I purchased a 2014 GTL in January 2022 and its a beast. Its styling is better than anything currently sold. It's like a missile from 0-100 mph. This bike can take you anywhere, take any abuse and keep going. Of all the bikes out there, this is the best for a big guy because of size and weight. Also, the sound is just enough to make you feel like a hot rod and not like a kid with a toy. I often have people say, "that's a beautiful bike" and most of these people are not motorcycle people. This bike can take two people with ease and never slow down. What I have noticed often is BMW owners feel that the 1600 is King, that's a compliment. It's a bike for a lifetime. Best money I have spent in years.
Very nice and honest review. I have just sold my 2013 GTL to my friend who totaled his Harley and always liked my bike. I have a 2022 GTL on order and awaiting its arrival. I rode for my local police agency for 17 years as a motor officer and fell in love with the BMW's when we went to the RT's back in the day. I came off a Yamaha to the GTL and absolutely loved it. Excited about the new one and looking forward to many happy miles on it.
Good effort, on the low seat I'm 6,2 and I've a Corbin replacement seat with a backrest and fitted highway pegs to stretch out my legs when I feel like if, also I fitted a huge Puig slightly tinted screen which totally cocoons me the slight tint stops the disorientation from the edges when looking through it , so I often ride with it fully up no bother .
Nice video. Thanks for the time and effort you put into this. I'm a bit surprised by your overall summary after many of your glowing remarks, but to each his own. I love this bike. I personally love the quick shifter on the GTL... it's like buttah! I also own a 2021 R1250 RS (and love it), and have ridden it's stablemate, the RT, on an extended tour of the European Alps. The quick shifter on the 1250s are extremely clunky, to the point of unusable, upshifting from 1-2 and 2-3. Downshifting is OK except 2-1. The GTL quick shifter has no equal, IMHO, and I would never consider replacing the GTL with an RT or RS for a 1-bike-fits-all. I have not had the wind protection issue on the GTL mentioned in this video, but then, my wife is usually on her CanAm. When she does ride with me, she has had no wind issues. When I ride solo, as I usually do, I keep the top of the screen just below eye level and wind protection and visibility are excellent. I use my RS for in town riding on my "little bike" and the GTL for anything over an hour. The RS is great around town, and I can't wait to get it to the mountains... but I won't be riding it 5 hours to get there! In terms of long distance riding, I do not see a better option for me than the GTL. It is reasonably light, for what it is, very nimble above 5 MPH, and has the reverse function, which is golden for a bike of this size. It has plenty of storage space for long distance travel, and it has the muscle to hustle in the mountains and through interstate traffic. It doesn't drag underparts on mountain curves or city right-handers, as I have experienced on Harley's. I have not ridden the Goldwing, but watching the Austin press release, one motojournalist demonstrated repeatedly the ease of scraping pegs on fairly gentle curves. That clenched it for me.
Agree with the cramped-ish riding position. I did a couple of thousand miles from the UK to France, Switzerland, Italy and back. I'm 6'2" and 14 stone (mostly leg) and found myself feeling it after a while. But its all relative and for those that might suffer from having knees higher, most bikes are worse when you factor in more vibration etc on other bikes.
I love this bike so much. I think you’re assessment is pretty spot on. However, I’m not sure about the leg comfort. I added a Wunderlich crush bar set and mounted highway pegs and Incan really stretch put. Yet, in the twisties, I can move my weight around and keep it low. You can actually slide your knee if you put a pair of leathers on. That telelever suspension allows you to feel when the front is starting to push too, which is amazing on a bike this big to be able to push it to the limit with confidence. It will wheelie in 3rd gear, and very few bikes can keep up here in the mountainous twisties around the Smoky’s/Tail of the Dragon. The Wunderlich vented windscreen removes the back pressure when the windscreen is all the way up so it doesn’t feel like you’re being pushed. I tried to consolidate my ADV and touring bikes with a Multistrada V4S or a GSA and rode them back to back. Neither way god enough. The K1600 is just so comfy and you can rip it in the turns, and the Multistrada and GSA couldn’t satisfy me with either of those attributes, respectively.
I´ve had this bike (2016 model) for more than 5 years and love it. I´ve done 3 Iron Butt rides on it and never had any problems with the riding position. I am 179cm and find that the bike is just perfect with the stock saddle
Just a personal recommendation: the better K1600 might be the B Grand America. For reasonable money you get an extra high seat (so, 2cm more than just high). Then, you can tilt the (cheaper) handlebar slightly forward, what makes them higher and of course more towards the front wheel. And voila, you have a more roomy, yet sporty position. And then, you add the foot boards for straight line cruising, which does change the seating position and character of the bike. The B has no side pockets, but Wunderlich offers a great little bag to be placed above the SAT-nav (ideal for your credit card, when you ride on Italian freeways). In summary, the Grand America is the more flexible and therefore best K1600 to me. Thanks for your excellent review, Matt!
