Back in 2013 and again in 2018, before I became an unadulterated Harley fanboy, I thought seriously about the BMW K1600. Man, it was boss. The look, the power, the owl-ish head lights and the controls were uber. I made one mistake though. I brought my wife to the showroom. Well, that's obviously NOT a mistake. That back seat was going to be hers. She hated the hand holds, she did not like the whole seating position and there was absolutely no comparison to the comfort of the Harley Ultra Limited. Well, as always, she's right. I too like the comfort of the Limited's seating position. The slightly more laid-back style is much more comfortable for me especially on long trips. I'd still like to have a BMW1600 though, but I already have four bikes stuffed in my garage. Looking forward for more of your experiences, S
I have to agree with you.. I had a 1600 GTL DLX and my girl hated the way she was up in the air above me she said it felt too exposed even with the tour pack and arm rests... I eventually picked up an Indian Springfield Dark Horse which she enjoyed more and was very much a more relaxed ride. I also thought my BMW felt top heavy and was hard to move around at slower speeds... all subjective, but what great technology and motor. ( before they came with a reverse which I believe they have now ) Now the bagger model may be a condsideration as it is lowered....
Had 3 of them since their introduction into the market and loved it! Sold my last during the pandemic but will reconsider once we're closer to a semblance of normality here in 🇨🇦...and, safe riding next season!
I have the same bike and put arm rest for my girlfriend. She loves it and helps her feel alot more comfortable. And if you ride two up, try a car tire on the rear. Yes, its different and I been riding this style for over 5 years. For me it helps balance the bike alot better plus you get more lasting tread. Look up darkside on Bmw gtl..
Craig you nailed it, I feel exactly the same about mine, both of these videos are spot on if I had to list my likes dislikes as well, It’s not often I agree with bike videos as much as these two The Garmin/BMW nav is truly an awful device Thank you
I have only ridden the Goldwing for a short time, but in comparison I would say it is more relaxed. The BMW is more high strung and requires more attention.
Do you perform your own maintenance? Do you have the factory service manual? BMW has recently stopped selling all service manuals/DVDs (with NO advance notice to owners). For those that enjoy working on their own bikes (like me), or don’t have a dealer nearby, this makes sticking with BMW problematic (I currently have two).
So far I have not done any maintenance myself. Only had need the 6k service and that coinsided with tires, so let the dealer do it. I do not have the manual...but it sounds like a good business opportunity for someone with BMW service knowledge.
That hill hold sounds neat. I have a choice of routes to ride to work and I nearly always choose the one with a stop sign at the top of a steep hill, where I need to turn right. It forces me to practice and get comfortable with the multiple angles and the need to wait for traffic to pass (blind curve!) before I rev forward.
When I bought the bike, I did not even think about it, but "hill hold" has fast become one of my favorite features. My buddies Ducati has it as well but it releases after so many seconds. The BMW stays locked until you are ready to move off. It works very well.
Thanks for doing this review series. I am currently shopping for a 2018 or newer K1600GTL. Curious of the overall experience for your bride. How is the wind noise? What would be an average of miles ridden before needing a break? We are moving from a K1200LT that we both struggle with wind noise and buffeting.
For me there is no issue with wind noise or buffering. My wife does get more buffeting on the back. I have to run the shield up to help her with that. This is only on the highway as she sits up a bit higher than on our Victory. We generally stop every 100 miles or so, regardless of the bike.
I had a 2001 K12LT and when I put a barn door windshield on it noise and buffeting were gone in the full up position. I'm 5'11"; dropped the bike twice at zero speed and after the $1500 maint bill I sold the bike. Top heavy, good traveler tho.
Hill hold is one feature I experienced on test rides that get me thinking of upgrading. There is a hill in Troy (albany) NY that is steep, busy off an expressway with a long stop light at the top. It's a pain with a fully loaded, including wife, BMW R1150RT. Holding single footed is tough enough, but then the dry clutch just burns while you get going. I'm tempted to ride into the dealer just up the street with checkbook open every time I go there.
