BEFORE YOU BUY: 2020 BMW K1600B "Bagger" In-Depth REVIEW 

Is it enough to compete with the Road Glide?

I just bought one,and i love it. I have been riding non stop for 66 years, born 1943

Good Morning All, Having Owned a K1600B for two years now I can say this Is an excellent review.If you’ll allow me id like to highlight a few points mentioned. There is an option to get two little lockable cubby holes, around the place where your knees sit, however not in conjunction with the floor boards And I highly recommend to have the floor boards instead.Sure you can’t shift gears from there but that’s not their intended design.They are for long sections of road/ drives and offer a great leg stretch. The windscreen is too small and it’s a rare case of function followed form instead of visa versa.The K 1600 B is not alone with this issue as my Harley Davidson Street Glide Cvo ( took delivery in May) has the same issue.Both can be easily remedied. On my K1600 B I installed the GTL screen and on the HD I ordered the 5 “ black screen instead of the standard 3” screen. You may wonder why I bought two seemingly similar bikes that are both designed for the same purpose. I can tell you right here and now that both are marvellous in their own unique way. Obviously the Bmw out performs the Harley in the handling and performance departments. But that’s missing the point. One buys motorcycles like this to enjoy and savour as one would a fine malt whiskey. Yes the dashboard on the Bmw looks slightly dated.But understand that these motorcycles were designed with a mature audience in mind.Ditto The R1200-1250 RT. The simplicity to instantly read and interpret the info on round dials especially with tired eyes,cannot be overstated enough and is lost on all but the world’s most exotic cars/ objects One only has to look At Zonda and the Bugatti Veyron or a Patek wrist watch and you’ll see my point. On the Handling Department... the Bmw is susceptible to camber changes and that may cause leaning.. a little.That said I’ve not found it an issue. Lastly the Engine.Bmw motorcars have a history dating back to the 1930’s with their inline 6’s The second and third generation M3 and First an second Generation M5 all had them up to 325 HP if memory serves. I’ve driven those cars in anger in years gone by... and the wail from above 5000 rpm to that crescendo’s just below 8000 will make you smile each time again. So to have an engine of this caliber sitting between two wheels should be celebrated.Thank you BMW. Yes the lights have a combination of zenon and led. The led lights are on the flanks for cornering and around the two headlights for daytime ( creating those traditional angel eyes). I ride mostly in the hours from 0400 till daybreak and the lightning ability is on par with that of a decent motorcar. In conclusion. I can highly recommend buying a Bmw Bagger.if you’re buying a used one make sure the gearbox recall has been carried out. This motorcycle is so accomplished and refined that it’s only overtime and one peels back the layers...one appreciates it. It’s 90 years plus of their knowledge and experience expressed on two wheels. Pls enjoy. Kind regards Tibor

That motor at higher revs is so 6 cylinder Porsche sounding. AWESOME.

I traded in my CVO Streetglide for this bike, I have no regrets, it's an awesome bike, handling around the twisties is far superior than the Harley, no flex with the frame around fast sweepers. Braking is also fantastic and the suspension works flawlessly.

I bought the K1600B in 2018. 14,000 flawless miles. Amazing do it all bike. I sold my FJR and Streetglide and will never to back.

600 mile day/night ride and I’m impressed with everything it has to offer. Engine power, suspension, physical balance while riding, lighting, storage, bells and whistles, looks and ENGINE POWER. 6th gear pulled through anything type of freeway pass or hill climb.

Would love to see you do a HD review! Not a HD fan myself, but your brilliant ways of producing amazing review, would be highly entertaining!!!

I bought a K1600B two weeks ago because I couldn't justify the extra cost for a Goldwing Bagger that doesn't have heated seats, nor panniers large enough to take helmets, unlike the K1600B. The Goldwing is better looking in my opinion and has a much more modern colour TFT dash with Apple carplay, but dynamically the K1600B wins hands down. The BMW is considerably faster and more agile than the Honda. It has way exceeded my expectations and I'm delighted with it. I respect Harleys and Indians, but as the saying goes they are yesterdays' technology for tomorrows' prices.

