Rode the new 6 cylinder BMW today.

[3fan4life]

A new BMW/Triumph dealer in our area is having their grand opening this weekend.

Today and tomorrow they are offering test rides on the BMW's.

So I decided to go and ride one.

My interest was in the K 1600 GTL



http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/us/en/index.html?content=http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/us/en/bikes/tour/k1600/k1600.html


I must say that it is an impressive machine.

It doesn't have the torque of the Valk but it is plenty fast.

The speedo goes to 170 mph and after riding it I no reason to doubt that it won't do most if not all of it.



The ride route went over a mountain that I am very familiar with which made it easier to "feel" out the bike.

This bike handled like it was "Riding on Rails".


It has more bells and whistles than any bike should have, it would probably take a year just to figure them all out.


My only complaint was the position of the foot pegs, they are slightly to the rear which keeps your knees sharply bent.

I'm just not sure that I could be comfortable on a long ride without being able to stretch out my legs.

The seat is comfortable and you are riding in an upright position.


Overall I like it, and if I were in the market for a new bike I would be willing to consider it.


The only thing is that I would be something of an outlaw as a BMW rider.

I just cannot wear all the gear that BMW riders wear, especially when it's hot outside.            

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

I've heard transmission problems...Electrical system nightmares...Think I'd pass .

[f6john]

   I'm sure it's a sweet bike but the only way I could own a BMW would be if I were a BMW tech.

[Rams]

I don't know anything about that bike but, the one thing I know I don't like just from looking at the picture is all that plastic.  Just not my style but, that's just a personal opinion. 

What I find is, the more gadgets they put on, the more things that go south.   Do they offer a stripped down model?

[cookiedough]

Some cycle magazine did a head to head comparison of the BMW 1600 vs. Honda Goldwing new 2012 model vs. the can am spyder.

They felt the BMW from what I remember was more still of a sport touring bike similar to the honda ST1300 or Yamaha FJR1300 but upgraded with more bells and whistles than anyone should need but they liked the power up and down windshield which the Goldwing should easily have added but still king of the true touring cross country which the road test was all about was still Goldwing #1 but right behind was the BMW.  The spyder did not fair too well and lacked the punch and terrible fuel economy below 30 mpg but on 3 wheels if not comfortable with 2 was the way to go if needing to feel safe.  

I think the price of the goldwing and BMW was very similar with BMW a tad faster especially in the twisties but they still liked the goldwing better overall for a true touring bike.

They also commented I think on the Goldwing for being revamped was just a new outside badge with nothing really new not even the power up and down windshield which could have easily been added to compete with the BMW having it with tons more gizmos.

[Chattanooga Mark]

I sat on the GTL at the local BMW shop this week and had to immediately dis mount. Seemed like the length of the driver seat was under 6" and my parts were hard pressed against the tank. Then I sat on the GT and it was perfect. Simply a perfect riding position with the seat, bars and pegs arrangement, I really liked it. But with a base price of about $25k for the GT, it's way out of my league.

Mark

[musclehead]

this a newly issued bike? if it is let a few years go by and any kinks will get resolved (hopefully)

[F6Dave]

I rode one last month.  BMW of Denver lets you REALLY test ride a bike, so I rode it for about 35 miles.  The engine is very Valk like up through 4 or 5000 RPM.  After than the HP increases more like a sport bike and it leaves the Valk in the dust.  Handling is great -- very light and flickable.  I didn't mess with the electronics as I wanted to focus on the riding dynamics and not be distracted.  I did use the power windshield and it is great -- the range of protection was surprising.

The only downside was a sloppy driveline, though I'm sure I'd adjust and not notice that.  I'd probably buy one but am scared by the reliability issues I've read about on some forums.  The electronics are glitchy and have required several updates.  That's irritating but I can live with it.  But I've also read of mechanical problems, like bad water pumps, that can result in weeks of downtime because of poor parts availability.

A friend who bought a new R1200 a few years ago cautioned me to wait.  When he took delivery of his new bike, the drive by wire throttle didn't work -- the bike would only idle.  They had to replace the entire assembly and his hew bike sat at the dealership for 3 weeks waiting on the part.  Now that would be frustrating!