Our local BMW dealer just got in a K1600 GTL demo bike. Apparently BMW is sending demo bikes before the ones that customers have ordered. I was able to spend good time in the saddle and as a result I was able to form some immediate opinions and was able to sit and think about others. This machine holds true to the German methodology of engineering...'If you don't need a gadget, we will design one for you anyway!'
Upon the initial viewing, it has a very 'K1200LT' look to it. I like BMW styling, so I found it to my liking. Color scheme and overall design is unmistakable in that aspect. Upon sitting on the bike, some things struck me immediately; You sit IN this bike, not on it. The seat height is very low (almost too low for my long legs). This bike feels like a K1200LT from the saddle. The long pullback on the handlebars and overall cockpit design gave me that familiar feel. Speaking of the cockpit, it is very forward from the riders position. I have long arms and its a stretch to reach forward (not that you really need too). The instrument panel is very well layed out and clear, even in bright sun. Im 6' tall and the windshield in the lowest position is just below eye level. When setting up from the sidestand, this bike is top HEAVY! Perhaps I should have expected it, but that 7 gallon tank up top really adds to the heft. Initially, I was concerned how it would handle at low speeds and how difficult centerstand application would be. Placing this bike on the centerstand was amazingly easy! You could do it barefoot with one hand (if you dont have sensitive feet).
I played with some of the plastic panels and tried to get a sense of how they all come together. I was a bit dismayed by the flimsiness of some of the trim pieces and i question how long they will last . I think 'cheap feeling' is a good way to describe it, but there has been alot of that on expensive motorcycles recently.
There is plenty of storage. There is a dry storage pocket by your left shin, and an iPod docking station by your right shin. The three saddlebags were a little disappointing in there internal volume however. The two side bags have many protrusions that limit the size, but my helmet did fit...barely. The top case is beautiful inside (really, beautiful?!). It is very well lit and lined with a carpet mat and side liners. It is wide, but not very deep. A nice thing is that it is removable, unlike the Goldwing. All locks are both key usable and remotely controlled, as is the security system.
Upon turning the key, the bikes dashboard comes to life. Like the Goldwing, the display greets you with some graphics...a '6' (BMW's symbol for this engine). I played with the menu/toggle system and found it to be very user friendly and straightforward. All other controls are standard (turn signals are the standard left/right button). All suspension and performance settings are easily controlled using the Mode/Toggle controls and the settings are brightly displayed on the screen.
Here is where I really made an obvious cringe and was shocked by something I didnt expect...hitting the starter button resulted in a sound I can only describe as starting a 1981 Chevy Suburban...not just any Suburban, but the old 6.5 liter diesel one. The starting of the engine is a huge turn off and is not in anyway a pleasant sound. But, once the starter is laid to rest, the engine comes to life...and all is pleasant again. If I had to use one word to describe this bike, it would be 'SMOOTH'. No, seriously, it feels frictionless. Ive never felt a bike so butter smooth when running. It also has a great exhaust note...aggressive yet restrained.
It is now time to go for a ride. The throttle is extremely sensitive...twitchy sensitive compared to what Im used to (and people say the Concours 14 throttle is sensitive!!!). The clutch friction zone engages almost immediatly after letting it out, but I got used to the combination rather quickly. Low speed handling was rather impressive (once you get used to the throttle and clutch). The second it moves, the top heaviness disappears. She also has a great turning radius! Low speed tight turns felt very comfortable. Upon hitting the main roads, I felt the power was very adequate, especially for a bike this large. Let me emphasize how SMOOTH this engine is all the way through the rev range...butter, I tell ya! Initial acceleration is slightly 'boggy', but after that brief second it starts to pull confidently. Something else hit me like a ton of bricks as soon as I started finding other gears...the gear box sucks. There is more driveline 'slop' and clunking noise when accel/decelling than Ive ever heard on a bike before. Combine that with the twitchiness of the throttle and it is a caucophony of clashing metal. Also, shifting gears will draw attention from those around you, it is very loud. I was extremely disappointed with the drivetrain. The clutch has a 'pulse' in it that neither I nor the salesman could find a reason for. It feels just like the pedal pulse from an activated ABS system, and is more pronounced on gentle downshifting. I didnt think anything was wrong with it, Ive just never felt a clutch pulse repeatedly like this.
Handling was a bit disappointing too. The heavy feel returns when you reach 45mph or so. You really need to muscle the bike around, especially in emergency left/right maneuvers. The best way I can describe the handling is 'soft and spongy' despite the suspension setting being on sport, its tightest setting. At these speeds also, there is quite a bit of buffeting off of the windscreen. Raise the screen and calmness returns (but its too damn high and so far forward you cant even reach it!).