Hey Max W, I'm just north of Albany myself. Just bought a K1600B in Oct from Max BMW. Terrible time of year to buy a bike! looking forward to crunch some miles this summer!
@@AdiposePhin very cool! You are probably familiar with the rt7/Hoosick rd hill going into Troy towards MaxBMW. I liked the GL. My problem is I also liked the RT, GS, XR and now the R18! I need to get my wife on test rides. It's a tough sell when we like the current ride. I see value in new features, handling, etc. My wife just wants a comfy seat and backrest, which she had now. So not much benefit for her to upgrade.
Thanks for the review, I am thinking of getting one of these as a backup bike to my 2020 Rocket GT. I dont think it will compare favorably with the Rocket (less power, more weight, wont corner as well, etc) but I am anxious to ride one.
@@bseidem5112 I almost guarantee that with equal riders the Rocket would win a race in the twisties, especially uphill. I bet they corner almost the same and the Rocket would overpower the GTL. It would be fun to try.
Hello craig thanks for your thoughts i have the same exclusive version couple of things the engine is fantastic noise power etc but not in same league as my old goldwing 1500 interstate for turbine like vibe free running also the dash is confused to cluttered and the font is to small my interstate dash is far better the power is impressive i have used it on the auto bahns when a broad but at home you use it its time in the sloppy for you ! Also that 7 gallon tank up high is going to send you to the ground like lightning the old school wing is so much better balanced pity bmw hadent copyed it with a sport flat 6 but vive la difference as they say i still enjoy my bmw and hope you and the boss have maney happy safe miles pip pip from uk
I have a 2019 K1600GT. I love the incredibly smooth spirited engine. I love the comfort, storage, seat height as I’m 6’4” tall. The bike handles well through the twisty’s too. My don’t like list has to do with the Bluetooth audio quality via the bikes audio equipment. Speakers sound fine until about 45mph. Playing audio via NavVI works perfectly too with Bluetooth. However I’d like listen to SirusXM with the bikes receiver rather than use my data to stream via app on my phone. The Bluetooth quality is just disappointing and I have no idea how BMW accepted this Alpine audio system with such poor Bluetooth quality. I’d also would like to be able to turn off/ bypass the heated seat and grips display in the summer. It’s a bit of a nuisance having to click past them all the time (I live in FL). My Final complaint is having to buy a GS911 in order to reset the maintenance light for oil changes.
I’ve had no issues with the Nav VI. And like yourself I download routes to it via Basecamp. It’s important to have both your GPS and Basecamp using the same map release / revision.
It is not how it follows the routes, it is the "ghost clicks." I have had it replaced once and spent time on the phone with Garmin going through updates. It works, better now, but still has its issues. I am waiting for it to flake out on me again, then will go through the replacement process. I have even tried to get them to send me an XT, which is cheaper, but they will only replace the NAV VI.
Back in 2013 and again in 2018, before I became an unadulterated Harley fanboy, I thought seriously about the BMW K1600. Man, it was boss. The look, the power, the owl-ish head lights and the controls were uber. I made one mistake though. I brought my wife to the showroom. Well, that's obviously NOT a mistake. That back seat was going to be hers. She hated the hand holds, she did not like the whole seating position and there was absolutely no comparison to the comfort of the Harley Ultra Limited. Well, as always, she's right. I too like the comfort of the Limited's seating position. The slightly more laid-back style is much more comfortable for me especially on long trips. I'd still like to have a BMW1600 though, but I already have four bikes stuffed in my garage.
Looking forward for more of your experiences,
S
I have to agree with you.. I had a 1600 GTL DLX and my girl hated the way she was up in the air above me she said it felt too exposed even with the tour pack and arm rests... I eventually picked up an Indian Springfield Dark Horse which she enjoyed more and was very much a more relaxed ride. I also thought my BMW felt top heavy and was hard to move around at slower speeds... all subjective, but what great technology and motor. ( before they came with a reverse which I believe they have now ) Now the bagger model may be a condsideration as it is lowered....
