I went to a large open house at a local BMW dealer and spent 3 hours there. After a nice test ride on a GA rolling on some hwys and local roads and after watching you again, it was the end for me with my lovely FJR1300ES. I am not a carless shopper, however the GA did it for me like a drug. I knew it will do me good. So far, it has not failed me !!!!!!. Unreal machine, simple as that. Everything about it and in it was calculated/designed for the rider. I got mine fully loaded all the way, demo with 290 miles for 23,900.00. I am going to custom my seat as you said and it's correct. I am 6'4" , 200 lbs. If you buy one of those, you must carry extend warranty. This motor has many parts moving and loaded with electronics and sensors. A lot could go wrong later on.
@@TwoWheelObsession Thank you, my friend. It was hard to say goodbye to my FJR. However, two different planets. The GW did not do it for me and not sure why. Great bike too. The storage was too tight for me as well. I did get the taller BMW wind screen and it is wonderful. Keep reviewing those machines in a very honest way. Good job!!!!
I test rode this bike along with the Goldwing DCT Tour and opted for the Goldwing. I couldn't be happier with my choice. Both bikes are certainly beautiful though!
Thank you very informative review I was gonna buy a s1000xr but with everything you said it checked everything on my list of what I want in a touring bike and I thank you again!!!
I was looking to get one too. Great machine. The only issue for the East Coast riders is the amount of time we have to ride all year round. I am not a cold weather riding guy, so to spend over 24K on a bike including very high maint bill, not so good for me. I took the FJR instead. Great machine, much cheaper to buy and very cheap to maintain compare to the K1600B. Happy riding all.
Very nice review! I’ve been riding a K1200 LT for years and I’m due for an upgrade. I’m bummed over the speed limitations for the Grand America, but I think she’s beautiful.
Nice review as always. But I found that the jumping around was distracting. I watched your other video of the K1600GTL many times before I bought one last spring. I absolutely love it.
CHRIS MARTIN I have not seen a bad review yet on the 1600 B or Grand America. I will have to ride one but I am pretty sure this will be my next Motorcycle!
I did not get to ride one of those but I check 1 out as soon as it hit the dealer show room and I really liked it. Start tell my friends how much I like it then they said I better look at maintenance costs first. I did and nope, keeping the FJR. Maybe after a year or so of production I will look seriously at the new Gold Wing though.
It's funny, the speedometer reads to 170 mph, but the bike has a limiter at 101mph. No doubt due to the wobble the bike has at higher speeds. Also I believe there is a major recall for transmission repair.
I'm kind of tall and am worried about your comment that your legs were uncomfortably bent, even on the boards. I'm very curious to hear what seat-height you had there. As you know, there are three options Extra High Seat: 31.9", Standard Seat: 30.7", Low Seat 29.5". That could make one hell of a difference for your driving comfort and positions. Thanks in advance for clarifying this (driving position is a make or break criterium for me.)
Hey Bryan, love your videos! I noticed that this one has lots and lots of cuts, which I think makes it a lot less relaxing to watch compared to your older videos (by that I mean like a month ago). What's the reason behind it? Anyway, keep up the great work!
So, let's get to the nitty gritty. You compared the quick shifter to the Goldwing. If you were spending your own money, of the two, which would be in your garage?
Great review. Thanks so much. Strongly considering trading the Harley Ultra for this. My only concern is that the luggage space is insufficient for two people on a week long tour.
I'm surprised they didn't deflect air up onto your face. I rode one in 90F and could feel it on my face (I'm 6ft 2"). The Rocket III roadster actually has similar power and about 30 torques more, so it's not by far the most powerful large bike on the planet, but they're different genres and this is clearly the leader power wise in grand-touring segment.
Can I add a rear top box the same as the Grand America onto my Bagger LE 2018 ? that's the only thing I miss awesome bike, my last bike was the K1600GTL with full luggage only mistake I made was not to go for the Grand America ... any help on the rear box would be great thanks
Would also like to know the opposite question. Can you easily take the topbox off and turn it into a bagger (like my old Victory Cross Country Tour could - which I found handy)
i really like this bike, but at 5'6" 145 lbs, im afraid it would be a handful to ride. i can barely reach teh ground on my tracer yamaha with lowering links.
