Watched this review a few months ago when I first got my GTL and thought the review was unremarkable. Watched again today, and Man! Can't tell you how much I enjoyed your review and if I didn't hate typing on my phone as much as I do I would list point by point how much I mostly agree with your assessments of this bike and the K series. Seeing as many reviews as I have, you know what yo you're talking about and very fair. It's not like you're some geeky BMW worshipper. Great stuff and I am now subscribed to see more of your work. Thanks
Funny thing.. A friend of my cousin's best man at his wedding, knew a guy that had a K1600GT at 130mph and yes,, He said that was fastenough for him as well. Things happening really fast, and one slip up could result in a very serious state of being. Love the review.Love that 6 cylinder!
Good man. I believe in varied loading and throttle during the break-in too. I did it on my 2018 GTL. Of course I can only say it doesn't hurt anything... but 25k miles later I swear my engine is stronger now than it was new and doesn't burn a drop of oil.
Awesome! Ya, the worst you can say is that it doesn't hurt anything. Every performance engine expert that I have asked concerning break-in has said to do it that way. Hope I can say the same as you when I have 25K on mine.
Way better antennae. I’m with you. Bike looks amazing. Needs a Remus exhaust for me and would love to see BMW use their already awesome TFT screen, but integrate the GPS all between those analogue gauges or redesign the whole dash. Come on BMW! A motorcycle’s got to make you wanna turn around when you walkway or turn off the lights in the garage to take another peek. This bike does that. Nice review though.
I’ve owned the gold wing and this bmw. Both are great bikes and I can’t really separate them. My personal favourite would be the bmw for the tank range and engine but I love the gold wing too. Can’t go wrong with either. Gold wing is a more relaxing ride so will suit some people. I liked your video. Nicely done 👍
Thanks! I have owned both as well (although not the newest iteration of the GoldWing) and I agree. The K has an incredible engine for goofing around, but the GoldWing must take top prize as an all around touring bike.
I just subscribed to your channel. Your the same height and in the same age bracket as I am. I presently have a Harley Bagger. Close to 30,000.00 miles. No breakdowns at all. it weighs over 900 lbs and top heavy. Strongly considering the K1600! like to try out a Beemer always been intrigued. The big hang up for me is the reliability issues that being said please do an updated review on your K1600 before the season is over.
Ok, I will. I was thinking about doing another one after having a few more miles logged. I love Harleys too, but honestly, if you do a K you will wonder why you didn't do it sooner. Thanks for subscribing!
As a reference, I ride a 2009 R1200RT. Bought it new 10 years ago. I've thought about getting a new bike and the K bike is very attractive, but the maintenance costs would be higher and given the 18k service, I wouldn't be doing it myself. I do all the service on my RT. I also put peg lowering kit, bar risers and a Calsci XL windscreen on it for it to work for me. I'm 6'5, 34" inseam. Anyway, I'm a little torn. I wish BMW would make a simpler bike to own that didn't lose capability. As far as speed goes, a friend that that used to own BMW of San Jose would commute from Show Low AZ and he had a K1600GT. He had that flat out for 45 minutes in one part of the trip with no problems. 159mph GPS verified. They will go...
The RT is tough to beat, but I have to say the K bikes do beat it. Yes, there will be some things that a tinkering mechanic (like myself) will not be taking on. I didn't buy into the governor thing, but have yet to confirm for myself. Thanks for your input.
@@COMMANDERREVZ I am afraid to test ride one. That's how I got the RT. I had been riding a 1600 Nomad and did the test ride thing. Voyager, Ultra, Vision and the dealer that sold Victory's also sold BMWs. He said try this. Tossed me the keys and said have fun. BTW, this was in Iowa. I lived there 9 years. Anyway, I had to put gas in it to get it back to the dealer. It was like riding a motorcycle again. 250lbs lighter than the Nomad. I've sat on a KGT. It's similar to the RT in seating position. Thanks for replying.
Geeezer grunt. Lmao Great review.! I like some of your points of view and personal input. …….Plus you own the bike as opposed to some reviews are a 10 min test drive. Nice work. Love it
I did not. It's the same bike. The rear bag does limit the top speed thought. I don't quite understand why, if I wanted to get the GA, why not just get a GT or GTL? Just me.
I got my K1600 B about the same time as you. I love it! I bought the GA windshield for the extra height. Works fine. You mentioned you had a Air Hawk seat pad on yours. Now that you have had more saddle time I was wondering if the AH seat pad still works for you, or are you going to purchase an aftermarket seat. If so, which one?
I ended up buying a Corbin "smuggler." Get it out on their site. Not cheap, but really cool. I still use my AH on longer hauls, but the Corbin is comfy.