Beautiful motorcycle! Touring the US on that bike would be epic!
Had 3 of them since their introduction into the market and loved it! Sold my last during the pandemic but will reconsider once we're closer to a semblance of normality here in 🇨🇦...and, safe riding next season!
I have the same bike and put arm rest for my girlfriend. She loves it and helps her feel alot more comfortable. And if you ride two up, try a car tire on the rear. Yes, its different and I been riding this style for over 5 years. For me it helps balance the bike alot better plus you get more lasting tread. Look up darkside on Bmw gtl..
Sold...picking mine up soon. Thanks for the review!
Great minds...
Thanks for doing this series. The K1600 appears to be a great touting bike or should I say sport touring bike.
Craig you nailed it, I feel exactly the same about mine, both of these videos are spot on if I had to list my likes dislikes as well, It’s not often I agree with bike videos as much as these two
The Garmin/BMW nav is truly an awful device
Thank you
Hi, Great video. I was thinking of trading in my 2017 Goldwing for a GTL. Did you think the GTL was top heavy? TIA
Compared to a Goldwing, yes. The real issues with the GTL are cost of ownership and reliability.
How would you compare the k1600 GTL to 2018 and up Honda Goldwing tour?
I have only ridden the Goldwing for a short time, but in comparison I would say it is more relaxed. The BMW is more high strung and requires more attention.
Enjoyed the vid. Nice K bike you have.
I have had my K1600 for four years and I have enjoyed it. I have a GSA 1250 on order for this spring. Hoping I enjoy it as much as the K.
i have a k16gt now next bike in a couple years is up to a gsa or multistrada v4s. most likely il pick a gsa
oooo...I have been waiting for this review!! Been thinking of a newer bike, even though I love the Victory Vision.
Looking forward to the discussion on maintenance and cost. I'm curious to understand and compare against Japanese bikes. Thanks Craig.
How many miles did you put on the Victory Vision over the 10 years? Trying to get a sense of your perspective.
Thank you.
75,000
Do you perform your own maintenance? Do you have the factory service manual?
BMW has recently stopped selling all service manuals/DVDs (with NO advance notice to owners).
For those that enjoy working on their own bikes (like me), or don’t have a dealer nearby, this makes sticking with BMW problematic (I currently have two).
So far I have not done any maintenance myself. Only had need the 6k service and that coinsided with tires, so let the dealer do it. I do not have the manual...but it sounds like a good business opportunity for someone with BMW service knowledge.
That hill hold sounds neat. I have a choice of routes to ride to work and I nearly always choose the one with a stop sign at the top of a steep hill, where I need to turn right. It forces me to practice and get comfortable with the multiple angles and the need to wait for traffic to pass (blind curve!) before I rev forward.
When I bought the bike, I did not even think about it, but "hill hold" has fast become one of my favorite features. My buddies Ducati has it as well but it releases after so many seconds. The BMW stays locked until you are ready to move off. It works very well.
Awesome! Happy New Year 👍🏽🙏🏽🥰
Thanks for doing this review series. I am currently shopping for a 2018 or newer K1600GTL. Curious of the overall experience for your bride. How is the wind noise? What would be an average of miles ridden before needing a break? We are moving from a K1200LT that we both struggle with wind noise and buffeting.
For me there is no issue with wind noise or buffering. My wife does get more buffeting on the back. I have to run the shield up to help her with that. This is only on the highway as she sits up a bit higher than on our Victory. We generally stop every 100 miles or so, regardless of the bike.
I had a 2001 K12LT and when I put a barn door windshield on it noise and buffeting were gone in the full up position. I'm 5'11"; dropped the bike twice at zero speed and after the $1500 maint bill I sold the bike. Top heavy, good traveler tho.
@@bseidem5112
what windshield was it ?
i have an k 1200 gt and even with a slightly taller windshield , the buffeting drives us crazy .
