Drove the new BMW 1600 bagger today

[dans2014]

Ok. Unless you have $25,000 g's to buy one, I don't recommend you test ride one. It's the most incredible drive I've ever been on in my life. Handles in the dynamic mode like a Ferrari and sounds like one. Much quicker than the Valkyrie. Features galore and a 3 year warranty is standard. Then I looked at the accessory list prices and about fell over. How about $800 for a taller windshield! I want to ride the 2018 Goldwing that is taking the place of the F6B to compare. If I had the money, I would have bought it. When I got back on the Valk. it seemed 30 years out of date. It's paid for, was a good price and is still a very fine motorcycle, but not even close to this new Beemer. Maybe I'll get a second job!! Seriously, If you get a chance to ride one, do it. As motorcycle enthusiasts you owe to yourself to experience this kind of technology, power and refinement

[Crabballs]

Before I bought my Valk the BMWs were on my list of possibilities.  Nice bikes for sure but I didn't want all the bags.  BMW put a lot of thought in their design and made the bags easily removable unlike the Goldwing.  I had a naked Goldwing, an 1100, back in the early 80s and loved it. The Valk brings back that feeling only better.  The BMWs and full dressed Goldwings kinda remind me of people saying they went "camping" when they stayed in a $250K "camper".  Sure it's nice and offers everything one could possibly want but it isn't camping. Did I say I really love my Valk?

[dans2014]

No, No, the new BMW bagger is stripped down with only rear bags. I agree with you, the full boats are not attractive. This fits the bill. Also a very small fairing

[ledany]

Yes indeed, the K16 is a lot of fun to ride ! I love the sound when you ride in the last third af the revs (my name is Valentino Rossi  ).
Still, the K16 is twice the price of my Valk which has now 50,000 mls on the clock. I bought it in september 2014,  I never had any trouble, bug, whatsoever and during this period of time I gave the dealer 400 € maximum (check valves, change clutch and brake fluids). The Honda dealer I know works for 70$/hour and any BMW dealer works for 100$/hour. There are few BMW dealers even in the Paris (6 in fact), only one seems to be reliable   and not too expensive. It's easier to find a Honda dealer and thus you are not caught or trapped by the dealer's good will or competence.
As I am an ex-convinced beemer, I read the french beemer's board and for example, we follow the story of this one guy who bought a K16 which appeared to drive leftwards. Two years later, the problem is not solved !
The K16 is an amazing machine, twice the price of mine, not twice the fun to ride but three or four times the maintenance cost. I intend to enjoy my Valk this way up to 125,000 mls.
What's a K16 worth on the market beyond 60,000 mls ?  

[pago cruiser]

I'm usually on the Legacy Valk side of the house...
but I rode a K1600 a few weeks ago - not the new Bagger, but 1 about a year old.
As the OP indicated, it is an incredible ride.  I was riding a rented F6B, and we swapped bikes for about 100 miles of our 2000 mile ride.

Blip the throttle on the F6B (and I am assuming the new Valk is identical), and you get a nice linear response.  Blip in on the K1600, and it responds IMMEDIATLY.  Way less flywheel mass to get going. 

As far as acceleration - the K1600 is significantly faster up to about 5000 RPM- and then the F6B/Valk kind of slows... but at 5000-6000 RPM the K1600 feels like the afterburner kicks in!  It is one heck of a rush in "sport" mode (if that's what the name for the most power mode was) .  I would sincerely hope the other 2 (IIRC) modes for power reduction are smart enough to help newer riders stay out of trouble.

That said, all the electronic gimmickry that makes the power and refinement happen is rather complex.  I would not want to own this in 10 years, when all this stuff starts going bad, and someone has to figure it out. 

I remember when the bike came out reading of a problem with the key FOB thingie.  At some gas stations, the rider could ride up to the pump, use the wireless pay gizmo, but then the wireless pay gizmo conflicted with the FOB frequencies, and the bike would not start.  The rider had to push the bike about 20' to get out of range of the wireless pay transmitter.

Also saw an article in a magazine last week on repair of the auto-tracking headlight assembly.  Have not checked it myself, but the gist was that there is no repair; replacement only.  To the tune of about $1600!   For the fricken headlight!

[hubcapsc]

To the tune of about $1600!    For the fricken headlight!

That's twice as much as the new Valkyrie's headlight ...

