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2018 BMW K1600B Grand America Review | MC Commute
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- Опубліковано 19 лип 2018
- It’s another commute with Zack! A couple of notes from this video:
- Yes, the front suspension is a Duolever system NOT a Telelever as Zack said. The function is similar but the construction is different.
- The brake rotors are 320mm, in case you’re curious.
- The Grand America is top-speed limited to just more than 100mph (BMW says 101, but the GPS said 104 when we lapped Laguna Seca).
- For some reference and comparison, the Gold Wing Commute video is here: • 2018 Honda Gold Wing T...
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Commuting on an 800-pound motorcycle is insane. Aside from being heavy, all of the features of a huge touring bike feel pretty useless over the course of 15 miles of surface streets and freeway. In the case of BMW’s K1600B Grand America, there are a few reasons to do it. Not least of which are gobs of power and some of the most stunning brakes in motorcycling. But my other favorite aspect of riding a bike like this from my house to the office is that it sets a bar in my own head for certain aspects of motorcycling.
If you spend enough time on a machine, you bond with it in a way that makes objective criticism difficult. Have you ever gotten on someone else’s bike and immediately noticed that the bars were a little crooked or the footpegs are lopsided? That’s because to them, the handlebars or mirrors or pegs are the only baseline they have, and have adapted to that as the norm. This is the same reason your own fingernails look normal and everyone else’s are a little weird.
We are horribly spoiled, as motorcycle journalists, to ride many different bikes during the course of a week or month, but in some ways it’s crucial. Being able to judge how comfortable or fast or feature-laden a motorcycle is means comparing it to everything else. What this K1600 Grand America did for me was the same, practically, over the course of this commute as any other bike. It got me to work. But what it taught me is how smooth an engine can be, how amazingly stable a bike can feel under braking, and how the size of the windscreen doesn’t necessarily equate to the perfection of aerodynamics.
Every bike is trying to be some kind of ultimate (whether it’s power, fuel economy, or comfort) and manufacturers succeed and fail on countless levels of this endeavor. What I do on every ride to work is try to gain more current knowledge on what the best version of every facet has come to be. But it’s the same reason you should try to ride different machines too-because perspective is an important piece of knowing and commanding your surroundings. Whether it’s tweaking your own motorcycle to see if you like it better, logging a few miles on a friend’s machine, or taking a riding school on little dirt bikes, you’ll find that being in a different saddle will help you control your go-to steed. And, yes, there’s some joy in it too. We should all know that. Doing the same thing and expecting different results is a definition of insanity, after all. With that in mind, I’ll get on my own bike next and see what this K1600 taught me.
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This bike by the numbers:
Price as Tested: $27,015
Displacement: 1649cc
Measured Weight: 810 lb. (367.4 kg)
Fuel Capacity: 7.0 gal (26.5 L)
Seat Height: 30.7 in. (780mm)
Measured Horsepower: 125.9 @ 7760 rpm
Measured Torque: 106.1 lb.-ft. @ 4160 rpm
(*these are the dyno figures for this bike, down about 15 hp/lb-ft from the last bike we had, and we're still working on the discrepancy.)
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Been on Harley baggers since 2004. Just bought a 2019 k 1600b with a complete Remus exhaust. Motorcycling is now fun again. What a bike
Full Myle Grounds,LLC Myles
Sweet! Congrats. Great exhaust too.
Hey guys. What was the big thing that made you make the change from Harley to BMW? I’m currently on a Road King Special and just started looking at the BMW touring line. Very interested in getting your thoughts. Thanks!
I have a 2019 hd heritage classic with a 107ci. Love the bike but I had a k1600gt back in 2013 when they first came out. Put 13k miles on it. The things I didn't like were. 1 to tall for such a heavy bike. The k1600b is way lower. 2 it was way to heavy to back up and again I think the k1600b has a reverse gear. It was a big bike for splitting traffic but I did it. Lol
Very fast and the sound was awesome at the top end. I actually went to test demo one but they had the stop sale and couldn't ride it. I think it was due to a recall for the shock or something. This was a while back.. It handles really nice but its heavy.. the electronics are amazing.
You can't beat the twin idle and sound but the inline 6 sounds awesome once you rev it. Super fast and comfortable. I just wanted to cruise but I do miss the sport bike like performance of the Beemer.
