BMW / Hannigan?

[wiredgeorge]

Anyone have any experience with a Hannigan kitted BMW K 1200LT? Ride? Comfort? Handling? Fuel mileage? etc.?????

[Veritas44]

George,

There are several Owner's of K1200LT Trikes here. Thread probably best served in the BMW Trike Section. Ask Zook to move this to there and I'm sure you will get all the input you seek.

There are some reviews posted in the "What Do You Like about Your Hannigan Trike" Thread in the Brand Specific Discussion Section by K12 Owners as well to read.

You must have a line on a used turnkey Unit. Good luck with it. From all I have seen they, the K12 HMS conversions, make awesome Trikes and never seen a bad comment or experience about one.

[wiredgeorge]

I have been a member here long enough to have noticed that there is actually a BMW section bwhahaha I will try and get this thread moved. I am looking... I have never owned a BMW or even considered one but have found a possible...

[Veritas44]

It's All good.

The BMW (Bike side) can be more costly to properly maintain and do PM on than the GL but is usually pretty steady otherwise. The one inherent issue with the K1200 (the Final Drive) is eliminated when Triked. It actually will Dyno at 1 HP more than the GL18 but of course doesn't hit that till around 7200-7600 rpm and similar for TQ. If you don't mind a Bike that "lives" at the top of its Operating Range, then you will enjoy the Trike a whole lot.

All the best in your research and decision.

[wiredgeorge]

Veritas44... quick question... is your location a pun? Veritas Aequittas is a Latin expression for "truth is justice" or something like that... Just curious! wg

[Veritas44]

Absolutely & Not at All

[Pegasus1300]

George, call Crossroads Trikes and Trailers in Salt Lake City and ask for Gene Wright,the owner.He has one already built that he is trying to sell. I believe it was his,but since his accident he will not be riding for quite awhile.Right now they are opened Tues-Thurs. for winter. His contact information is

652 West Fine Drive
Salt Lake City, Utah 84119

Phone: (801) 266-9633
Toll-Free: (877) 709-7865



info@crossroadstrikes.com

Tell him I sent you.

[ebiss9]

The ride is much more comfortable than with 2 wheels. It takes bumps and depressions in the road much easier unless you’re hitting tremendous pot holes. I somewhat miss leaning into the curves and it does seem you have to work a bit harder to negotiate them. But this is easier as you become more familiar with the handling.

Running straight down the road makes me sometimes forget you’re tooling along on 3 wheels. You must always be aware of the “big butt” that’s tagging along especially at gas station islands! Speaking of gas stations, you will be visiting them more often with the 3 wheeled KLT unless you get it with the 5 gallon auxiliary fuel tank. I went from 48-52 MPG as a 2 wheel to around 32-35 MPG as a tri-pod version. I also pull an Aspen Classic camper occasionally and this will take me down to approximately 25-28 MPG.

As a 2 wheeled motorcycle, 1st gear has always seemed unusually high on the K1200LT but it isn’t a problem on the trike and you will get accustomed to this even with the additional weight of the Hannigan.

My wife and I have never regretted doing the conversion and always look forward to the next trip with it.

I still maintain a 2 wheeled motorcycle for around town, short distance or have a need to lean riding but the K1200LT Hannigan is our main baby……………Rob

[Veritas44]

Just became aware of a 2002 K1200LT with right above 100k miles with Hannigan conversion that was done @ 6 years ago in the Middle Tennessee area. Previous Owner (2nd Owner) unfortunately passed away. It has no Running Boards but does have the Aux. Fuel Tank and Front-end Mod. Think the Family is trying to get in the $11-$12G range for it. Sounds like a good deal IF the Bike checks out.

Bike NADA is $4100 Low to $5500 High Retail and the conversion would be around the $13G range if was to convert a 2-wheeler that way.

Just thought you might be interested or at least give you a Market Comp.

