When you go on biking holidays and ride 300 miles in a day and have minimal stops for fuel and loads of comfort and you get off for a food stop and feel relaxed, fresh and ready to ride each day, then you will understand
@@nikitaderbenev5811I have done 500 mile days on ADV bikes and a K1600GTL and they are completely different. The GTL will keep you much more protected from the elements. Especially if you are riding through high winds this will do a lot better. Not to mention you have big heated seats for rider and passenger. Heated grips. Electronic windshield. Etc. Higher weight helps when getting smashed with wind.
Ful disclosure: I ride a K1300GT "dad bike", this bike's predecessor. Seems to me you're trying to have it both ways. It is what it is, and it does what it was intended to do extremely well (and IMO better than anything else in its class). Comparing it to some sport bike you can hang bags on is unfair; try doing some high-speed, long-distance touring on one of those and tell me how much Advil you need at the end of the day. I have, and it wasn't pretty.
@@yammienoob quite an aggressive response. As a touring drummer for 10 years having played with pop all the way to progressive metal. Writing off any successful Artist as trash shows me the level of musician you are and is probably the reason you make RUclips videos and not music professionally. Probably for the better though honestly. Your business is a lot more lucrative than mine, the music industry is brutal.
If that’s your mind set, you mind won’t be changed…..meanwhile I’ll continue enjoying touring and sports touring motorcycles as I have for the last 5 decades 👍👍😎
Your kind of a newb rider. So you’ll learn appreciate the luggage capacity and the wind protection reduces stress on very long rides! I’ve been riding motorcycles since I was 12 and I’m 60. Thank God never had any major incidents on motorcycles yet, but I always have it in the back of my mind it can happen someday. Be safe have fun!
@@Nini-pw4ufYeah. I take the position that a creator of a universe might have better things to do than focus on my sorry ass, so I will seek the protection of Shoei, Rev'it and awareness. Besides, I don't need the weight of a passenger. God can get his own F'ing bike if he wants to tag along for the ride.
More ignorant rider. There is nothing wrong having a bike that can haul a bit of luggage and having comfort without giving the pain in the back. I ride sport touring bike myself, my back are hurting after a short while. I`d love more comfy bike, even a large scooter.
Very few people ever jump on a new motorcycle and have it ergonomically perfect. Every bike I've ever owned I spent whatever I needed to make it fit me. Lowering links, pull back handlebar risers, shaved/aftermarket seats, lowered pegs, seat cushions, aftermarket windshields, grip buddies, whatever it takes to increase comfort.
I use my FJR1300 mainly as a larger sport bike, it's only a 5 speed but it still hits 170mph no sweat, handles like a boss and only takes 20secs to clip the panniers on 👌
I have a fjr1300 as well as BMW r1200RT, which are both better than the BMW K series IMO. The K series just has no soul even my gf said NOPE! The FJR is my main daily and 2-up backup but the R1200RT just destroys it as a touring/2-up
First of all, Thank You for riding this bike. I can agree with most of what you say. In the end, I think it does come down to use case and rider. You said that if you are not trying to put down a huge amount of miles that you don't really see the use case. At my age, I can say that there is a bike for each stage of life. I used to be a squid and I loved squidding. I then enjoyed dual purpose and off road riding. I have also enjoyed cruising. At my age now, I love the K1600. I love that it feels like a space ship. I love that the edge has been dialed out of it. And I love riding it even when I'm not eating hundreds of miles. It is an extreme of the touring segment. And if touring comfort with performance is what you want, then the K1600 is the way to go. It can do things a Gold Wing, Harley or Indian will never do. Yes, it's a Dad Bike and being a Dad is a stage most people will go through. So in the end, I feel each bike type deserves a fair shake for what it is and who it can appeal to. I don't agree that one type of bike is better than another. It all depends on the use case and the rider. At my age, this bike is perfect. When I was 25, it would not have been. And I'm glad an inline 6 exists. Probably the last we'll ever see in a motorcycle. Thanks for the review Yammie! Now go jump back on your H2 and or your mid-size favorites. Those will get you through most of your thirties.
Im 27 and I would love to have this bike, looking at the GS right now just for some backroad riding but i have a 600 and already want something more comfy
I have a 2017 GT. Just bought a 2024 GTL. I have a few bikes, and they each have a specific purpose for me. I bought the 24 because who knows when this bike will be discontinued. I find these bikes just amazing. My 17 with the mods I've done is a rocket ship, yet it is still very smooth and responsive. I get challenged all the time by the young ones. I just smile and wave. Funny, they changed their tune when they saw me on my 09 V Max. Anyhow, at 61, my crazy days are over. Lifes short, enjoy the ride!!!
I've put 30,000 miles on my 18 K1600 GTL, I don't have any experience on a sports bike, but do have thousands of those miles in the South Dakota Black Hills. It doesn't feel like 800 lbs of bike once you're moving.
I've been lusting after the GT trim of this bike for some time. Would love to have one. Fun fact about the throttle, they remapped it and toned it down in the 2017+ year models. 2016 and earlier models have a much more snappy and aggressive throttle in dynamic mode. There is a video on youtube that a guy did comparing 2 bikes like that and it was very noticeable how different the throttle response was.
@@RRRRefuelRideRace Yeah the new ones look very nice. Would love one of them, but unfortunately they are way out of my price bracket. I have eyes on a used fully loaded 2014 model at a dealer nearby that falls more within my budget (barely). Would love to get my hands on it if I could. Hope you can get yours and enjoy it.
I had one of those, awesome bike, handles way better than you'd think. Fast bike, great in the twisties, great for long trips. I switched out the speakers and would put 800 daily miles easily. I think out of all the bikes I've owned I miss my GTL the most. Its great to ride that far then smoke 80% of the sport bikes on the Dragon on a GTL lol
I feel like Yammie’s kind of missing the point. When he talked about “just flying to your destination and renting a sportier bike”. This bike isn’t for travelling to a motorcycle destination, it’s motorcycle traveling to a new destination. Hopping on one of these with luggage and a wife and heading to a national park.
well, yammie noob, you know they are probably just not for you, which is okay. I personally hold their ability to hold luggage and the superb wind protection they afford near and dear. Personally speaking, I don't really care much for sports bikes because i don't want to be sitting on them for more than 15 minutes.
