Original owner. Ridden regularly. Excellent condition. Current mileage: 53,380 on odometer.
The top-of-the-line BMW lux-touring model for 2001. Fully equipped with 4-speaker stereo, AM/FM/Cassette + 6-CD changer, alarm, heated seats and grips, two 12-volt accessory outlets, ABS (unlinked), cruise control, air-temperature thermometer, trip/mileage computer, low-fuel alarm, electrically adjustable windscreen, chrome trim, and chrome luggage rack. Everything works.
Fuel-injected 16-valve 1200 cc inline four-cylinder engine. Five speeds. Electric power reverse. Excellent handling and performance. Telelever front suspension does not dive during braking. Shaft drive with single-side paralever rear suspension makes rear wheel removal for tire changes a breeze.
Tire wear with reinforced Metzeler 880s has been 15,000+ miles per set. It has a Metzeler on the front with about 3000-4000 miles remaining. I've switched to reinforced Bridgestones because they are about half the price of Metzelers. The rear tire -- a reinforced Bridgestone Battlax recommended for this bike -- was mounted in August 2008 and has only about 2000 miles on it. A new, unused reinforced Bridgestone Battlax for the front is included with the bike
During an 8000 mile trip in October 2005 (loop from CA to MN, MI, TN, MS, AR, OK, NM and back to CA) the engine used less than 1/4 quart of oil.
Valve-clearances were checked and new spark plugs installed at 40,700 miles. As a result of some valve check results being at the low end or slightly below spec, I had the valves re-shimmed by the BMW dealer (this was the first valve adjustment on this bike: not a trivial procedure, since it requires pulling the camshafts); intake valves were set within spec and all exhaust valves shimmed to high spec or slightly above, which should maximize mileage to the next valve adjustment.
Valve clearances checked recently in October, 2009 at 53,300 miles: intakes were still all within spec, and exhausts within spec or slightly high. Recommended valve-check interval is 12K miles, so next one at 65,000. Spark plugs look good: slight discoloration on the insulators, gaps OK. Should probably be replaced in another 6000-8000 miles or so. Brake pads also checked: should be good for another 6000-8000 miles. Set of (4) new unused EBC sintered pads for front is included with bike.
All synthetic lubricants -- engine, transmission, rear drive -- changed in May 2008 at 49000 mi. New fuel filter and air filter also installed at that time. Brake fluid replaced front and rear September 2008. Engine oil, filter, and rear drive lubricant changed again in October, 2009. Transmission level checked OK; no loss since previous fill. Engine is running Shell Rotella-T 5W-40 Synthetic (diesel oil, for logic behind this see http://www.calsci.com/motorcycleinfo/Oils1.html ). Transmission and rear drive are Mobil 1 75W-90 synthertic.
Fork seals were replaced in June, 2009. (Fill: Redline 10wt synthetic suspension fluid.) Clutch fluid and coolant were also replaced at that time. I rode the bike 1500 miles round-trip to North Rim Grand Canyon in August, 2009. Forks performed well with no leakage. With synthetic lubricants, fully loaded with luggage and my wife on the back, the bike got 55-60 MPG at moderate highway speeds (60-65 MPH). Engine oil comsumption was negligible.
The bike includes some modifications/improvements: Chrome BMW cruiser mirrors have been added for better rear vision; the fairing mounted side mirrors are still on board and tethered to avoid loss in case of severe jolt or impact. A maintenance-free battery has been installed (just keep it charged to avoid sulfation). There is a 150 watt Kenwood subwoofer in the left side bag that dramatically improves sound from the stereo, switched so its use is optional. You can appreciate the sound in the city at low speed, but it blows off with the wind on the highway. The original windscreen has been replaced with a Cee Bailey -2inch screen with wings; original screen is included with the bike. The rider saddle has been replaced with a Corbin custom heated saddle; original saddle also included. The latch on the rear topcase has been replaced with two lockable black Eberhard automotive drawbolts: more durable than the original cast aluminum latch. (Fracturing of the topcase latch is a well-known problem with the K1200LT. BMW does not sell replacement latch separate from the lower section of the case; price to replace, about $900. The Eberhard drawbolt fix cost me some time and about $35.00. The drawbolts have a classic look and are more durable than the original BMW latch and less likely to break.) The original (broken) latch was removed and replaced with an additional LED tail/stop light.
There are additional halogen running lights on the front sidebars for daytime visibility and a set of two PIAA driving lamps mounted just beneath the headlamp for better nightime illumination. There are additional tail lamps on the side of the topcase and below the rear side luggage for better nightime visibility. JPEG highway pegs are installed on the front sidebars: rotate them out and put your feet up for highway comfort on long trips. Lexan shield on the headlight to prevent damage from rocks/stones. A cassette adapter is included for use of your iPod or MP3 player with the stereo.
Also included are: BMW shop manual on CD. Set of service DVDs from Paul Sayegh http://www.sayegh.org/bmw/service-video.htm. And comprehensive 640-page Clymer maintenance, troubleshooting, repair book (much better than the BMW manual).
Bike can be trailered to purchaser location for cost of travel expense.
Telephone: Paul (505) 603-8390