Brian, do you have any kind of special garage door remote on your bike(s)? Or just a regular remote? I would love to have one I could hardwire into the bike, but I'm not really finding anything.
TwoWheelObsession it's very unfortunate, especially on this model. One of the very few areas where BMW is lagging behind the competition (the other would be in phone integration).
IME you cannot hear the rear speakers above 30mph anyway, and my wife says she couldn’t hear the rear speakers even sitting next to them - and that was with a very powerful 4 channel amp and updated 5 1/2” Alpines (that were pretty loud when stationary). Of course you get no bass above 50mph anyway - in ear or in helmet is the only way you’ll get bass on tour.
" no arm rests " . That just struck me as funny, till I remembered that they might be important to the passenger. This making them important to the operator. 😅
Hi Brian, how many bikes did you get to ride? When I was at the DEMO DAY they had a “Limit” only had a chance to ride 4 bikes. GS Trophy, R1200RS, K1600B, s1000XR.
BMW put a speed restricted 100mph on this bike. My dealer informed the rear top case design creating lift. Huh? The K1600b, GTL and GT models do not have speed restrictions and the K1600 GTL has a cyclops of a top case, nothing could be more aero-less than a GTL top case. All this makes no sense. Someone please confirm their findings on this Grand America’s speed restriction. That would suck with an engine this size and output on the other K bikes. I also didn’t hear anything about a Home Link system for opening your driveway gate or garage door. At this point the new Honda 2018 GoldWing has the BMW K Touring bikes beat by a Texas mile in all aspects for a Touring rig. Kudos to Honda, they did their homework and went to school on BMW.
Unfortunately many late model bikes come limited like that including my FZ09. You just have to flash the ECU or wait till it's available. Fixed my FZ right up ;)
Road Glide You mean the Wing that has only 5.5 gallons rather than 7? That spots the K1600 30+ HP? That weighs 70+ lbs more than the K1600GTL? That can't fit a helmet in the side cases or two helmets in the trunk? That has a meager 110L of storage? That has a GPS with capability similar to a 15 year old Garmin (there is an entire UA-cam video on this alone)? That has a multifunction controller that can only be used while stopped, unlike the BMW selector wheel? And is itself artificially limited to 112 mph. Is this the Wing you are talking about? I guess a "Texas mile" must be a mile you drive backwards.
With the exception of this beautiful Grand America, here in the USA none of the BMW K Touring models are speed restricted. Why would BMW build a Touring bike with it’s great inline 6 engine and have a Top Box that affects aerodynamics so much that it causing instability at higher speeds? My guess because it was an after thought, a rush to get it out to market. No wind tunnel testing and no field testing. Had they done that they’d easily have made the necessary tooling tweaks before launch. There’s no engine remapping software that’s going to fix this issue as it becomes a safety and warranty issue. If you want the full capability of BMW’s potent inline 6 engine, go for the K1600b Bagger, GTL or GT models. This Grand America although beautiful, is disappointing in being speed restricted. Bummer.
My understanding is the 1600B and the America are speed restricted to 100 mph. The reason is high speed instability. This to me is a deal breaker. If you need to pass a line of cars you may need an unristricted machine. If I want to be speed limited to 100 mph I'll buy a Geo Metro. Stick to the K1600 GT.
Sgt Garnier Just purchased the 1600B 1/11/19. Not restricted at all . Already hit 115 mph. And room for more ! The America is restricted cause of back case. I believe it causes lift. There is just a tad of wind instability however. For me though .. it’s a dream bike regardless.
This is the bike Goldwing lovers like myself are looking at now. Now, that Honda built thar ugly little ctx looking poor excuse of a Goldwing for 2018.