-Mike "what a deal  "

[Kidd]

I happen to be here in Scottsdale Az this weekend , went to the  GoAz  motorcycles where they sell all brands , BMW  simi truck  was there with a bunch of demo bikes , there was a couple of the 1600 baggers there being test ridden .
There was a  guy there who owned a MC rental shop and he bought one to add to  his collect of 50 bikes  for rent

I though of it, selling mine , use that money as a down payment and finance  the rest on a new BMW bagger

[Kidd]

Maybe tomorrow , I should return and take it out for a test drive 

[pago cruiser]

That's prolly AZ Ride - they are based out of Scottsdale.  Nice people, and also the best place to rent a bike if you want something other than a Harley.  This is where I rented the F6B from.  Asked him why they did not have a Valk - he asked if I wanted to purchase one and put it in their fleet! Wish they would have had one, as that was what I was hoping to rent.

As they were doing paperwork, I was talking to the Mechanic in back - they were great about me storing my Legacy Valk in their shop while I galavanted around for a week on the F6B.  They had several various bikes in various stages of repairs.  Several broke bikes, some customers wrecks.  Other than the wrecks, I asked him what was the most reliable - and he answered the F6B.  Gas, oil and tires is about all they do.

He had a couple new 1200RT's - I will not repeat his exact words, as I don't want to offend anyone - but the take-away was that they are lots and lots more maintenance intensive, both time and complexity for tasks, as well as frequency when compared to the F6B.

But to the original posters comment - if you are looking for a high performance bike, bring your credit card.  A long time ago I went from a 650 Triumph Bonny to a Kawasaki Z1.  The upgrade in performance is similar...  You will not be disappointed.  At least until the warranty runs out...    

[Kidd]

Yes , Azride.com that's him
I asked about wrecks , he was very reticent about them , suggested they hardly ever happened

[PAVALKER]

this one....?

http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/us/en/index.html?content=http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/us/en/bike/tour/k1600b/k1600b_overview.html&notrack=1

[Kidd]

No , it was one just like it 

this one....?

http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/us/en/index.html?content=http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/us/en/bike/tour/k1600b/k1600b_overview.html&notrack=1

[RDKLL]

Maybe tomorrow , I should return and take it out for a test drive 

I was up there yesterday and rode 2,,,the K1600GT and the S1000XR
9:45a ride: The GT was absolutely amazing the F1 sound and the up and down quick shifter...did I say the F1 sounds
12P ride: S1000XR...this is the BMW sport touring that was in the same pack as the Super Duke GT we eventually got. The ony things I liked about this bike was the up and down quick shifter (my KTM only has the up and is a lot slower shift than the BMW) and the other was the seat was much more comfortable. I made the right choice with the Super Duke GT
PS the first go round I was the last bike and the second I was right behid the ride leader...much better
K1600GT

[dans2014]

I had a BMW mechanic, (car) tell me never own one more than 45,000 miles as you can't afford the issues. This bike would be the same. It comes with a 3 year, 36,000 so, I would sell it before it was up. They also hold their value much better than the Japan bikes. I'm waiting for the new, 2018 F6B. If it has interactive suspension as the BMW, I'll get one and keep it!! You really shouldn't drive a Ferrari if you have to ask the price of sale or upkeep. Leaves me out

[pago cruiser]

"You really shouldn't drive a Ferrari if you have to ask the price of sale or upkeep."
 

Sadly, I don't know anyone like that; I really need to change the crowd I hang with...
 

[98valk]

I had a BMW mechanic, (car) tell me never own one more than 45,000 miles as you can't afford the issues. This bike would be the same. It comes with a 3 year, 36,000 so, I would sell it before it was up. They also hold their value much better than the Japan bikes. I'm waiting for the new, 2018 F6B. If it has interactive suspension as the BMW, I'll get one and keep it!! You really shouldn't drive a Ferrari if you have to ask the price of sale or upkeep. Leaves me out

I've been looking into the '70s to the last yrs of the Airhead motorcycles, and I've come to the same conclusion. The transmissions usually need a rebuild around 45k miles (some needed it at 30k miles) and also every 40k miles the trans needs to be separated from the engine to lube the engine/trans drive splines.  The final drive and universal joints, service 10k miles, similar to the Valkyrie except the U-joints might need replacement. The engine has issues with the push rod tubes o-rings needing replacement. I think the heads have to come off for that.   
It always comes back for me to the Big 3 Japan manufactures for low maintenance/repairs per miles ridden. They can't be beat IMHO.

[Kidd]

this is about a VW , right ?