On the interstate, the bike was expectedly smooth, but seemed to wander in the lane and was subject to being bounced around by the windblast of other vehicles. For a bike of this size, it didn't feel planted in its track. Low screen buffeting on the interstate was distracting.
Something else began to annoy me after about 20 minutes...the 'buzz' of the engine (not the exhaust). It has a high pitched whine very similar to an electrical interference from a car stereo that goes along with the engines rpm's. I was having trouble ignoring it.
As with any bike, it takes time to get used to a new one. One thing that I was having trouble with was getting my thumb past the large scrolling dial on the left grip. Being big makes it easy to use, but it also makes getting to the turn signal and horn switch awkward. The horn switch is actually buried deep in the grip design. Covering the horn button is not too easy on this machine...good luck if you have short fingers.
Today was in the mid 90's here in Charleston, but I stayed very cool on this bike. Engine heat management was excellent and the fold out side air vents were equally as effective. They delivered a great blast of air to the chest area. This is some of the best air management Ive seen on a bike.
Overall, I did like the bike. However I think there are some serious 'fit and finish/refinement' issues for being a BMW (especially a $27k one). I would expect that transmission from a Hyosung, not a BMW. If you are in the market for a large touring bike, then compared to the Goldwing (among others), this could be a very viable choice. Despite the items I didn't like, I would consider it against a Goldwing.
Here is a compact list of likes and dislikes:
+ pros
-SMOOTH (did I mention how smooth this engine is??!!)
-Very comfortable
-Lots of gadgets to play with and make life easier
-Extremely effective side air vents.
-Good power
-All settings adjustable on the fly
-Removable tail trunk
-Easy to navigate electronics package
- cons
-TRANSMISSION. way too loose and loud
-Clutch pulse (what is that?)
-Electrical interference-like engine whine
-Small mirrors
-'Floating' sensation on the highway
-Very sensitive throttle/clutch
-Scroller interferes with other left hand controls
-Some bodywork/trim is 'chincy'
Check with your local BMW shop, if they have a demo bike they need to put miles on them before it can be sold (2500 to be exact), so test rides come easy. I encourage you to feel for yourself.
Upon the initial viewing, it has a very 'K1200LT' look to it. I like BMW styling, so I found it to my liking. Color scheme and overall design is unmistakable in that aspect. Upon sitting on the bike, some things struck me immediately; You sit IN this bike, not on it. The seat height is very low (almost too low for my long legs). This bike feels like a K1200LT from the saddle. The long pullback on the handlebars and overall cockpit design gave me that familiar feel. Speaking of the cockpit, it is very forward from the riders position. I have long arms and its a stretch to reach forward (not that you really need too). The instrument panel is very well layed out and clear, even in bright sun. Im 6' tall and the windshield in the lowest position is just below eye level. When setting up from the sidestand, this bike is top HEAVY! Perhaps I should have expected it, but that 7 gallon tank up top really adds to the heft. Initially, I was concerned how it would handle at low speeds and how difficult centerstand application would be. Placing this bike on the centerstand was amazingly easy! You could do it barefoot with one hand (if you dont have sensitive feet).
I played with some of the plastic panels and tried to get a sense of how they all come together. I was a bit dismayed by the flimsiness of some of the trim pieces and i question how long they will last . I think 'cheap feeling' is a good way to describe it, but there has been alot of that on expensive motorcycles recently.
There is plenty of storage. There is a dry storage pocket by your left shin, and an iPod docking station by your right shin. The three saddlebags were a little disappointing in there internal volume however. The two side bags have many protrusions that limit the size, but my helmet did fit...barely. The top case is beautiful inside (really, beautiful?!). It is very well lit and lined with a carpet mat and side liners. It is wide, but not very deep. A nice thing is that it is removable, unlike the Goldwing. All locks are both key usable and remotely controlled, as is the security system.
Upon turning the key, the bikes dashboard comes to life. Like the Goldwing, the display greets you with some graphics...a '6' (BMW's symbol for this engine). I played with the menu/toggle system and found it to be very user friendly and straightforward. All other controls are standard (turn signals are the standard left/right button). All suspension and performance settings are easily controlled using the Mode/Toggle controls and the settings are brightly displayed on the screen.