[ebiss9]

My Hannigan came in a little under 16k with all the additions + whatever the retail of my 2 wheel bike was at the time. So it sounds to be a reasonable price. One big sore spot is the clutch. I had a tranny leak which coated inside the housing and assembly. Fortunately I spotted it before the conversion and replaced the whole clutch assembly with all the seals before the conversion.

I've heard some have had various problems with low mileage, like me, and some never have a problem. Just check it out, you could have drips or streak marks around the clutch housing. Also check the clutch for slipping due to wear. I'm telling you this due to the cost if a BMW dealer gets his hands on it to the tune of $2000.00 plus, if they'll even attempt it in the trike version. As far as the engine 100k is considered low mileage on the KLT.

Just my opinion..............

[wiredgeorge]

My Hannigan came in a little under 16k with all the additions + whatever the retail of my 2 wheel bike was at the time. So it sounds to be a reasonable price. One big sore spot is the clutch. I had a tranny leak which coated inside the housing and assembly. Fortunately I spotted it before the conversion and replaced the whole clutch assembly with all the seals before the conversion. I've heard some have had various problems with low mileage, like me, and some never have a problem. Just check it out, you could have drips or streak marks around the clutch housing. Also check the clutch for slipping due to wear. I'm telling you this due to the cost if a BMW dealer gets his hands on it to the tune of $2000.00 plus, if they'll even attempt it in the trike version. As far as the engine 100k is considered low mileage on the KLT. Just my opinion..............

If you google my name, you will quickly figure out what I do for a living. I have had a motorcycle-related business for 8 years and am not scared of normal bike mechanics stuff BUT I have no desire to work on what I want to ride 2-up and for pleasure. One issue with a BMW is they are foreign to me. Never have even been near one much less worked on one. Don't know where to get parts and dealer support would be fairly hard to come by. If I buy one, it will have to be in good running order and not need immediate fixing. I have heard that the BMWs are durable but 100K miles is a bit high I think and for those reasons.

[ebiss9]

Hi George, I too have been a mechanic most of my adult life with over 25 years as an aircraft powerplant mechanic for Turbine engines. I perform most of the maintenance and repair of my motorcycles myself including the clutch replacement on my BMW/Hannigan trike. I was just trying to convey that when this brand of motorcycle is running it is solid and a great performer, but when it breaks it’s a costly SOB. The clutch job alone cost me over $500.00 just in parts not including the specialty tooling I had to buy or make.

I also belong to another forum specifically geared toward BMW motorcycles. It’s on that site where many have reported extremely high mileage to the tune of 200k plus with absolutely no engine problems. Of course there is always an exception to engines and mileage but the BMW engine seems to be the norm rather than the exception. I guess owners of this brand of motorcycle keep their bikes forever to obtain those kinds of road miles! So I should have stated midrange instead of low mileage.

My only dilemma is I’ll have to live to be 110 years old to get anywhere near that arena of verification! Sorry, hope this clarifies my previous post………Thanks, Rob

[ben721364]

Anyone have any experience with a Hannigan kitted BMW K 1200LT? Ride? Comfort? Handling? Fuel mileage? etc.?????

I had one and loved it. The GL1800 has more low end torque but the K1200LT Hannigan is faster and more fuel efficient, at least mine was faster and more fuel efficient than the GL1800 based trike that I also had. Handling and ride comfort was on par with GL based trikes.

[BasilFawlty]

Anyone have any experience with a Hannigan kitted BMW K 1200LT? Ride? Comfort? Handling? Fuel mileage? etc.?????

I have had both a 1200 and now a K1600. Both are great. What I like most is that Hannigan "catches and keeps" the original feeling of the bike they start with.

There is as big difference between the 12 and the 16 as between the original bikes. Hannigan just makes the "extra wheel". I like that. My problem with the 16 is that all and everyone wants to stop and talk every time I stop and park it. In Key West in January the owner of the hotel was asked by the local Police if my bike could be covered or removed from the parking lot since it stopped traffic (!). I am proud of my trike but that was a but unusual.