Loved the wind deflectors and power windshield.
Test ride one and rev it out lol
@@2WheelWeekendViking its smoother, better suspended, a QuickShifter (easier on the ol clutch hand), better tech, and a subjectively more fun engine.
@@lovelessissimo thanks for the feedback! Might give one a whirl in the summer
I test rode this bike at my local BMW dealership. It's an amazing machine and handles very well. You can actually dance with this bike because it feels damn near as nimble as my Gixxer 1000! A strong rider on one of these might embarrass a sportbike rider in the twisties. Seriously. It's that good!
The "chuckle on acceleration" feature seems to be enabled with this model.
Not sure that feature can be turned off. May be hardwired in.
john hanrahan pretty sure it’s connected to the right hand/wrist action... Lol!
I own a K1600GTL and am amazed by the engine, engineering and over all bike everyday on my commute! Thank you for capturing the beauty of this machine.
Crazy driver in the middle of the road at 7.20. Thank god for that free left lane! Stay safe Zack!
I'm with Zack on this one. Love it, but the K1600 GT is more the sport touring style that suits me. This was BMW taking a terrific platform and making a few changes to please the V-Twin bagger/dresser crowd with killer performance.
I used to watch you guys ages ago, back when the Nuda900 existed for context, after 18 months off the bike (CBR954RR) i am about to get back into it and it's awesome to see you and Ari still doing your thing and still literally doing the best motorcycle videos on youtube.
This K1600 B has proven itself to be an amazing Motorcycle! You did an amazing job narrating this video, and I commend you for all youve done to make it very informative! Great Bikes, Great Motorcycles along with outstanding and qualified Rider/Narrator go hand in hand. A superb teamwork using the best cameras to make this video also needs mentioning. Thank You for this great job you did on this fine Motorcycle.
This is an all new model from BMW and is a specification or trim of the K1600B, which was introduced in 2017 as either a '17 or '18 m.y.
It itself being based on the same platform as the K1600 GT/GTL models which debuted in '11 if I'm not mistaken. Though the 'B' models are more updated with a thoroughly redesigned rear frame, electronically adaptive suspension with rider selectable modes, cornering ABS, quick shifter, nav prep., traction control, reverse assist (electric motor), audio system etc.
If it's model code ends in 'B' it was designed for the American market, B stands for 'Bagger' as you probably state in this video. But seeing as the motorcycle industry is not as shouty as the car industry it came out with no journalistic coverage for several months and has been out for a year with 1 or 2 english videos on youtube reviewing the bike.
What makes it special is:
that it's fucking bat out of hell fast, the K1600GTL's are known for 170mph autobahn blasts. yet has all the laid back comfortable and cool attributes of modern HD's/Indians. I personally am not into big cruisers but this bike more specifically the K1600B grabbed my attention when I saw it first.
#2. It's engine. This bike has a straight-6 made by the company that is known for making the very best of the best performance straight 6 naturally aspirated engines of all time, both in their production cars and their formula 1, and touring race cars. I am suspicious that this engine is simply an EU spec E36 M3 or just E46 M3 engine, 3.2 liter or 3200cc straight six (hmm what's 3200 divided by 2?) with much smaller cylinders valves engine block but the same basic construction just scaled down significantly and tuned to haul a motorcycle.
Also what horsepower did the EU spec E36 M3 make according to bmw? That's right 100 bhp per liter, or 320 hp exactly 2x the amount of k1600's 160hp but with exactly the same specific output.
Many things i like about this bike but mostly its just utterly unique with nothing else truly on its level whole-package wise in the industry let alone it's segment.
Danny Murphy It’s nothing like a euro spec S52 or any car based bmw in-line 6. You’re drawing your own conclusions without facts. Outside of the obvious things like a Euro spec S52 having individual throttles, an iron block, double vanos/variable cam timing on both cams and much larger internal components the similarities are 6cyls and DOHC. Did some engineering cues trickle down from BMW AG to Motorrad? Possibly but to say it’s based on an S52 is pretty far fetched.
The only drawback is the valve adjustment scheduled to be performed at 10,000 miles. That's not cheap to do or have done.
David Greve I keep hearing about that. How much is it?
TX Camper, words out it is over $1000.00.
