Any Experience with a BMW 1600 GTL?

[canuck750]

I am seriously considering replacing my 2004 R1150RT with another touring bike with a few more creature comforts and more power. I have really enjoyed the ride quality of the RT but I never bonded with the boxer engine, great once it gets up to speed but it take a long time to get up there.

I rented a K1600GT for 10 days to tour Scotland a couple summers ago and two up it was quite the bike. I didn't find it too heavy and the ride, handling and power where excellent. I have not ridden the full dresser GTL but I think it would give my wife the comfort that she would appreciate.

I rode with a GL1800 rider last week who never gave an inch to the RT in the mountains, what the GL can do in the corners with an experienced rider is pretty amazing but the GL just leaves me cold.

I can't think of another big touring rig that checks the boxes for me, HD is a non starter for me and the Triumph Trophy is nice but a lack of decent local dealer support nixes that as a viable choice.

Anyone have some serious miles on the K1600 GTL that can offer their insights?

[ITSec]

I've heard a lot of good about the K16 - everything but the price. I know some members of a forum I help moderate over on Delphi have the bikes; you may want to pop over to the Motorcycle Tourers' Forum ( http://forums.delphiforums.com/MCTourer ) and ask there. Lots of experienced, serious riders, some Ironbutt types and some flower sniffers with everything in between.

Since you're in Edmonton, I'm sure a few members of the Black Gold Beemers would be happy to meet you for coffee and share their experience (if you haven't already canvassed them). Say hello from Tony.

[canuck750]

I've heard a lot of good about the K16 - everything but the price. I know some members of a forum I help moderate over on Delphi have the bikes; you may want to pop over to the Motorcycle Tourers' Forum ( http://forums.delphiforums.com/MCTourer ) and ask there. Lots of experienced, serious riders, some Ironbutt types and some flower sniffers with everything in between.

Since you're in Edmonton, I'm sure a few members of the Black Gold Beemers would be happy to meet you for coffee and share their experience (if you haven't already canvassed them). Say hello from Tony.

Thanks Tony, I have not kept up with Rick and the Black Gold Beemers for a couple years, last gathering I went to there were more riders on ST1100 and ST1300's than beemers and most beemers were GS's.

There are a couple good lightly used ones in various parts of Canada to look at and I may just pull the plug.

I am watching a 2014 with low miles for just over $21K.

[oldbike54]

 All I know for sure is the GT that I rode was fast , not just for a touring bike .


























 Did I mention it was fast ?

 Dusty

[Dean Rose]

Looks great.

[kingoffleece]

There are a TON of unsold ones in the PA warehouse.  I'd expect them to have a hefty rebate later on this year.

[fatbob]

I've had several opportunities to ride a GT and a GTL. Both fabulous bikes. The GTL is more comfy for me. The performance is intoxicating.

[mjptexas]

Just curious, a California 1400 Touring won't work for you?

[ITSec]

There are a TON of unsold ones in the PA warehouse.  I'd expect them to have a hefty rebate later on this year.

Now, if only they'd give you a rebate on the maintenance costs too...! 

[redhawk47]

A friend ordered a GTL as soon as they were available. He did a lot of riding with his wife on an LT.
He was not overly impressed by the GTL, and his wife felt the LT was much more comfortable for her.
So he kept the LT and got rid of the GTL.
FWIW.

[LowRyter]

GTL is quite a bike.  My brother has a GTL exclusive model.  Lots of power and features.  Nearly sportbike power with Goldwing luxury. 

I'd say since you've ridden all over Scotland you should know more than anyone else.  I do know if it gets dropped, the saddlebag will get scuffed.  One might consider acquiring some aftermarket crash bars.

Having ridden the R1200RT (watercooled) as well, I am more partial to the lighter bike.  It's almost as fast, has many features (actually more than I would really need) and weighs a lot less (& about $7k cheaper too).  Would guess that aftermarket crash bars might be required too.  Just my opinion of short test rides between the two.

The GTL is just about as far as you can go or get.

[JeffOlson]

Looks great.

I agree! I am interested.

I wonder if it leaks oil like my Norge?

[kingoffleece]

As IT stated, can you imagine the service bill on that bike compared to the easy to work on Norge?

I'll wager that just GETTING to the valves exceeds the cost of the few gaskets, seals, and such needed for valve service on our Norge or similar bikes.

I looked at a Triumph Trophy and RT prior to my Norge (Trophy was killer, BTW-great bike) but cost and ease of service did factor into the decision as well as buy in for the bike.  No regrets at all and two Guzzies in the garage is a good start!

[Sheepdog]

As mentioned earlier, the liquid-cooled boxers are pretty incredible also. I recently picked up a R1200RS and have been amazed by the engine. It doesn't have much of a sound to it, but it produces over 70ft lbs of torque throughout the rev range; peaking at 92 ft lbs. HP is claimed to be 125. This kind of power is hors categorie over previous flat twins. If the weight of the six is at all daunting to you, consider the R1200RT...

[canuck750]

Thanks for the advice,

I have not ridden a new RT1200, I just assumed it would be very similar to the R1150RT, I guess I should at least give it a try.

Long term maintenance on the big six is daunting, I have been a driving BMW cars for a long time after my first experience of keeping one past warranty I always pass them on when the warranty runs out. That said my R1150RT has been rock solid not an issue except for a failed ABS pump which was my own fault for trying to bleed my own brakes, luckily the dealer showed mercy and ran the work through warranty. The RT has 70K mikes on her and it probably has another 70K left.