Why choose? I have several bikes. A Goldwing for long tours, a turbo busa for fun weekend twisties, a Harley for casual riding around town, several dirt bikes when I feel like flying, and a K1600GTL that I commute 60 miles a day on rain or shine. I don't own a car, I live in Cali, perfect weather 90% of the time.
Nah he needs a wife on the back and to do 500 mile days. Also maybe to get out of his state if he thinks the US is made up of straight boring interstates. California and Colorado would like a word among nearly every other state.
Bought a used 2018 K1600 GT. It is my grocery getter and when I want to scream down the freeway to pump a little adrenaline, it does the trick. Just an amazing addition to my stable of bikes.
The goldwing is a rocking chair. The k1600 is a rocking chair with good handling and rockets strapped to it. And I love it. Cruise at 90 for hours in comfort.
It's funny that he thinks the K1600 is outrageously heavy when BMW also makes the R18 TC which is pushing almost 1,000 lbs. K1600s are actually pretty easy to move around while the R18 Transcontinental is quite the beast to maneuver.
Yam... some of us who are Dads need good Dad bikes. We're still out there riding. If we're old enough to be Dads we've learned how squidding can FUBAR us but we still wanna get in the wind. I'd rather ride than drink. I need a bike lol
You should try the GT, still very much touring but should be sportier. I was waiting for you to review BMW's 6 cylinder bikes for a long time, glad to see this one, but what I really am curious about is what you would think about the GT. I hope you'll have a chance to take a look at one sometime.
The slow throttle makes sense. Weighing over 700 pounds and 132 foot pounds of torque, you could get in trouble pretty quick if the throttle was snappy. BTW, I don't think that's the stock seat. This type of motorcycle might make sense if your idea of touring involves sustained speeds well in excess of 100 mph on the autobahn.
This is a gen 2 version of the bike. The throttle was toned down for the gen 2 revision. The gen 1 versions of the bike has a very nice and snappy throttle. :)
I commute 30 miles a day on a motorcycle. I just acquired the B version of this. WOW! The power and smoothness is insanely good. The low center of gravity helps It crunch corners quite well for its 750 lb weight. It is a purpose built bike for sure. But all the luxury items makes it an ideal daily rider for the winter time. Rode home the other night in 36 degree weather. I was quite comfortable with the faring, heated grips, heated seats and cruise control. The GTL does well with a passenger, thats what its for.
It's a special purpose tool - if you need it, you'll know you need it; otherwise, you don't need it. The main use case is probably long distance multi-day rides with a passenger. Without the passenger, a sport tourer or ADV probably makes more sense.
The only thing I don’t like about your videos is that I always read “Noob” in ur name. Man you are sooooo Pro in ur reviews and always gives me exactly what I need to know about the bikes which helps a lot in taking critical decisions. Keep it up Yammie Pro 👍👍👍
Post video watch comments. So he didn't mention 2-up, most ppl buy these with that in mind, especially the GTL version. I went from a sport touring, and agree with his comments on those, but if you have a passenger for most of whatever miles you do the K1600 is better. For Yammie and me who like a more engaged feeling in the seating position, get the GT as there is a big difference. The 18 (Gen2) is also an issue as the throttle got detuned vs Gen1. Gen1 has more snap and response vs Gen2 due to euro emissions standard changes. The Gen3 (23) had more changes but fixed the response issue. Some Gen2 riders chose to BrenTune their bikes to improve them to Gen1 or better. Overall, I think BMW hate still came through a bit as you praised the GW a lot in that review and even said the GTL was just as good, just spicier, but dumped on it most of the review. We'll see Yammie on either a GW or K1600 in about 20 yrs and 40 pounds, so no worries we all get there one day. Now off to get a Frapachinio to chill out!
'Horses for courses' as they say. This is the GTL which is the touring focused version. The GT is the sports touring version which changes the riding position for much sportier style riding (particularly with luggage removed - you can't expect to be chucking any bike with that lot on around as like a sport focussed sports tourer). The difference in riding position, smaller screen, etc makes a much bigger difference in the feel of the bike than you would imagine. Ive owned and ridden much lighter sports tourers that are not as flickable as the GT once rolling. The gtl is focussed to cover high miles in as comfort as possible, whereas the GT sacrifices a little bit of comfort to gain a lot more sporty handling. Rather than trailer sportier bike with the GTL, as BMW intended just buy the GT... sorted! Plenty comfort to get to your destination and fun in twisties when you get there.
Nice vid Yammi Noob. I'm looking at trading my Harley in for a BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive or a BMW R 1250 RT. I have back and neck issues can no longer handle the vibrations from the Harley.
This is why they make different bikes for different purpose. Ride a Concours and a w800. Both two different rides and purpose. Not a Kawasaki guy, but sell the bikes I like at current age of 49. Concours is for long distance and winter and the W800 is for everyday use on 50 degree days. I am good
@@DonJ. I feel like he shit on sport tourer. He has in the past, but a lot of bikes today are called sport tourers and to me they are not. Sport bikes with saddle bags is not enough for me to call them that. Just my opinion.
I like to hear his take on this bike being more focused towards sport bikes. He had a much more to say that I wanted to hear that no one else have been saying
@@andreaszierer7235 I've seen videos of Hyabusa- or CBR1000-powered Miatas/etc and think it'd be cool to have a "BMW-powered BMW" in the same vein. I'd start with one of the cheaper 4cyl ones, and even though the K1600 engine would have about the same power and torque, the power curve and transmission feel would be more bike-like.