@@davidgreve1081 I've heard that the valve adjustment comes at the 20k mile mark.
I have no interest in buying a bike like this but I can see that it would be awesome for a certain segment of the biking community. love this series Zack and look forward to each new addition.
that's one nice bike. I like the way it pulls in top gear from 30 to 75 with no complaints, I also like the way Zack rode it when he opened up the throttle and the bike roared!
:-)
Motorcycle test done right. Cheers.
thoughts and prayers to whomever to make the valve adjustments on that b'ke
If memory serves me right, you slide the finger follower to the side and install a new "puck" when, where needed. No cam removal or messing with the timing chain and associated hardware.
the name for that "puck" is a shim
Valve adjustment is easy: Drop it, and your Visa card, off at the dealership.
The valve job isn't complicated. The price for the job is beyond. comprehending. Be ready to dig deep at the 10,000 mile scheduled service, because that's when its due to be done.
David Greve how deep? 3k? 5k?
sweet S2000 you got there zac ;;)
Really enjoy Mc Commute, thank you Zack for the way you share that experience. I think you mentioned that the K1600 has a telelever suspension; in fact the R series have telelever suspensions (with the exception of the Nine T, R and RS), but the K series all have Duolever suspension, which is quite similar to the one the new Godwing is carrying. Thank you and keep up your commutes.
Francisco A. Lisbon, Portugal
FINALLY! Someone who notices the K1600 is not as stable as the Goldwing on the highway. Not that the K1600 is unstable by any means, but nothing beats the GW for stability.
Cars are even more stable... The less the stability, the greater the flickability.
It's all about what you're looking for. For me, cornering is a big priority.
I love the K16 platform, and like Mr. Courts, I would go for the GT. That engine is a gem, but maintenance is a real killer. Commoners like me can afford a used one, but doing all the services is where it becomes less affordable. The Goldwing is much more affordable to service, but us cheapskates will have to wait a while before the current gen models are available for a song on the used market.
When you first pulled out that winglet I thought it was the push bar for the 4 man bobsled run.
Absolutely love the 1600. Inline 6 in a motorcycle is just mad. On top of that a BMW Inline 6 just gives me goosebumps. I just wish the exhaust did a more convincing job of it farting out the massive inline 6.
The distinction about a no-dive characteristic of Motorcycles which is looked over but important for people is the concept of changing the bike's geometry under breaking, when a motorcycle's front end dips it changes the front end's geometry and thus *Can* allow for improved control of the front end and handling of the bike, for the purpose of touring it is likely not going to be used unless under an emergency situation but i find it useful regardless
Can somebody please swap the 1600 engine into a miata and turbo it.
Jared K imagine that engine in a Suzuki Cappuccino
Sure you can make do with 135hp, but a little snail on this thing and you're probably pushing mid 200's and all the lovely Supra sounds come along with it.
kleinbottled79 135 is about what a 1.8 Miata makes stock, the effort of the swap wouldn’t be worth it for such little power gain without a turbo.
My vote is a hopped up version of this engine in a caterham!
Lead the way my friend! Although, I think I'd rather see it in a caterham or an aerial atom tbh
From the front it looks like a Owl!
Good looking Owl tho ☝️ Sexy !
I just bought a 13' K1600GT thanks in part to this review. Hauls absolute BALLS when you want it to. The NOISE it makes at full chat is astounding. Pure symphonic/Bavarian WAIL!
Not intimidating at ALL when you want to just ride. Carries gear. Heated seats/grips. I don't deserve this bike. I am not worthy. Perfect bike for an aging (early)40-something like me.
Hey Zack,
I do enjoy watching nearly(being compleatly honest) every Motorcyclist Magazine video. What I would like to see changed to make te videos even better is some annotations to get the instant conversion for the imperial numbers. It takes me quite som energy to convert the numbers to my european metric numbers, so it less fun to watch the very informative videos.
Anyhow, keep up the great videos!