@@zunaidkajee4540 Yes, the GA is limited to a mere 101 mph due to a rather nasty aerodynamic weave. The B model (which I own) minus the top box, has a higher limit, but still exhibits a noticeable weave in dirty air on the motorway. It's fine on a clear two lane though, so I just live with it.
Fabulous video Matt - thoroughly enjoyed that appraisal (looking forward to trying one of these out soon myself)....out of interest, you said at the end of the video that you wouldn't buy one of these bikes - why is that? I get that it makes no sense as your only bike but if money and space was no object and you already had a bunch of other machines, and you and the Mrs liked long distance bike touring, would you then consider one?? Cheers mate - great stuff.....
I'm with you TMF, in a fantasy garage with half-a-dozen of your best ever bikes already in it this would serve a purpose, and do it brilliantly... but for me, I'd go pure GT. I should have been more specific I realise now, rather than saying this wasn't for me. My fantasy garage, you are right, must have this engine (and until they build that K 1600 R) I just think the GT brings an extra sense of connectivity to the road, it has that bit of extra top speed, it just feels ... how to put this. Erm, less remote? A top box and built-in back-rest for my wife and a less pronounced seat height difference between the two of us and we're a happy high-speed touring couple!
Great review! The main advantage of the hill-asisst function is not having to hold the brake lever while waiting for the green light in an uphill intersection.
I had the GT version for a number of years... although also had the opportunity to ride a GTL. The seat height on the GT worked better for me but your comments on the screen brought back some memories, especially the wind pressure on the back at higher settings. Getting off the bike after a one rainy ride, I was still pretty dry... my passager wife less so. Oops. On the stereo, I had it permanently set to the speakers in my helmet. Not a fan of loud-speakers-save-lives. My GT had quite a pronounced driveline snatch when rolling on and off the throttle. Most noticeable in stop-go traffic, I got used to being very careful with throttle inputs. My dealer told me that it was normal but it would be good to hear that BMW had fixed it now. Good discussion Matt... I didn't fall asleep!
Thanks for your dedication, I'm impressed you made it to the end awake. But, still some driveline snatch, better bit not gone completely. Hours of endless fun trying to finesse each gear without your passenger even noticing the changes.
Have a 2012 GTL and it is fantastic! But only after you make two mods.. for the pillion, you do need an aftermarket screen. The extra tall seat option makes 6ft+ plus riders knees happy. No regrets, awesome machine.
Hi James. I'm about to buy a 2012 model. The only concern I have, is how eligible and controllable is, when you try to move it around, before take off. I mean I live on a steep hill and my garage door is coming out on a almost 10% uphill. Is it easy to maneuver it? I'll be grateful if you could answer.
@@IgnitionBikeShow Thanks for your reply. Model 2011/12 doesn't have a reverse gear unfortunately. I'm 5.8, so I don't know if this hepls. Maybe on high heels :)
Superb videos Matt, thank you,....I have had the K1600 GT 2016 model for 3 years and 32 000 km and yes, it remains probably one of my most memorable motorcycle up to today... thank you so much for yet another of your enthusiastic review!
Love the insight and the honest review. Yes, I've owned 2 a 2016 GT and a 2023 GTL. Loved everything about the machine. It felt heavy at the end of a long riding day 300 miles+, when getting back into stop and go traffic. My 1600's both had the tall seat option and pretty comfy on longer runs. Traded my 2023 in for the R1250 RT and I love everything about that machine, but Once again I'm lusting after the Big 6!
Hi, my wife and I had the GTLE. I had BMW fix the bigger seat, bigger wind screen and extensions to the handle bars, I say bars because there are two. All this fixing made the bike 100 percent better. We rode the NC500 and Wales. We know have a Can Am Spyder RT because my wife has arthritis in her knees. The BMW was a great bike but I must admit the Can Am Spyder is better, safer and more comfortable... I appreciate the last statement will cause some, let's say concern but I am 66 and my wife is 65. Great show...
I’ve run my GTL for 5 years and at 6’2” I find the leg room more than enough and have spent over 14 hours riding (stopping only for fuel) the bike a few times without any discomfort. I’m 61 so not a spring chicken but don’t have any issues riding it. B
Fantastic review Matt! Sold my 2016 K 1600gtl exclusive last year which I really enjoyed ,definitely going for this 2022gtl by the end of this year and thanks for the tips .
2012 K1600GT & 2019 S1000R rider here. Great review as well. I love this 6cyl engine too. Someone should get a petition going and do some reverse marketing on BMW. Great naked concept, IMO.
Hi Matt, I couldn’t agree more about the comfort issues of the gtl, drove me mad doing all day touring and it’s defo a thigh/knee thing, I also live in the Auvergne near La chaise Dieu, and have never found anywhere more suitable for riding motorcycles.it’s just Heaven.
