I've been looking for a bike to replace my RT for long-distance and rally riding. The top contender for a little while has been the K1600 series from BMW (http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/us/en/bikes/tour/k1600/k1600.html), but I hadn't had a chance to ride one yet until this morning. Fun bike! Feels heavy when just starting to roll, but once above walking speed it lightens up immediately and the steering is very precise.

Motor is great! All bikes should have 6 cylinders. :D It's very evident that it's computer controlled to the nth degree, as the torque is managed quite a bit in the lower ranges. In fact it doesn't feel nearly as "torquey" as one would expect a 1600+cc engine to feel. It's rated at 160hp, but one wouldn't guess that by the low-end or even lower-mid-range. Once the revs are up though, it sounds fantastic, and really starts to pull well. I had it out for about an hour, and took it up and around one of the nearby mountains here in San Jose. Worked well on the freeway, and on that small goat trail.

The GT version is aimed at the sport-touring market, and the GTL version is aimed at the more full-boat touring market. I definitely prefer the former, and even sitting on the GTL felt a bit awkward compared to what I prefer.

So it was a good morning! But - then the bad news sunk in. The supply of these bikes is so limited, and will be for such a long while, that even though I put a (refundable) deposit on one this morning, they can't guarantee delivery for months. It might be summer before I see the bike. :o I've got a 24-hr rally the 1st weekend in June that I had hope to use as a trial run for the bike, and even that is up in the air at this point. I think this is a textbook definition of a "1st world" problem, so I'll keep the whining to a minimum.

Anyway, fun day. If folks are wondering what an ST bike feels like, it is helpful that BMW dealerships typically allow test rides pretty easily. :thumbup:

http://www.ciurczak.com/Motorcycles/K1600GT/Stock-K1600GT-Pictures/i-2xQxbKv/0/XL/2011-BMW-K1600GT-Photos-XL.jpg

http://www.ciurczak.com/Motorcycles/K1600GT/Stock-K1600GT-Pictures/i-jV4fVqX/0/XL/bmw-K1600-GT-GTL-371-XL.jpg

http://www.ciurczak.com/Motorcycles/K1600GT/Stock-K1600GT-Pictures/i-PLgcM4N/0/XL/K1600GT-XL.jpg

More pics in full res up in this gallery (http://www.ciurczak.com/Motorcycles/K1600GT/Stock-K1600GT-Pictures/21634787_mN8ZVs#!i=1725424968&k=2xQxbKv).

There's a BMW Motorad dealership about 15 min from me. Do they allow just ANYONE to test ride?? :D or do I actually have to be a legit possible buyer?

How would they know the difference?

I'm a 19 year old broke college kid. I don't exactly look like I can afford a brand new S1000RR. Do most dealerships allow test rides?

BMW, Triumph, Harley-Davidson, and Victory dealerships seem to be good about allowing test rides of new demo bikes. Other makes, it seems to vary a bit more, and it can be harder to test drive a new bike without finding them at a demo day of some sort.

I'm a 19 year old broke college kid. I don't exactly look like I can afford a brand new S1000RR. Do most dealerships allow test rides?

Most of the ones I've visited that don't have d*cks for sales people allow me to test ride as long as I can produce a valid motorcycle license. One guy at this HD shop just likes to have an excuse to ride so he is always more than happy to let me test ride their bikes.

Why the BMW over the Concours14?
Posted via Mobile Device

I like the Concours 14, but it's missing some things that are important to me for a long-distance rally bike. Electronic cruise is almost a must-have feature for me for repeated 1000+ mile days. It's a crime that Kawi spent their electronics budget on silly keyfobs to replace keys, but didn't see fit to put on a cruise feature. There are aftermarket solutions for the Kawi and the FJR, but they are very expensive and don't work terribly well. The rest of the electronics available on the BMW are pretty compelling as well (ipod hookup/factory nav/Sirius all available over a single bluetooth pairing), along with the best ABS and TC yet available. The BMW also has somewhat better fuel economy, and a much larger gas tank, so stock range is significantly better than most of its peers. It also means that if I do put a fuel cell on it to take it up to the rally limit (11.5 gallons), the cell can be smaller and more manageable.