Greetings from The Netherlands
Dude! I don't know how you did that but DAYUMM! That is hilarious!
no wheelie, unsubscribed
Film Herald idiot. its not a sportbike
Film Herald
I thought I saw a wheely.
lmao radical
Jesus H Medrano woooosh
Jesus H Medrano calm your tits bro. It's clearly a joke
Nice, really impressed with this iteration; an I’m an ex-GoldWing owner. I’m looking to get back on; either this K1600B or a GoldWing, so I really appreciate the video & info! 👍
Im doing a comprehensive comparison on the BMW K1600 America vs Honda's Gold Wing. I could almost flip a coin. However I will not leave it to chance. More test rides are imminent. Awesome video 👌
Agreed! The K platform is magic. However the BMW Touring models need a TFT display, back lighting on the handlebar switches, for riding at night and integrated mirror/turn indicators. Maybe in 2020. 👻 Otherwise the bike really rips and sounds awesome. This particular bike also sports forged wheels, an upgrade. The prices you noted would also get you into an antiquated technology new Harley Davidson Road Glide or Street Glide Special too.
I agree about the backlighting and mirror indicators, but not so sure about the LCD display. I personally like the analog speedo and rev counters, and also like the little digital this bike has, like the fuel gauge, settings etc. If you look at the display on the goldwing, most of the display is blank most of the time. For example, if you listening to radio, all you see in that huge display is your radio channel being displayed. If you take the new s1000, it has a smallish led display, which will look really small and out of place on a bike like this. Just my opinion.
I considered buying one. Those wheels are the optional forged set. I'm pretty sure the $1500 was just for the front one. The rear forged wheel is another $2500. Floor boards were also optional at $900. High maintenance costs and a couple other quirks took it off my list of potential bikes.
Thanks Zack. Very informative and encourages me to go do another, possibly longer, test ride. I have only gotten a short ride on one of these and found myself feeling very disconnected from the road, the antithesis of my experience with BMW automobiles. Obviously I also missed some of the features and capabilities in my very short test, and now I have more to look at. Have to concur on the subject of the radio. Nice to have I suppose, but not something that I would ever use. Cannot remember the last time I turned on the audio system on my existing Ultra Classic. To each his or her own of course.
Got to give you some kudos for mentioning Norman Hossak the inventor of the double wish bone suspension. It's a pity that BMW and Honda don't give the man the credit for it.
Love the M3 comment!!!! Strait 6 for the win!!!
Thanks Zack! As always, a great review.
Okie-Dokie-Arti-Chokey with its stupendous doohickeys
Starting price on this is bike lower than a Harley road king in Norway. the big touring harleys are almost twice that. dont feel like im getting anything near as much in a Harley as in this big Beemer
Best review of the Bagger. And a good rider.
Its important to be able to change the riding position on long trips, which this bike is built for.
The horizantal pots on other Beemers prevent moving your legs.
Beautiful bike👌👌👌and the engine sound is better than Goldwing ❤❤❤
It would be nice to see a comparison video between the 1200 RT vs the 1600 B.
I own a GTL and i have to say the engine on that GA sounds better! I also prefer the looks of the bags on that GA BUT I prefer the fact that i can remove my trunk in 2 minutes and the side luggage even less time. Either way, i don’t think you can go wrong with either model of the k1600.
Still waiting on the concept 6 version.... Not that I'd ever be able to afford it
Still dreaming of a K1600R version . . .
8:55 god damn those are some good brakes
Always such great reviews.
Sounds sweet, reminds me of an E46.
So much torque that's why weight doesn't matter as much when you hit that throttle
I'm not into the bagger style this bike is going for but my last bike was a K1600GT and I agree with everything Zack has to say about it. However, the weight of it, and a funky clutch, led me to trade mine in.
The engagement point on the clutch was at about 5mm from fully released so it made slipping the clutch nearly impossible, and that is a key to low speed maneuvering. Add in the weight of it, and I got to the point that found myself reluctant to ride it for fear of dropping it (again).
But don't let my experience deter anyone that might be interested. If you have the means, it's a hell of a machine.
What year was your bike? I test rode a '14 GTL and the clutch seemed perfect but the tranny clunked pretty hard into 1st. As I hear it, the shifting is much improved.
I'd rather have that than 2 Gold Wings.
