Got my eye on a BMW K1600 GTL... opinions?

[north-aurora]

Okay, I got my eye on a BMW, and it's a really cool bike (BMW K1600 GTL). I test rode it and like the smooth ride, it reminds me even of the Valkyrie (1649cc, 6 cylinders, 160hp, smooooooth ride...). Obviously a completely different bike completely decked out with technology in every square inch on the bike.

I know I would like the BMW, but as I am thinking about it, I wonder if I will miss the Valkyrie. I know I don't want to keep both bikes for various reasons.

In the end I have to make up my mind, but wouldn't mind hearing your thoughts if you've ever considered replacing your Valkyrie for something else. Given that this is a Valkyrie board chances are you kept your Valk, or maybe just own multiple bikes (not really an option for me).

Thanks!

[jimmytee]

It was on the short list of bikes to consider when I bought my F6B. I was never quite warmed over by the looks, and then there were noted issues with some of their gadgets. May be a non issue now, I don't know. I was drawn in by the horsepower figures, but I do love these flat 6 engines.

Oh, and getting rid of my  Valkyrie was never in the equation for me.

[photochaser]

If you were going to own two bikes, I'd think you would want two completely different bikes. Yes, these two are different in technology and styling, but they are both big, smooth bikes that are great on long rides. So I think it is a choice between them, and not just for your other reasons.

I had a Beemer before the Valk. The antilock brakes and other tech are wonderful. Mine was a 1200 twin, so the move to the Valk was a great change. More power, smoother engine, and a more comfortable ride. But comparing the K1600 to the Valk is a different situation. I'd 100% stay with the Valk, but that's because I wouldn't want to drop the extra cash I'd need after selling the Valk. There has to be a large price difference.

You'll probably get a lot more looks and comments from the Valk. You'll definitely stop faster and safer with the BMW. You'll feel cooler on the Valk. I'm betting the Beemer has real cruise control. The Valk is probably less expensive to fix. The BMW likely has heated hand grips.

Just a few disjointed thoughts.

[north-aurora]

I'd 100% stay with the Valk, but that's because I wouldn't want to drop the extra cash I'd need after selling the Valk. There has to be a large price difference.

If I sell the Valk the difference is $10k. The beemer is 3 years old, 3,000 miles on it, so pretty much as good as new.

[Robert]

Ok let me start by saying that I did replace my 01 Valk but with the new 14 Valk. I considered a few bikes when I was looking to make a change, the KTL1600 was one. The More I researched the bike the less interested I was. Don't get me wrong its a beautiful bike but the problem is like you said all the latest technology.

 Not many aftermarket shops have the scanner to be able to work on the bike, so you will be bringing it to the dealer. Warranty will really not help to much because I believe its a year. There have been problems also when I went to talk to the dealer. Its not a bike you can work on yourself and that was one of the things that made me buy my Valk. Parts are not readily available and they are expensive when they go. The purchase price was also a consideration at 25k it was one of the highest priced bikes I was considering. I did read up on it and most gave it good reviews but some did list long stays at the dealer and some dealers did not know how to repair the bike. I had heard a few issues with the drives on the bikes also.

To me there was not enough value there to shell out an extra 13k just to say I have a BMW. The Valk may not beat the BMW in some areas but others it does. Not to mention it comes with a 4 year warranty, you can repair it yourself, aftermarket parts are readily available and its a blast to drive. I dont need an electric windshield and a few other options that cost money if they break to fix. So that was my reasoning to not buying the BMW. I am happy with my choice especially every time I go into the dealer and look at them on the floor and look at the price tag.

There are sights for the bike and there is plenty of information around to look at so I suggest you do your research.

As a note I do still have my 1500 Valk but will be selling it soon since I dont seem to be riding it that much anymore.

[TallRider]

I ride with several guy who have BMW bikes 2 are the 1600 bikes. After a year one got rid of the bike for a new wing. Said 1600 to uncomfortable to ride long. Only complaint he had with switch was all the high tech stuff like milage and performance info. All the guys riding those bikes after an hr are squirming around standing and stretching to get comfortable. The locked in camel style seat seems to be a problem on long rides. You sit locked in to a tight position not like the Valk or wing were you have freedom of some movement at least. They say maintinance is costly. Just my observation.

[hubcapsc]

I would have been miserable if I had sold my Red and White Valkyrie when
I bought my 1800 Valkyrie. Valkyries don't sell for much, mine's awesomeness
exceeds its monetary value. As I resigned myself to owning two bikes, I
worried about having to do twice as much maintenance - but no... not unless
you ride twice as much...

-Mike

[da prez]

  We have a BMW bike tech that stops by the shop on occasion. Bottom line , he will not own one.
  He says there is to much going wrong with them , and after the warranty is gone , brace yourself.
  You may want to check on the recalls. Going by memory , they had a major brake problem.

                                                     da prez

[F-six]

But on the other hand, if you like another bike I wouldn't stick with a Valkyrie just for sentimental reasons. The original Valkyrie is getting older and maintenance can be expensive if you are no wrench (like me). I have two Valkyries, a Standard and an Interstate. They both needed a lot last year, timing belts, tension spanners, alternator, u-joints, drive shafts, brakes, tyres, batteries and some other stuff. I dropped a cool 7000 dollar total on maintenance on both bikes last year. Now they are as good as new, ride as new and I wouldn't trade them for any other bike. But it is something to consider.

[north-aurora]

Thanks for the advice. No BMW for me. And I don't ride enough to justify putting two bikes in the garage, and everytime I look at my Valk she looks sad, she must have been on the boards and read this thread. I think she might be plotting to kill me if I try to sell her... She's still the prettiest bike in the whole neighborhood! What was I thinking??   

[F-six]

I feel you bro. 

I can't part with my Valkyries too. Still think it's the greatest bike ever!

 

[Pappy!]

 We have a BMW bike tech that stops by the shop on occasion. Bottom line , he will not own one.
  He says there is to much going wrong with them , and after the warranty is gone , brace yourself.
  You may want to check on the recalls. Going by memory , they had a major brake problem.

                                                     da prez

I peruse the ADVRider forum as welll. A bunch of complaints of failures on the 1600, mainly electrical, computer oriented. Rear end issues as well. Super expensive to repair.
As I remember, BMW is the only manufacturer having more recalls than HD.

Oh....almost forgot. Riders also report that the bike has a propensity for wanting to stop at every Starbucks as well. 

[..]

http://wemakeitsafer.com/vehicle-recall/BMW-K-1600-Gtl-Recall-9642229