Hey Yam, just got back from my first European bike trip. I love how you say a crap tonne pf miles is 1000 miles a day 😂 i broke myself just doing 250! the bonnie took it like a champ but i didnt 😂 i hurt
To all the naysayers below. How many miles do you ride a year on your sports bikes ? A bike you can use all day, every day and not just for a Sunday trip is way better. And you’ll also find that if you ride more you’ll get faster.
just get a wife or a girlfriend (or a boyfriend if you are a girl), that rides her/his own bike (that's what I did). I am happy to have a partner that will never want to be a pillion because I would never want to have a passenger either. We both settled to nice sports tourers and enjoy our trips!
Sorry to say but your complaints about this being to much touring style and not sporty enough sounds like a lack of rider skill and capability from your end. Unlike the GW you can take all cases of in 1 minute and have very decent sporty bike. No you can’t compare it with a Ninja or something but then again I wouldn’t be able to do more then 2 hours on one of those Kawa’s.
I have ridden 700 mile days on both my '18 GTL and an '06 Multistrada 1000SDS. The Ducati after 60K miles is great and I've used it two up and alone. I have to agree the ADV bikes rule. The Beemer is nice because the wife can take a bunch of crap easily. Pilot Road tires give the front end better feel in my mind. The Bridgestones I didn't like.
Shaft drive makes a huge difference on super long rides. If you ride from one coast to the other, you will not rain, and after a few hours of riding in the rain, you will want to lube your chain. A "sport touring" motorcycle with chain drive is just a slow, heavy sport bike with luggage.
There are wind deflectors on either side that you push out and it directs airflow on to your chest, works really well, I have this bike but the original tyres do not fill you with confidence when riding other than that great bike for putting big miles in
The K1600 isn't my thing, but the use case for it is two-up, long miles and lots of luggage. It's better in the twisties than competition like the Gold Wing or HD Ultra. But sporty riders will opt for the S1000XR, Ducati Multistrada (1260 S or V4) or even the venerable GS for more comfort and versatility.
I've owned all styles of bike and ended up with a GT as my only bike, I hate the weight of it but otherwise I love it for all day rides...days at a time
what are your thoughts on the K1300S as someone who dailies the k1600GT? I'm thinking it *might* be a bit more rational choice, a bit sportier, a decent bit lighter, although the design is starting to show its age and stuff like IMU or active suspension also sound like nice to haves.
@@tompoczos8312 if I ditch the K as too heavyweight I would look at the R1200RS which is also a nice looking tourer but without the huge fairing protection. Just looked at K1300S and there are some real bargains out there
I do like bikes that are more of a in between of cars and bikes. Modern cars are so numb that any motorcycle has more life than most cars today. But also sometimes I don't want to have an edge on my bike, I want something thats not one extreme or another.
They are obviously limited... if you get it tuned you can remove that limiter but you atill have to deal with the weight of that bike. You would need a long stretch of road and maybe a little decline to get that baby anywhere near 185
@@CaffeineFreak13 I would be surprised if the would go that fast at any rate. Just mentioning to the OP that all are not equal and the manual actually just states a speed less than what was obtained.
Actually it's not a dad bike but a loving husband bike or afraid of our wives bike. You get these bikes when your significant other when they complain about your small R1 rear seat. Actually it's a step above comfort normal sport touring. Unfortunately also a step up in its boringness
It does have a seven gallon tank but you can bring it up to a little over 6. I generally get around 200 between fill ups with about 30 miles left on the range.
Turning the volume down comments is the key for me to give you a 10000 likes, I'm from Philadelphia, and every god damn one here is a nuance, it's a competition here who is la loudest I really can't stand it. No consideration for anyone else, and to make matters worse, it doesn't matter what time of the day or night........
I've done about 700 miles in a day. It's unreasonable to do any more than that. Even that leaves no time for rest stops. Just fuel and minor food breaks while you get fuel.
I've done a 1000mi on the BMW K600gtl this year. On myn way to Redmond, OR from Jacksonville, FL. I was definetly felt it the next day but I was 67yrs old at the time. I just turned 68 five days ago. So, don't say it's no possible. Guy's do it all the time. I met a guy in Redmond, OR who did a endurance of 10,000mi in ten days. A thousand miles a day, if you know, you know.
I've never felt so old in my life. My knees aren't happy with my current bike, a 2008 R1 and I've been looking at the k1600gtl as a good replacement for my almost 50 year old body. 😅🤦🏾♂️
Growup, set the cruise control at a buck twenty and move on. Hit the twistys and scrape a peg and be relaxed when you get there!. Meet me in the Blueridge and I'll show you what a real dad biker can do!!
I have the GT and not the GTL. It is a slightly sportier bike. I also own 4 different bikes: a naked, an ADV, a sport tourer and the GT. I live in CO (plenty of twisties). I enjoy riding the twisties on my GT almost as much as my naked. Once you learn how to ride it and how easily flickable it is, it does inspire confidence. I would not compare the GT nor the GTL to a Goldwing. The Grand America is more comparable, especially in the riding position. You could have opened the front vents for more air flow. One last thing: your disdain for BMWs often comes through (how on earth could you rate HD ahead of BMW in innovation?). However, when you ride one (S1000XR) you seem to like them. Is this like a Ford/Chevy rivalry from back in the day? Are you just biased against BMW? Just curious. I do enjoy many of your videos. Also, I like riding the TX Hill Country.
Mr. Noob, just keep breathing ..... you'll eventually ..... realize the K1300 (4 cl.) 175 hp and this one you've tested, the K1600, are also very nice on Scenic Secondary Roads thru Small Town U.S.A.
My body and specifically my hands really suck now so I’m looking into bikes like this so I can ride more than 2 hours in a day. Cruise control is a must, even better if it’s adaptive but that limits me to only a few bikes and they are all very expensive.
The problem with me is that im 5-7, 210. A muscular/husky 210, little belly. Seat height on my 21 s1000xr is 33 inches. I tip toe. I love it tho. Im 39, I work hvac and I exercise. I ride the piss out of it, but, after an hour or so, my legs need to go forward. From that sport crimped up position.