I went to a large open house at a local BMW dealer and spent 3 hours there. After a nice test ride on a GA rolling on some hwys and local roads and after watching you again, it was the end for me with my lovely FJR1300ES. I am not a carless shopper, however the GA did it for me like a drug. I knew it will do me good. So far, it has not failed me !!!!!!. Unreal machine, simple as that. Everything about it and in it was calculated/designed for the rider. I got mine fully loaded all the way, demo with 290 miles for 23,900.00. I am going to custom my seat as you said and it's correct. I am 6'4" , 200 lbs. If you buy one of those, you must carry extend warranty. This motor has many parts moving and loaded with electronics and sensors. A lot could go wrong later on.
Great choice!
@@TwoWheelObsession Thank you, my friend. It was hard to say goodbye to my FJR. However, two different planets. The GW did not do it for me and not sure why. Great bike too. The storage was too tight for me as well. I did get the taller BMW wind screen and it is wonderful. Keep reviewing those machines in a very honest way. Good job!!!!
We rode this in Americade. I absolutely love this bike! It's a fat sportbike with saddlebags and comfort for weeks!
I test rode this bike along with the Goldwing DCT Tour and opted for the Goldwing. I couldn't be happier with my choice. Both bikes are certainly beautiful though!
Best review of this bike I've seen. Very thorough...thanks!
Thank you very informative review I was gonna buy a s1000xr but with everything you said it checked everything on my list of what I want in a touring bike and I thank you again!!!
2 years and 20,000 miles on mine. Gas and go; no issues.
I was looking to get one too. Great machine. The only issue for the East Coast riders is the amount of time we have to ride all year round. I am not a cold weather riding guy, so to spend over 24K on a bike including very high maint bill, not so good for me. I took the FJR instead. Great machine, much cheaper to buy and very cheap to maintain compare to the K1600B. Happy riding all.
If I had the money I might’ve gotten this instead of the multistrada... I REALLY like it
Don’t feel bad it wasn’t out back then :)
I lyk dose powerfull machines
shadetree surgeon ....wont be on a douchecati after you ride the 16
The audio sounds is great. Your voice sounds better than ever. Not sure if an adjustment was made or not. Great job
Yep latest setup - thanks
Very nice review! I’ve been riding a K1200 LT for years and I’m due for an upgrade. I’m bummed over the speed limitations for the Grand America, but I think she’s beautiful.
Nice review as always. But I found that the jumping around was distracting. I watched your other video of the K1600GTL many times before I bought one last spring. I absolutely love it.
Better to have jumping than dead air. Thanks for watching!
Excellent, thorough, honest review. THANK YOU!!!!
My goodness I don't believe I have ever wanted a motorcycle more than this one. The Ultra Classics gotta go!!
I am thinking my Road Glide has got to go !
@@freedom6919741 You won't regret it one second. The BMW K bikes are just incredible machines. I can't stop smiling when I am on mine.
CHRIS MARTIN I have not seen a bad review yet on the 1600 B or Grand America. I will have to ride one but I am pretty sure this will be my next Motorcycle!
Great job with the review, I rode it also at the Demo day and came away very impressed. Now on to the Goldwing to see how they compare.
I passed you on Gunn highway during you’re ride. Good review.
I did not get to ride one of those but I check 1 out as soon as it hit the dealer show room and I really liked it. Start tell my friends how much I like it then they said I better look at maintenance costs first. I did and nope, keeping the FJR. Maybe after a year or so of production I will look seriously at the new Gold Wing though.
Where can you find the maintenance costs?
It's funny, the speedometer reads to 170 mph, but the bike has a limiter at 101mph. No doubt due to the wobble the bike has at higher speeds. Also I believe there is a major recall for transmission repair.
I'm kind of tall and am worried about your comment that your legs were uncomfortably bent, even on the boards. I'm very curious to hear what seat-height you had there. As you know, there are three options Extra High Seat: 31.9", Standard Seat: 30.7", Low Seat 29.5". That could make one hell of a difference for your driving comfort and positions. Thanks in advance for clarifying this (driving position is a make or break criterium for me.)
Hey Bryan, love your videos! I noticed that this one has lots and lots of cuts, which I think makes it a lot less relaxing to watch compared to your older videos (by that I mean like a month ago). What's the reason behind it? Anyway, keep up the great work!
Great review. I almost bought one. Price stopped me. Got FJR instead. How does this compare with your FJR? Power, comfort, handling?
