BMW K 1600 GT Review & Road Test

BMW K 1600 GT Review & Road Test - Here I try out this big tourer from BMW and assess whether it would suit my long distance commuting and touring needs

#RevelatorAlf #BMWMotorcycles #BMWK1600GT

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[tonyalmeida]

I’ve had my GT Sport (2020 model) for about 9 months now, tires are Metzler Tourance, very grippy and hard wearing, I’ve filtered through heavy motorway and town traffic without any issues. I find that as soon as the bike is rolling the weight is not an issue, even at walking pace. I live in Scotland and have had the beast absolutely flying along Highland roads (observing all safety precautions, of course) and have flung it into all sorts of tight bends with absolute confidence. This bike is absolutely planted. You would have to work quite hard to put it in a hedge or a tree. You are far more likely to drop it pulling up at traffic lights or, as I did (once) manoeuvring it around your garage. I’ve added the comfort plus package to mine which took the price up to around £20k which is pretty steep for a bike, but gives me the up down quick shifter with down blipper, and pretty much everything else except the sound system which I wouldn’t use anyway.
Great video, I’ll keep an eye out for more.

[andrewspeed]

Good review - I think by the time you got to the summing up towards the end you kinda “got” the bike.
My comments are based on 3 years of owning a 2015 K1600GT, done around 10K miles ridden in all weathers. Had a K1300S before. The K16 is an extremely capable bike. It’s hard work man handling the bike around at a standstill, but once moving the weight seems to disappear. Perfect riding position (6’3”), real comfy heated seat and heated grips behind that big screen and the lovely big soft, torquey engine result in the miles just slipping away. There’s no shortage of power when riding on UK roads, and even fully loaded panniers make little difference to the handling. But it’s no track bike - a bike this big and heavy is never going to handle like a 600cc/litre sports bike, but only the most committed and skilled sports bike rider will come past on the road. And big smiles come when out-riding most sports-bike riders if you have the skill and inclination to do so. Plus you will be waving goodbye to most at the service station with a 300 mile tank/range or when their time comes to stop to stretch/warm hands etc. Handling and road holding is excellent with the non-conventional front-end (Google “Hossack suspension” to discover how good it is). The excellent traction control gives confidence of not high-siding when powering out of corners. Love all the gadgets and the shaft-drive, not to mention the sound.
To sum-up, if I was luck enough to have a long journey to do, say Birmingham (UK) to Cornwall, North Scotland or Northern France and in just one jump, then no question, this would be the bike I would choose, and especially if in bad weather. Phenomenal real-world road bike. Always a joy to ride 😎

[bobbralee]

I've got the K1300gt and that's brilliant too. BMW know who to build big bikes

[markpaton]

I had touring pegs fitted to my wrap around engine bars... makes it exceptionally comfortable on long distance... using the left thumb to regulate speed using the cruise control!!

[markpaton]

I have a 2017 K1600 GTL and its awesome.... it has great character and an amazing bike... she is used daily

[duanesmith]

Yes that's what I felt three years ago when I first rode my GTL. Sold my Road Glide and bought a BMW GTL much funner bike to ride 200 pounds lighter than my old Road Glide Ultra twice the horsepower nice bike

[iveywin]

I own a 2018 K1600GT since new and have driven in all types of weather except snow. I agree with you! The traction control and suspension system is incredibly good and still riding with factory installed Z rated Bridgestone Battlax tires with 15, 000 original kms logged. My BMW dealer is recommending the Metzler Z8 M Interact tires which get installed tomorrow stating that the Battlax is a very hard tire of which they are not a fan. That said, this bike with the Bridgestones saved me! I was riding on secondary country roads and encountered roadwork suddenly devoid of any signage, at nearly 120km/h. The bike sank 2-3” into the chalky limestone underlay and fishtailed significantly yet kept correcting. I had let off the throttle and resisted any braking application allowing the bike to slow unassisted. I expected to get thrown from the bike or for the bike to lose control entirely into the ditch. Instead, the bike kept tracking straight and kept me safe at all times. I marvelled at BMWs technology afterwards and keep getting surprised. I love this machine; it’s a cruise missile disguised as a motorcycle! Passing adjacent transport trucks or opposite direction is no issue as the bike just plants itself and doesn’t waiver. Never had an issue on damp or wet roads because of the phenomenal traction control although tend to ride more conservatively especially on new asphalt or light rain that can suspend any oil on the surface. Hope that helps!

[bryanohlsson]

Changed from a 1200GSA to a 1600GT and ohhh wow! Amazing for long rides and short runs around town.

