K1200GT First Impressions (2002) Here are my impressions from a short 30 mile ride: 1. The fairing modifications are a big improvement over the RS. The bike has weather protection almost as good as the RT, and that's saying something. 2. The new electric windsceen looks like its a couple of inches too short (I was looking way over it when it's in the full up position) but it actually works quite well due to the kick-up on the top edge. There was no air blast on my face and no buffeting as long as I was down on the bars. When I sit bolt upright with only one hand on the bars, I get a little more wind in my face, but certainly not the blast of the clear air stream. 3. The new seat looks to be about 2 inches wider than the RS seat and it appears to be significantly more comfortable. The heater is nice. 4. The bars are still more a reach than on an RT or the new ST. It's not the zero-wrist-pressure riding position on used to from riding LTs, RTs with barbacks, and GSs, but it's probably a more appropriate position for a bike with this much power and cornering capability. If I can't get used to it, there's always the Verholen electrically adjustable bars for the RS that can be made to work. 5. The pegs are higher than on an RT or an LT, and probably higher than I will really need for cornering clearance. There is a high-quality aftermarket peg lowering kit that will make them closer to RT pegs. If I find the pegs uncomfortable, I'll switch. 6. Just saying the brakes are fabulous is an understatement. The combination of POWER ABS brakes and the anti-dive, BMW Telelever front suspension has to be experienced to be believed. 7. The gearing is not as tall as I would prefer, but, again, it's probably appropriate for this type of bike. 4000 rpm in 6th gear is an indicated 73 mph (probably about 68 mph true speed). In constrast, my LT would be about 500 rpm lower in top gear. However, the bike is still very smooth and quiet at freeway speeds and the roll-on performance is obviously WAY better than what I am used to on the K1200LT. 8. The overall ride quality is superb. It soaks up bumps very nicely and feels quite plush. 9. Controls are very similar to the RS and the LT, but the new seat heater switch goes right where the European headlight switch would otherwise go. Looks like you can't run the Euro light switch without installing an auxiliary switch for the heated seat. I might not have installed the Euro switch anyway since I'm planning to run a HID low beam and HID high beam off of the standard switches and probably won't add any other lights. 10. Since the bike I rode was brand new, I didn't run it very hard; however, the GT has exactly the same power train as the 130 hp RS and weighs almost exactly the same. It's obviously going to be a strong performer. My only concern with this bike is that the ergonomics are a little more aggressive that I'm used to. However, if I don't get used to it, it should be easy to alter the ergos. Lower pegs are already available. It's only a matter of time before bar backs and a taller Aeroflow screen are available. Hopefully, I won't need them. I think this is a bike I can get comfortable with as it is. Time will tell. Tom Austin El Dorado Hills December 18, 2002