Since u said that u love feed back. I’ve purchased 2 K1600b’s. I recently purchased my 2023. I had a HD Ultra Limited before my first BMW K1600b. LOVE my K1600b!!! It is a dream bike after 40k miles. VERY comfortable but did add a Jurock windshield for wind protection. Works great and second one. I have an amp on my stereo and it works fine but I always wear a helmet so it makes it hard to hear on the highway. I’ve never been a fan of the way the bags open-on the side compared to the top. I can ride 500 miles a day on this bike with no problem. I’ll continue to ride this bike as long as they make it. It is so nimble and quick that it puts a crazy smile on my face every time I ride it. If health or age was a factor, I think I’d buy a BMW R1250 RT-just smaller. Thanks so much for a good review. Many things are personal but the performance and all the goodies cannot be denied. It is more than a touring bike-close to be a sports touring.
After 40+ yrs of HD I bought a 2018 bagger. That bike has handle bar risers that you probably don’t need. There is a wider windshield that keeps the wind off the shoulders I also don’t like the foot position on the pegs and bought a set of brackets that drop them down about an inch and a half. I would never go back.
What I see when I watch American riders reviewing European made bikes is that you all have a big heritage experience from HD background experience and that’s your reference. But it isn’t a “good influence” in terms of judging a different machine, with a very different approach. I usually ride this K1600 to fifth gear and I do everything till that, I only make use of the sixth gear when I activate the cruise control on longer rides. This is not a big engine in V shape of two massive cilindres. This is a Six in line cilindres. It’s a very different machine. Another aspect is the worry about the wind pressure and the wind effects. I don’t understand it. Because on two wheels, there Will be always the wind presence…The wind and the natural elements for me they make part of the pleasure and challenge of riding a bike.
I just sold my Indian Challenger for this BMW. I’ve put 8,000 miles on my 1600b in 2 1/2 months. The K1600b will hang with the sport bikes and even out run a lot of the 600s. 5-8,500 rpm’s is the fun zone with the quick shifter! The motor and suspension are butter! However, the wind noise is friggin awful, the stereo is shameful and side opening bags suck big green ones. Would I buy it again? Yes! To hear the response from my HD buddies when I stand this thing up on a wheelie from 30mph is priceless! The thing does 0-60 under 3 seconds and the quarter in 10.90-11.00 flat. Short comings or not, to have the baddest bagger on the street is awesome! Unless you have an extra $15k your HD or Indian won’t hang with the REAL KING OF THE BAGGERS!
While it appears to be a great bike overall, it would seem that the wind issues and inferior stereo system would significantly detract from the riding experience.
Really liked your vid! Just posted my vid on my 2014 GTL and was interested in your review for the seat and windshield. My seat looks near identical to the 2023 and is terrible and I can only get about 30 minutes before I have to get off. Also, for me the windshield is best at about 3/4 the way up however I do most of my riding with the trunk removed.
Had. 2022 Grand America and traded it within 8 months for a GTL as the bike was terribly unstable at high speeds on the interstate and wobble’s terribly. My dealer won’t sell them because of the thousands of complaints about this bike. If your on back roads and stay out of the wind or off interstate you will be OK but Do Not buy this bike for interstate travel you will hate it. Spent thousands trying to get rid of the instability. Read on line in the forums about the instability on the interstate. Very well known complaint. This is an airflow aerodynamic problem that BMW knows about. The GTL K 1600 is a much better more stable touring bike and I love mine to tour on. I have a new Gold Wing and it is a much better touring bike than this. PLEASE ride this thing out on the interstate and in a crosswind you will not like it. If you are only riding in the mountains or backroads it is very smooth. Make sure you do your research on this bike!!. The wind wraps around the bike and tour-pack and will make the bike very unnerving on the interstate at 70mph or 80 mph. I’ve already made the mistake that cost me thousands!! If you want a touring BMW get the GTL or R1250 RT!! Make sure you ride the other bike before you buy this flawed bike.
