To the disappointment of a number of adherents, the K 1200 GT vanished from the BMW motorcycle lineup in 2005. Striving to satisfy the open-class sport touring enthusiasts, BMW has revived the K 1200 GT designation, assigning it to a wholly redesigned machine. A close cousin of the K 1200 S sportbike, the new GT shares its in-line 4-cylinder motor (albeit in a torquier state of tune), frame, and suspension components with the S. Premium features that will undoubtedly appeal to touring bike campaigners include an electrically adjustable windshield, full-protection fairing, adjustable seat and handlebars, ABS, and a pannier system. BMW describes the GT as a “dynamic and sporty long-distance tourer.”
A second sports touring machine due to make itself public later this year is the mid-size F 800 ST. Based on the successful F 800 S sportbike, the ST will arrive equipped with a full fairing, high windshield, aluminum luggage rack, and touring ergonomics. Sources at BMW tell Robb Report MotorCycling that the F 800 ST will be ready to hit the road at approximately 440 pounds.