I looked hard at the wing. Have had one before. I chose the Grand America 👍🏻👍🏻
So Amazing!! one of most expensive motorcycle in Indonesia. So cool 😎
There are aftermarket adaptive LED headlights available now for most naked motorcycles now.
the sound is amazing
lovely bike. Citroen had the swivel headlights 50 years ago
Alan B'Stard M P there was Tucker in 1948 with a pivot headlight too
that's interesting. I didn't know that. I wonder how log it was in production, as the Citroen lights allegedly had trouble with US standards
You watch Jay leno the other day did't you, same.
not me. I know quite a lot about Citroens. Have done for years
Absolutely awesome motorcycle. My favorite bike to date. Comfortable as can be with two up with great torque down at low RPM and handling almost on par with sports bikes I've owned. Also get a lot of positives comments on the look, even from V-twin riders.
Zack I agree with your statement on the only *real* M3's being the ones equipped with naturally aspirated straight 6 engines.
This makes the K1600B the only legit M3 left in production 😂😂(basically if the K1600 grand america is the E46 M3, the the regular K1600B = E46 M3 CSL)
Weird that the K1600 Grand America is limited to 101 mph that's fucked! I know that BMW drew their influence from American Custom bagger/touring motorcycle scene when they designed this and the K1600B. Which is another way of saying they allowed these bikes to be flawed for the sake of percieved beauty. I really hope the regular K1600B doesn't cut out at 100mph though these bikes easily hit 160mph within seconds..
Be gone, car pleb! :P
Get the chip that overrides the governor on it. Problem solved! That 1600 even with a governor on it is still an AWESOME Bike hands down.
Just saw one yesterday, $31k maxed out, with all the options. That's before tax and the dealer checking his shipping manifest and confirming it's the bike in the crate for $500 (dealer prep).
This engine needs to be in a K1600R, S or RS version.
Not everyone wants a 2 wheeled RV, bagger, cruiser, w/e.
I just want that SWEET sounding engine on a naked standard.
GT's are unicorns it seems, I only found GTLs, so I opted for my Trophy. But those K1600's are saweet!
The bike will wheelie at 35-40mph with traction control turned off (which is my favorites button #1). It will stand straight up at 35-40mph.
sadly cant test ride this bike in my country
guys any thoughts? im a short rider 5'6ft tall should i invest in some elevated boots? or lower d bike
The seat height is pretty low. Also seat to pegs would be much better for shorter people than taller people. It is pretty heavy when it’s not moving so I would say you would have to be pretty comfortable with man handling bikes.
I would say look for a used GTL over the Grand America. In the US these bikes value go down a lot used so you can get a steal if you buy used.
This just looks like a giant scooter. :D
I had the same impression
Difference is picks up front end rolling on,this from a bagger..I own one it is amazing and I've owned quite a few
What a damn beast.
Good one. On its launch I sort of sneered at the K16 - the excess. But I realise this has its place and its attraction. And is not a 2-wheeled car. Tho I reckon for bikes like this and the wing, at very slow speed some gyro stabiliser would be good.
For actual touring - rj did a recent utube series showing this bike, or rather a GT, is a good place to be.
You could mount a Grom on the back of that thing in case you need a smaller bike
Or a Dodge neon
"let's get on it" *idiot pulls out in front of him* ... jump cut
Not the driver's fault that some bonehead on a motorcycle decides to rip a 140 hp motorsickle down a city street.
The ROADWAY is NOT the place to "Get on it" in the first place ... Having FUN on a bike is one thing .... Being a self-centered" idiot is ANOTHER .... As he clearly tends to DO !!!
You can "get on it" without breaking the speed limit. I pretty much floor my car constantly yet I never go more than 5 miles over the speed limit.
Another great video, and as a Brit it's always nice to see you riding an Euro offering
Spectre223 funny ;))). #brexit
..."radio... which is useless".
Thank you.
Ignoring the fact that riding should be about getting away from stuff like constant music, cell-calls, etc, I also found it pretty distracting when, years ago, I put a BT-set into my helmet and started listening to tunes while riding. I found it so distracting in fact that I switched it off after a few minutes and never used it again.
And answering and making calls was even worse than the music for me... :)
That's a sweet grand touring bike
Damn good review,keep it coming!
So are you or Ari gonna do favorite/fail on R1200RT or a MC commute for it? I got a RT but I would love to see how you compare that for daily commute to goldwing/K1600 or other sport touring like FJR/Connie
liked before watching. i love this bike
A fantastic piece of engineering!!
