In 2006, the German motorcycle maker released the BMW K1200LT, a luxury touring motorcycle part of the K series in BMW's range that comprised several models with different engine displacements and appearances.
When it was first released in 1998, the motorcycle replaced the BMW K1100LT and was part of the super tourer category, placed as a competitor to the Honda Gold Wing, but also machines in the class.
In 2004, the maker presented a revised model that included modifications such as a more powerful engine, an electro-hydraulically extendable center stand, a new spring for the rear suspension, and an optional Xenon headlight. In 2006, the bike was released at an MSRP of $22,000.
Compared to its K1200GT sibling that was more performance-oriented, the K1200LT was made with comfort and touring capabilities in mind, packing a full fairing with a medium-sized windscreen, a comfortable rider seat with lumbar support, a passenger seat with an integrated backrest in the top case, a sound system, and color-matched, side-mounted panniers for extra storage.
Under the hood, the 2006 BMW K1200LT had installed a 1,172cc four-stroke four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine fed by an electronically-controlled fuel injection system, delivering 116 hp at 8,000 rpm and 117 Nm (86 lb-ft) torque at 5,250 rpm.
The bike's power was converted into motion by a five-speed manual transmission with a hydraulic dry single-plate clutch, a return, and an overdrive mode, spinning the rear wheel through a final shaft drive, pushing the machine to 198 kph (123 mph).