FJR is faster. BMW has more comfort all around by far. FJR is much more nimble. Very different bikes.
Great review as always.
Would love to see your thoughts on the Kawasaki vaquero.
So, let's get to the nitty gritty. You compared the quick shifter to the Goldwing. If you were spending your own money, of the two, which would be in your garage?
Great review. Thanks so much. Strongly considering trading the Harley Ultra for this. My only concern is that the luggage space is insufficient for two people on a week long tour.
I hear maintenance costs mentioned a lot. Just how much are they on this bike and how often? Would love to have one one day along with a 1200RT.
When I went to pick up my new GS I got to take a seat on one of those. OH MY!!!! Come on Powerball ticket!!!!! hahahahah!!!!
and, *GREAT* review too!!! LOVE all your vids!
Nice review. Note: the K has excellent long winglets built into the bodywork, but you didn't open them up - they would cool you down!
Uh, you obviously didn't pay attention.
I'm surprised they didn't deflect air up onto your face. I rode one in 90F and could feel it on my face (I'm 6ft 2"). The Rocket III roadster actually has similar power and about 30 torques more, so it's not by far the most powerful large bike on the planet, but they're different genres and this is clearly the leader power wise in grand-touring segment.
Is the top case removable or not? Thanks
abazdarhon No it’s not. Only on the GTL.
@@TexasMan77 Which is one of the multitude of reasons why I bought a GTL!
High beam on why? Forgot or trying to blind your mate in front?
Thank you for your thorough review ,can you tell me what kind of camera you are using to video record the review .Thanks
GoPro 4
Great review! What part of Florida were you in? The countryside looked very nice. Thanks.
Can I add a rear top box the same as the Grand America onto my Bagger LE 2018 ? that's the only thing I miss awesome bike, my last bike was the K1600GTL with full luggage only mistake I made was not to go for the Grand America ... any help on the rear box would be great thanks
Would also like to know the opposite question. Can you easily take the topbox off and turn it into a bagger (like my old Victory Cross Country Tour could - which I found handy)
Another great video enjoyed it can’t wait to see videos from California at Hondas proving ground Have a good day Brian
Do you ride everywhere at 4000 rpm?
i really like this bike, but at 5'6" 145 lbs, im afraid it would be a handful to ride. i can barely reach teh ground on my tracer yamaha with lowering links.
Hmm. Not sure if I like the handle bars in the middle
It's a no cost option to get the regular handle bars.
Does it have reverse
Yes it does, and if memory serves, it can crawl up a 3-4% incline
Brian, do you have any kind of special garage door remote on your bike(s)? Or just a regular remote? I would love to have one I could hardwire into the bike, but I'm not really finding anything.
Regular
There are no factory rear speakers on any of the K1600 bikes, unfortunately.
Yep I mispoke
TwoWheelObsession it's very unfortunate, especially on this model. One of the very few areas where BMW is lagging behind the competition (the other would be in phone integration).
Who wants a motorcycle without a Ghetto Blaster?
IME you cannot hear the rear speakers above 30mph anyway, and my wife says she couldn’t hear the rear speakers even sitting next to them - and that was with a very powerful 4 channel amp and updated 5 1/2” Alpines (that were pretty loud when stationary). Of course you get no bass above 50mph anyway - in ear or in helmet is the only way you’ll get bass on tour.
Great job Bud..
What's the maintenance cost for one of these bikes
Everything you got
It’s not bad at all. My 6k maintenance was only $410
Great review!
I was at that demo also. Nice bike. Just don’t like the rear looks.
@twowheelobsession ok here we go. Would you take this K1600 over your FJR? Or is the fjr still superior ?
Very different bikes - the K1600 bikers are much heavier, larger framed, more touring than sport. For 2-up it certainly would be a far better choice.
TwoWheelObsession
Yes
" no arm rests " . That just struck me as funny, till I remembered that they might be important to the passenger. This making them important to the operator. 😅
Does anyone know if the trunk/passenger backrest is detachable?
The passenger is detachable. Especially if she complains about the bike.