Test video and extra detailed video are excellent. Thanks. In terms of the K1600, it is without doubt a truly amazing bike. I'm already on my second K1600 GTLE and I'm waiting for the next iteration which will, hopefully, have a properly integrated dashboard and Adaptive Cruise Control. 👍
I own a 2018 GTL and I love it to bits. When the new model was announced, I was curious to find out what they had updated and I was slightly disapointed. It seems that it's just a bit of a cosmetic update, most notably the dash and the headlight. The engine mapping is changed, but all the rest stayed the same. And what about the stuff they missed? You talked about the absence of the DCC and that surprised me as well. It's on the RT, so why not on the K16? It doesn't seem like rocket science to me, but obviously I don't know how it should tie into the existing computer. Maybe they didn't want to update the computer stuff too much. One other thing that I 'miss' on the K16 is modern brakes. Nearly all BMW bikes have radial callipers, but not so in the K16. Why is that? And one moan about the modern LCD dash with naviagtion 'integration'. Why did they try to reinvent the wheel and make you use a navigation app from BMW (or whoever makes this for them)? Why am I forced to use that? In this day and age, cars and bikes (look at the new Wing) have Apple Carplay and Google Auto integration. Let the customer decide what navigation app to use. BMW is nog a software company. I like the look of the big LCD screen, but I think lots of people find themselves forced to add a mount for another navigation device. And that's a shame, when you have such a nice screen in front of you. A missed opportunity.
Thanks for the great informative video, WELL DONE. After a lot of research, and having owned to GS Adventure and a K1600B(TERRIBLE BIKE) in the past, I am now getting the 2022 GTL and I am sure it will be something I will like. I compared to the 2022 Honda Gold Wing, wanted it, but the big SALE PITCH on the GTL for me is the removable side and top cases...and that is what made me walk away from the Honda. Thanks again and soon I will be reviewing my GTL. Cheers
Great point about the removable cases, was in my notes but got lost in all my waffle and shouldn't have done - one of its major advantages over the Goldwing.
Stereo, cooling fan for the phone case and carpeted panniers! No wonder this thing is sooo heavy! That's why I'm saying, please make a naked version with this engine BMW! don't need that extra rubbish. Fantastic review as usual Mat! Your insight is pukka
Re the shifter. I have a 21 model and the upshifts are smooth at 2500 rpm and above but the bike must be accelerating. On downshifts it is smooth at anytime if you are completely off the throttle. If you are even a little on the throttle it is quite a harsh downshift. I feel the setup really is a shift assist rather than a quick shifter and also setup for a lazy “automatic” feel rather than racing up and down through the gears. One thing that bugs me most is that the throttle has a lot of movement before revs rise when leaving from the stop lights. I’m used to it now and I think it is setup that way again to give a smooth ride, rather than a sporty ride.
I have the B or Bagger version and it is the best bike I’ve ever owned. And I would like nothing more than to park a K1600 R/RS version next to it in my garage
Yeah, petition time! Demonstrations! Almost impolite letters! Setting fire to, erm... my out of date credit card. Power to the People Who Want a Naked K 16 R!
The K1600 fairing follows in the form of the K1300GT in that its rather narrow and does not move the air beyond the passenger. That is actually hard to believe in my mind. If you want to compete for two up sales, you need to compete with the Goldwing. Then you need a wider fairing for sure. The RT does it right for rider and passenger.
Yeah, I pulled up next to (here in Bavaria at the moment) an elderly gentleman (well, probably about my age given the grey hair count) with a Harley something-or-other while on my MT-09. He had his stereo blasting, doing the exaggerated boogie-woogie in the seat. I was cringing so hard I almost cried. I wanted to explain, beseech even, but each to their own I suppose. He seemed happy, in his mind a bronzed alpha male that was the centre of attention, to everyone else at the lights a saddo has-been with too much money and too little sense who was making a spectacle of himself.
Ive had my 2022 for two months. The stereo is terrible. You can't hear it above 60mph. I use my Cardo and phone. The suspension is too soft. I've made every adjustment I can, but it still wallows. It has to be defective. I can't believe it would be this soft. I put some cheap highway pegs on the engine guards. They're a leg saver. The Center Stand clatters on hard bumps. Other than that, I love the bike.
Well then, an extra special thanks for watching the boring nerdy bit of an already boring nerdy channel on the subject of a bike you don't have, or ever have any intention of owning. I owe you a beer!
Why wouldn't BMW make the driver's seat highly vertically adjustable to fit all sizes? Seems an easy solution to a big problem. I have a friend who's 6"2' (188cm) and he won't buy a GTL for this very reason (cramped legroom). As a result, he won't stray from his GSA.