Yammie that bikes a diamond in the rough! I ended up with my 12 because I had 15g to spend on a used bike I spent the last 10 years on a 1800vtx I wanted more creature comforts and I wanted more power and for 10 grand I ended up with my gtl I'm also 40 years old so there's that 😜🤙👍 keep the good videos coming
I have a 2013 one and the throttle response is way quicker than this one. While I mostly agree, you should try it without the boxes which come off in seconds and it becomes much more nimble as you can see in my videos...
Once you get used to the duolever I think the driving difference, cornering on bumps is comparable to independent rear suspension vs live axle in a car. it does feel vague though
Traded my zx14 for this same bike today. The 14 was killing my back, knees, etc. No more stretching before rides anymore😅😅. Sorry Yamie, but this bike is the s#$t!!
I'm in the exact same situation. Sold my ZX14r about 6 months ago. Hard on the knees, hard on the right hand leaving it on the throttle all day. That bike really shined going over 250kph. But how often was I really doing that... so I got rid of it. Loved that bike but this k1600 seems to shine in more favorable ways.
My dad hase one of these loves it takes me on some rides. When he gives her(the bike) the beans in 1 st it is impossible to lean forward for me. It can easily go up 200kmh (120 mph) in 4 th gear. My dad says the throttle response is quite quick in dynamic mode. He always uses it in dynamic. It is the highlight of my summers. Sorry for bad english it is not my first lengauge.
I owned one of these. No reverse though. Your analysis is very spot on. With no reverse parking lots are high effort. On the highway it is actually a bit twitchy so it can be better in the corners. . .I have done the Tail of the Dragon and most of the Blue Ridge Parkway and agree that it is really fun, but not really confidence inspiring. . .It does not like 45-60mph. . .gearing is odd for that. I never found a decent windscreen. Super loud unless all the way up and I was hoping to NOT wear earplugs. . .Comfort: Initial Cush. ..but 250 miles my ass and HIP really hurt. Needs a Day Long Saddle, and even then, the hip pain from the tight body body position is not very good. Traded her in for a Triumph T120 Bonnie. . .with Cruise and a couple of bags I am much happier. . .still need the Day Long though. . .Good review.
I currently have 5 bikes and I have always enjoyed different bikes and different experiences. I LOVED my XJR but not really a long distance bike cos she drank like a fish and I could only cover 150kms between fuel stations. Then I loved my FJR which with shaft drive plus 25 litre fuel tank would run 1000km days (several times) so I really travelled with her, France Italy Spain and the UK. NOw I am more er mature my large bike is a CB1000R and I also love my two small 250, I have a 2018 CRF plus a 2010 WR. ALL bikes are fun.
I enjoyed my Goldwing, but I didn't do enough long touring for it. I enjoyed my GSXR, but I hated it by the time I got to work. So my FJR is the one. Take the bags off and enjoy twisties, put them on and cover multiple states, or put my girlfriend on and still go out of town.
When you go on biking holidays and ride 300 miles in a day and have minimal stops for fuel and loads of comfort and you get off for a food stop and feel relaxed, fresh and ready to ride each day, then you will understand
Any ADV will do it better IMHO, weigh and cost less.
@Nikita Derbenev very true. Adv and sport tourers ect all have their specialist areas. Personally I lean more towards adv (no pun intended) lol
@@nikitaderbenev5811I have done 500 mile days on ADV bikes and a K1600GTL and they are completely different. The GTL will keep you much more protected from the elements. Especially if you are riding through high winds this will do a lot better.
Not to mention you have big heated seats for rider and passenger. Heated grips. Electronic windshield. Etc.
Higher weight helps when getting smashed with wind.
Ful disclosure: I ride a K1300GT "dad bike", this bike's predecessor.
Seems to me you're trying to have it both ways. It is what it is, and it does what it was intended to do extremely well (and IMO better than anything else in its class). Comparing it to some sport bike you can hang bags on is unfair; try doing some high-speed, long-distance touring on one of those and tell me how much Advil you need at the end of the day. I have, and it wasn't pretty.
"some Aerosmith song" as Twenty one Pilots plays... like a dad. not up to date on modern music lol
Just like touring riders;)
Man you don't know who you're talking to lol. 21 pilots is trash. Dash said "aerosmith". I've got earplugs in. I've produced music for 12 years lmao.
@@yammienoob touchy
21 pilots is modern?!?
@@yammienoob quite an aggressive response. As a touring drummer for 10 years having played with pop all the way to progressive metal. Writing off any successful Artist as trash shows me the level of musician you are and is probably the reason you make RUclips videos and not music professionally. Probably for the better though honestly. Your business is a lot more lucrative than mine, the music industry is brutal.
If that’s your mind set, you mind won’t be changed…..meanwhile I’ll continue enjoying touring and sports touring motorcycles as I have for the last 5 decades 👍👍😎
At 70, I have done all my risk taking, blue light PTSD and so forth. I love this GT, really do.
This class of bike is considerd the ultimate dad bike. Yammie need to grow one of two decades older in order to really appreciate it! 😆😆😆
....usually find them in pristine condition as well lol
@@Auto-Minute ppts pde de de motor 🏍️
@@Auto-Minute ookok
Cool dads ride dirt bikes and dual sports
Your kind of a newb rider. So you’ll learn appreciate the luggage capacity and the wind protection reduces stress on very long rides! I’ve been riding motorcycles since I was 12 and I’m 60. Thank God never had any major incidents on motorcycles yet, but I always have it in the back of my mind it can happen someday. Be safe have fun!
Yes Sir, only God can protect you on a motorcycle 🙏🏻😇
Well, I heard that focus may be of help too. Atheists weirdos, perhaps.
@@Nini-pw4ufYeah. I take the position that a creator of a universe might have better things to do than focus on my sorry ass, so I will seek the protection of Shoei, Rev'it and awareness. Besides, I don't need the weight of a passenger. God can get his own F'ing bike if he wants to tag along for the ride.
More ignorant rider. There is nothing wrong having a bike that can haul a bit of luggage and having comfort without giving the pain in the back. I ride sport touring bike myself, my back are hurting after a short while. I`d love more comfy bike, even a large scooter.