Hi Brian, how many bikes did you get to ride? When I was at the DEMO DAY they had a “Limit” only had a chance to ride 4 bikes. GS Trophy, R1200RS, K1600B, s1000XR.
Didn’t care for the long clutch compared to my R1200RT
I only needed to ride 2.
The levers are adjustable.
Really can't wait to see what you think of Kawasaki's new H2 haha
Quick somebody by my Harley
BMW put a speed restricted 100mph on this bike. My dealer informed the rear top case design creating lift. Huh? The K1600b, GTL and GT models do not have speed restrictions and the K1600 GTL has a cyclops of a top case, nothing could be more aero-less than a GTL top case. All this makes no sense. Someone please confirm their findings on this Grand America’s speed restriction. That would suck with an engine this size and output on the other K bikes. I also didn’t hear anything about a Home Link system for opening your driveway gate or garage door. At this point the new Honda 2018 GoldWing has the BMW K Touring bikes beat by a Texas mile in all aspects for a Touring rig. Kudos to Honda, they did their homework and went to school on BMW.
Unfortunately many late model bikes come limited like that including my FZ09. You just have to flash the ECU or wait till it's available. Fixed my FZ right up ;)
Heard that as well- due to instability at higher speed. The 650 scooter goes at least 112 mph. Crazy.
not limited in the uk
Road Glide You mean the Wing that has only 5.5 gallons rather than 7? That spots the K1600 30+ HP? That weighs 70+ lbs more than the K1600GTL? That can't fit a helmet in the side cases or two helmets in the trunk? That has a meager 110L of storage? That has a GPS with capability similar to a 15 year old Garmin (there is an entire UA-cam video on this alone)? That has a multifunction controller that can only be used while stopped, unlike the BMW selector wheel? And is itself artificially limited to 112 mph. Is this the Wing you are talking about?
I guess a "Texas mile" must be a mile you drive backwards.
With the exception of this beautiful Grand America, here in the USA none of the BMW K Touring models are speed restricted. Why would BMW build a Touring bike with it’s great inline 6 engine and have a Top Box that affects aerodynamics so much that it causing instability at higher speeds? My guess because it was an after thought, a rush to get it out to market. No wind tunnel testing and no field testing. Had they done that they’d easily have made the necessary tooling tweaks before launch. There’s no engine remapping software that’s going to fix this issue as it becomes a safety and warranty issue. If you want the full capability of BMW’s potent inline 6 engine, go for the K1600b Bagger, GTL or GT models. This Grand America although beautiful, is disappointing in being speed restricted. Bummer.
Hold onto your hat and wallet when all of that tech starts to go south in time.
😳😫💰💰💰💰💰
Excellent review,thank you.
Imo she's better than the GTL
Love it
OMG i want one....Very nice
Wish i could afford one of these big hosses.
I heard the top speed is limited to 100mph!
That's on the Grand America. This B model is governed at about 130MPH. The GTL will go to 180, or thereabout. Pick your poison.
Would you trade up?
My understanding is the 1600B and the America are speed restricted to 100 mph. The reason is high speed instability. This to me is a deal breaker. If you need to pass a line of cars you may need an unristricted machine. If I want to be speed limited to 100 mph I'll buy a Geo Metro. Stick to the K1600 GT.
Your understanding is wrong. 127.
Sgt Garnier Just purchased the 1600B
1/11/19. Not restricted at all . Already hit 115 mph. And room for more ! The America is restricted cause of back case. I believe it causes lift. There is just a tad of wind instability however. For me though .. it’s a dream bike regardless.
yea!!!
Ugg i hate when something is already overpriced and then they nickel and dime you. I think this one would be out just on principle.
The face is so big the front wheel looks so small. Nice ride though.
Great cycle
So.. BMW built a bagger from the GTL, then decided to make it back into the GTL.. hmmmm..
haben will
This is the bike Goldwing lovers like myself are looking at now. Now, that Honda built thar ugly little ctx looking poor excuse of a Goldwing for 2018.
7
That handlebar is absolutely hideous.
1600GA....limited to 110 mph then settled at 104 mph....my gsxr is there in 1st gear
Who cares?
Great review!