Eww I don't like the idea of a computer managing my power.. how does that even work? not to get off topic.. 1600ccs is too much for me :P

I'd love to ride one Alex. I've put over 1k miles on my dad's K1200. It amazes me how smooth that bike is. But when you open it up, it's like a freight train!

Eww I don't like the idea of a computer managing my power..

It keeps you from running into a house. :D

its such a shame we have to live our unfortunate lives in such a dastardly inefficient and politically corrupt country that we can't even sort out getting a decent supply of BWM motorcycles. sheesh!

It's ugly IMO (pretty similar to this (http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showpost.php?p=421090&postcount=150)), but from what you've said it sounds like a great bike for your purpose.

its such a shame we have to live our unfortunate lives in such a dastardly inefficient and politically corrupt country that we can't even sort out getting a decent supply of BMW motorcycles. sheesh!

I know, right? :p

It's ugly IMO (pretty similar to this (http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showpost.php?p=421090&postcount=150))

They grow on you. What is it about the K1200S/K1300S that screams ugly to you? In the right paint scheme and from the right angle, IMO it's a sharp bike, and the detailing is spot-on.

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/picture.php?albumid=840&pictureid=7493

or:

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/picture.php?albumid=840&pictureid=7494

I didn't care for the handling on the K1200S, but they fixed it up significantly on the 1300S, and the K16's appear to be another leap forward in steering feel.

Alex, Sounds like a great bike for an Iron Butt Rally. I hope they can expedite your order. You can tell them that it would be good advertising for them--then again, they probably can't make them fast enough.

I plan to do a few 1000mile Saddlesore rides this spring. The NT is well suited for that.

You wouldn't believe the weather here in Maine. We are still riding.

They grow on you. What is it about the K1200S/K1300S that screams ugly to you?

from behind and from the side it's kinda so-so. From in front it looks ugly IMO because of that big headlight. Looks kinda like an 80s styled robot head.

I don't see it. :)

http://jeremy-dale.com/giantrobothead/robothead_colorsFINAL.jpg

They grow on you. What is it about the K1200S/K1300S that screams ugly to you? In the right paint scheme and from the right angle, IMO it's a sharp bike, and the detailing is spot-on.



Alex I think the bike looks really nice but I am not sure if I like your statement: From the right angle and paint scheme....kind of like saying an ugly girl from the right lighting and enough beers....

What can't beer fix? :)

kind of like saying an ugly girl from the right lighting and enough beers....
What can't beer fix? :)

The look on your face, in the morning waking up to the thing that was a 6 with enough beer, but in daylight is a -6 :boink::tape:

See, more beer fixes that as well.

Somehow I knew that was comin :p

Reason #6 why a centerstand can be useful:

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/picture.php?albumid=840&pictureid=7617

^ Yep: it's easy to forget that requirement when you're buying a bike.

Lucky you. German engineering. Gotta say that with the right accent and it sounds very sexy. That bike is awesome.

I have my hopes pinned to the BMW gs models some day. The 650 uses a detuned 800 engine and I can touch the ground! I'm going to do the Great Lakes 1000 when I can. Have a map on my wall as a wishing wall.

I even have the bike, a very small version being ridden across my TV table by Mr.Sinister. LOL!

Looks like Mr. Sinister is rocking a mini R1200GS Adventure, we need to find you one of the parallel twins (F800/650). :thumbup:

Reason #6 why a centerstand can be useful:


Alex, I don't even know how that applies here. There's clearly nothing but a gymnast in that picture, and I dunno about your gymnasts, but mine definitely don't have any center stands!!! :p

That woman's back looks like it is about to snap in half. That is actually surprisingly unappealing to me. It really distracts from the bike.

Alex: I don't like you anymore, sir. I would LOVE a K1600.

They have one in the showroom at the local BMW dealership. I had a seat on it, was verrrry comfy and full of tech, but lifting it up off the side stand the thing was HEAVY.

Looks like Mr. Sinister is rocking a mini R1200GS Adventure, we need to find you one of the parallel twins (F800/650). :thumbup:
Yup, that's the one I want F650GS, 800 was too tall.:(

Alex, I don't even know how that applies here. There's clearly nothing but a gymnast in that picture, and I dunno about your gymnasts, but mine definitely don't have any center stands!!! :p
Only male gymnasts have center stands.