@@kebabalubayeah honestly I get tired of my “street fighter” r1 (02 fz-1) sometimes and just want somethin smooth and powerful and comfortable
Very few people ever jump on a new motorcycle and have it ergonomically perfect. Every bike I've ever owned I spent whatever I needed to make it fit me. Lowering links, pull back handlebar risers, shaved/aftermarket seats, lowered pegs, seat cushions, aftermarket windshields, grip buddies, whatever it takes to increase comfort.
I use my FJR1300 mainly as a larger sport bike, it's only a 5 speed but it still hits 170mph no sweat, handles like a boss and only takes 20secs to clip the panniers on 👌
THE BEST
@Founding Stock NZ great one bruv! Safe rides!
I have a fjr1300 as well as BMW r1200RT, which are both better than the BMW K series IMO. The K series just has no soul even my gf said NOPE! The FJR is my main daily and 2-up backup but the R1200RT just destroys it as a touring/2-up
5:51 you know that actually sounds a lot like a 911 gt3. High revving and just about the same exhaust note. AWESOME
Wow thats true
The sound is amazing with an Akrapovic exhaust while riding it. Addictive
First of all, Thank You for riding this bike. I can agree with most of what you say. In the end, I think it does come down to use case and rider. You said that if you are not trying to put down a huge amount of miles that you don't really see the use case. At my age, I can say that there is a bike for each stage of life. I used to be a squid and I loved squidding. I then enjoyed dual purpose and off road riding. I have also enjoyed cruising. At my age now, I love the K1600. I love that it feels like a space ship. I love that the edge has been dialed out of it. And I love riding it even when I'm not eating hundreds of miles. It is an extreme of the touring segment. And if touring comfort with performance is what you want, then the K1600 is the way to go. It can do things a Gold Wing, Harley or Indian will never do. Yes, it's a Dad Bike and being a Dad is a stage most people will go through. So in the end, I feel each bike type deserves a fair shake for what it is and who it can appeal to. I don't agree that one type of bike is better than another. It all depends on the use case and the rider. At my age, this bike is perfect. When I was 25, it would not have been. And I'm glad an inline 6 exists. Probably the last we'll ever see in a motorcycle. Thanks for the review Yammie! Now go jump back on your H2 and or your mid-size favorites. Those will get you through most of your thirties.
Im 27 and I would love to have this bike, looking at the GS right now just for some backroad riding but i have a 600 and already want something more comfy
My friends are also giving me crap about it but idk, i like these big bikes
I have a 2017 GT. Just bought a 2024 GTL. I have a few bikes, and they each have a specific purpose for me. I bought the 24 because who knows when this bike will be discontinued. I find these bikes just amazing. My 17 with the mods I've done is a rocket ship, yet it is still very smooth and responsive. I get challenged all the time by the young ones. I just smile and wave. Funny, they changed their tune when they saw me on my 09 V Max. Anyhow, at 61, my crazy days are over. Lifes short, enjoy the ride!!!
Fastest Bagger around stock from factory. No need for stage 1-4 mods
I've put 30,000 miles on my 18 K1600 GTL, I don't have any experience on a sports bike, but do have thousands of those miles in the South Dakota Black Hills. It doesn't feel like 800 lbs of bike once you're moving.
I've been lusting after the GT trim of this bike for some time. Would love to have one. Fun fact about the throttle, they remapped it and toned it down in the 2017+ year models. 2016 and earlier models have a much more snappy and aggressive throttle in dynamic mode. There is a video on youtube that a guy did comparing 2 bikes like that and it was very noticeable how different the throttle response was.
Will try to get one this season. I would like to try it. :) I believe that the 2023 is much more refined comparing it to the older ones.
@@RRRRefuelRideRace Yeah the new ones look very nice. Would love one of them, but unfortunately they are way out of my price bracket. I have eyes on a used fully loaded 2014 model at a dealer nearby that falls more within my budget (barely). Would love to get my hands on it if I could. Hope you can get yours and enjoy it.
I had one of those, awesome bike, handles way better than you'd think. Fast bike, great in the twisties, great for long trips. I switched out the speakers and would put 800 daily miles easily. I think out of all the bikes I've owned I miss my GTL the most. Its great to ride that far then smoke 80% of the sport bikes on the Dragon on a GTL lol
I feel like Yammie’s kind of missing the point. When he talked about “just flying to your destination and renting a sportier bike”. This bike isn’t for travelling to a motorcycle destination, it’s motorcycle traveling to a new destination. Hopping on one of these with luggage and a wife and heading to a national park.
With Cardo who needs 1990’s boom boxes on motorcycles. Another reason non bikers hate us, noise.
This bike makes a lot more sense if your riding 2 up a lot as well.
well, yammie noob, you know they are probably just not for you, which is okay. I personally hold their ability to hold luggage and the superb wind protection they afford near and dear. Personally speaking, I don't really care much for sports bikes because i don't want to be sitting on them for more than 15 minutes.
Why choose? I have several bikes. A Goldwing for long tours, a turbo busa for fun weekend twisties, a Harley for casual riding around town, several dirt bikes when I feel like flying, and a K1600GTL that I commute 60 miles a day on rain or shine. I don't own a car, I live in Cali, perfect weather 90% of the time.
The fastest time up the dragon was done on a goldwing. Tourers and the guys that ride them are insane
Yam needs another 20 years to appreciate it.
Nah he needs a wife on the back and to do 500 mile days. Also maybe to get out of his state if he thinks the US is made up of straight boring interstates. California and Colorado would like a word among nearly every other state.
Bought a used 2018 K1600 GT. It is my grocery getter and when I want to scream down the freeway to pump a little adrenaline, it does the trick. Just an amazing addition to my stable of bikes.
The goldwing is a rocking chair. The k1600 is a rocking chair with good handling and rockets strapped to it. And I love it. Cruise at 90 for hours in comfort.