Are you riding in Missouri during the video?
Not during this video, but we did later in the summer.
Hill hold is one feature I experienced on test rides that get me thinking of upgrading. There is a hill in Troy (albany) NY that is steep, busy off an expressway with a long stop light at the top. It's a pain with a fully loaded, including wife, BMW R1150RT. Holding single footed is tough enough, but then the dry clutch just burns while you get going. I'm tempted to ride into the dealer just up the street with checkbook open every time I go there.
I am not sure I would buy a new bike just for the hill hold, bit it is a very nice feature!
@@LivingOffTheSlab I haven't yet either, but it gets me thinking!
Hey Max W, I'm just north of Albany myself. Just bought a K1600B in Oct from Max BMW. Terrible time of year to buy a bike! looking forward to crunch some miles this summer!
@@AdiposePhin very cool! You are probably familiar with the rt7/Hoosick rd hill going into Troy towards MaxBMW. I liked the GL. My problem is I also liked the RT, GS, XR and now the R18! I need to get my wife on test rides. It's a tough sell when we like the current ride. I see value in new features, handling, etc. My wife just wants a comfy seat and backrest, which she had now. So not much benefit for her to upgrade.
Thanks for the review, I am thinking of getting one of these as a backup bike to my 2020 Rocket GT. I dont think it will compare favorably with the Rocket (less power, more weight, wont corner as well, etc) but I am anxious to ride one.
Almost guarantee the GTL will corner better.
@@bseidem5112 I almost guarantee that with equal riders the Rocket would win a race in the twisties, especially uphill. I bet they corner almost the same and the Rocket would overpower the GTL. It would be fun to try.
Oh and ps, no other cruiser has ever passed me in the twisties. No matter what make.
What gloves are you wearing?
Those are from RevZilla's house brand, Reax. The Superfly Mesh, I believe.
Hello craig thanks for your thoughts i have the same exclusive version couple of things the engine is fantastic noise power etc but not in same league as my old goldwing 1500 interstate for turbine like vibe free running also the dash is confused to cluttered and the font is to small my interstate dash is far better the power is impressive i have used it on the auto bahns when a broad but at home you use it its time in the sloppy for you ! Also that 7 gallon tank up high is going to send you to the ground like lightning the old school wing is so much better balanced pity bmw hadent copyed it with a sport flat 6 but vive la difference as they say i still enjoy my bmw and hope you and the boss have maney happy safe miles pip pip from uk
Thanks, appreciate the input.
I have a 2019 K1600GT. I love the incredibly smooth spirited engine. I love the comfort, storage, seat height as I’m 6’4” tall. The bike handles well through the twisty’s too. My don’t like list has to do with the Bluetooth audio quality via the bikes audio equipment. Speakers sound fine until about 45mph. Playing audio via NavVI works perfectly too with Bluetooth. However I’d like listen to SirusXM with the bikes receiver rather than use my data to stream via app on my phone. The Bluetooth quality is just disappointing and I have no idea how BMW accepted this Alpine audio system with such poor Bluetooth quality.
I’d also would like to be able to turn off/ bypass the heated seat and grips display in the summer. It’s a bit of a nuisance having to click past them all the time (I live in FL). My Final complaint is having to buy a GS911 in order to reset the maintenance light for oil changes.
The stereo is not the best, but do not use it very much, so it is not on my don't like list. The GPS, however....
I’ve had no issues with the Nav VI. And like yourself I download routes to it via Basecamp. It’s important to have both your GPS and Basecamp using the same map release / revision.
It is not how it follows the routes, it is the "ghost clicks." I have had it replaced once and spent time on the phone with Garmin going through updates. It works, better now, but still has its issues. I am waiting for it to flake out on me again, then will go through the replacement process. I have even tried to get them to send me an XT, which is cheaper, but they will only replace the NAV VI.
Sorry to hear about your accident but I dare you to say soulder shurgery again.. 🤣
Man, are you ever boring!
LOL !