:laugh:

Funniest. Thread. Ever.

Just got an update from the dealer today, my bike's on the boat! Will be landing on the East Coast around March 12th, and it takes another week or two by truck to end up out west. Should have it before the end of March!

Just got an update from the dealer today, my bike's on the boat! Will be landing on the East Coast around March 12th, and it takes another week or two by truck to end up out west. Should have it before the end of March!

Hot Dawg man!!! Can't wait for pics and your review.

Hooray! Can't wait :p

Very cool!

I fully expect to hear back from you that it does this

SIy0e1p1fuI

Very cool!

I fully expect to hear back from you that it does this

SIy0e1p1fuI

http://www.quenerd.com.br/blog/wp-content/uploads/Antoine-Dodson-Dumb.gif

awwwwh massacremasses where's the love man??? Don't lie justin. You know that you laughed.

That yellow bike is simply amazing!

I want to go test some bikes this season.

Although the harley dealership said you have to be 19 for demo days on there bikes, is this the same for all dealers?

I know im in canada and you in the states, but would you have any ideas?

Just got a call tonight; it's in the country and on a truck heading west. :thumbup:

If only I was as patient as you I could have had an F800ST by now. Idk whats up with BMW and not having the supply for bikes that people want.

I'm curious to see the "International Delivery Fee" they will charge you :D

:thumbup:

The machine probably only went on the production line when the order was placed, it's not the sort of bike that every dealer will have sitting in the back room waiting for a customer to wander in with a pocket full of notes...

They're the ones with the tracking headlights aren't they, class piece of kit.

The only problem with Beamers is their engine management system, a mate of mine had a F650GS (the detuned 800 twin version) decide that for it's own protection it wouldn't let him continue on it until it had been seen by a dealer for some minor fault

The only problem with Beamers is their engine management system, a mate of mine had a F650GS (the detuned 800 twin version) decide that for it's own protection it wouldn't let him continue on it until it had been seen by a dealer for some minor fault

7qnd-hdmgfk

:p

Good news - it will be ready for me to pick up on Tuesday. :D
Bad news - I won't be able to get there until Saturday. :o

Good news - it will be ready for me to pick up on Tuesday. :D
Bad news - I won't be able to get there until Saturday. :o

Alex, if that is the only form of good news bad news you hear in your life, then I will happily trade you :)

Cool Alex! Can't wait to see it!

Fun bike! Picked it up yesterday, and took it on its first smr up through Marin, and eventually up and over Skaggs.

http://www.ciurczak.com/Motorcycles/Montgomery-Street-Motorcycle/2012-04-08-MSMC-SMR/i-qssRL9Q/0/L/MSMC-SMR2-002-L.jpg http://www.ciurczak.com/Motorcycles/Montgomery-Street-Motorcycle/2012-04-08-MSMC-SMR/i-HqTdPbf/0/L/MSMC-SMR-005-L.jpg

The motor is so smooth down low, yet still has enough torque, that I found myself in 3rd gear or even 4th gear, in situations where I'd have the RT in 2nd. Pulls cleanly with power from 1500 on up, so if one were so inclined they could decide to use 3rd for the life of the bike and forget about the other 5. Takes a little while to get used to the e-throttle, it's incredibly sensitive when in Dynamic mode, and it does exactly what your wrist does, pretty much instantaneously. It makes it hard to take off from a stop in 1st without the revs moving around a little, and it made me feel quite clumsy while getting on with it. By the end of the day, I was in sync with it, and will likely feel that our other bikes have incredibly unresponsive throttles at this point. Tried to test the DTC in a few places, and felt it step out slightly and then catch itself, it's very quick. The brakes are very powerful, but they do require a higher effort than the power brakes on the RT. I engaged ABS intentionally on one sandy/dusty spot, and the pulsing is almost unnoticeable.

Gadgets are fun on it, to the point that they can easily become distracting if one were so inclined. Color LED screen, with a million options to scroll through, from temp to tire pressures to fuel consumption, range, and more. 3 trip meters, which is kind of neat. Standard Trip 1 and Trip 2, but it also has a Trip A(utomatic), which resets itself after the bike is turned off for 8 hrs. So it basically will always track what the mileage is for the day. The nav system is pretty slick, and connects to the rest of the bike's electronics to allow some neat features; one is that the bike's clock is auto-synced with the GPS clock, another is that you can sync when the fuel gets low for the nav to automatically show gas stations within range. It also shows your speed and the current speed limit right next to eachother, and if you're exceeding it your speed changes color and is shown in red.

