BMW K1200LT Frequently asked Questions
What is going on with the BMW BC-1\BC-2 communication
system?
My bike doesn't have a skid plate. Do I need one?
My headlight is a joke. Can I install higher wattage bulbs?
My tires wore out fast. Is there another tire available?
Is there a luggage rack available?
Can I lower the seat? Will an aftermarket seat like Corbin help?
My rear brakes squeal and don't work well. What can I do?
How do I pick up this bike after I drop it?
What is the best way to make a sharp U-turn without dropping the bike?
(by Chris Paine, a NSW Police Officer)
My bike has a major hesitation when I twist the throttle, what is
the cure?
How do I remove the plastic to work on my bike?
I have heard that the mirrors can fall off. Is there a way to
attach them?
My bike fell over using the sidestand. Whats wrong?
What are J-Peg's and are there other available footpegs?
Can I service the bike myself? Will it void the warranty?
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What is going on with the BMW BC-1\BC-2 communication system?
A: The BC-1 and BC-2 are no longer in production. There were many problems with
these units including battery drain. There is a new "com system" that has
just been released. It is made by J&M and is supposed to be a big improvement.
It is only available through BMW dealers.
My bike doesn't have a skid plate.
Do I need one?
A: It will protect the bottom of your engine against damage. The first
releases of the K1200LT did not have a skid plate. The factory later released a skid
plate. Although the plate is free, the labor for installation is debatable.
Many owners have talked the dealer in to installing the plate for free, others paid for
the labor, and others installed the plate themselves. If you are a potential buyer
of a new LT, the plate should already be installed.
My headlight is a joke. Can I install
higher wattage bulbs?
A: Almost everyone complains about the lack of light of the stock headlight, however
installing higher wattage bulbs has proved disastrous in most cases. There have been
many who have clouded there lenses, melted wiring connectors etc. Higher wattage
bulbs should be avoided on the LT. There seems to be some success with "super
white" bulbs from Piaa which supposedly put out more light with the same rating.
Best alternatives seem to be adding aftermarket lighting with Piaa's seemingly the
most popular. HID lighting has been installed successfully, however very
expensive.
My tires wore out fast. Is there
another tire available.
A: Many on the mail list have switched to Metzeler ME-880's, a non radial tire that
yields considerably better mileage. However, you can not expect this tire to handle
or grip quite as a radial tire. If you "tour" a lot without wet roads and
want better mileage, this may be a good choice at a slight expense to handling. The
new Bridgestone BT020 has been released. A higher mileage radial tire with good
comments coming back. Other tires have been tried but there have been fitment issues
and no real positive comments over stock.
Is there a luggage rack
available?
A: Bmw now sells a luggage rack and it comes standard on the 2001 model. It
is rather small in my opinion. You have to buy all the parts individually since it
is not sold (at this time) as a kit. List members have installed a Gold Wing racks,
small Harley racks, and the full size Harley racks. Details for some can be found at
the files section of K-1200LT E-groups mail list, and I have posted instructions for
the Harley rack at http://www.sayegh.org/bmw/rack.htm
Can I lower the seat? Will an
aftermarket seat like Corbin help?
A: Bmw has released a lower seat that drops the seat about 2 inches. The
list price is $350.00 On the stock seat, you can gain a little by removing the
adjustment bar under the seat. I also posted instructions on how to lower the stock
seat a few inches at http://www.sayegh.org/bmw/seat.htm
To the best of my knowledge all aftermarket seats are actually TALLER than stock
and will not help the height challenged rider.
My rear brakes squeal and don't
work well. What can I do?
A: This has been a common complaint. Many on the mail list have had their
scored rotors and pads replaced under warranty. BMW is now making a new pad to solve
the problem but initial comments are that there is no improvemnet on braking action.
The simple solution seems to be to immediately change your pads to EBC's who make a
direct replacement pad (Kevlar) that is easier on your rotor but does not improve brake
function. If you don't mind a little more work and want better rear brake function,
you can use EBC's HH sintered pads, however they do not make a direct replacement.
However, you can easily modify a set Ducati EBC HH front pads. Instructions are at http://www.sayegh.org/BMW/brakes.htm
You can also buy pads that are modified already at the same site.
My bike has a major hesitation when I
twist the throttle, what is the cure?
A: There have been many attempts to cure this dilemna, some bikes have it others
have not. Disconnectiong the battery and allowing the "brain" to re-set
seems to help at least temporarily. Several list members have had their TPS
(throttle sensor) adjusted or replaced, not all have had success. At least one list
member disconnected the gas tank vent line and had a total cure. Others attempting
the same thing found the hesitation still there. The dealers are equally stumped
with this dilemna and have not found a confirmed fix as of yet.
How do I remove the plastic to work on my
bike?
A: There is a video available with step by step instructions. See
http://www.sayegh.org/BMW/service-video.htm
I have heard that the mirrors can fall off.
Is there a way to attach them?
A: Ensure each mirror is attached firmly at its three connection points and the gap
between the mirror and the bike is consistently wide; about 1/8". If a connection
point seems loose or the gap is inconsistent, consider shimming a connection ball the
mirrors attach to. To remove a mirror, smack the outside front of the mirror unit, towards
the back of the bike, with the
palm of your hand, being careful not to drop the mirror when it comes off. The factory may
have taped spare washers on the body side of the mirror. (May be bent "lock"
washers.) It's quite common for mirrors to come off when you hit potholes, bumps, other
things, etc. A replacement mirror cost about $200 and you don't want to have one
destroyed, especially if
you're far from home. We recommend you firmly connect each mirror to the bike, so if
(when) it falls off, it will stay with the bike. Some owners do not recommend the use of
plastic tie wraps, since the sudden impact of a flying mirror can snap the plastic. Some
owners use twisted wire that could snap if pulled too hard, depending on the strength of
the wire. Heavy fishing line may work if sufficiently strong. E.g., 100lb. vinyl coated
stainless leader line and crimp sleeves. Bob's BMW sells 1/16" aircraft-cable
connectors made for this very purpose; they are about $18 a pair and they are very strong.
(Call the number listed at: www.bobsbmw.com)
My bike fell over using the sidestand.
Whats wrong?
A: Never park your bike DOWNHILL and use the sidestand! The bike will roll
forward and fall. When using the sidestand, it is important to leave the bike in 1st
gear to prevent it's movement. Try to find a level spot or slight UPHILL to park. On
a hot day, it is typical for your sidestand to sink in the asphalt and your bike will fall
over. Try a small piece of aluminum plate (or similar) under the sidestand when you
park. Don't forget to pick it up when you leave. Also, the same sinking
problem can occur using the center stand on a hot day. Beware of parking your bike
on the sidestand in heavy winds, the substantial area of this bike could cause a tip over
depending on location and slant If unsure, put the bike near a wall or perhaps
pointing into the wind.
What are J-Peg's and are there other
available footpegs?
A: J-Pegs are an aftermarket footpeg that attach under the tipover wings and are
available through Jason Van Dyke at CVM Touring for an estimated $285.00. Bob's BMW
http://www.bmwbobs.com/bobsnewproducts.htm
also sells an aftermarket footpeg for the K1200LT for $119.95 Both pegs attach
differently and locate your feet differently.
Can I service the bike myself? Will it
void the warranty?
A: If you are capable of servicing the bike you can do so but you have to SAVE THE
RECEIPTS!! Keep good records and follow the BMW maintenance schedule. See http://www.sayegh.org/BMW/maintenance.htm
Note that the MoDITeC fault readings will have to be done at the dealer. If
proper records are kept, it will not void your warranty.
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Comments or additions contact Paul Sayegh