Yeah.... depends what you compare it to. My bright and sunny disposition says it's less top heavy than my house, by the same token it's also more top heavy than my MT-09.
I had to replace my front rim on a 2015 r1200r and it cost (out the door) $1100.00us. Rims are not cheap. Specially if your use to going a bit above the limits?
I rode the first GTL when it was introduced. I was riding a R1200RT at the time and I felt the 1600s fairing was not as good as the RT. Why that is makes no sense at all. Years later i see they still haven’t fixed that issue. I think the fairing is too narrow and too far away from the passenger to give the necessary comfort this class and bike must have but doesn’t. I get the GT doesn’t need all that but the GTL does, all the competition has it so what gives BMW. Stubborn Germans I guess.
Nice in-depth review. I understand and appreciate how a bike can "shrink" once underway, but can you please say a few words about maneuverability at slow speeds? I'm speaking now about maneuvering around parking lots and garages. Several years ago I sold my K1200LT in favor of a much easier to handle R1200RT. The LT also was pretty agile once underway, but boy was it a handful at very slow speeds ... especially burdened with luggage and a passenger. I love the torque and low CoG of the RT. Thanks much.
This bike gives you more reasons to buy the 1250 RT instead for Thousands less and 200 pounds lighter weight. I guess as I get older, I prefer lighter and cheaper Models. But, I still only ride BMW when it comes to my safety!
Mat, I have a K1300R (and I did have a K1600 GT back in 2014, but have stuck to the good old GS since then). A K1600R - what an absolutely bonkers and fantastic bike that would be. But would it be any better than a K1300R? Probably not in my opinion. Sorry. But I’d love to find out and be proved wrong…….
Me too. It seems a glaring omission, or is that just too few of us who see it that way? C'mon BMW, you apparently didn't think the R9T would be worth building when it was first proposed, how about letting your hair down a little with this amazing engine before you ditch it in favour of more 'green' alternatives?
I just got my 2022 GTL. Why has no one commented on the unstable, weaving nature of this bike? Keeping a straight line on any road surface is near impossible and certainly has me focused on keeping it in my lane. Other reviews I've read, make note of the weaving nature but suggest you get used to it. I don't get it. It's a major flaw bordering on unsafe. And the absence of a built-in GPS? Say what!!! I have to pair my phone and use that GPS linked to the bike's screen. Have you tried using this? I have. Give me a break. And they don't even give you a manual on how to use it or even make any reference to a GPS in the owner's manual. Not impressed at all. Other than that, it's a fun ride that I'll keep till the warranty expires, then try something else.
No trading-in of my (very) better-half for me, I'd just solve the problem with the GT version of this model, or I'd do as you suggest and go for the RT which is another one of those great bikes that flies a little under the radar given its immense abilities but less than glamorous spec sheet and looks.
@@IgnitionBikeShow I rode the RT for a week-long tour in the European Alps. It was plenty capable, and my wife was comfortable on the back. Seating position was comparable to the GTL, but I would have preferred riding my GTL for overall comfort, power, smoothness and availability of reverse gear.
I purchased a 2014 GTL in January 2022 and its a beast. Its styling is better than anything currently sold. It's like a missile from 0-100 mph. This bike can take you anywhere, take any abuse and keep going. Of all the bikes out there, this is the best for a big guy because of size and weight. Also, the sound is just enough to make you feel like a hot rod and not like a kid with a toy. I often have people say, "that's a beautiful bike" and most of these people are not motorcycle people. This bike can take two people with ease and never slow down. What I have noticed often is BMW owners feel that the 1600 is King, that's a compliment. It's a bike for a lifetime.
Best money I have spent in years.
Very nice and honest review. I have just sold my 2013 GTL to my friend who totaled his Harley and always liked my bike. I have a 2022 GTL on order and awaiting its arrival. I rode for my local police agency for 17 years as a motor officer and fell in love with the BMW's when we went to the RT's back in the day. I came off a Yamaha to the GTL and absolutely loved it. Excited about the new one and looking forward to many happy miles on it.
I am 180cm solid build and by the time I had done 2500km I went on a 800km trip/ 1 day, no problems with comfort and seating. NO PILLION.
Good effort, on the low seat I'm 6,2 and I've a Corbin replacement seat with a backrest and fitted highway pegs to stretch out my legs when I feel like if, also I fitted a huge Puig slightly tinted screen which totally cocoons me the slight tint stops the disorientation from the edges when looking through it , so I often ride with it fully up no bother .
