BMW motorcycles: What's the "best" BMW touring bike for me?

[CommanderCrusty]

I'm looking for a new, full sized touring bike for me and the misses and need help sorting out my options. BMW motorcycles makes three full size touring bikes: the R1200RT, the R1200LT and the K1300GT. Not having ridden any of them, I have no frame of reference to choose one over the other.

The bike is for me and my wife. She wants a Goldwing--no question. I'm afraid the Wing will be too heavy as I have good days and bad days and don't want to drop the darned thing because my legs are a bit wobbly that day. I will mostly use the bike as a commuter vehicle with a couple of week long trips per year--possibly pulling a trailer (not to carry more stuff, but to keep most of the weight off the bike). My riding style is mildly sporty--I don't ride that fast, but enjoy swooping around corners. I used to have a Kawasaki 1200 Voyager that I loved. We looked at the new Voyager and hated it--too freaking heavy! I currently ride a Burgman 650 maxi scooter (575 #). MSF trained. I know how to lean, brake, counter steer and handle a big bike in the parking lot.

So, which BMW do you recommend and why?
If you want to recommend the Wing, please tell me why.

 

[Dani G]

I too, used to own a Voyager 1200 (an '86 that I finally sold with 160000 on the odo). I replaced mine with a Harley Ultra Classic after trying other touring bikes and in particular a GW, but I accept that Harleys are not everyone's cup of tea. Your wife may be on to something. I suggest you try the GoldWing before deciding it's too heavy. All touring bikes are heavy, but the GW is remarkably easy to ride and to hold up, probably due to the engine layout providing it with a very low center of gravity. Amongst Beemers, I still prefer the flat twins, so my choice would be the R1200RT. I've never heard of a R1200LT, maybe you mean the K1200LT ? if yes, I tried one years ago and found it fast, comfortable and easy to ride, but a little ponderous. I haven't ridden the K1300GT, so I can't say much about it. The R has a low center of gravity and a lower weight and probably makes a better daily commuter. It's overall size is closer to your old Voyager.

Btw, as you make your choice keep in mind that Beemers are very expensive bikes to own. The purchase price is high and so is the cost of maintenance. Spares are always more expensive than equivalent Japanese parts without being better in quality. In fact, some of bmw's reputation is certainly exagerated. They are well-made, but they are not unbreakable. In 30 years of riding, the only bike I've owned which left me completely stranded was my R100GS which sheared a transmission shaft at less than 50,000kms. Let me tell you, that was one very expensive repair !