Surprised how much you liked this bike. Nice bike as is the Goldwing but a bit too big for my tastes.
Indulge me for a moment. Forget the size for a second and just take one for a test ride... and then tell me what your tastes are. The K1600 will steal your heart.
Fantastic, thanks for the review and information. This is on my goal list for 2021 to own one of these bad boys :-)
Love mc commute and this one was a goodie. Thanks for that. Btw tell ari to forget about dreads and go with a mullet, it would look sensational trailing outa the back of his helmet, fluttering atop his leathers 😁
Love your vids.
Could you do a review of a bike I am interested in.
2018 Kawasaki vaquero.
Your honest opinion is appreciated.
👍👍👍 Belle vidéo, la Grande América est chez elle aux USA 🇺🇸
Looks a little like the Titanic listing to Port when you turn
I took this bike for a spin when BMW came through town with a test fleet and I must say that i was uncomfortable with my 6.2" height, due to the lower seat on this model I suppose. I also disliked the turbulence created with your feet on the boards. For me and maybe other tall riders as well the K1600GT/GTL are a much better option for comfort.
Those little plastic vents that you push out to deflect air onto your torso/chest will be great at flicking angry wasps at you too! Maybe not such a good idea.....
BMW did to this bike what they did with the 5/6 series
A Full dress version (BGA), of a bagger (B), of a full-dress tourer (K16)
A Sedan version (6GC), of the coupe version (6) of the sedan (5)
Monumentally stupid at first glance but it actually turned out pretty good, and the K16 was a pretty good looking bike to begin with, same as the 5/6!
Bike is awesome. Does everything very well except going at high speed comfortably. There is an instability that kicks in that is quite unnerving. Some even say dangerous. Around town, its just awesome.
The Pro Shift Assist is absolutely perfect! No human could shift better.
YAY ! New MC Commute !
I don't understand why everyone wants the convex part of the mirror (stick-on mirrors, or in this case integrated) on the outside of the regular mirror. Seems like the inside of the regular mirror is always the least useful for looking behind you, so put the convex part there to cover your blindspot. What am I missing?
Sounds so good it hurts.
the bar detracts from the clean look of the dash/grips area. clip on type bars would look way better
And now for the RT maybe? I imagine a Godwin commute is in the works since you are doing a comparison but would like to get your take on the RT. Or maybe a guest commute with Ari on it since he is closer go my size. Thank you, be safe.
The K1600 doesn't have a Telelever. It has a Duo Lever which is a hassock type of suspension which the GW copied.
Love your videos. I think I saw the wheelie in the On Two Wheels comparison. I still prefer the older Goldwings.
Just about the visuals in this video: Do you follow all laws? 😆
On a future commute, please ride the Triumph Tiger/Explorer
I’m afraid of the expensive maintenance and have heard of nightmares with the 1600!
How can you not like the K1600 platform? It’s amazing. However, the ridiculous price makes it an unreachable option for 99 percent of riders.
Zack did you ever do the morning commute on a fjr? I don't remember seeing it. I think it would be interesting to watch. I really enjoy your videos, Thanks.
Soon as I would sit on that bike I would just tip over and lay there .... that thing is a TANK
Almost bought one today, until I learned of the 100MPH speed limiter. I had a 1600 GTL that every now and then, I'd run up to 135MPH. That was exhilarating. It would go 160MPH if you had the right road, and the nerve. So, that 100MPH was a deal killer. My '74 H.D. Sportster will do that! This bike is a stallion, not a gelding!
a ironhead at a 100.bet ya had to pick up the lost parts.the sportster as to be riden at 30 .50 mph.
john gibons Yes, actually my gas cap vibrated off at 100 MPH, spraying me down with a refreshing blast.
I rode the damn thing from Chicago to Seattle by way of Texas in the 1970's.
Takin about the bike but all I see is that beauty S2000😍
Hi Zack, awesome videos! Can you do a video on the Husqvarna 701 Supermoto for your next MC Commute?
Good job on this video, Zackieeeeeee
Did Zac stealthly diss the E30 M3?
Was hoping you would pull a few power slides like you did with the Goldwing...
Would like to see you review and hoon the R1200RT motorcycle around!! I heard that's the best possible bike for riding 2 up in long distance comfort without sacrificing lean angle and hoonability.