To start with a trike feels a bit awkward since it does not lean but after a while you get use to it.

Fuel mileage is 28-30 for both if I remember correct. You really don´t invest 50.000 to save gas.

I can really recommend Hannigan, not only for their great quality but also because they really care after you have taken delivery and paid. I have only positive experience.

[prowler]

I have 2002 K1200 LT converted by Cross Road Trike & Trailer In SLC, UT before Gene have an accident, I very please with his work, until someone hit it while it parked at the front of my shop total it, I did have them put together another trike for me, this time here, I am not to sure I want to go back let them do my work again.

I believe, the only Hannigan made trike kit for BMW, my mileage is about 38 mpg but very comfortable and safe to ride.

[jaxbobg]

Mine is a 2009 LT/Hannigan, bought used 2 years ago. Previous trike was a Suzuki/Lehman.

First off, I noticed a big difference between the straight axle and the IRS, especially in the TN and NC mountain roads. I can keep up with the 2 wheelers through the twisties with no problem.

Since Hannigan keeps the ABS and linked braking features of the LT, I always feel safe on the road. The ride is actually smoother than my Toyota. I put about 12,000 miles a year on the trike and get around 30 mpg.

The 1200 is a very comfortable touring bike, letting me ride 8 or 9 hours in a day without needing chiropractic adjustment afterwards.

This is the best ride I've ever owned on 2 or 3 wheels. Go for it!

[prowler]

George, call Crossroads Trikes and Trailers in Salt Lake City and ask for Gene Wright,the owner.He has one already built that he is trying to sell. I believe it was his,but since his accident he will not be riding for quite awhile.Right now they are opened Tues-Thurs. for winter. His contact information is

652 West Fine Drive
Salt Lake City, Utah 84119

Phone: (801) 266-9633
Toll-Free: (877) 709-7865



info@crossroadstrikes.com

Tell him I sent you.

I saw this trike when I pick up my last year, she is beautiful if I know he have one for sale I will buy it before I went out bought and have him converted it. Gene have a bad accident last year, Ben is taking care the shop at that time, I am a little bit disappointed on the quality of work while Gene was in hospital, I did know he get back to work yet. Cross Road did converted two of my trikes...

[Seavon]

I have had my BMW 1200LT with Hannigan trike kit for a number of years and it is the mode that I and the wife travel in. We easily traveled from VA to Americade in NY and last year to Maine. NO issues whatsoever and stable as a rock. I get around 32 MPG which seems normal. Went up MT Washington wit the bike and it was fun. No regrets with the conversion other than trying to figure out who will work on the bike. In VA Morton's BMW will work on it and loves doing it. So it is a bit of trip from VA Beach but it is always about the journey not the destination.

[Jasmine]

Anyone have any experience with a Hannigan kitted BMW K 1200LT? Ride? Comfort? Handling? Fuel mileage? etc.?????

I have this exact trike - a 2009 Hannigan conversion. It's a fantastic ride, very comfortable, 32 mpg on the open road. Lots of get up and go. It happens that I can't ride now so I'm looking to sell it - it's a beautiful machine.

[FuzzyWuzHe]

The only issue with the BMW maintenance wise, it getting the plastic off. If you buy one, find someone who is willing to help you with you're first "tupperware party". Even if you need to go several hundred miles to find one, time and money well spent. There are lots of little "tricks" to make it easier. For example. BMW garage mechanics have templates they print and glue to cardboard. When they remove screws from the plastic, they push them into the corresponding hole in the template. Keeps screws in check and when you put it back together, you know which screws go where.

Once the plastic is out of the way, working on the engine and tranny, etc., is relatively easy. Of course you'll need metric tools.

The BMW's are pretty rock solid, and really performance oriented. On my K1200LT, I could get 50 mpg on the highway, and it really loved going 90 mph ... just smoothed right out and purrrrred. Ran well at 75 too .. but 90 was the sweet spot.

Good Luck in your search for a trike.