2018 BMW K1600 GTL, 10K Review | Things I Like

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2018 BMW K1600 GTL, 10K Review | Things I Like

I finally have 10K miles on my 2018 K1600 GTL and now I can do a more educated long term review. Rather than do one lone video, I am going to do a series of short topics about the bike. In this first one I will talk about 6 things I really like about the K1600 GTL

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Thank you for watching and ride safe! --Craig Ripley

[pistolpete]

Beautiful motorcycle! Touring the US on that bike would be epic!

[sdefiel]

Back in 2013 and again in 2018, before I became an unadulterated Harley fanboy, I thought seriously about the BMW K1600. Man, it was boss. The look, the power, the owl-ish head lights and the controls were uber. I made one mistake though. I brought my wife to the showroom. Well, that's obviously NOT a mistake. That back seat was going to be hers. She hated the hand holds, she did not like the whole seating position and there was absolutely no comparison to the comfort of the Harley Ultra Limited. Well, as always, she's right. I too like the comfort of the Limited's seating position. The slightly more laid-back style is much more comfortable for me especially on long trips. I'd still like to have a BMW1600 though, but I already have four bikes stuffed in my garage.

Looking forward for more of your experiences,
S

[ericswild]

Sold...picking mine up soon. Thanks for the review!

[henryhawk]

Enjoyed the vid. Nice K bike you have.

[troygalbraith]

Craig you nailed it, I feel exactly the same about mine, both of these videos are spot on if I had to list my likes dislikes as well, It’s not often I agree with bike videos as much as these two
The Garmin/BMW nav is truly an awful device
Thank you

[williamwhite]

Thanks for doing this series. The K1600 appears to be a great touting bike or should I say sport touring bike.

[ericswild]

oooo...I have been waiting for this review!! Been thinking of a newer bike, even though I love the Victory Vision.

[jt.]

I have the same bike and put arm rest for my girlfriend. She loves it and helps her feel alot more comfortable. And if you ride two up, try a car tire on the rear. Yes, its different and I been riding this style for over 5 years. For me it helps balance the bike alot better plus you get more lasting tread. Look up darkside on Bmw gtl..

[twmclean]

Looking forward to the discussion on maintenance and cost. I'm curious to understand and compare against Japanese bikes. Thanks Craig.

[marks]

I have had my K1600 for four years and I have enjoyed it. I have a GSA 1250 on order for this spring. Hoping I enjoy it as much as the K.

[maxw]

Hill hold is one feature I experienced on test rides that get me thinking of upgrading. There is a hill in Troy (albany) NY that is steep, busy off an expressway with a long stop light at the top. It's a pain with a fully loaded, including wife, BMW R1150RT. Holding single footed is tough enough, but then the dry clutch just burns while you get going. I'm tempted to ride into the dealer just up the street with checkbook open every time I go there.

[clvrswine]

That hill hold sounds neat. I have a choice of routes to ride to work and I nearly always choose the one with a stop sign at the top of a steep hill, where I need to turn right. It forces me to practice and get comfortable with the multiple angles and the need to wait for traffic to pass (blind curve!) before I rev forward.

[jimanders]

Thanks for the review, I am thinking of getting one of these as a backup bike to my 2020 Rocket GT. I dont think it will compare favorably with the Rocket (less power, more weight, wont corner as well, etc) but I am anxious to ride one.

[lesliewilliams]

Hello craig thanks for your thoughts i have the same exclusive version couple of things the engine is fantastic noise power etc but not in same league as my old goldwing 1500 interstate for turbine like vibe free running also the dash is confused to cluttered and the font is to small my interstate dash is far better the power is impressive i have used it on the auto bahns when a broad but at home you use it its time in the sloppy for you ! Also that 7 gallon tank up high is going to send you to the ground like lightning the old school wing is so much better balanced pity bmw hadent copyed it with a sport flat 6 but vive la difference as they say i still enjoy my bmw and hope you and the boss have maney happy safe miles pip pip from uk

[robb]

Hi, Great video. I was thinking of trading in my 2017 Goldwing for a GTL. Did you think the GTL was top heavy? TIA

[timmiesner]

Are you riding in Missouri during the video?

[Munmi]

Thanks for doing this review series. I am currently shopping for a 2018 or newer K1600GTL. Curious of the overall experience for your bride. How is the wind noise? What would be an average of miles ridden before needing a break? We are moving from a K1200LT that we both struggle with wind noise and buffeting.

[gregoryrodzenko]

How many miles did you put on the Victory Vision over the 10 years? Trying to get a sense of your perspective.
Thank you.

[gmcphoto]

I have a 2019 K1600GT. I love the incredibly smooth spirited engine. I love the comfort, storage, seat height as I’m 6’4” tall. The bike handles well through the twisty’s too. My don’t like list has to do with the Bluetooth audio quality via the bikes audio equipment. Speakers sound fine until about 45mph. Playing audio via NavVI works perfectly too with Bluetooth. However I’d like listen to SirusXM with the bikes receiver rather than use my data to stream via app on my phone. The Bluetooth quality is just disappointing and I have no idea how BMW accepted this Alpine audio system with such poor Bluetooth quality.

I’d also would like to be able to turn off/ bypass the heated seat and grips display in the summer. It’s a bit of a nuisance having to click past them all the time (I live in FL). My Final complaint is having to buy a GS911 in order to reset the maintenance light for oil changes.

[kamiledytawerpachowski]

How would you compare the k1600 GTL to 2018 and up Honda Goldwing tour?