I've been watching a few reviews on the updated version (I had the previous GTLE) to see dash upgrades etc and gotta say - it's being reviewed all wrong regarding wind buffeting- the bike is designed to take TWO people long ways at autobahn speed... as soon as the rear passenger is on the bike with the screen raised to take the air OVER the REAR passenger there is zero buffeting/problem... when 1 up the top of the screen should be at a height below your eye line so you are not looking through it. The only time one up that the screen is raised fully is in a pissing down rain/snow/sleet situation sub-zero when road conditions do not let you ping along at 100+... try putting a pillion on and the screen up out on the highway and see how you go
Mis-titled, you review the Grand America which is not the K1600B. Have read many horror stories about the Grand America, K1600B much better bet for stability and safety. Unfortunately I can't fit either bike or any BMW models because the pegs and foot controls are way too small and badly positioned for my big feet and butt, bummer because so many great things about these bikes.
I get the same wind on my back due to the tour pack. It creates like a back draft. It will push the bottom of my shirt up towards my chest and middle of my back.
GREAT REVIEW! I am looking and has been some time since I have been on a bike. I saw this bike and was WOW.. But also reviewing the Kawasaki Vulcan. Looking for a bagger - but you have experience on many different bikes and if you had people asking, about different rides, (knowing it is different per person), what have you ridden in this category (or others you ride with), what ones appear to provide positive feedback on a good bike and features. Thank you
Its on my dream bike list, with the new CVO or an Indian Challenger. Im worried about the freeway stability. Some reviews report a slight wandering at freeway speed. Have you experienced this? It has something to do with the suspension on the bagger. So much so they lowered the top speed on its governer. The GT tops out 20 mph faster, yet its the same frame motor and suspension. I hope they fix it if its true. This bike seems to be a true classic.
The owner has a new windshield on order. On e its installed I'll do another review which will also have the top case removed. I'm sure that'll be much better. Stay tuned.
What about maintenance ? The 18000 mile service is 1800 dollars , and thats if the valves do not have to be adjusted . If the valves have to be adjusted ? Over 2000 dollars easy .
I ordered that Bike back in January this year, when it arrived I just could not get past the Green Color, and what did BMW do? The re-upped the color for 2024, it is not a nice color.
I rode a new K1600GA a couple weeks ago, and there is no way I'd trade my DCT Wing Tour for it. BMW may have more high RPM horsepower, but the Wing pulls harder at lower RPM. IMO, Honda still builds the ultimate bike.
@@thebikeaholic I keep looking at the K16 bikes and the RT as a replacement for my RGL, but so far I’m not jumping. I do have a GSA for that BMW itch 👍
@Hogdriver88 Personally I would not buy the RT. Just don't care for the look. K1600 is an awesome bike. Only thing it's missing for me is the Cool factor. I definitely feel that on my HD.
After owning 2 k1600 and owning a new Goldwing DCT Tour now, I will say whole heartly, the Wing is the ultimate dream machine on 2 wheels. The speed is badly limited due to the bike behaves badly in DIRTY AIR. I mean.....go between 2 trucks at around 80 and see how she wobbles. Reverse walk mode is terrible. If you shut her off while in R and she doesn't disengaged, good luck and call towing.
Since u said that u love feed back. I’ve purchased 2 K1600b’s. I recently purchased my 2023. I had a HD Ultra Limited before my first BMW K1600b. LOVE my K1600b!!! It is a dream bike after 40k miles. VERY comfortable but did add a Jurock windshield for wind protection. Works great and second one. I have an amp on my stereo and it works fine but I always wear a helmet so it makes it hard to hear on the highway. I’ve never been a fan of the way the bags open-on the side compared to the top. I can ride 500 miles a day on this bike with no problem. I’ll continue to ride this bike as long as they make it. It is so nimble and quick that it puts a crazy smile on my face every time I ride it. If health or age was a factor, I think I’d buy a BMW R1250 RT-just smaller. Thanks so much for a good review. Many things are personal but the performance and all the goodies cannot be denied. It is more than a touring bike-close to be a sports touring.
The Bagger version has no wind buffeting like you mentioned with the windscreen all the way up. I own a K1600B and can confirm that.