I have a '18 K1600. It dances in the NC mountains. It needs some tweaks. Bren tune the throttle. Replace the shocks with Tractivs. Nothing but smiles.
I think when you are 6.5 like me you will appreciate this a little more, for us most bikes feel like minibikes.
It's funny that he thinks the K1600 is outrageously heavy when BMW also makes the R18 TC which is pushing almost 1,000 lbs. K1600s are actually pretty easy to move around while the R18 Transcontinental is quite the beast to maneuver.
Yam... some of us who are Dads need good Dad bikes. We're still out there riding. If we're old enough to be Dads we've learned how squidding can FUBAR us but we still wanna get in the wind. I'd rather ride than drink. I need a bike lol
Electraglides and Roadglides are just as amazing too
You should try the GT, still very much touring but should be sportier. I was waiting for you to review BMW's 6 cylinder bikes for a long time, glad to see this one, but what I really am curious about is what you would think about the GT. I hope you'll have a chance to take a look at one sometime.
YammieNoob: picks a Grand Touring Luxury bike...
Also YammieNoib: this is too much of a tourer...
Very informative. A well done review. A bike that I would like to try. Got my like. Just like always.
Hmmm… a choice: ride 2,300 miles from Austin to Victoria BC on the BMW K1600 or that Aprilia 660. Mind changed.
The slow throttle makes sense. Weighing over 700 pounds and 132 foot pounds of torque, you could get in trouble pretty quick if the throttle was snappy. BTW, I don't think that's the stock seat. This type of motorcycle might make sense if your idea of touring involves sustained speeds well in excess of 100 mph on the autobahn.
Just wait till he learns about Radar Detectors and jammers
This is a gen 2 version of the bike. The throttle was toned down for the gen 2 revision. The gen 1 versions of the bike has a very nice and snappy throttle. :)
I commute 30 miles a day on a motorcycle. I just acquired the B version of this. WOW! The power and smoothness is insanely good. The low center of gravity helps It crunch corners quite well for its 750 lb weight. It is a purpose built bike for sure. But all the luxury items makes it an ideal daily rider for the winter time. Rode home the other night in 36 degree weather. I was quite comfortable with the faring, heated grips, heated seats and cruise control. The GTL does well with a passenger, thats what its for.
It's a special purpose tool - if you need it, you'll know you need it; otherwise, you don't need it. The main use case is probably long distance multi-day rides with a passenger. Without the passenger, a sport tourer or ADV probably makes more sense.
The only thing I don’t like about your videos is that I always read “Noob” in ur name. Man you are sooooo Pro in ur reviews and always gives me exactly what I need to know about the bikes which helps a lot in taking critical decisions. Keep it up Yammie Pro 👍👍👍
Post video watch comments. So he didn't mention 2-up, most ppl buy these with that in mind, especially the GTL version. I went from a sport touring, and agree with his comments on those, but if you have a passenger for most of whatever miles you do the K1600 is better. For Yammie and me who like a more engaged feeling in the seating position, get the GT as there is a big difference. The 18 (Gen2) is also an issue as the throttle got detuned vs Gen1. Gen1 has more snap and response vs Gen2 due to euro emissions standard changes. The Gen3 (23) had more changes but fixed the response issue. Some Gen2 riders chose to BrenTune their bikes to improve them to Gen1 or better. Overall, I think BMW hate still came through a bit as you praised the GW a lot in that review and even said the GTL was just as good, just spicier, but dumped on it most of the review. We'll see Yammie on either a GW or K1600 in about 20 yrs and 40 pounds, so no worries we all get there one day. Now off to get a Frapachinio to chill out!
One of my local dealers has a 2014 fully loaded GT for sale with 55k km on it. I'm so tempted to pick it up and want it so much. Love these bikes.
'Horses for courses' as they say. This is the GTL which is the touring focused version. The GT is the sports touring version which changes the riding position for much sportier style riding (particularly with luggage removed - you can't expect to be chucking any bike with that lot on around as like a sport focussed sports tourer). The difference in riding position, smaller screen, etc makes a much bigger difference in the feel of the bike than you would imagine. Ive owned and ridden much lighter sports tourers that are not as flickable as the GT once rolling.
The gtl is focussed to cover high miles in as comfort as possible, whereas the GT sacrifices a little bit of comfort to gain a lot more sporty handling. Rather than trailer sportier bike with the GTL, as BMW intended just buy the GT... sorted! Plenty comfort to get to your destination and fun in twisties when you get there.
770lb is still less than the 855lb of a road glide.
Also the weight is down low on the K.
Nice vid Yammi Noob. I'm looking at trading my Harley in for a BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive or a BMW R 1250 RT. I have back and neck issues can no longer handle the vibrations from the Harley.
This is why they make different bikes for different purpose. Ride a Concours and a w800. Both two different rides and purpose. Not a Kawasaki guy, but sell the bikes I like at current age of 49. Concours is for long distance and winter and the W800 is for everyday use on 50 degree days. I am good
Zzr1200 w/ tank and saddle bags also a w800. Sport touring is the best of both worlds! 🤩🔥🔥
@@DonJ. I feel like he shit on sport tourer. He has in the past, but a lot of bikes today are called sport tourers and to me they are not. Sport bikes with saddle bags is not enough for me to call them that. Just my opinion.
This engine would be incredible if they put it in some sort of Rocket 3 type bike that was a little lighter with a fruitier exhaust setup.
Updated Honda CBX.
A Touring Bike that is way too touring focused? If it wasn't, wouldn't that be an even bigger complaint?
I like to hear his take on this bike being more focused towards sport bikes. He had a much more to say that I wanted to hear that no one else have been saying
I want to swap that engine into a gutted BMW Z3 convertible.
But why? The Z3 already has 6 cylinder, that exact sound and even more HP.
@@andreaszierer7235 I've seen videos of Hyabusa- or CBR1000-powered Miatas/etc and think it'd be cool to have a "BMW-powered BMW" in the same vein.
I'd start with one of the cheaper 4cyl ones, and even though the K1600 engine would have about the same power and torque, the power curve and transmission feel would be more bike-like.