Good review, personal and funny. Will definitely check out your other content.

I have the 2014 BMW 1600 GTL exclusive and yes you pretty much nailed it. I love the bike and some of the things you suggested they still haven’t fixed by now is crazy. But the Bluetooth connectivity. Yes you can buy the cable on Amazon that allows you to play your music. But for it not to be Bluetooth even now is crazy to me. But I’m glad they finally got a reverse. But as far as a holder for your phone you just pop out the BMW emblem and they have an adapter that screws in which holds your phone. Great honest assessment of the bike.

You have a great sense of humor! Very good review. Can't wait for your review on the Brand new R18

WOW, this was the longest video I've ever watched from you and it still seemed to fly by. Good job and a very good review. Would I want a Bagger , no my wife still likes the back seat on our 2006 K1200LT.

Best review I've seen on the K1600B. Thank you.

Amazing motorcycle, great review!

Very thorough review! The bike is way above my budget, but I really enjoyed the video.

“ Germans have nailed it “ 😂😂😂 Great to see your subscriber numbers going up, well deserved! 👍🏻

Very good review, I just bought my self one of these and I can't wait to ride it

ive the 2020 GT SE with akrapovic pipes on it (and a few other mods such as a wider, taller screen as im 6ft3), sounds amazing. love the bike. The Bagger isn't really popular in UK but its basically close to being the same bike - the inline 6 engine is amazing. For a guy like myself who always owned 1000cc Fireblades, S1000RR's and R1's, this bike still has great power, but you are able to sit in it all day and put up serious miles without discomfort. I love it. I demo'd the Goldwing as well as I am really a Honda man, but the K1600 is a lot more engaging and has a bigger tank for longer distances between stops, as well as better luggage. I know a few people who wanted a K1600 but they really didn't want to deal with the weight as it can be a little bit of a handful at the lights etc. You can play your own music (Well on the GT SE) there is a USB slot on the right in the waterproof drawer/tray, you format a stick in FAT 32, copy MP3s in and you can use the MODE button on the left to go through track listings, folder listings etc. works great. You can also apparently put an iPOD in there, but you may need to get the BMW cable for audio etc to use it. I just use a large FAT 32 formatted USB stick and the dash even shows you track names etc. Quad lock works on the bars as I like to use the calimoto app on the iphone - its a bit of work as you need to buy additional spacers, I can't really share a photo here. but you can see the image here: ibb.co/Pxm2bBQ

Love your commentary

Love the bike, but not sure I'd give up my ADV for a something that seems so bulky. Yet you covered the ease of maneuverability nicely. I just don't know if that look is for me, but thumbs up for the engineering that went into it.

Am not a biker and definitely cannot afford this BMW 😂 ... this is also my first view of your video/channel, but I have to say I truly like your video, especially the way you tell your reviews, the story of the bike. Although very substantive, but you present it in a very light, easy and fun to hear. Keep up the good work and all of the best 🤘🏼😄

Nailed it with the 2022 model. Got rid of the old dash. Not a good reason to buy a bike, but its my reason. Liked everything about the bike but hated the dash. NOW its a must have.

You can play your own music. Load music onto a flash drive and plug it into the bike's USB port. Use the wonder-wheel to browse folders or playlists.

I just picked up my new 2022 K 1600 Bagger in Midnight 719 options and I must say this is the best bike I have ever rode and the look of this new color with the water Graphics are amazing, I have a 2020 G A to the both are awesome bikes in every way. Got off Harley and then Goldwing and there’s really no comparison in my humble opinion.

Love it! You're hilarious 😂 Excellent video my friend excellent 😊

Nice video and critique my friend. So you know, Canadians are not as Harley focused as our friends to the south. Not by much, but there is a difference. I hope you are well and keeping safe. We are limited to riding in BC due to COVID, but weather is great, so some short rides planned. Cheers.

I have a 2018 Bagger. Its been a great bike. Smooth, comfortable, powerful. Only issue was the transmission recall. As far as I know my bike didn't need a rebuilt trans but BMW paid to have it done anyway. The Road Glide does look better, but as a whole, the K1600B is the better bike.