I had a BMW mechanic, (car) tell me never own one more than 45,000 miles as you can't afford the issues. This bike would be the same. It comes with a 3 year, 36,000 so, I would sell it before it was up. They also hold their value much better than the Japan bikes. I'm waiting for the new, 2018 F6B. If it has interactive suspension as the BMW, I'll get one and keep it!! You really shouldn't drive a Ferrari if you have to ask the price of sale or upkeep. Leaves me out

I've been looking into the '70s to the last yrs of the Airhead motorcycles, and I've come to the same conclusion. The transmissions usually need a rebuild around 45k miles (some needed it at 30k miles) and also every 40k miles the trans needs to be separated from the engine to lube the engine/trans drive splines.  The final drive and universal joints, service 10k miles, similar to the Valkyrie except the U-joints might need replacement. The engine has issues with the push rod tubes o-rings needing replacement. I think the heads have to come off for that.   
It always comes back for me to the Big 3 Japan manufactures for low maintenance/repairs per miles ridden. They can't be beat IMHO.

[Kidd]

I have owned half a dozen BMWs   and only one needed attention  and thet was my last one ,a  2010 r1200r  and I rode it 25K miles  , more than any other  bike , my current bike is approaching the  mileage of the BMW 

I would have no problem owning ( and caring for)  a 2018 BMW  1600 bagger , after all , I'll have untill 36K miles .

What does the   extended    cost ?

[AdrianR]

 Traitors, u should  all be hung, drawn and quartered for such treason!

[goldstar903]

Oh, crap! Who woke up Adrian?  You've done it now!

[AdrianR]

Lol....I'm bumming about storing my bike for Winter!  As far  as fast bikes go, well there will always be a faster one! Have you seen the new Yamie sport bikes??  Carbon fiber frames, 200+ hp, barely 400lbs wet?  Plz...ir will destroy the beamer.  The Valk is a cruiser, the Beamer is really a sport touring bike.

[Robert]

The downsides for me are the Price, repair ability, and what happens when the bike falls. I know its not supposed to but it does and that is one thing the Valk excels at survive ability. To me at double the price and add taxes on top of that its just not worth it especially with the things the previous posters posted that I agree with. Mine has 24k trouble free miles so far on it, with everyday use. I can tell you I really dont worry about bringing the bike anywhere or putting the miles on it like I would if it had been another bike. Heck mine is still under warranty since there is a no mileage clause in the warranty. Thank Honda for a great bike one that will be around for years. 

[AdrianR]

I tell ya, fresh Michelin tires, ethanol free gas, 30W full synthetic Lucas Oil, 50 degree or lower temps, half tank of fuel, keeping my weight around a buck 80 max or less...and I am REALLY, really fast on that Valkyrie! When I want to, and within reason, I blow everything away on the road... She frickin' rockets down the motorway baby!

She just keeps getting faster and faster as the miles build...

[bscrive]

The BMW may be quicker and handle a little bit better, but for me who does not drive crazy, the Valk is way better.  I have mentioned this before, but when I was searching for a bike in 2015, I considered the GT1600 as the front runner of the choices I had.  When a fellow, that I know, told me that BMW does not allow modifications to the bike without voiding the warranty, I was put a little back.  I did some searching and apparently that is the case.  It's in the papers that you sign at the dealership.  At that point, BMW was out for me.  As you can see, I like to do little modifications to my bike.  :cool smiley:
Also, I had heard of some not so great stories about the early 1600's and that pretty much cemented my decision to take it off the list.  
It is a really nice bike and goes like the wind, but I plan on having my bike for at least another decade and nothing tops the Goldwing in that respect.  :cool dude:
I love the Valk and I couldn't see myself riding anything else.

[98valk]

BMWs very unreliable. bottom of the list vs the majors, even worst than HD.

https://rideapart.com/articles/most-reliable-motorcycles

[northernvalk]

BMWs very unreliable. bottom of the list vs the majors, even worst than HD.

https://rideapart.com/articles/most-reliable-motorcycles

WOW, that is actually a great article, the fact that 75%/74% of HD/bmw owners are loyal despite the data  suggest that brand power can still win out over common sense/ experience! I must say that the people I know with BMW machines have spent a lot of time working on them....and as far as HD goes, let's just not go there!

[OdentonValkyrie]

Ok. Unless you have $25,000 g's to buy one, I don't recommend you test ride one. It's the most incredible drive I've ever been on in my life. Handles in the dynamic mode like a Ferrari and sounds like one. Much quicker than the Valkyrie. Features galore and a 3 year warranty is standard. Then I looked at the accessory list prices and about fell over. How about $800 for a taller windshield! I want to ride the 2018 Goldwing that is taking the place of the F6B to compare. If I had the money, I would have bought it. When I got back on the Valk. it seemed 30 years out of date. It's paid for, was a good price and is still a very fine motorcycle, but not even close to this new Beemer. Maybe I'll get a second job!! Seriously, If you get a chance to ride one, do it. As motorcycle enthusiasts you owe to yourself to experience this kind of technology, power and refinement

Dang! If it makes the Valk feel like it's 30 years out of date, I guess my  Victory Vision and my Honda Stateline are about 100 years out of date!