Hey Yam, just got back from my first European bike trip. I love how you say a crap tonne pf miles is 1000 miles a day 😂 i broke myself just doing 250! the bonnie took it like a champ but i didnt 😂 i hurt
I died a little when you said an e46 was an old school beemer. Granted it's over 20 now, but still... 😭
To all the naysayers below. How many miles do you ride a year on your sports bikes ?
A bike you can use all day, every day and not just for a Sunday trip is way better. And you’ll also find that if you ride more you’ll get faster.
Yam, now try a sportstourer, an ADV bike, and a touringbike two up. THAT'S where it shine.
just get a wife or a girlfriend (or a boyfriend if you are a girl), that rides her/his own bike (that's what I did). I am happy to have a partner that will never want to be a pillion because I would never want to have a passenger either. We both settled to nice sports tourers and enjoy our trips!
Don’t drop it dad you know you have a bad knee
This is my favorite motorcycle 🙂
Sorry to say but your complaints about this being to much touring style and not sporty enough sounds like a lack of rider skill and capability from your end. Unlike the GW you can take all cases of in 1 minute and have very decent sporty bike. No you can’t compare it with a Ninja or something but then again I wouldn’t be able to do more then 2 hours on one of those Kawa’s.
If you don’t get big bikes like the goldwing, K1600 or other tourers.
Run along on your 600, litttle boy. Adults are riding here
This is my dream motorcycle.
Thanks for the frank approach on the bike.
My takeaway though is that I want to tell my bike what I want. That one is like asking if you can do it.
I have ridden 700 mile days on both my '18 GTL and an '06 Multistrada 1000SDS. The Ducati after 60K miles is great and I've used it two up and alone. I have to agree the ADV bikes rule. The Beemer is nice because the wife can take a bunch of crap easily. Pilot Road tires give the front end better feel in my mind. The Bridgestones I didn't like.
Shaft drive makes a huge difference on super long rides. If you ride from one coast to the other, you will not rain, and after a few hours of riding in the rain, you will want to lube your chain. A "sport touring" motorcycle with chain drive is just a slow, heavy sport bike with luggage.
There are wind deflectors on either side that you push out and it directs airflow on to your chest, works really well, I have this bike but the original tyres do not fill you with confidence when riding other than that great bike for putting big miles in
where you got the front fender chrome piece ?
Brilliant review pal 😊
The K1600 isn't my thing, but the use case for it is two-up, long miles and lots of luggage. It's better in the twisties than competition like the Gold Wing or HD Ultra. But sporty riders will opt for the S1000XR, Ducati Multistrada (1260 S or V4) or even the venerable GS for more comfort and versatility.
Well if you ever have to take a multi state tour these big tourers become relevant pretty quickly
I've owned all styles of bike and ended up with a GT as my only bike, I hate the weight of it but otherwise I love it for all day rides...days at a time
A wonderful machine in my opinion. Drop by mate, you may like it.
what are your thoughts on the K1300S as someone who dailies the k1600GT? I'm thinking it *might* be a bit more rational choice, a bit sportier, a decent bit lighter, although the design is starting to show its age and stuff like IMU or active suspension also sound like nice to haves.
@@tompoczos8312 if I ditch the K as too heavyweight I would look at the R1200RS which is also a nice looking tourer but without the huge fairing protection. Just looked at K1300S and there are some real bargains out there
I do like bikes that are more of a in between of cars and bikes. Modern cars are so numb that any motorcycle has more life than most cars today. But also sometimes I don't want to have an edge on my bike, I want something thats not one extreme or another.
Why NOT try a h2 sx se???!
My cousin rented one of these bc he heard they go 185 but the one he rented topped out at 130 lol
GTL manual just say >124MPH The Grand America is limited below 110 so I hear due to the floorboards causing some high speed vibrations.
They are obviously limited... if you get it tuned you can remove that limiter but you atill have to deal with the weight of that bike. You would need a long stretch of road and maybe a little decline to get that baby anywhere near 185
@@CaffeineFreak13 I would be surprised if the would go that fast at any rate. Just mentioning to the OP that all are not equal and the manual actually just states a speed less than what was obtained.
@@CaffeineFreak13 Can confirm with GPS data that a '15 K1600GT with K&N filter and no other mods was pushing 161mph at 1800' elevation.
If you had to pick one for cross country trip, which one would choose?
Goldwing or K1600 ???
Actually it's not a dad bike but a loving husband bike or afraid of our wives bike. You get these bikes when your significant other when they complain about your small R1 rear seat. Actually it's a step above comfort normal sport touring. Unfortunately also a step up in its boringness
Get a significant other with her own bike! Way more fun
It does have a seven gallon tank but you can bring it up to a little over 6. I generally get around 200 between fill ups with about 30 miles left on the range.
Turning the volume down comments is the key for me to give you a 10000 likes,
I'm from Philadelphia, and every god damn one here is a nuance, it's a competition here who is la loudest I really can't stand it. No consideration for anyone else, and to make matters worse, it doesn't matter what time of the day or night........
1000 miles a day? Please anyone that does that let me know. That's 10 hours riding with no breaks and averaging 100 mph. No one does this
Yammie said 2000 Miles (3218 Kms.) in 3 Days .... so, 667 miles a day, or 1073 Kms
I've done about 700 miles in a day. It's unreasonable to do any more than that. Even that leaves no time for rest stops. Just fuel and minor food breaks while you get fuel.
I've done a 1000mi on the BMW K600gtl this year. On myn way to Redmond, OR from Jacksonville, FL. I was definetly felt it the next day but I was 67yrs old at the time. I just turned 68 five days ago. So, don't say it's no possible. Guy's do it all the time. I met a guy in Redmond, OR who did a endurance of 10,000mi in ten days. A thousand miles a day, if you know, you know.
Actually about 15hrs of riding.
2020 BMW K1600 GTL with a Bren Tune Stage 2 kit. Dyno at 168mph with some left, I'd up to 142mph before the tune. No topcase.
