After owning (3) Kawasaki C10 models; 1987, 1994, and 2004 models, then moving up to a 2009 and a 2012 C14, I decided to try something different and purchased a 2018 BMW K1600 Grand America bagger. My wife expressed interest in being a passenger again and needed something easier to mount than the C14. The new BMW at the time looked like the best option for me, although I did seriously consider the updated Honda Goldwing Touring model. The Grand America was an excellent choice for me offering a very comfortable ride but with a 6 cylinder engine that had sport touring DNA anytime I wanted. I road that BMW for almost 6 years and enjoyed every ride, although I have to admit, the Grand America was a bit unstable at highway speeds which was a little unsettling at times. My wife never rode on the Grand America primarily due to back issues which eventually led to major spinal surgery.
In 2023, after accepting that my wife would never ride again, I decided to go back to a Sport Touring platform again. Since Kawasaki stopped making the C14, and other Manufacturers like Yamaha stopped making their Sport Tourers, my options were limited. I didn't want to go to an Adventure bike, and certainly got spoiled by the smoothness, performance, and reliability, that I experienced with my K1600. I looked around, but eventually decided to stay with BMW. People who have never owned a BMW often opined how expensive they are to buy and maintain, and in reality they are more expensive to own than one of the Japanese models, however in almost 6 years of ownership, my BMW never failed me, and other than a couple of no cost factory recalls, never needed anything more than routine maintenance. Another thing I experienced that nobody talks about, is trade-in value. My Grand America trade in value was significantly more than I expected, allowing me to trade up into a brand new GTL with almost no negotiating with my BMW Dealer. If I was attempting to trade in a Japanese model, with similar age and mileage, I probably would have easily exceeded my budget, and walked away.
I bought a new left-over 2022 BMW GTL in December of 2023. All of the inventory of 2023 models were gone at all of my local BMW Dealers, and people were putting deposits on 2024 models being built in Germany at the time. Since the major K1600 redesign was rolled out in '22, and other than color and price increases, there wasn't any difference between my '22 model and the '24 models, (and now '25 models), I got the latest and greatest from BMW at a major discounted price.
After riding my new GTL all year, I have to say that it is a major improvement in every way over my 2018 Bagger. The engine and drivetrain upgrades as compared to the older design are amazing and obvious as soon as you pull away. The technology integrated into the 10.25" TFT dash display is like nothing I've ever experienced before, and the performance.....well I've only used BMW's Dynamic Riding Mode a couple of times, all I can say is; HOLD ON.....Yahoo!!
So how is the new GTL on the highway as compared to the Grand America. There's no comparison, It's solid and steady as a rail well beyond the posted speed limit. At 75 mph, the Grand America was a little disconcerting. At 95 mph, the GTL feels like it's doing 55.....steady and solid. I don't do a lot of interstate riding as I prefer twisty secondary roads, but it's comforting to know that I can easily blast down the interstate without any concern now, (other than local law enforcement). I'm very much looking forward to another fun year of riding my favorite motorcycle again this year!
Happy New Year to all!
Kevin
In 2023, after accepting that my wife would never ride again, I decided to go back to a Sport Touring platform again. Since Kawasaki stopped making the C14, and other Manufacturers like Yamaha stopped making their Sport Tourers, my options were limited. I didn't want to go to an Adventure bike, and certainly got spoiled by the smoothness, performance, and reliability, that I experienced with my K1600. I looked around, but eventually decided to stay with BMW. People who have never owned a BMW often opined how expensive they are to buy and maintain, and in reality they are more expensive to own than one of the Japanese models, however in almost 6 years of ownership, my BMW never failed me, and other than a couple of no cost factory recalls, never needed anything more than routine maintenance. Another thing I experienced that nobody talks about, is trade-in value. My Grand America trade in value was significantly more than I expected, allowing me to trade up into a brand new GTL with almost no negotiating with my BMW Dealer. If I was attempting to trade in a Japanese model, with similar age and mileage, I probably would have easily exceeded my budget, and walked away.
I bought a new left-over 2022 BMW GTL in December of 2023. All of the inventory of 2023 models were gone at all of my local BMW Dealers, and people were putting deposits on 2024 models being built in Germany at the time. Since the major K1600 redesign was rolled out in '22, and other than color and price increases, there wasn't any difference between my '22 model and the '24 models, (and now '25 models), I got the latest and greatest from BMW at a major discounted price.
After riding my new GTL all year, I have to say that it is a major improvement in every way over my 2018 Bagger. The engine and drivetrain upgrades as compared to the older design are amazing and obvious as soon as you pull away. The technology integrated into the 10.25" TFT dash display is like nothing I've ever experienced before, and the performance.....well I've only used BMW's Dynamic Riding Mode a couple of times, all I can say is; HOLD ON.....Yahoo!!
So how is the new GTL on the highway as compared to the Grand America. There's no comparison, It's solid and steady as a rail well beyond the posted speed limit. At 75 mph, the Grand America was a little disconcerting. At 95 mph, the GTL feels like it's doing 55.....steady and solid. I don't do a lot of interstate riding as I prefer twisty secondary roads, but it's comforting to know that I can easily blast down the interstate without any concern now, (other than local law enforcement). I'm very much looking forward to another fun year of riding my favorite motorcycle again this year!
Happy New Year to all!
Kevin
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