Technical features and highlights.

The new K 1200 GT is powered by the same engine that has already hit the headlines in the K 1200 S and K 1200 R. Now the GT version of this highly advanced power unit offers maximum output of 112 kW at 9,500 rpm and peak torque of 130 Nm at 7,750 rpm. These performance figures alone bear clear testimony to the outstanding dynamic potential of BMW’s new model, which takes it to the top of its segment in terms of engine power. The plateau-like torque curve (with more than 75 per cent of the engine’s maximum torque available from just 3,000 rpm) clearly proves that the K 1200 GT offers superior acceleration and grunt, definitely living up to its name as a Gran Turismo.

Dry sump lubrication and the position of the compact power unit with its cylinder bank tilted 55° to the front have enabled the engineers at BMW Motorrad to move the centre of gravity as low as possible.

This low centre of gravity offers the best of both worlds – providing the appropriate load on the front wheel and at the same time ensuring genuine sports handling.

Six-speed gearbox.

The six-speed gearbox of the BMW K Series is both light and compact, and is conveniently integrated into the engine housing. Particular advantages of the gearbox are its smooth gearshift, which enables riders to select gears quickly and precisely, and with lever travel reduced to a minimum.

Duolever front wheel suspension.

Like the other K-series models, the new Duolever front-wheel suspension ensures superior precision and accurate tracking at all times, combined with supreme suspension comfort. The entire structure offers excellent torsional stiffness and is designed for light and agile handling. With resistance forces kept to a minimum, the suspension responds smoothly and precisely even to the smallest bumps on the road.

The kinematic configuration of Duolever suspension offers superior anti-brake dive properties throughout the suspension’s entire spring travel. In terms of running gear and suspension qualities, therefore, the new K 1200 GT offers an ideal combination of riding comfort on long tours with more than enough superior sportiness and dynamic performance available whenever needed.

Rear-wheel Paralever suspension and optional ESA.

Developed by BMW Motorrad, the Paralever has proven for years that power transmission and rear wheel suspension can be combined most efficiently.
The latest Paralever is an ultra-firm lightweight unit with the spring strut connected to the rear wheel mount by a progressive pivot link.

This not only offers significant advantages in terms of response and the progressive damping effect, but also reduces unsprung masses, minimises load change response and offers more ground clearance.

The K 1200 GT is available with BMW Motorrad’s unique Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA) extra allowing the rider to adjust the spring/damper setting simply by pressing a button on the handlebar.

EVO brake system with Integral ABS and brake pad wear indicator.

The new K 1200 GT proudly features BMW’s proven EVO brake system, which is also found in the other K- and R-Series models. With brake disc diameter of 320 mm at the front and 294 mm at the rear, the EVO brake system is perfectly equipped to ensure superior deceleration even from high speeds and with the motorcycle carrying maximum load. The steel flex brake lines fitted as standard not only look good, but also help to provide a consistent pressure point.

Yet another standard feature is BMW Motorrad part-Integral ABS. On this system, the rider activates the front and rear wheel brakes via the handlebar lever, while the foot pedal acts only on the rear wheel brake, which is exactly the right configuration for sports riding.

The new K 1200 GT also comes with yet another safety and comfort feature fitted as standard: a brake pad wear indicator which tells the rider when the brake pads have been worn down to the limit and need to be renewed.

Single-wire system (SWS) with CAN-bus technology.

It is only natural for a modern BMW motorcycle to feature a network connecting all of the machine’s electrical and electronic components, with digital information now being transmitted through one single wire. Indeed, the single-wire system dramatically simplifies the entire system of on-board electrics, reduces the need for cables and connectors, and makes the system significantly lighter.

A further essential point is that only this technology is able to provide reliable, comprehensive and quick troubleshooting and diagnostic functions. It also enables the service technician to read out data and/or redefine specific parameters.

And last but not least, the single-wire system with CAN-bus technology allows the simple addition of electronic accessories, thus broadening the motorcycle’s wide range of functions.

Electronic immobiliser.

To make sure that only the rightful owner is able to enjoy the new K 1200 GT on the road, an electronic immobiliser comes as standard (and is also integrated in the databus network).

Just like on a modern car, the ignition key incorporates a coded data chip communicating via a transponder in the ignition lock with the electronic engine management. So both ignition and fuel supply are only activated when the data exchanged corresponds as required, allowing the rider to start the engine.
Info-Flatscreen.