I am so disappointed in my 18 GA that I sold it. I had enough with electrical issues, injectors, throttle body. I really loved the bike. during one summer alone, I had it towed 3 times to the dealer which is more then an hour away. I missed many days riding due to that. Dealer never had loaners, always out. The bike went off on me twice while riding. I always wondered if mine was a Lemon. So, I went back to riding Honda and I got 2020 GW DCT Tour. So far, amazing. I hope minimum of issues in the future.
@@COMMANDERREVZ I thought about the same and the dealer said, they have to follow BMW's guideline for any warranty work. This dealer is actually really good. I just had enough. Sadly, I lost a bit on the K, but hey, maybe now I will ride more then fix. Happy riding, boss.
Wondering if you experience bike nervousness in turbulent air on interstate? Mine seems to be more squirrelly than any other bike I’ve ridden. Love it otherwise
Yes, this bike has some buffeting issues when very windy or when following a large vehicle too close. It scoops a lot of air. I wonder how much wind-tunnel testing, if any, was done.
hi there thanks for your review, i live in a hot country and i rode this bike for 45mins i found out that there is a huge amount of hot air hitting my right foot, unbearable. what do you suggest?
Huh... I have ridden on very hot days and I have not experienced this. Are you wearing boots? Maybe there is an air deflector that could be installed down there, but I really don't know why you are experiencing this. I have never heard anyone else complain of this problem.
I bought the same bike a month ago and made already 3k miles so far. 2 things is a must for this bike if you ride a lot - a rider backrest and higher windshield. I installed both of them and riding experience became much much better. About max speed - it easily goes up to 130 but then electronically limited.
GREAT review.... maybe I missed it, heated grips? BTW, I’m putting around on my third HD (2018 RGS Stage 2), but I want something sportier, lighter, quicker but still a bagger. I think this is it.
Yes, of course heated grips... they will burn the flesh right off your hand in high. You won't be disappointed if you do go with a K bike. I love HD too, but these things are soooo much more refined and, yes, sooooo much sportier.
Hello Sir, Great review. Quick question: I saw another video review of the K1600B and the reviewer (Long way home) mentioned about how the bike automatically leans at highway speeds above 85 MPH and that it was pretty scary. Wondering if you experienced anything like that. Thanks in advance!
I'm not sure what he means. I have found no problems. If you watch my 2 month review, you'll hear me talk about "a guy" who has had this thing up to 130 mph. No problems at all... although that is way faster than anyone needs to go on this thing.
My 2014 K1600GTL had this fault and it is referenced on many of the BMW bike forums. When you take your hands off the bars at any speed, the bike pulls to the left. It is not overly dramatic, but may lead to a crash if you are not concentrating...?
As a Honda Goldwing owner I have to say that the BMW K1600B has more "oompf" when you turn the throttle... a sportier experience between the engine and the suspension... the Wing let's you glide on the road super comfy with the wife on the back, having a super relaxing experience as well... there is a reason while people call it a sofa on wheels... for somebody with a bad back the ultimate solution instead of selling that hog... yeah my friend, a HD rider did this, having no clue that there is anything else but his hog... Now something shocking... I still remember the positive experience I had with the R1200RT on a test ride... there was a lot of character so to describe... while a comparison between the three bikes is hardly possible... let me say this... they are all Touring bikes for big milage... the K1600B is more a sporty ride, while the up to 2017 Goldwing is more of a good willed, super reliable and comfy ride... now the R1200RT is more of a spirited ride... that boxer experience made my heart go pitter patter... I eventually ended up with the Goldwing, which I picked up for a killer price... I haven't driven a 2018+ Wing yet and there is an increase in hp and technology but according to somebody I know it doesn't change the character into the same experience as the K1600B... btw. the Honda dealer won't allow test rides... so no experience on the 18+ Wing so far and I can tell you that I won't spent money on something I haven't ridden... Now if I ever get Wing'ed out I might buy a Boxer... who knows... my recommendation is a test ride... and take the wife... you want the passenger input... and also... when you test ride the K1600B, ride the RT as well... just because
Interesting that they changed the windshield. I have the stock one for my 2018 and it looks different than yours. Mine is effective at half height and I"m the same size you are. I found the bike gets a lot better with age.
Strange. Didn't know they changed it in 19. Watch my next video where I install a 7 Jurock; very happy with it. Yes, I only have 1,000 miles on it and can already see that time is improving my opinion of this bike. Often, it is the other way around. Stay safe!
Very good review and that color is great.This bike is just fun motorcycle. I agree with all your positive comments, curious how is the motorcycle on highway speeds interstate behind semis? Normal buffeting ?
