BMW K1200GT

# BMW K1200GT Price £10,995 :
# 1171cc liquid cooled, 16v, inline four cylinder :
# Wet weight 300kg, Insurance group 15 :
# Claimed power 130bhp :
# Issue tested: June 2003

The K1200 GT is a luxury long distance tourer that can wheelie and scratch with sportsbikes. Not many motorcycles can stake that claim, and the Gran Turismo sets the new benchmark.
Pushing the K12's hefty 285kg mass is a respectable enough 130bhp, but it's the 86 ft./lbs torque that gives it the get up and go. The K1200 GT will touch on a top end of a GPS-confirmed 153 mph. The huge fairing and heated grips keep the weather at bay for a turbulence free ride, even when chasing the 155mph limiter.
The EVO braking system is unusual but it was quickly agreed that they were perfect for this bike, improving stopping performance dramatically. Both brakes are servo-assisted for power and when the front lever is applied a linkage automatically engages the rear brake as well.
As far as rider friendliness is concerned the K1200 GT is astounding. For sportier riders the adjustable foot pegs can be raised for better ground clearance which involves a two-minute process a monkey could complete without a snag. The seat height is also two-way adjustable and the windscreen position as electrically adjustable, a la FJR1300.
An optional cruise control system is available, but on most roads you'll be busy riding this bike as opposed to driving it, so save that option for the cars. Optional satellite navigation system tuned specifically for motorcycles. It's an expensive bit of kit at £1,250 though..