Nice video. Thanks for the time and effort you put into this. I'm a bit surprised by your overall summary after many of your glowing remarks, but to each his own. I love this bike. I personally love the quick shifter on the GTL... it's like buttah! I also own a 2021 R1250 RS (and love it), and have ridden it's stablemate, the RT, on an extended tour of the European Alps. The quick shifter on the 1250s are extremely clunky, to the point of unusable, upshifting from 1-2 and 2-3. Downshifting is OK except 2-1. The GTL quick shifter has no equal, IMHO, and I would never consider replacing the GTL with an RT or RS for a 1-bike-fits-all. I have not had the wind protection issue on the GTL mentioned in this video, but then, my wife is usually on her CanAm. When she does ride with me, she has had no wind issues. When I ride solo, as I usually do, I keep the top of the screen just below eye level and wind protection and visibility are excellent. I use my RS for in town riding on my "little bike" and the GTL for anything over an hour. The RS is great around town, and I can't wait to get it to the mountains... but I won't be riding it 5 hours to get there! In terms of long distance riding, I do not see a better option for me than the GTL. It is reasonably light, for what it is, very nimble above 5 MPH, and has the reverse function, which is golden for a bike of this size. It has plenty of storage space for long distance travel, and it has the muscle to hustle in the mountains and through interstate traffic. It doesn't drag underparts on mountain curves or city right-handers, as I have experienced on Harley's. I have not ridden the Goldwing, but watching the Austin press release, one motojournalist demonstrated repeatedly the ease of scraping pegs on fairly gentle curves. That clenched it for me.
Agree with the cramped-ish riding position. I did a couple of thousand miles from the UK to France, Switzerland, Italy and back. I'm 6'2" and 14 stone (mostly leg) and found myself feeling it after a while. But its all relative and for those that might suffer from having knees higher, most bikes are worse when you factor in more vibration etc on other bikes.
FINALLY! First reasonable review of the bike taking in account passenger wind comfort! Thank you for this!
I love this bike so much. I think you’re assessment is pretty spot on. However, I’m not sure about the leg comfort. I added a Wunderlich crush bar set and mounted highway pegs and Incan really stretch put. Yet, in the twisties, I can move my weight around and keep it low. You can actually slide your knee if you put a pair of leathers on. That telelever suspension allows you to feel when the front is starting to push too, which is amazing on a bike this big to be able to push it to the limit with confidence. It will wheelie in 3rd gear, and very few bikes can keep up here in the mountainous twisties around the Smoky’s/Tail of the Dragon. The Wunderlich vented windscreen removes the back pressure when the windscreen is all the way up so it doesn’t feel like you’re being pushed.
I tried to consolidate my ADV and touring bikes with a Multistrada V4S or a GSA and rode them back to back. Neither way god enough. The K1600 is just so comfy and you can rip it in the turns, and the Multistrada and GSA couldn’t satisfy me with either of those attributes, respectively.
I´ve had this bike (2016 model) for more than 5 years and love it. I´ve done 3 Iron Butt rides on it and never had any problems with the riding position. I am 179cm and find that the bike is just perfect with the stock saddle
Just a personal recommendation: the better K1600 might be the B Grand America. For reasonable money you get an extra high seat (so, 2cm more than just high). Then, you can tilt the (cheaper) handlebar slightly forward, what makes them higher and of course more towards the front wheel. And voila, you have a more roomy, yet sporty position. And then, you add the foot boards for straight line cruising, which does change the seating position and character of the bike. The B has no side pockets, but Wunderlich offers a great little bag to be placed above the SAT-nav (ideal for your credit card, when you ride on Italian freeways). In summary, the Grand America is the more flexible and therefore best K1600 to me.
Thanks for your excellent review, Matt!
but doesn't the B have a very low speed limiter and also the panniers are not removable on the B...
@@zunaidkajee4540 Yes, the GA is limited to a mere 101 mph due to a rather nasty aerodynamic weave. The B model (which I own) minus the top box, has a higher limit, but still exhibits a noticeable weave in dirty air on the motorway. It's fine on a clear two lane though, so I just live with it.
Fabulous video Matt - thoroughly enjoyed that appraisal (looking forward to trying one of these out soon myself)....out of interest, you said at the end of the video that you wouldn't buy one of these bikes - why is that? I get that it makes no sense as your only bike but if money and space was no object and you already had a bunch of other machines, and you and the Mrs liked long distance bike touring, would you then consider one?? Cheers mate - great stuff.....
I'm with you TMF, in a fantasy garage with half-a-dozen of your best ever bikes already in it this would serve a purpose, and do it brilliantly... but for me, I'd go pure GT. I should have been more specific I realise now, rather than saying this wasn't for me. My fantasy garage, you are right, must have this engine (and until they build that K 1600 R) I just think the GT brings an extra sense of connectivity to the road, it has that bit of extra top speed, it just feels ... how to put this. Erm, less remote? A top box and built-in back-rest for my wife and a less pronounced seat height difference between the two of us and we're a happy high-speed touring couple!
Great review!
The main advantage of the hill-asisst function is not having to hold the brake lever while waiting for the green light in an uphill intersection.