I miss the cubby on the RT that is large enough to store a good amount of useful tools, including an air pump. There are two tiny cubbies in the front fairing, but one of them barely holds a small camera, and the other is even smaller and intended for an ipod / smartphone.

More pics here (http://www.ciurczak.com/Motorcycles/Montgomery-Street-Motorcycle/2012-04-08-MSMC-SMR/22347114_w3tj7S#!i=1785670791&k=4VLCTSX).

/thread moved to the lair, as it's discussing a non-ninjette... :thumbup:

I like that cafe bike next to it here:
http://www.ciurczak.com/Motorcycles/Montgomery-Street-Motorcycle/2012-04-08-MSMC-SMR/i-Ff6stXZ/0/M/MSMC-SMR-004-M.jpg

Triumph Thruxton?

Yup, I think so. There were two Bonneville-type Triumphs right near eachother, the other one might be in some of the other pics. We didn't know them, just happened to park nearby at the start of Skaggs.

Very sharp looking and it sounds like an excellent ride. Congrats!

Alex: i don't recall seeing a picture of you before. You've got a big friendly grin! I'm also changing my mind about that bike. Seeing you there with it and hearing that smooth power delivery and that description of what the on-board computer can to do makes the bike much more appealing. Hope you have many millions of miles of fun on it! :thumbup:

How are you finding the seat and sitting position? Comfortable?

Do you have any mods planned?

I'm not hiding, my mug should be on my profile page as well. :)

Riding position is great. Slight forward lean, bars in the right place, seat and pegs far enough apart for comfortable leg positions, but pegs well high enough for great lean angles. The seat itself is just OK, but I knew that going in. Heading up to have a custom seat made for it this Saturday, by the same guy who built the seat I like so much on my RT. :thumbup:

Plenty of mods to come on this bike, but it has enough built-in that it's starting from a strong base. It already has the one GPS, so I'll just be adding one more on the bars (probably just keeping the Garmin Zumo 550 from the RT). I'm adding a Valentine 1 radar detector (http://www.valentine1.com/). I will be adding an autocom (http://www.autocom.co.uk/) communications system under the seat, and wiring the built-in BMW radio system into the inputs of the autocom. The autocom then has a single cable running to my helmet with all audio integrated:

- cell phone
- 2nd GPS
- radar
- rider/passenger communication
- all of the sources from the BMW audio system (Sirius/FM/iPod)

I will be adding a mounted controller (http://gerbing.com/Products/tempControls.php#) for Gerbing heated gear, so there aren't wires flapping around. I used a portable controller out of the accessory port today, and it worked fine, but it's clunky. The bike already has heated seats and heated grips, but the jacket liner makes all the difference.

On the front of the bike, I'm looking at the Clearwater Krista LED aux lights (http://clearwaterlights.com/infopg_krista.html). They are obscenely bright and can really light up a dark and deserted road. There isn't a great mount for them available yet for this bike, but that's expected to change in the next month or two.

On the back of the bike, I'm adding a set of Skene P3 (http://www.lights.skenedesign.com/P3_Features.shtml) aux brake lights, which are really bright LED's that blink more noticeable when braking. With the top case on, the one brake light can be somewhat obscured, and those help out quite a bit.

All those mods I've got pretty much figured out, but the one I'm struggling with is the aux fuel tank that I need to dream up/find/procure/make. If I'm going to be competitive on the Iron Butt rally next summer, I really need a way to carry the max fuel on board (11.5 gallons), and the stock tank is right around 7.0. So I'm looking at a 4 gallon aux tank, and there's not great place to mount it. Most likely it will be over the pillion seat, but figuring out how to securely mount it, and plumb it into the main fuel tank, is going to take some doing. Luckily I've got a year to tweak it, so with any luck it will be well sorted by mid next year.