Don't know.....personally I love the Goldwing myself...but the BMW is a runner up before even thinking of a HD or Indian...I guess the styling and tech is the main attraction. 🏍🌫

Great review. Re windscreen, one can bolt on the regular gt higher one

Great reviw!

The engine is awesome! If I could afford a second bike I would get this bike!

I knew that your video was older but watched it anyway… enjoyed it very much and thought your review was spot on. I have a 2022 grand America k16000. Out is the best bagger I’ve ever owned or ridden. Take care. RG

I think it is a beautiful machine. The engine is sublime. I thought I wanted one when I decided to sell my Harley. But...alas... nothing compares to the fun factor of a GS.

Thought long and hard about the K1600 gt/l & Bagger. Decided on the 1250GSA. The deciding factor was the GS/A's off - road ability. There are too many waterfalls, lakes & vineyards to be explored. Safe travels 🏍️✌️🏍️

The Grand America has the bigger windshield and trunk/backrest. Get the Remus quad exhaust if you want fantastic engine sound. My GA has different handle bars and I mount a small bag on that for my air gauge and misc stuff. Love my K1600 GA and you did a good review.

Very nice review of this bike and the different types of riding (city, highway, rain, night, back roads). I agree with you on the stereo connectivity incompatibly with your phone, seems like a misstep for sure. Same with the multiple sources of light, just use the cleaner brighter light source. It was nice to see that the adaptive lighting did work well though. I wonder if the Grand America gets more suspension travel, better wind screen, and options for mounting and storage components 🤔 Ride Often and Ride Safe ✌️

I have the GTL version of this bike, it rocks. Put it in comfort mode to tour long distances, dynamic for the twisties and unlike the "Bagger" version you can take off all the luggage and leave it in your five star hotel to engage hooning mode. The engine is a work of art and pulls like a train anywhere in the rev range. Unfortunately my bike is a 16 model and dose not have a quick shift, I looked into retrofit, only available 17 models and later. No worries. 😎 Never once had stability problems at warp speed, it must be a "Bagger" issue. The yanks don't drive fast enough to notice I expect!

I had a 2015 K1600GTL, magnificent ride !! That six cylinder is SOOOOO smooth

I purchased one of these first year out and still have it. I agree with most all of your assessment. I love the bike. It's extremely comfortable and crazy fast for a monster this size. I have had Harley's and yes this bike will ride circles around them. They only real issue is a slight wobble at extremely high speeds especially if you get behind a truck that's moving the wind around. They did have a recall for a transmission issue. BMW takes care of that by appointment in about 5 hours. Great review!

It looks so good, very sporty. I want either this one or the latest version of the Goldwing which also looks sporty.

I've bought the 22 bugger hands down the best motorcycle I've ever driven. Fast agile and comfortable. The sound system needs more work and I could use a higher windshield but overall I am happy with my purchase.

I had a K1200RS in 2005 and with cruise control, big bags, electric windscreen and ABS it was one of my most liked motorcycles. I used it to ride around the city I lived in and jump between cities as well as a 4000 kilometer trip and it handled it all beautifully. Why BMW decided to build this monster is something I have yet to figure out. I’m sure the price went up with the engine size so maybe that satisfies my ponderings.

I bought a K1600B in March 2018......best bike I've owned (previous bike's include Z1000, ZX9R,ZX6R , Goldwing '78 and Guzzi V50) was going to write a decent review, but Tibor (below) beat me to it. All I would say, is you won't be disappointed if you buy one :-)

As the flagship bike I bought new 9 months from a manufacturer that shall remain nameless for the moment ago has unsolvable electronic issues resulting in it taking up extended residence in the bike shop this year i am contemplating a B. Bought a new K1200s in 2005 and rode it for 7 years - loved the bike, amazed that my mailing address wasn't changed to the local federal pen, was amazed at BMW support even after the warranty expired has me thinking about replacing my current non-ride with a B.

Overall, I say yes. The one thing that bugs about all the bikes: no matter what you buy something always has to be changed or upgraded. In this case the windscreen. I wish just once we could buy a bike and not have to do anything. Oh well.