Good review. Got a question for ya. I have a 2011 r1200rt that has already had fuel pump problem, head lamps gone out, and this all happened before 8,000 miles. Pretty sad in my opinion. I didn’t know about bmw motorcycle reliability problems until after the fact. Have you had any problems yet? Because I love the look of that bike but I’m afraid to buy another bmw because of their quality being below almost all the other makes. Even Harley. 🤷🏼♂️ Thanks.
I have owned many BMWs; I own 4 of them right now. I don't agree with the BMW reliability stigma. I have always felt that they are among the most reliable (non-Japanese) bikes out there. I haven't had this bike long enough to know what the long term reliability will be. If you get one, I don't think you'll be disappointed.
I have a 18 GA with 19k, the Airoflow wings are great but here in TN summers get hot, I had to plastic pop rivet the rear of the wing because the Velcro glue moved around, perfect now. I'm 6ft and have 22 in 7Jureck B thick gray tint, love it. Remus exhaust is amazing, LED HIGH BEAMS , wow ! Rear bag guards a must for protection. Give me your e mail I'll send you pics.
I can see that in summer the AeroWings might add to the heat. Are you on the K1600 forum? I'd rather give you my email through private messaging there. Thanks for watching!
@@COMMANDERREVZ The Grand America (top box) is limited to just 100 mph. I was going to buy one till I discovered THAT! I'd hate to run up on that limiter while I was passing an 18 wheeler on a two-lane highway.
What are the service intervals , especially for valve adjustments? I do all the maintenance on my Honda VTX1800 , including the valve adjustments but this is a whole other ball game.
The song at the end? That is actually an original song that I wrote with a buddy of mine, the drummer. He had a 16 track recorder in his basement. We had garage band 20 years ago. Thanks for the nod.
Just picked up a 2019 K1600b couple of weeks ago. Course I can't ride it till spring. How about a year end review. Also live in MN close to the SD border.
If you (sorry 'that guy') falls off at 124 mph (182 feet per second) your unprotected finger tips aren't going to stay attached to your hand for very long! Those cotton socks, flimsy sneakers and wholly jeans will be close behind no doubt. You can always tell the people that have never fallen off a bike at speed before - trust me, in far more protective clothing, it still hurts... a lot! 😀
I don't think "that guy" wore that gear when he rode that fast. Also, "he" didn't stay at that speed. I have an Aprilia Tuono for when I want to tear it up and I wear full leathers.
@@COMMANDERREVZ Well if "that guy" ran as fast as he could down the road and then fell flat on his hands and knees, he'd be in a lot of pain. And that's, what, 12 mph at best?
Yes, but the stock windshield height is too low, even with it up all the way. Also to keep the airflow running smoothly across the fairing, it is best to not be up all the way.
I have no idea what was wrong, but definitely not normal. Tire pressure? Wheel out of balance? Something loose in the front suspension or steering? Don't let that experience define your opinion of this bike. I just did a 2,200 mile trip on mine with many, many hours at, and well above 70 mph... well above 70!
@@COMMANDERREVZ That’s what I would assume, but there is a reason BMW put a governor on the bike, and a search of the web reveals that I am not the only one that’s had the experience,
@@marksandorf2072 I still think the governor thing is a myth. I... no, "someone I know" has had this bike up to 130 mph. That's way faster than anyone should ever take this bike. No wobble; only an unweighting of the front end at 120 plus. Duh... pushing major wind.
The calsci windshield is best for k1600b had them all it is much wider than others. You can lower your pegs 1.5 in. Get a bren tune kit and you will lose the throttlelag
Top speed is 135 mph on this bike. I know , I took it up twice consecutively . It’s governed at 135. The Grand America is governed at 105 mph ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-oa_B8uK3GTk.html
harley compared to this bike is just a frame and wheels -literally ...i think regular GTL has better -a bit-wind protection than K bike,nevertheless -amazing machine
16:20 mark "...I hardly ever ride in it..." you don't even have 500 miles on the bike!! How do you know whether or not you ride in it?!?!? Maybe you haven't tried out out long enough yet...give it 4 or 5000 miles...then you'll know.... They aren't limited to 125 mph....twist that wrist and find out!! As for gettin' "squirely" you just ain't used to goin' fast.....under normal use you'll never break the headlight glass...don't waste your money!! Not a bad review though...
Thanks. I have 10K on it now and I still only ride in "cruise" on suspension when I'm literally cruising with little or no spirited riding in my plans. I know now that it is not governed. And I am used to going fast. If you look at some of my other vids you'll see I have owned two of the fastest bikes out there. This bike plows too much air to go much faster than 125 or so.
Love the dig at “Harley guys putzing around at 50”.... when touring around Europe, we always made a point of blasting past the Harley guys at 100mph giving them a jaunty wave....losers!