[Kidd]

At the end of article was this

Despite the higher number of problems, Harley-Davidson and BMW owners told CR that they were among the most satisfied with their bikes. When asked whether, considering everything, they would buy their bike again if they had it to do over, 75 percent of Harley-Davidson owners said definitely yes, closely followed by 74 percent of BMW owners and 72 percent of Honda owners. By contrast, only 63 and 60 percent of Yamaha and Kawasaki owners, respectively, were as emphatic.


Also , it stated that most of the problems cost only $200 or less to fix

[northernvalk]

When your walking with you thumb up....a $5 and a $500 fix are that same!!!!

[Firefight100]

Here is going to be the one to beat, at least in the performance run.  Supercharged H2 tourer.

[hubcapsc]

Here's the too-much-bike I want...



-Mike

[northernvalk]

I love V4s........

[bscrive]

That H2 looks like one awesome machine.  If I didn't have the Valk, I would definitely be checking it out. 

[blackvalk]

A few months ago I posted that my son totaled my '14 valkyrie and was interested in the K1600B.

I refrained from posting that, I purchased one about 2 weeks ago. I guess I didn't want to hear all the responses, good and bad.

I live in Park City Utah and purchased the BMW in Atlanta Ga. I flew out and picked the bike up and rode 2200 miles in  3 days.

I could go on and on about this bike but the only thing I need to add to this bike is a taller windshield to manage the wind better than the stock WS. (under $300.00) Even the seat is comfortable.

One of the stand out features is the upshift without using the clutch, but better than that is the clutch- less downshift. The bike automatically matches the revs with the speed of the bike. It is seamless downshifting.

If anyone has questions about my experience just ask.

I am concerned about the price to keep this bike up so I'm not in a bubble but it is a fantastic machine. An extended warranty was offered at closing for $1500.00 for an additional 2 years. I refrained for now but will consider it in 3 years when the original warranty runs out.

Bill

[98valk]

I love V4s........

ST1100 prices have dropped a lot this yr.

no fairing mod
http://www.motogottsi.com/st1100-redesign/

[Kidd]

I still consider the BMW Bagger as a possibility  , although , I'd keep my  'Kerry  for when the Bagger was  sick and had to see a doctor

[RDKLL]

One of the stand out features is the upshift without using the clutch, but better than that is the clutch- less downshift. The bike automatically matches the revs with the speed of the bike. It is seamless downshifting. 

I loved that feature on the K1600GT that I rode, the little blip sounded like an F1 car. My KTM has the quick shift up but not down...I think if we had been a little more toward the touring in dport touring we would have looked a lot harder at the BMW, but since we cant do big miles or multiple days on the road we went with the Super Duke GT

[northernvalk]

I love V4s........

ST1100 prices have dropped a lot this yr.

no fairing mod
http://www.motogottsi.com/st1100-redesign/

That is a cool strip down...I will have to be happy with maggy for now (95 magna). I really want a first gen V65, strip it down and drag style it a bit. V4's are my favorite motor configuration in a cycle by far!!! The sounds, rev limits and linear power bands make them the ultimate all around cycle motor imho. 

[blackvalk]

RDKILL,

I believe it was you that told me to look into the KTM when I was thinking about purchasing the BMW.

I admit, I did not, BUT when I get a chance to demo one, I will. I have read many articles about them and they all speak highly about them.

Only time will tell if I made the right decision but for now, winter is setting in here in Utah. I have a few hour ride planned for next Wednesday and probably will put all 4 of my bikes to bed for the winter.

I hope I love the BMW as much as you love the KTM. Thanks for your input.....It was constructive and appreciated.


Bill/Park city Utah

[98valk]

I love V4s........

ST1100 prices have dropped a lot this yr.

no fairing mod
http://www.motogottsi.com/st1100-redesign/

That is a cool strip down...I will have to be happy with maggy for now (95 magna). I really want a first gen V65, strip it down and drag style it a bit. V4's are my favorite motor configuration in a cycle by far!!! The sounds, rev limits and linear power bands make them the ultimate all around cycle motor imho. 

V-4 is a nice engine. org V-max there is a guy around here with pipes, sounds like a Nascar going down the Hwy.