I had the GT version for a number of years... although also had the opportunity to ride a GTL. The seat height on the GT worked better for me but your comments on the screen brought back some memories, especially the wind pressure on the back at higher settings. Getting off the bike after a one rainy ride, I was still pretty dry... my passager wife less so. Oops.
On the stereo, I had it permanently set to the speakers in my helmet. Not a fan of loud-speakers-save-lives.
My GT had quite a pronounced driveline snatch when rolling on and off the throttle. Most noticeable in stop-go traffic, I got used to being very careful with throttle inputs. My dealer told me that it was normal but it would be good to hear that BMW had fixed it now.
Good discussion Matt... I didn't fall asleep!
Thanks for your dedication, I'm impressed you made it to the end awake. But, still some driveline snatch, better bit not gone completely. Hours of endless fun trying to finesse each gear without your passenger even noticing the changes.
Have a 2012 GTL and it is fantastic! But only after you make two mods.. for the pillion, you do need an aftermarket screen. The extra tall seat option makes 6ft+ plus riders knees happy. No regrets, awesome machine.
Hi James. I'm about to buy a 2012 model. The only concern I have, is how eligible and controllable is, when you try to move it around, before take off. I mean I live on a steep hill and my garage door is coming out on a almost 10% uphill. Is it easy to maneuver it? I'll be grateful if you could answer.
@@anthonysklias6842 The reverse gear helps. So does being tall.
@@IgnitionBikeShow Thanks for your reply. Model 2011/12 doesn't have a reverse gear unfortunately. I'm 5.8, so I don't know if this hepls. Maybe on high heels :)
Superb videos Matt, thank you,....I have had the K1600 GT 2016 model for 3 years and 32 000 km and yes, it remains probably one of my most memorable motorcycle up to today... thank you so much for yet another of your enthusiastic review!
Love the insight and the honest review.
Yes, I've owned 2 a 2016 GT and a 2023 GTL. Loved everything about the machine. It felt heavy at the end of a long riding day 300 miles+, when getting back into stop and go traffic. My 1600's both had the tall seat option and pretty comfy on longer runs.
Traded my 2023 in for the R1250 RT and I love everything about that machine, but Once again I'm lusting after the Big 6!
Hi, my wife and I had the GTLE. I had BMW fix the bigger seat, bigger wind screen and extensions to the handle bars, I say bars because there are two. All this fixing made the bike 100 percent better. We rode the NC500 and Wales. We know have a Can Am Spyder RT because my wife has arthritis in her knees.
The BMW was a great bike but I must admit the Can Am Spyder is better, safer and more comfortable...
I appreciate the last statement will cause some, let's say concern but I am 66 and my wife is 65.
Great show...
Just bought a second hand one. 2012. 92,000ks. Rides like a dream. So much torque. Took that ugly top box off first thing. Australia btw.
I’ve run my GTL for 5 years and at 6’2” I find the leg room more than enough and have spent over 14 hours riding (stopping only for fuel) the bike a few times without any discomfort. I’m 61 so not a spring chicken but don’t have any issues riding it. B
Yes, not everyone is in great physical shape. If you ride, you should exercise
Fantastic review Matt! Sold my 2016 K 1600gtl exclusive last year which I really enjoyed ,definitely going for this 2022gtl by the end of this year and thanks for the tips .
2012 K1600GT & 2019 S1000R rider here. Great review as well. I love this 6cyl engine too. Someone should get a petition going and do some reverse marketing on BMW. Great naked concept, IMO.
Hi Matt, I couldn’t agree more about the comfort issues of the gtl, drove me mad doing all day touring and it’s defo a thigh/knee thing, I also live in the Auvergne near La chaise Dieu, and have never found anywhere more suitable for riding motorcycles.it’s just Heaven.
Test video and extra detailed video are excellent. Thanks. In terms of the K1600, it is without doubt a truly amazing bike. I'm already on my second K1600 GTLE and I'm waiting for the next iteration which will, hopefully, have a properly integrated dashboard and Adaptive Cruise Control. 👍
Thanking you, I just hope there is a next iteration...
Just about to pick up the 2024 model optioned up , can’t wait , will let you know how it all goes . Only two weeks to go 🎉
I own a 2018 GTL and I love it to bits. When the new model was announced, I was curious to find out what they had updated and I was slightly disapointed. It seems that it's just a bit of a cosmetic update, most notably the dash and the headlight. The engine mapping is changed, but all the rest stayed the same. And what about the stuff they missed? You talked about the absence of the DCC and that surprised me as well. It's on the RT, so why not on the K16? It doesn't seem like rocket science to me, but obviously I don't know how it should tie into the existing computer. Maybe they didn't want to update the computer stuff too much. One other thing that I 'miss' on the K16 is modern brakes. Nearly all BMW bikes have radial callipers, but not so in the K16. Why is that?
