BMW K1200LT offers more for 2004

BMW’s K1200LT has long been lauded as the world’s best touring motorcycle but the German maker has still decided to improve the machine for 2004.

An interesting new feature is an electro-hydraulic centre-stand. Lifting a large touring motorcycle on to a centre-stand when fully loaded can be quite a mission so BMW has come up with a system whereby at the press of a button the machine itself hydraulically lifts itself on to centre stand, with no need to even dismount from the machine. An electric pump builds up pressure in the system and simply extends the centre-stand by hydraulic pressure. A very clever development indeed, and one that others will surely copy.

Different camshafts, throttle bodies and intake manifolds help the K1200LT to make 15% more power than before. Claimed maximum power is now 85kw (115hp) with torque increasing by nearly 4% to 120 Nm (88 lb-ft). The gearbox has also come in for attention with larger gears contributing to the five-speed box operating more smoothly than before.

Comfort is what people look for in a tourer and a new seat has been designed for the 2004 model which positions the rider lower in the machine. This is to help shorter riders feel more secure when manoeuvring the machine thanks to a shorter reach to the ground.

The already comprehensive information display has been upgraded with a new flat screen display providing the following functions; odometer, tripmaster, coolant temp’, air temp’, gear selection, radio information, fuel level, time and all the on-board computer functions. A GPS Navigator support is fitted at the factory and is situated above the radio control unit. This integrates with the optional BMW Motorcycle Navigator II which combines satellite positioning. Mapping and software is available for the rider to plan their route on a PC and then follow that information on the display while riding.

An integrated central locking and anti-theft system is another optional extra. A press of a button locks all the luggage compartments while an extra feature of this option is ground illumination. This feature is activated when switching off the anti-theft system, it can also be activated by turning the ignition switch off to help illuminate the ground around the motorcycle when parked.

Other optional extras that can be ordered on your machine from the factory include a higher windscreen, CD changer, twin power sockets, height adjustable chrome running boards for the pillion and a heated seat. Other special equipment that the dealer can fit to your machine before you take delivery or add to the machine later include inner bags for the luggage, tank bag, high-rise screen, heated backrests, cup holders, voice communication system with connections for BMW helmets and you can even get a connection kit for Nokia mobile phones to integrate with the communication system. A CB radio aerial can also be added as can the Navigator GPS system.

On the aesthetic side of the equation the new K1200LT now features a new headlight design and larger mudguards. Chrome is now seen on the footrests, bumper strips, mirrors, grab rail, brake and clutch covers, air vent and side logo plates.

The new K1200LT is expected to arrive in March. It is not yet clear if the machine will come in at a price premium over the current model.