvel to work in cars and don't have to spend their own hard earned money on their rides).
The BMW K1200RS and the K1200GT are simply brilliant all round motorcycles.
It's like most things really, it all depends what you want things for. At 52 years old I want some comfort, some speed, the narrowness to filter through the London rush hour and the ability to munch the miles when needed. Have you ever tried to do 60 minutes on a Ducati Superlight? I did and I could hardly walk!
My intro to the K1200's was with a K1200LT (but that's another story). I thought it had a great engine but it was just a bit too heavy and wide for my daily commute. This experience led me to buy a K1200RS SE. I used this for work and touring and covered about 12,000 miles in a year on it.
I went down to Rome on it and got back from there to Hertford in just 24 hours. I'm telling you when you let these bikes loose on the open autoroutes they fly and they're comfy. You can hold a steady 120mph for about 90 minutes, after which you'll need fuel.
The 21 litre tank will average 43mpg (even when pushed hard).
I part exed the K1200RS for a K1200GT last year. I wanted the more upright position and the better weather protection. Additionally I got the matching luggage, cruise control and heated grips and seat.
The cruise control is super useful on the motorways.
The GT is just an easier going RS and it's really practical.
With regard to the handling. The 1200 series is not a sports bike and I wouldn't want one on a track day. But, treat it with respect and it'll reward you with a low centre of gravity and a reasonable high ground clearance.
The brakes are brilliant on both the non servo and the servo versions and I always gfeel safer with the ABS fitted.
I've had a couple of problems with the bike, a seized rear pad and a blown clutch seal. The BMW network dealers are good, helpful but expensive. I'd recomend the extended warranty that BMW makes available.
THE K1200GT IS THE BEST BIKE I'VE EVER HAD!
There I've said it!
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