Here is where I really made an obvious cringe and was shocked by something I didnt expect...hitting the starter button resulted in a sound I can only describe as starting a 1981 Chevy Suburban...not just any Suburban, but the old 6.5 liter diesel one. The starting of the engine is a huge turn off and is not in anyway a pleasant sound. But, once the starter is laid to rest, the engine comes to life...and all is pleasant again. If I had to use one word to describe this bike, it would be 'SMOOTH'. No, seriously, it feels frictionless. Ive never felt a bike so butter smooth when running. It also has a great exhaust note...aggressive yet restrained.
It is now time to go for a ride. The throttle is extremely sensitive...twitchy sensitive compared to what Im used to (and people say the Concours 14 throttle is sensitive!!!). The clutch friction zone engages almost immediatly after letting it out, but I got used to the combination rather quickly. Low speed handling was rather impressive (once you get used to the throttle and clutch). The second it moves, the top heaviness disappears. She also has a great turning radius! Low speed tight turns felt very comfortable. Upon hitting the main roads, I felt the power was very adequate, especially for a bike this large. Let me emphasize how SMOOTH this engine is all the way through the rev range...butter, I tell ya! Initial acceleration is slightly 'boggy', but after that brief second it starts to pull confidently. Something else hit me like a ton of bricks as soon as I started finding other gears...the gear box sucks. There is more driveline 'slop' and clunking noise when accel/decelling than Ive ever heard on a bike before. Combine that with the twitchiness of the throttle and it is a caucophony of clashing metal. Also, shifting gears will draw attention from those around you, it is very loud. I was extremely disappointed with the drivetrain. The clutch has a 'pulse' in it that neither I nor the salesman could find a reason for. It feels just like the pedal pulse from an activated ABS system, and is more pronounced on gentle downshifting. I didnt think anything was wrong with it, Ive just never felt a clutch pulse repeatedly like this.
Handling was a bit disappointing too. The heavy feel returns when you reach 45mph or so. You really need to muscle the bike around, especially in emergency left/right maneuvers. The best way I can describe the handling is 'soft and spongy' despite the suspension setting being on sport, its tightest setting. At these speeds also, there is quite a bit of buffeting off of the windscreen. Raise the screen and calmness returns (but its too damn high and so far forward you cant even reach it!).
On the interstate, the bike was expectedly smooth, but seemed to wander in the lane and was subject to being bounced around by the windblast of other vehicles. For a bike of this size, it didn't feel planted in its track. Low screen buffeting on the interstate was distracting.
Something else began to annoy me after about 20 minutes...the 'buzz' of the engine (not the exhaust). It has a high pitched whine very similar to an electrical interference from a car stereo that goes along with the engines rpm's. I was having trouble ignoring it.
As with any bike, it takes time to get used to a new one. One thing that I was having trouble with was getting my thumb past the large scrolling dial on the left grip. Being big makes it easy to use, but it also makes getting to the turn signal and horn switch awkward. The horn switch is actually buried deep in the grip design. Covering the horn button is not too easy on this machine...good luck if you have short fingers.
Today was in the mid 90's here in Charleston, but I stayed very cool on this bike. Engine heat management was excellent and the fold out side air vents were equally as effective. They delivered a great blast of air to the chest area. This is some of the best air management Ive seen on a bike.
Overall, I did like the bike. However I think there are some serious 'fit and finish/refinement' issues for being a BMW (especially a $27k one). I would expect that transmission from a Hyosung, not a BMW. If you are in the market for a large touring bike, then compared to the Goldwing (among others), this could be a very viable choice. Despite the items I didn't like, I would consider it against a Goldwing.
Here is a compact list of likes and dislikes:
+ pros
-SMOOTH (did I mention how smooth this engine is??!!)
-Very comfortable
-Lots of gadgets to play with and make life easier
-Extremely effective side air vents.
-Good power
-All settings adjustable on the fly
-Removable tail trunk
-Easy to navigate electronics package
- cons
-TRANSMISSION. way too loose and loud
-Clutch pulse (what is that?)
-Electrical interference-like engine whine
-Small mirrors
-'Floating' sensation on the highway
-Very sensitive throttle/clutch
-Scroller interferes with other left hand controls
-Some bodywork/trim is 'chincy'
Check with your local BMW shop, if they have a demo bike they need to put miles on them before it can be sold (2500 to be exact), so test rides come easy. I encourage you to feel for yourself.
I have the older version, K1200LT, and again, seems not much has changed; clunky transmission, poor fit and finish. The only surprise was on the handling. The older model handles quite well, it is also heavier, and does not ramble back and forth on the road. Oh throttle response, I'd take the C14 over any beemer.