After 40+ yrs of HD I bought a 2018 bagger. That bike has handle bar risers that you probably don’t need. There is a wider windshield that keeps the wind off the shoulders I also don’t like the foot position on the pegs and bought a set of brackets that drop them down about an inch and a half. I would never go back.
In Australia, the big advantage of this over a Goldwing is that you get a manual gearshift🤘🏾
What I see when I watch American riders reviewing European made bikes is that you all have a big heritage experience from HD background experience and that’s your reference. But it isn’t a “good influence” in terms of judging a different machine, with a very different approach. I usually ride this K1600 to fifth gear and I do everything till that, I only make use of the sixth gear when I activate the cruise control on longer rides. This is not a big engine in V shape of two massive cilindres. This is a Six in line cilindres. It’s a very different machine.
Another aspect is the worry about the wind pressure and the wind effects. I don’t understand it. Because on two wheels, there Will be always the wind presence…The wind and the natural elements for me they make part of the pleasure and challenge of riding a bike.
I just sold my Indian Challenger for this BMW. I’ve put 8,000 miles on my 1600b in 2 1/2 months. The K1600b will hang with the sport bikes and even out run a lot of the 600s. 5-8,500 rpm’s is the fun zone with the quick shifter! The motor and suspension are butter! However, the wind noise is friggin awful, the stereo is shameful and side opening bags suck big green ones.
Would I buy it again? Yes! To hear the response from my HD buddies when I stand this thing up on a wheelie from 30mph is priceless! The thing does 0-60 under 3 seconds and the quarter in 10.90-11.00 flat.
Short comings or not, to have the baddest bagger on the street is awesome! Unless you have an extra $15k your HD or Indian won’t hang with the REAL KING OF THE BAGGERS!
While it appears to be a great bike overall, it would seem that the wind issues and inferior stereo system would significantly detract from the riding experience.
Really liked your vid! Just posted my vid on my 2014 GTL and was interested in your review for the seat and windshield. My seat looks near identical to the 2023 and is terrible and I can only get about 30 minutes before I have to get off. Also, for me the windshield is best at about 3/4 the way up however I do most of my riding with the trunk removed.
Had. 2022 Grand America and traded it within 8 months for a GTL as the bike was terribly unstable at high speeds on the interstate and wobble’s terribly. My dealer won’t sell them because of the thousands of complaints about this bike. If your on back roads and stay out of the wind or off interstate you will be OK but Do Not buy this bike for interstate travel you will hate it. Spent thousands trying to get rid of the instability. Read on line in the forums about the instability on the interstate. Very well known complaint. This is an airflow aerodynamic problem that BMW knows about. The GTL K 1600 is a much better more stable touring bike and I love mine to tour on. I have a new Gold Wing and it is a much better touring bike than this. PLEASE ride this thing out on the interstate and in a crosswind you will not like it. If you are only riding in the mountains or backroads it is very smooth. Make sure you do your research on this bike!!. The wind wraps around the bike and tour-pack and will make the bike very unnerving on the interstate at 70mph or 80 mph. I’ve already made the mistake that cost me thousands!! If you want a touring BMW get the GTL or R1250 RT!! Make sure you ride the other bike before you buy this flawed bike.
I've been watching a few reviews on the updated version (I had the previous GTLE) to see dash upgrades etc and gotta say - it's being reviewed all wrong regarding wind buffeting- the bike is designed to take TWO people long ways at autobahn speed... as soon as the rear passenger is on the bike with the screen raised to take the air OVER the REAR passenger there is zero buffeting/problem... when 1 up the top of the screen should be at a height below your eye line so you are not looking through it. The only time one up that the screen is raised fully is in a pissing down rain/snow/sleet situation sub-zero when road conditions do not let you ping along at 100+... try putting a pillion on and the screen up out on the highway and see how you go
Mis-titled, you review the Grand America which is not the K1600B. Have read many horror stories about the Grand America, K1600B much better bet for stability and safety. Unfortunately I can't fit either bike or any BMW models because the pegs and foot controls are way too small and badly positioned for my big feet and butt, bummer because so many great things about these bikes.