And one moan about the modern LCD dash with naviagtion 'integration'. Why did they try to reinvent the wheel and make you use a navigation app from BMW (or whoever makes this for them)? Why am I forced to use that? In this day and age, cars and bikes (look at the new Wing) have Apple Carplay and Google Auto integration. Let the customer decide what navigation app to use. BMW is nog a software company. I like the look of the big LCD screen, but I think lots of people find themselves forced to add a mount for another navigation device. And that's a shame, when you have such a nice screen in front of you. A missed opportunity.
Thanks for the great informative video, WELL DONE.
After a lot of research, and having owned to GS Adventure and a K1600B(TERRIBLE BIKE) in the past, I am now getting the 2022 GTL and I am sure it will be something I will like.
I compared to the 2022 Honda Gold Wing, wanted it, but the big SALE PITCH on the GTL for me is the removable side and top cases...and that is what made me walk away from the Honda.
Thanks again and soon I will be reviewing my GTL.
Cheers
Great point about the removable cases, was in my notes but got lost in all my waffle and shouldn't have done - one of its major advantages over the Goldwing.
Stereo, cooling fan for the phone case and carpeted panniers! No wonder this thing is sooo heavy! That's why I'm saying, please make a naked version with this engine BMW! don't need that extra rubbish. Fantastic review as usual Mat! Your insight is pukka
Ta very much. Weight, though, it's a personal trade-off, I'd shed a few kilos and go GT, but like you I'd prefer to ditch even more and ride a K 16 R!
Re the shifter. I have a 21 model and the upshifts are smooth at 2500 rpm and above but the bike must be accelerating. On downshifts it is smooth at anytime if you are completely off the throttle. If you are even a little on the throttle it is quite a harsh downshift. I feel the setup really is a shift assist rather than a quick shifter and also setup for a lazy “automatic” feel rather than racing up and down through the gears. One thing that bugs me most is that the throttle has a lot of movement before revs rise when leaving from the stop lights. I’m used to it now and I think it is setup that way again to give a smooth ride, rather than a sporty ride.
I have the B or Bagger version and it is the best bike I’ve ever owned.
And I would like nothing more than to park a K1600 R/RS version next to it in my garage
Yeah, petition time! Demonstrations! Almost impolite letters! Setting fire to, erm... my out of date credit card. Power to the People Who Want a Naked K 16 R!
@@IgnitionBikeShow YES !
Loved the techy review. You are deffo my fav journo for clarity and........OMG, having an opinion.
You and I both, sadly full of opinions!
Both videos were excellent, thank you 👍🏼
The K1600 fairing follows in the form of the K1300GT in that its rather narrow and does not move the air beyond the passenger. That is actually hard to believe in my mind. If you want to compete for two up sales, you need to compete with the Goldwing. Then you need a wider fairing for sure. The RT does it right for rider and passenger.
Good video Matt some good updates and I have to agree with regards to the music coming via helmet
Yeah, I pulled up next to (here in Bavaria at the moment) an elderly gentleman (well, probably about my age given the grey hair count) with a Harley something-or-other while on my MT-09. He had his stereo blasting, doing the exaggerated boogie-woogie in the seat. I was cringing so hard I almost cried. I wanted to explain, beseech even, but each to their own I suppose. He seemed happy, in his mind a bronzed alpha male that was the centre of attention, to everyone else at the lights a saddo has-been with too much money and too little sense who was making a spectacle of himself.
My next bike. Having spent a stint on the R18 Transcontinental, it just doesn't fit my riding style, though it is a beautiful machine.
Ive had my 2022 for two months. The stereo is terrible. You can't hear it above 60mph. I use my Cardo and phone.
The suspension is too soft. I've made every adjustment I can, but it still wallows. It has to be defective. I can't believe it would be this soft.
I put some cheap highway pegs on the engine guards. They're a leg saver.
The Center Stand clatters on hard bumps.
Other than that, I love the bike.
Very good addition to the review. More of that.
Thx!
Not my type of bike, but I really like the channel. If I wanted a bike of this type it would be the Goldwing Bagger DCT.
Well then, an extra special thanks for watching the boring nerdy bit of an already boring nerdy channel on the subject of a bike you don't have, or ever have any intention of owning. I owe you a beer!
@@IgnitionBikeShow Long way to come to SA for the beer. I'll pretend. Slurp slurp!
Why wouldn't BMW make the driver's seat highly vertically adjustable to fit all sizes? Seems an easy solution to a big problem. I have a friend who's 6"2' (188cm) and he won't buy a GTL for this very reason (cramped legroom). As a result, he won't stray from his GSA.
Thanks for the information.
Hi Matt. Would you go for the GT over the GTL? Seating position is different. Maybe more comfortable on long runs?
What a bike! 🤘
Enough gadgets, weight and horsepower in there for two or three 'normal' bikes!