[markfishwick]

Good review
So I'm on my second K1600GT just ordering the 3.... and appears one of the last new 1600 orders I'm told? many miles under the belt to It's a daily ride and commuter and more than capable in heavy traffic, its down to experience and rider on this front. I do 2500 approx each month in all weathers 24/7, Ive found the only tyres to ride on in these conditions are the MRP4's, poor milage but if you want to do the sport bit in sports tourer... there a must. This bikes all about confidence in your capabilities on a bike weighing in at some 350kg's.... not for everyone thats for sure, servicing isn't cheap but dealer servicing has been great so far. Warranty wise across all the 1600's Ive had there's only been 3 sorted by the dealer very quickly thats including the trans/shift recall.
The only two snags are continual Nav6 issues and the switch gear which isn't illuminated, doing night work and travelling in poor conditions it would have been helpful....not sure who else dose illuminated switch gear but its my moan... 
On the whole.... fantastic kit, more than capable as a solo ride or pillioned up to the hilt with luggage, would I buy another if available.... Hell

[olivierchavepeyer]

Hi, I have that bike since 1y, 20000km mainly commuting 70km to Brussels traffic jams. Easier than my previous gs between cars however heavier. And...what an engine. Impossible to reach its limits and stay alive. A really rubber elastic, smooth all along the rpm range. Amazing bike for day to day and for long distance trips. A bit tiering at low speed but so comfortable. Thanks for the review

[DVDsNFC]

Good review traded in my Sportglide for a GTLE after having my Harley for 18 months but found the bike became uncomfortable in my knees.the BMW engine is well tried and tested and is like velvet and the ride is so much better than the Harley. Just trade the SG in and you won't look back

[markpaton]

Alf.. Great video and commentary.... loved your comments and enthusiasm for the big BMW.. .I adore mine... she is like scary fast when I am in the ground the pegs around Assen too!!

[MotoMichelle]

I loved my K1600GT its a great bike :)

[nigelrose]

Never thought I would buy a BMW but got a K1600 in October 2020. Best bike I've owned, handling and engine give you the same buzz everytime you ride them. Been caught out in worst rain storms and with a couple of mode changes can still confidently ride the wheels off it and the weather protection keeps you as dry as possible to find on any bike. They are a shit load of money but you wont find anything like it.

[Doug-tcpx]

I've owned one for three years, still blows me away how good it is.

[stevenwright]

This is the first time in awhile I've had a good look of the GT with the bags removed. The bike actually looks good without them. It seems most other makes, somehow design that area to look crappy when the bags are off. This just looks like a fast sport tourer. I can imagine myself leaving the bags on the workbench in the garage most often, unless i go on a long road trip. That woyld be me, blowing by you, sitting straight up, doing 160, with those 2 pipes screaming that beautiful sound. 😮

[beans]

I had one of those for a day when my GS was in for a service, it was one of those foul weather days and to my astonishment when i got off I wasn’t really that wet😂....i did find it a little boring after a while over the boxer engine is was like riding a bike in blancmange mode. I’d try the new Goldwing before a decision on a tourer. As always a fantastic video and enjoying them a lot, kind regards.

[alisleiman]

My k16GT is a missle after Brentune stage 2 and a full exhaust, really really quick for such a big bike. Can play with sports bikes if you're used it and when luggage is removed, it's another story

[markpaton]

I take my GTL through cities daily... its only 1 meter wide so no wider than a R1250 or a an RT.., also driven it through Milan, Paris and Florence and Munich and Vienna never had an issue

[stevoone]

Good vid, I love my K1600 GA it’s an awesome bike for touring and out on Sunday ride. Its made better with the quick shifter. I tour two up and by myself as well she handles both types of touring with ease she is a absolute monster but really easy to control (I would say not for a new rider / novice due to the power and wait of the bike, due if you don’t know how to control the bike or respect the power it would be easy to brake the law or get yourself into trouble) BUT I would recommend this bike to a experienced rider who is looking for a tourer ‘ big sports tourer the only other bike I would compare this to is the Honda Goldwing witch in my opinion both are equal with the bmw being a little more sporty. With that said the 6 cilender engine is amazing and I fitted the shotgun exuhst witch just gives a little bit more town and enhances the down pop especially thru tunnels 😁. Also BMW so far have been Fantastic with there service and reliability so far haven’t had any issues. With tyres I am still testing but both sets I’ve had are preforming well. I’m not mentioning brands yet but reply to this and I’ll tell you what’s on her at the moment. I am currently trying the dealer recommended tyres for her at the mo. Yet again I would rank this as my best ‘ favourite tourer I’ve ridden and owned so far with not many contenders.