2006 BMW K1200GT - Wallpaper

The single-sided swingarm unit, aka, the EVO Paralever system, looks great from both sides. The massive cannister ensures the GT meets strct European emission standards.

The GT delivers power to the back wheel via the almost Beemer-standard shaft drive, with just a handful of the BMW lineup sporting alternative drivetrains.

The new GT won't disappoint gadget-minded riders, as it sports more than its fair share of electronic bells and whistles. Foremost of the electronic goodies is the OBC (On Board Computer), which provides plenty of useful information to the rider.

The GT's windscreen is on-the-fly adjustable, with a button on the left handlebar giving the rider some control over the elements.

Riding around the Painted Desert we learned that there is more to the GT than meets the eye. It is comfortable, looks pretty good and handles like a champ.

After spending a day at the controls of the new K, I can honestly tell you that getting from Point A to Point B with saddlebags full of sundries has rarely been so much fun.

For riders who are finicky about the riding position, there is 1.6 inches of height adjustment in the bars.

The case cover on the right side of the motor sticks out and is an unfortunate obstacle that wedges your right foot between it and the brake lever.

Hard luggage is both locakable and removable which really simplifies the packing process for your ride. Just unlatch and remove the bags - voila - suitcases!

Roomy saddlebags come standard on the GT and are spacious enough to hold a full-face helmet.

There aren't many red-rock deserts in Germany, but BMW Motorrad created a bike which could get them there in comfort and style.

There were plenty of amazing sites to see in Sedona, including these amazing red rock formations that surround the town.

We spotted Bigfoot in the canyon outside of Sedona, AZ. If you look close you can see him on the far left of the image, about 1/3 of the way from the bottom.

Kenny threw the new K1200GT around the curvy roads of Northern Arizona during the BMW North America press intro.

Handling and comfort are critical components of any sport-touring bike, and they just so happen to be a couple of the K1200GT's strong points.

Utilizing the 1157cc motor found in the K1200R, the GT has had its powerplant tuned a little different, to earn the Gran Turismo moniker.

The 6.3-gallon fuel tank carries enough juice to keep you on the road for at least 250 miles, considering that the average fuel consumption reading I took off the bike was 44 mpg.

If the standard features on the GT, which include the adjustable windscreen and gigantic saddlebags, aren't enough, there are further options available to push the dollar figure up over the $20,000 mark.

When you're slowing down the GT while entering a turn, the power-assist ABS binders get the job done.

The bike's design really seems to polarize people's opinions. Some think it is easy on the eyes, but others are more critical of the large surface area of the lower cowling and the unusual appearance of the front suspension.

The new engine formula equates to a smooth and steady base from which to build an excellent sport-touring bike.

As expected, the new Beemer gets an A in comfort and handling. Depending on the terrain, the ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) has three settings from which to choose: Normal, Sport, and Comfort.

The GT compromises top-end power and peak hp numbers for improved mid-range power and bumped up torque figures.

Our test mules were fully-loaded units with nearly all the optional bells and whistles installed, such as the Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA) system ($775), heated seat ($270), heated hand grips ($200), cruise control ($310) and On Board Computer ($215).