Had a 2016 model and I always thought it felt top heavy at low speeds and since they now have a reverse gear I believe which would help ......
Yeah.... depends what you compare it to. My bright and sunny disposition says it's less top heavy than my house, by the same token it's also more top heavy than my MT-09.
@@IgnitionBikeShow Lol..!🤣
I went from Harley to GTL to GS and now, back to a GTL
Don't enjoy this rambling style of presenation but the review and analysis is helpful.
I had to replace my front rim on a 2015 r1200r and it cost (out the door) $1100.00us. Rims are not cheap. Specially if your use to going a bit above the limits?
I rode the first GTL when it was introduced. I was riding a R1200RT at the time and I felt the 1600s fairing was not as good as the RT. Why that is makes no sense at all. Years later i see they still haven’t fixed that issue. I think the fairing is too narrow and too far away from the passenger to give the necessary comfort this class and bike must have but doesn’t. I get the GT doesn’t need all that but the GTL does, all the competition has it so what gives BMW. Stubborn Germans I guess.
Thank you 👏🤝
Is the helipad standard or an option with the travel pack?
Nice in-depth review. I understand and appreciate how a bike can "shrink" once underway, but can you please say a few words about maneuverability at slow speeds? I'm speaking now about maneuvering around parking lots and garages. Several years ago I sold my K1200LT in favor of a much easier to handle R1200RT. The LT also was pretty agile once underway, but boy was it a handful at very slow speeds ... especially burdened with luggage and a passenger. I love the torque and low CoG of the RT. Thanks much.
It’s a handful at slow to walking speeds in parking lots and driveways.
I've got a 2015 model and even though I'm 168cm tall the seat is far to low. I've added an 8cm pad and then it's far more comfortable.
Makes sense to me, thanks for the info.
This bike gives you more reasons to buy the 1250 RT instead for Thousands less and 200 pounds lighter weight. I guess as I get older, I prefer lighter and cheaper Models. But, I still only ride BMW when it comes to my safety!
Ducati was first with the cornering ABS feature. Just sayin. I believe Ducati was first with Dynamic cruise control.
Mat, I have a K1300R (and I did have a K1600 GT back in 2014, but have stuck to the good old GS since then). A K1600R - what an absolutely bonkers and fantastic bike that would be. But would it be any better than a K1300R? Probably not in my opinion. Sorry. But I’d love to find out and be proved wrong…….
Me too. It seems a glaring omission, or is that just too few of us who see it that way? C'mon BMW, you apparently didn't think the R9T would be worth building when it was first proposed, how about letting your hair down a little with this amazing engine before you ditch it in favour of more 'green' alternatives?
I'm thinking of buying one, it's a lovely bike! Albeit, a used one.
Hi all, I'm interested in the GT, I'm 6'7 or 200cm. Are there any tall riders who could comment on rider comfort of the GT..?
Just bought a used one...2015. Ty
Awesome.
🇰🇪👏👏👏
I just got my 2022 GTL. Why has no one commented on the unstable, weaving nature of this bike? Keeping a straight line on any road surface is near impossible and certainly has me focused on keeping it in my lane. Other reviews I've read, make note of the weaving nature but suggest you get used to it. I don't get it. It's a major flaw bordering on unsafe. And the absence of a built-in GPS? Say what!!! I have to pair my phone and use that GPS linked to the bike's screen. Have you tried using this? I have. Give me a break. And they don't even give you a manual on how to use it or even make any reference to a GPS in the owner's manual. Not impressed at all. Other than that, it's a fun ride that I'll keep till the warranty expires, then try something else.
If you think the GTL is unstable, stay away from the GA and the B...they will terrify you on an interstate or motorway behind a large truck!
Awesome 😀👍
Ta very much!
Iove bmw k1600 gtl ❤
Modern bikes are too complicated.
The only gripe is leg space.
Its advised to put better tires on it.
The solution to passenger getting wind buffeting is simple, get a smaller wife ;-) 1250RT makes more sense as a tourer?
CPU UK I keep telling him now is the time to trade me in for a younger model 😜. He can add shorter to the list of attributes.
No trading-in of my (very) better-half for me, I'd just solve the problem with the GT version of this model, or I'd do as you suggest and go for the RT which is another one of those great bikes that flies a little under the radar given its immense abilities but less than glamorous spec sheet and looks.
@@IgnitionBikeShow I rode the RT for a week-long tour in the European Alps. It was plenty capable, and my wife was comfortable on the back. Seating position was comparable to the GTL, but I would have preferred riding my GTL for overall comfort, power, smoothness and availability of reverse gear.
I love you so much brother
GT - fixes low seat and short leg room issues.
Yup, and improves the sense of connectivity with the road when you fancy raising the speeds a bit...
Yy
I think my K1300GT is faster! Hmmmm.