Good review.....i have a bagger with the black bars and not the cast alloy type like the one on your vid...wonder why some baggers have that type fitted?

I love my GT, Nice review, BTW are you track rider?

Time for a new jacket bro. That's not gonna hold up in a crash. Great review as always.

I love the styling. Very impressive. Concerned about the stability issues at high speeds. Would like more clarification or examples.

I owned the k1600 for 2 yrs 22k miles. Owned 3 gold wings and many Harley’s. (Still do). Ride daily for 53 yrs...I Could compare details all day... in short : Many things you don’t pick up in a test ride. It’s a bike in a category it’s own. A good bike. But unlike a hold wing and a road glyde. It dosent benefit from decades of refinement. To many issues. If it’s produced for at least a decade maybe BMW will address them all..Having owned all three brand bikes. I would pick either of the other two..witch I still have

The wizardry is in the dropping of the back end

I have a Bagger from 2020, fantastic machine

hello from South Africa. I traded my k1600b for a new wing and have never looked back. Best biking decision I made. the bmw is outdated, is very unstable at higher speeds, the wind buffering will drive you nuts, and did i say how old the tech is. The wing is miles ahead. I have an airbag, DCT, CarPlay and android auto, lower center of gravity, led lights, illuminated switch gear, etc, etc, etc. Oh I also have Honda reliability.

i do ride bagger in US so happy ,130 miles its limit but you don't need more on traffic light fasters that most bikes

Have you reviewed the new generation Gold Wing Tour or Bagger versions? And in DCT version for kicks.

Ptr mine... centrul de greutate e prea sus! Otherwise, great bike! Awesome image quality. Keep the shiny side up, bro... 👍😎

After owning one for 2 years now, you are a spot on. The bike is so wonderful to ride. I love every minute of it. Super beast. If you need the power, boy she can give it to you. Super comfortable in cruise more, super smooth, amazing linked braking, sounds like a Porsche turbo, tires will not survive more than 7k average, hate the dash. It's time for TFT. Also correct, lack of front storage. Shame on BMW. Crazy about the shift assist. Go and ride one, please !!!!

Great video! You're funny bro! South African?

It looks great but what's the price range and does it compare to the Goldwing or Street Glide?

Big, bold and beautiful. Shaft drive.? I would get a top box, only using panniers for long trips or salami on market day. Optional rocket pods handy for clearing slow moving Fiestas and suchlike. Taller screen a must.

The only thing that sticks out glaringly are the exhaust cans. Did they jack a Peterbilt at the truck stop or what? But what a beautiful machine.

Xenon HID’s especially with projectors vs reflectors, reach a little further vs LED’s. On exotic sports cars, you still find HID’s vs Led headlights. Leds are catching up. Almost like comparing a mag lite flashlight vs a cheap flashlight

Very nice review! Thanks for sharing!

This is a beautiful thing I would love to just have a ride on the 1600 bagger. I do wish you would have mentioned if taller riders could be comfortable on it.

That leaning issue comes up a lot in the forums…was thinking of buying this Bike but now I’m thinking the Indian Challenger might be a better buy.

I want u yo test the Supet Tenere 1200 and hoping that there is a new version of it coming up soon !!

A video week is quite a ripper, I find it easy in the summer but relying on the summer vids to get me through the winter... I may drop to one a fortnight in the summer due to so much going on but I said that in 2021😂

I buy it, GA.. cuz a love on inline six cylinder.

Never considered a „bagger“ but think this could change my mind.

Front Fairing needs something, not exactly sure.. but looks too much like the RT and GTL, needs a small well placed edges or creases to set itself apart somewhat.

You're a freakin maniac man, that thing is FAST!

Looks like a wonderful big touring machine

Don't know how tall you are but I felt squashed at 6.3 feet in height, very uncomfortable. I hope they update the dash to their TFT on the K1600 and RT line for 2021.

Rebuilt 4 of these engines last year for corrosion under warranty all because the owners didn't look after them, Nice bike just try get one that didn't require the gearbox recall because it's all dependant on the skill lvl of the tech doing the job.. You're fine if I did it btw ;)

I realy love this guy, Together on th wat to 1 million subscribers you can do it. Please i hope the honda can give you the newest gold wing to review i know this is the best motorcycle in the world.