I've never felt so old in my life. My knees aren't happy with my current bike, a 2008 R1 and I've been looking at the k1600gtl as a good replacement for my almost 50 year old body. 😅🤦🏾♂️
Growup, set the cruise control at a buck twenty and move on. Hit the twistys and scrape a peg and be relaxed when you get there!. Meet me in the Blueridge and I'll show you what a real dad biker can do!!
I have the GT and not the GTL. It is a slightly sportier bike. I also own 4 different bikes: a naked, an ADV, a sport tourer and the GT. I live in CO (plenty of twisties). I enjoy riding the twisties on my GT almost as much as my naked. Once you learn how to ride it and how easily flickable it is, it does inspire confidence.
I would not compare the GT nor the GTL to a Goldwing. The Grand America is more comparable, especially in the riding position. You could have opened the front vents for more air flow.
One last thing: your disdain for BMWs often comes through (how on earth could you rate HD ahead of BMW in innovation?). However, when you ride one (S1000XR) you seem to like them. Is this like a Ford/Chevy rivalry from back in the day? Are you just biased against BMW? Just curious.
I do enjoy many of your videos. Also, I like riding the TX Hill Country.
Exactly why FJR1300!
Mr. Noob, just keep breathing ..... you'll eventually ..... realize the K1300 (4 cl.) 175 hp and this one you've tested, the K1600, are also very nice on Scenic Secondary Roads thru Small Town U.S.A.
From Chad to Dad, turbo busa to whatever the hell that thing is. Please do a give away with one of these just to ruin someone's day.
My body and specifically my hands really suck now so I’m looking into bikes like this so I can ride more than 2 hours in a day. Cruise control is a must, even better if it’s adaptive but that limits me to only a few bikes and they are all very expensive.
The problem with me is that im 5-7, 210. A muscular/husky 210, little belly.
Seat height on my 21 s1000xr is 33 inches. I tip toe.
I love it tho. Im 39, I work hvac and I exercise. I ride the piss out of it, but, after an hour or so, my legs need to go forward. From that sport crimped up position.
These K1600 benefit hugely from a tune with the laggy throttle. These bikes are so stopped up from the factory.
Kawasaki, Honda and Benelli all had inline six's!😅
Yammie that bikes a diamond in the rough! I ended up with my 12 because I had 15g to spend on a used bike I spent the last 10 years on a 1800vtx I wanted more creature comforts and I wanted more power and for 10 grand I ended up with my gtl I'm also 40 years old so there's that 😜🤙👍 keep the good videos coming
I have a 2013 one and the throttle response is way quicker than this one. While I mostly agree, you should try it without the boxes which come off in seconds and it becomes much more nimble as you can see in my videos...
“some AeroSmith song” well Yammie woke up and chose violence today…
Yamm, we know your 5' 7". We scaled it. You ain't gotta lie to kick it
Mr. Noob, what do you recommend for full gear in the hot summer months?
The Boom will live on in infamy forever on this channel lol
I have an old k1200GT, and I love it. I am very much a dad.
Once you get used to the duolever I think the driving difference, cornering on bumps is comparable to independent rear suspension vs live axle in a car. it does feel vague though
PAPA YAMS
Plz do a full video on garage tour
Traded my zx14 for this same bike today. The 14 was killing my back, knees, etc. No more stretching before rides anymore😅😅. Sorry Yamie, but this bike is the s#$t!!
I'm in the exact same situation. Sold my ZX14r about 6 months ago. Hard on the knees, hard on the right hand leaving it on the throttle all day. That bike really shined going over 250kph. But how often was I really doing that... so I got rid of it. Loved that bike but this k1600 seems to shine in more favorable ways.
Yammie buy this bike and do some summer road trip content.
I'd rather be on the 1250RT on tour.
My dad hase one of these loves it takes me on some rides. When he gives her(the bike) the beans in 1 st it is impossible to lean forward for me. It can easily go up 200kmh (120 mph) in 4 th gear. My dad says the throttle response is quite quick in dynamic mode. He always uses it in dynamic. It is the highlight of my summers.
Sorry for bad english it is not my first lengauge.
I ride a Goldwing DCT & an H2 SE-SX and Car is a great description fer the Monster Tour Beasts
I love my fjr 2002 and probably only change it for a newer tourer with shaft drive
I owned one of these. No reverse though. Your analysis is very spot on. With no reverse parking lots are high effort. On the highway it is actually a bit twitchy so it can be better in the corners. . .I have done the Tail of the Dragon and most of the Blue Ridge Parkway and agree that it is really fun, but not really confidence inspiring. . .It does not like 45-60mph. . .gearing is odd for that. I never found a decent windscreen. Super loud unless all the way up and I was hoping to NOT wear earplugs. . .Comfort: Initial Cush. ..but 250 miles my ass and HIP really hurt. Needs a Day Long Saddle, and even then, the hip pain from the tight body body position is not very good. Traded her in for a Triumph T120 Bonnie. . .with Cruise and a couple of bags I am much happier. . .still need the Day Long though. . .Good review.
Love those day long seats. 1/4 the reason I keep my touring bike is for that seat. 16hours? no problem.
I currently have 5 bikes and I have always enjoyed different bikes and different experiences. I LOVED my XJR but not really a long distance bike cos she drank like a fish and I could only cover 150kms between fuel stations. Then I loved my FJR which with shaft drive plus 25 litre fuel tank would run 1000km days (several times) so I really travelled with her, France Italy Spain and the UK. NOw I am more er mature my large bike is a CB1000R and I also love my two small 250, I have a 2018 CRF plus a 2010 WR. ALL bikes are fun.
I enjoyed my Goldwing, but I didn't do enough long touring for it. I enjoyed my GSXR, but I hated it by the time I got to work. So my FJR is the one. Take the bags off and enjoy twisties, put them on and cover multiple states, or put my girlfriend on and still go out of town.
Personally i love to be in touch with my bike and sorroundings,the feel of freedom,this monster insulates you