The power of the K1600GT was pretty amazing, nothing I have ridden was as quick in a straight line (maybe equal to the 1400 Concourse), it could make fast cars disappear in the rear view mirror!  Not that I ever need that much speed but I want a very comfortable two up bike that can go the distance all day and not be tiring. I have a bucket list plan for one lap of Canada / USA touching all four corners of the furthest paved roads at the four points of the compass. The sensible option is the Goldwing for ease of service, long term dependability, etc.. I just don't like them.

[Two Checks]

A friend has one and likes it. One caveat-early on it started burning oil. Took it to the dealer and found it had two cracked pistons. Mechanic said it wasnt the only one he heard of.
It was repaired and he was given an extended warranty and other goodies by BMW.
He is happy.

[PJPR01]

Both are great bikes...I would say the K1600 is almost too smooth, but if that's what you are looking for, it fits the bill.  It's also surprisingly nimble, despite the weight.

I had a chance to rent both over the last couple of years for some great riding down Highway 1 in California from Palo Alto to San Luis Obispo and back...and both are very nice bikes.

If I had to choose one that is "closer" to the Guzzi, it would be the R1200RT for a wee bit of a Twin vibe, but the K1600 is a mileage muncher par excellence!

[JJ]

I've had several opportunities to ride a GT and a GTL. Both fabulous bikes. The GTL is more comfy for me. The performance is intoxicating.

Agree 100%. I test drove one when they first came out...and was ready to pull the trigger, but my wife did not like the passenger seating position...as it made her ride way high on the back. 

A good friend, who was a die-hard 35+ year Big Twin Harley guy bought one and LOVES it!  He said, in the end, his decision to switch was all about improved high performance, handling, and braking. :1:

[LowRyter]

Thanks for the advice,

I have not ridden a new RT1200, I just assumed it would be very similar to the R1150RT, I guess I should at least give it a try.

Long term maintenance on the big six is daunting, I have been a driving BMW cars for a long time after my first experience of keeping one past warranty I always pass them on when the warranty runs out. That said my R1150RT has been rock solid not an issue except for a failed ABS pump which was my own fault for trying to bleed my own brakes, luckily the dealer showed mercy and ran the work through warranty. The RT has 70K mikes on her and it probably has another 70K left.

The power of the K1600GT was pretty amazing, nothing I have ridden was as quick in a straight line (maybe equal to the 1400 Concourse), it could make fast cars disappear in the rear view mirror!  Not that I ever need that much speed but I want a very comfortable two up bike that can go the distance all day and not be tiring. I have a bucket list plan for one lap of Canada / USA touching all four corners of the furthest paved roads at the four points of the compass. The sensible option is the Goldwing for ease of service, long term dependability, etc.. I just don't like them.

The new liquid cooled R1200RT isn't really like the old Beemers.  They have lots more power and lower to the ground.  Imagine the GTL 100lb lighter and 20 fewer ponies.  It might explain why they have a warehouse full of 6 cyl bikes but keep selling the boxers. 

[JJ]

The new liquid cooled R1200RT isn't really like the old Beemers.  They have lots more power and lower to the ground.  Imagine the GTL 100lb lighter and 20 fewer ponies.  It might explain why they have a warehouse full of 6 cyl bikes but keep selling the boxers.

I remember when they first came out the price was between $27,000 and $29,000 + TTL...

[canuck750]

I remember when they first came out the price was between $27,000 and $29,000 + TTL...

The K1600 GTL retail for $35,000 CDN.

A nice, low mileage 2014 model will go for $22K.

The R1200RT is retailing for $27K CDN.

My 2004 R1150RT with 60,000 miles is worth around $5K, I paid $10,500 for it less than a year old, I think I got my moneys worth out of it!

[Sheepdog]

According to the BMW Motorrad website, the GTL has 35hp and 190 lbs on the R12RT. I think both are excellent machines, but a lighter bike has always appealed to me more. If you're going to travel far, pick the one that fits you and your other half best.

[Chuck in Indiana]

after my first experience of keeping one past warranty I always pass them on when the warranty runs out.

That's been my experience, too. <shrug> Bring More Wallet. 

[canuck750]

That's been my experience, too. <shrug> Bring More Wallet. 

Or my personal favorite

Big Money Wasted

Beemer 4 wheelers (and 2 wheelers) are overpriced, over engineered, and maybe a wee bit over rated but they are so incredibly stable, quick and quiet, and they stop as good as they go, I have driven Mercs and Jags (too plush), Audi's (too in between) and Porsches (too focused on the race track suspension wise), the Beemer just  seems to check all the boxes.

[Chuck in Indiana]

the Beemer just  seems to check all the boxes.

Well, there ya go. Life is short..

[timonbik]

Why not look for a k1200 or 1300.  Lots out there with low miles.  A little less technology and a little more reliable/less maintenance.

Cheers, Tim

[LowRyter]

I remember when they first came out the price was between $27,000 and $29,000 + TTL...

The GTL list for about that and up to low $30s.  The RT lists for low to mid $20s. 

More than I want to pay for a bike in either alternative.

And then you have the maintenance and (possible) repair bills.  I am not versed on what is "possible". 

[LowRyter]

According to the BMW Motorrad website, the GTL has 35hp and 190 lbs on the R12RT. I think both are excellent machines, but a lighter bike has always appealed to me more. If you're going to travel far, pick the one that fits you and your other half best.

that might explain why the RT seems just as quick and a lot more agile than the GTL.  That's my 2 cents of riding them both.