What the bike doesn't need is any performance mods. They do sell Akropovic slip-ons for it that look (and sound) great, but for $2500 it nets you less than 1 hp. :eek: And saving 5 or 10 pounds on a 700 pound bike isn't lifechanging either... The ESA suspension is fantastic out of the box, and I'm hoping it lasts for awhile. I had that on the RT, but it was sacked out by 11k miles, and it was easier to just go to Ohlins rather than rebuild the OEM stuff. I'm hoping this one has a longer life, but at some point I'll likely have to consider the same upgrade. For now though, it feels great. Very controlled, yet as comfortable as one could want.

Alex: sounds great. Love your helmet audio setup. Does your helmet have audio builtin? Is it wired or wireless? Personally I want a wired audio helmet so I don't have to deal with flat batteries and don't have microwaves passing through my head all the time I'm riding.

Not sure if I can help prevent the microwaves, but you're right, you don't necessarily need to add any more. :) The Autocom by default uses a wired setup, though you can add a bluetooth module if you do choose to use a wireless helmet. I run it with helmet speakers, but you can also run it with in-ear buds with an adapter if preferred. I don't use helmets that have built-in audio; I've added the Autocom headsets to my existing helmets as needed.

Sweeeeeet!

So glad it finally arrived. It looks beautiful. Only thing they forgot on that bike was the Swedish massage, but with a bike like that, it would probably be easy to find. :)

I've still got the f650gs and the G650gs as alternating screensavers. I can't wait to join that club - smoooooth! Ninja for the heart, BMW for the mind.

You'll wanna watch Long Way Round again soon?

Send me the link to the BMW forum when you get it started..

Rode up to get a new seat made for the bike, and couldn't resist Highway 36 on the way back. At a little over 1000 miles at this point, a short ride last weekend and the longer one today.

http://www.ciurczak.com/Motorcycles/BMW-K1600GT-Pictures/2012-04-14-New-Seat-at-Rick/i-m9pbjJt/1/XL/New-Seat-at-Rick-Mayers-Place-XL.jpg

Quick impressions after 1k miles:

- Motor is everything it's rumored to be, strong and smooth just about anywhere.
- Transmission is still clunky, no better or worse than the transmissions on the boxers. Never missed a shift, just has a long throw and a clunky feel.
- ESA really works on this bike. Settings are noticeably different, and in both Normal and Sport, the bike is very well controlled. Good steering feel, along with good bump absorption and general comfort, even when riding quickly.
- Likes fast sweepers. Can do the tight stuff, but the RT is easier in those sections. The K's wheelbase is a little long, and the extra weight requires more attention.
- Fuel mileage isn't great. Was getting less than 25 mpg at speed on Hwy 36. Cruising at 80 with no headwind/tailwind, it seems to get around 34 - 35 mpg. Was seeing 38 mpg on the last stretch, so it may be starting to loosen up a bit.
- Ran tank to almost empty, but was still only able to get 6.4 gallons in. It's supposed to be a 7 gallon tank, and will confirm this at some point when I have extra gas on board.
- Stock windscreen isn't very useful for me, and will plan to get a higher one. Even in the highest setting, rain was hitting me right on my helmet shield. Not sure if I just want to get the official GTL one (which is larger than the GT's), or an aftermarket one.
- Finally used to "Dynamic" mapping mode on the throttle. I changed it to rain mode for a short time on the wet areas of Hwy 36, and I really didn't like it. Bike feels overly weak, and you have to turn the throttle quite far to get an appropriate response. It was easier for me to leave it in Dynamic and just be gentle with the throttle.

Is that how those maps work? They limit the throttle response? I've never gotten a chance to play around with that kind of stuff on a motorcycle before.

They can affect a bunch of things. On that bike, the throttle is completely electronic (no throttle cable). The three maps take the throttle input differently. Dynamic mode is pretty aggressive, a small movement at the throttle still has strong response. Road mode allows more movement at the throttle with a smoother response, but still provides up to full power if you are at full throttle. Rain mode really dials back the response, and peak power is also cut 30% or so.

On this bike, the different modes also then affect the traction control and ABS settings.

Interesting. I guess I'm just accustomed to the ninjette that actually has a physical connection to the throttle... :p

you look like the goddamn police! lol i would love to have one to scare the crap out of people on the freeway. congrats