Updating my First of two comments from a year ago (handling is "hairy"?): This high speed, apparently-sloppy weaving left and right is (or should be) easily fixed by changing the Rides Mode settings from Road (or whatever your current setting is when the Weave occurs) to Sport. If that fails to fix the Weave then the suspension bits and bobs require tightening to Deutschland specs !🤣

My Ural has a trunk to put stuff in. Good enough for me.

That windshield didn’t look like it was all the way up on the highway. Was it? Would have been good if you had moved it up and down during that part.

Any new features comparing to previous models?

Someone put the anti clunk gel into the oil on that machine. I do like the windscreen adjuster, wish the wind block were better. I like the stand up option, most baggers should offer that option.

The only BMW I would buy.

I would like to see you compare the BMW to a Honda F6B. Both are 6 cylinders. BMW's is an inline 6 whereas, Honda's is a Flat Boxer style 6.

The one test missed, at least for the US market, would be how does it feel after 5 hours in the saddle? I blame Dave. The wobble is also disheartening, as in the western US there are a lot of roads with a speed limit of 130kph (80mph) and some roads are ~137kph (85mph). We can ride for hours and hours at that speed. My Indian Roadmaster will glide down the road at 85mph all day long and be very smooth (doesn't vibrate like a HD). Also keep in mind that if you are comparing horsepower numbers you are not really understanding the bagger/touring market. If I wanted bags and horsepower I would look at a Kawasaki H2 SE, but in this class of bike comfort is king.

I would love to own that

To bad that just about all of the K1600 bikes from BMW have a recall to remove and disassemble the trans. They have some bad bearings in them. Major repair job. BMW also needs to update that old instrument cluster. The GS models have a nice bright LED display.

RAM mounts do fit. As long as you don’t need speedo visibility. . .

I currently drive a K1200LT, and I am extremely happy with the whole riding experience. However, my gift to myself will either be the GTL or the Grand America. Do I wait for the latest and greatest version, or do I find a deal on a current or earlier model? Will I be happy with the dated display?

I have ridden Harley for 20 years. I now have had a KB for two years and will never go back. The KB out performs any Harley in performance, hp, technology, reliability. Harley does beat BMW on noise and vibration.

Traded in my 2015 Street Glide for a beautiful 2020 blue K1600B there’s just no comparison between the two won’t be going back to Harley.

I have a 2019 Grand America. Change the seat, get it Brent Tuned and you can ride forever. My and buddy did the Iron Butt Coast to coast on ours in 47hrs. They are fast, comfortable and can surprise many a crotch rocket.

My next bike

Not my kind of bike, but a great review

I was looking forward to your comments on this bike and the test ride. I'm very disturbed by your findings of the instability on the highway, this is supposed to be the domain of this Bagger. I also see other comments on the same issue. This has put me off altogether.

I own a Road Glide Special and yes it’s probably a competitive answer. Germans throw a lot into there premier bikes. Always comes down to that “it” factor. Would have never considered a BMW in my search for a bagger. I’m happy and quiet certain the BMW new owners will say the same. Top quality review video, put loads of work into this one and it shows. 👍🏼 😎 🇺🇸 🌎

Would have liked to have seen luggage capacity - otherwise great as usual

you said back roads of romania!! do you and dave know any vampires. greetings from ny.

The term "Cats and Dogs " is used in regards to RAIN! Like it's Raining Cats and dogs. In fact "I am sweating Bullets " is what you are looking for.

BMW enough said. They can't be beat.

Okay, okay, here are my head-scratching two cents worth of observations: 1) weaving back and forth above 80 mph sounds like a serious engineering flaw; 2) self-leveling/adaptive headlights appear to be useless for those of us who actually perform Counter-steering (as all accurate motorcyclists are supposed to be doing). And, do I genuinely care about speakers...unless I want to impose my music or talk-radio tastes upon others in town and at restaurant drive-throughs and gasoline/petrol stations ?