The extra-large display in the middle of the cockpit serves as the interface, where the rider can check all data relevant to riding conditions and the use of the motorcycle. The system shows overall mileage, trip mileage, the time of day, coolant temperature, the gear currently selected, the fuel level and the mileage remaining when reaching the fuel reserve in the tank.

When fitted with the optional Electronic Suspension Adjustment or the TPC Tyre Pressure Control system can go even further and are able to check the current set-up of the suspension as well as the tyre pressure, via the Info-Flatscreen.

Sporting and lean body.

The striking, aerodynamic fairing on the new K 1200 GT is unusually slim for a tourer. Keeping the drag coefficient to a minimum, the fairing guarantees maximum riding stability at high speeds on the road. And despite its sporting look, the fairing offers significantly improved wind and weather protection than the previous model.

The front end of the fairing is made up of two plastic shells and the load-bearing headlight unit ensuring all fairing components are easy to remove and replace, making maintenance and service accessible and convenient at all times.

Electrically adjustable windscreen.

Focusing on the shape and design of the windscreen, the designers and aerodynamic engineers at BMW Motorrad have created an ideal combination of maximum wind and weather protection in as small a surface area as possible. Carefully controlling the flow of air on the side contours, the windscreen guides the wind and air smoothly around the rider, reducing the windblast on the helmet and upper body significantly, even at high speeds.

A further advantage is that the light screen adjusts electrically over a range of 100 mm. All the rider has to do is press a button on the left-hand handlebar to set the windscreen to the desired position. A higher windscreen (+ 60 mm) is available as special equipment, ensuring that virtually every rider – no matter how tall or short – is able to adjust the windscreen perfectly to their requirements.

Seat designed for all ergonomic requirements.

To ensure maximum riding comfort and freedom of movement, BMW Motorrad has once again concentrated on the ‘step arch length’ criteria in designing the seat.

This is the distance measured between the rider’s two footprints across the inner length of the legs and around the seat, taking both the shape and the width of the seat into account. So clearly, the rider benefits from the slender line of both the frame and the body of the K 1200 GT.

To provide these advantages, the seat has an extremely slender waistline exactly where the rider sits, enabling him to easily reach the ground and offering a very comfortable knee angle. The standard seat can be set to a height of either 820 mm or 840 mm and an optional lower seat which can be fixed at a height of 800 mm or 820 mm is available for the shorter rider.

The “ergonomic triangle” made up of the footrests, the seat itself and the handlebar offers maximum freedom of movement both for sports riding and touring, at the same time allowing the rider to cruise in relaxed style without fatigue. The passenger, finally, also enjoys excellent seating comfort.

Handlebars adjustable for height.

To ensure that the handlebars can also be adjusted to riders of various heights with their own seating preferences and different styles of riding, the handlebars are adjustable to four different levels, moving towards the upper body of the rider when required by up to 40 mm. Again, this ensures an ideal posture under all conditions, with simple, manual adjustment for height by means of bolt clamps.

Design and colours.

The new K 1200 GT offers a perfect symbiosis of touring comfort and sporting performance. Self-confident, forward-urging lines emphasise the dynamic character of the new K 1200 GT and the machine’s slender proportions all round – combined with the very compact engine cover – again point clearly towards the sporting and dynamic DNA of the new GT.

Seen from the front, the K 1200 GT’s windscreen and hand protectors are compact and discreet in design, and the strikingly chiselled headlight stands out as a dynamic highlight typical of the brand.

The three colours for the body of the K 1200 GT – Dark Graphite Metallic, Deep Blue Metallic, and Crystal Grey Metallic – form a perfect combination with the two colours available for the side covers (on the tank and below the seat) as well as the seat itself. This concept clearly accentuates the special character of the K 1200 GT, with different interpretations depending on the colour.

Colour choices are Elegant Dark Graphite Metallic combined in standard trim with lighter, Granite Grey side covers and a grey seat; Deep Blue Metallic combined with dark, slate-coloured side covers and a black seat; and Crystal Grey Metallic with the seat in black and slate-coloured side covers.

With alternative combinations of the main colour and the colour chosen for the seat and side covers, customers have every option to personalise the K 1200 GT to their individual wishes. Colour combinations with greater contrasts focus more on dynamic performance, underlying the differences between the rider’s area and the body of the machine.

For further information contact:
Alexander Corne
PR & Corporate Communications Manager
Phone: 03 9264 4238
Mobile: 0439 568 819
Email: alexander.corne@bmw.com.au