Kawasaki Concours Forum

Riding => It's not a Concours - other Bikes => Topic started by: c14blair on September 24, 2011, 08:26:20 AM

Title: It appears my C14 is totaled, and i am considering buying a BMW K1200LT.
Post by: c14blair on September 24, 2011, 08:26:20 AM
I have a '08 C14, and was hit by a truck a month ago. Dealership is stating the damage is around $9K. Insurance adjuster is going to dealership on Monday to confirm, and if estimate is accurate, will total bike.

I am considering purchasing a used BMW K 1200 Lt, but i am little concerned about what i have heard regarding  maintenance costs.

I appreciate all input.

thanks
Title: Re: It appears my C14 is totaled, and i am considering buying a BMW K1200LT.
Post by: Awaz on September 24, 2011, 08:42:26 AM
Looks like a pretty comfy bike. But why the rolling couch instead of the K1200GT? Never owned a BMW, but always wanted one. Price and how far flung the dealers are, always deterred me. And that I heard the word 'deal' is absent from their vocabulary.
Title: Re: It appears my C14 is totaled, and i am considering buying a BMW K1200LT.
Post by: c14blair on September 24, 2011, 09:06:31 AM
Awaz,

what rolling couch instead of the BMW?

are you saying the C14 is a rolling couch?
Title: Re: It appears my C14 is totaled, and i am considering buying a BMW K1200LT.
Post by: Pokey on September 24, 2011, 09:09:34 AM
Buy the new 1600 instead.
Title: Re: It appears my C14 is totaled, and i am considering buying a BMW K1200LT.
Post by: sherob on September 24, 2011, 09:21:25 AM
I'd go with a Wing instead of the LT... mo power, mo dealers, less headaches.
Title: Re: It appears my C14 is totaled, and i am considering buying a BMW K1200LT.
Post by: Tarheelbob on September 24, 2011, 09:39:47 AM
Awaz,

what rolling couch instead of the BMW?

are you saying the C14 is a rolling couch?

No, he'saying the LT is a rolling couch compared to the GT in the BMW line.
Title: Re: It appears my C14 is totaled, and i am considering buying a BMW K1200LT.
Post by: Tarheelbob on September 24, 2011, 09:49:17 AM
I am considering purchasing a used BMW K 1200 Lt, but i am little concerned about what i have heard regarding  maintenance costs.
thanks

This past generation of BMW bikes have been plagued with well-documented final drive failures. Earlier K and R models with permanently sealed ("no maintenance for life!") were the most susceptible. A few years ago, BMW put a drain plug in the final drive (no admission of the problem, "just 'cause we felt like it.") and the number of drive failures seemed to lessen, but is still an issue. Check the bike's history and talk frankly with the dealer.

They are great bikes, but they can be expensive.
Title: Re: It appears my C14 is totaled, and i am considering buying a BMW K1200LT.
Post by: CB Schmaltz on September 24, 2011, 11:18:23 AM
9 Grand
go buy a new 09 or 10 Connie
whats the question
Title: Re: It appears my C14 is totaled, and i am considering buying a BMW K1200LT.
Post by: Barry on September 24, 2011, 11:32:08 AM
Former BMW owner here.  I own a C14.
Title: Re: It appears my C14 is totaled, and i am considering buying a BMW K1200LT.
Post by: CB Schmaltz on September 24, 2011, 11:49:42 AM
Thanxs Barry
I rest my case
Title: Re: It appears my C14 is totaled, and i am considering buying a BMW K1200LT.
Post by: tthompsr on September 24, 2011, 12:51:35 PM
I was in the same situation back in May, I went and bought a 09 leftover C-14.
Title: Re: It appears my C14 is totaled, and i am considering buying a BMW K1200LT.
Post by: MikeERideWNC on September 24, 2011, 07:42:09 PM
I loved my K1200LT... I will probably get another. They are getting cheaper everyday.

Another bike I am fond of is the 2006 K1200s.

I like the 98-2001 VFR800Fi for an all around sport-touring bike which is bullet proof. I currently have a 2000 which I bought new and it has never had one problem.
I can put the key in and ride and know it will bring me home.

I have been kicking around a Busa and putting luggage on it.
I have a close friend who has one he rides all day on his. But he is 6'6" and makes the Busa look like a mini-bike.

There are so many good bikes out there which are decent and fairly cheap to own and operate.

I am going back to my 10,000.00 spending limit for a bike.
I have never had a problem buying used bikes... I guess I have either been lucky or being picky pays off.
Title: Re: It appears my C14 is totaled, and i am considering buying a BMW K1200LT.
Post by: Shadowofshoe on September 25, 2011, 07:56:55 AM
     I had an 05 LT-it's a great tourer especially 2=up. As always if you are a good wrench cost of ownership is less,but if you follow the schedule at a dealership its quite expensive, the 12000 is well over a grand w/valve check.
    The bike itself is a joy to ride, creature comforts galore, one caveat though-its weight is evident around walking speed and that weight is on top. The ride at speed belies its 900 lbs amazingly.
     I got rid of mine after 3 year warranty expired on the fear of the final drive failures that affected many forum members and BMW's non-action.
     The C-14 is a lot more fun to ride overall although I miss things like cruise control,heated seats & grips, kick butt stereo,hydro-electric centerstand...........................and so on.
          Mike 
Title: Re: It appears my C14 is totaled, and i am considering buying a BMW K1200LT.
Post by: booger on September 25, 2011, 10:23:33 AM
Beemers are neat.  Buy another C-14
Title: Re: It appears my C14 is totaled, and i am considering buying a BMW K1200LT.
Post by: Shadowofshoe on September 25, 2011, 10:37:46 AM
 :rotflmao:

      Mike
Title: Re: It appears my C14 is totaled, and i am considering buying a BMW K1200LT.
Post by: martin_14 on September 26, 2011, 02:15:23 AM
Former BMW owner here.  I own a C14.

same here. And I drove all of them, none exceeds the C14 in any aspect for less than 10000 dollars.