Well done again can’t wait for they east coast vids
Thanks Phil. That'll be a bit yet. I have tonne of footage to sort through. Hopefully sometime in September.
Another banger frankie way to go!
I get the same wind on my back due to the tour pack. It creates like a back draft. It will push the bottom of my shirt up towards my chest and middle of my back.
My Harley's power is 2-3k rpm and it is done.
Muscles have no memory.
Hey! Nice review !!
GREAT REVIEW! I am looking and has been some time since I have been on a bike. I saw this bike and was WOW.. But also reviewing the Kawasaki Vulcan. Looking for a bagger - but you have experience on many different bikes and if you had people asking, about different rides, (knowing it is different per person), what have you ridden in this category (or others you ride with), what ones appear to provide positive feedback on a good bike and features. Thank you
Great honest review Frank
Its on my dream bike list, with the new CVO or an Indian Challenger. Im worried about the freeway stability. Some reviews report a slight wandering at freeway speed. Have you experienced this? It has something to do with the suspension on the bagger. So much so they lowered the top speed on its governer. The GT tops out 20 mph faster, yet its the same frame motor and suspension. I hope they fix it if its true. This bike seems to be a true classic.
Nice ultimate riding machine
Try the K 1600GT. No top box, different windscreen and riding position. Or, the K 1600B without the top box.
The owner has a new windshield on order. On e its installed I'll do another review which will also have the top case removed. I'm sure that'll be much better. Stay tuned.
What about maintenance ? The 18000 mile service is 1800 dollars , and thats if the valves do not have to be adjusted . If the valves have to be adjusted ? Over 2000 dollars easy .
I thought corbin didn’t make seats yet for the 2023 onward?
Yup it was available.
I ordered that Bike back in January this year, when it arrived I just could not get past the Green Color, and what did BMW do? The re-upped the color for 2024, it is not a nice color.
Nice video keep up the good work fella
Why did you blur the speedo in the video when you were getting on it? What’s going on here?
I've heard of people getting speeding tickets after the fact. Don't want to take that chance.
Sounds like you felt the 'wobble/twitchy' at higher speeds?
Started feeling at about 50MPH or 80kmh
I rode a new K1600GA a couple weeks ago, and there is no way I'd trade my DCT Wing Tour for it. BMW may have more high RPM horsepower, but the Wing pulls harder at lower RPM. IMO, Honda still builds the ultimate bike.
I would love to try a Goldwing DCT. Hopefully next year.
Uglier though.
So - a replacement for the Road Glide? Or no…
I was very close to buying this bike in September but stuck with a Road Glide Limited.
@@thebikeaholic I keep looking at the K16 bikes and the RT as a replacement for my RGL, but so far I’m not jumping. I do have a GSA for that BMW itch 👍
@Hogdriver88 Personally I would not buy the RT. Just don't care for the look. K1600 is an awesome bike. Only thing it's missing for me is the Cool factor. I definitely feel that on my HD.
Who said the K1600 GA only gets up to 100 mph??? Wow that thing cam move.
100mph...in 1st gear😂
Beauty, go jets 🇨🇦🇨🇦
its a jumbo on two wheels.
POOR BABY, WIND IS BLOWING 🤣👌.
See how KTM 890 solved that problem. 🤷
Still 105 speed limit 😢
103!🤣
After owning 2 k1600 and owning a new Goldwing DCT Tour now, I will say whole heartly, the Wing is the ultimate dream machine on 2 wheels. The speed is badly limited due to the bike behaves badly in DIRTY AIR. I mean.....go between 2 trucks at around 80 and see how she wobbles. Reverse walk mode is terrible. If you shut her off while in R and she doesn't disengaged, good luck and call towing.
Pegs far back? Hilarious. How can you own a K1200S and complain about the footpeg position on the Grand America?
Wait you have bought a B but still put a topcase on there 🤮🤢
Came for the video left because I dont give a whit about your politics. Its your right of course I am just not interested in it.
What politics of mine are you concerned about?
@@thebikeaholic your blue line nonsense buttercup.
That's not a B.
Well it says K1600 B on the side. Grand America version.