I owned a 2017 K1600 GT which I sold in 2022. I then purchased a brand new Africa Twin AS ES DCT which I rode for 25k Kms. I sold it 1 month ago. I wanted to buy the Goldwing with the DCT but the price on that one is prohibitive!! So guess what? My local BMW dealer made me an offer I couldn't refuse: 2023 K1600 GTL fully loaded at 25k euros. Should arrive on Christmas 🎉
A very good, honest review. I bought a K1600 GTL "Exclusive" in 2014 and it's the best looking of the range - the Pearl white with tan seats. The styling hasn't aged at all and it still gets admirers every time I ride it. It has been very reliable too - only things which were replaced was the front wheel bearings (after 38k KM). The starter motor (and heavier duty loom) was replaced FREE by BMW despite being years out of warranty. I only just had the original brake pads replaced - at 43k KM !!! The Exclusive has night time "puddle lights", built-in aerial, chrome brake/clutch fluid covers and a few other extras on top of the GTL version. Absolutely no rust or rusty bolts, though I clean it after each spin and maintain it well. But it is obviously not an "every day runaround" - it was designed as a fast, comfortable, 2-up tourer and imo BMW got it dead right and it is probably the best in this class. As you say, the engine is definitely the standout feature - it's fantastic and no other machine in its class sounds like it, pulls like it or is as capable around twisties. And it's the only bike I've ridden where carrying a pillion doesn't have a huge adverse effect on rider comfort, handling or power delivery. As some other commenters have done, you just cannot put the BMW RT in this class either - the boxer engine is no comparison and definitely is not an all day motorway machine (and I own a 1250 GSA). Getting off the K1600GTL and onto any other machine (and I've owned over 30 bikes) is like getting into a Beetle after driving a BMW 6 Series.
For someone who doesnt own one,cracking review.Watch being in the wrong gear at crossroads.as a stall or tip could ensue. Keep the revs up.simple then no problems. Hill start.gear assist and reverse gear.adaptive lights all ways and suspension settings all automatic.just make it a dream ownership.my wife falls asleep everywhere we go.either im biring or its the bikes comfort.Im pleased GS owners after riding say.Im going back to my tractor.its a very apt comparison. With the Michelin 6 GT tyres are a marraige made in biking heaven. You can play all day with spoertsbike in the twisties.power and sheer blistering torque a thing of joy. Leaves you with a stupid grin everywhere you go.enter as many gurning comps as you can because thet are all k 1600 owners GTL is my perfect tool. No need ever to upgrade any further.18 model.its got the lot .It really pisses Ducati owners off even with full luggage and your pillion 😅
It's my Dr's bike and he absolutely loves it and he kindly let me ride it for the review . He had 1250GS for about 6 months and then went for this and hasn't looked back. Don't think he has dropped it yet, but is always using it even for work!
I switched from a 2021 R1250RT to a 2022 K1600GT this summer and have absolutely no regrets. It is absolutely heavier and has a higher center of gravity, but the phenomenal engine more than makes up for it. I get around 350-400 km range on a full tank, so it is also a little thirsty compared to the boxer. But I also have to be honest and admit that the RT gives more value for money …
Hi, I test road the K1600 and enjoyed it on my own, but with passenger on I found the front lighter in handling, not good for me. I now ride the goldwing and love it. I am only 5' 7 and dont have any issue with the weight or handling. Its soooo easy even at low speeds, just clutch and front brake control. I would love to have the bagger version also.
what a great channel, i`ve not had a bike for 15 years (blackbird) and boy has technology moved on, but your very good at this presenting, and keeping me occupied for many hours, so thank you. 😁😁
Having just spent 3500 km's travelling around southern Australia on my brothers 2020 K1600 GT I can only say 'I want one!' I have, back in the UK, a 2017 BMW R1200 GSA which will be sold as soon as I get back in April. You are right that weight is an issue but not once you are moving. The engine is always in the right rev range and I have never had the need to rev it about 5ooo rpm throughout all those kms. The handling is also fantastic, as a quick ride out of Queenstown in the rain towards Hobart proved. I have heard many people complain about the gearbox but using the quick shifter removes all the so called clunkyness I have found and makes the bike sound like a BMW M3 straight 6. The engine noise is addictive and sounds lovely from start up to whatever. I can't wait to get back to the UK to buy mine and do some serious touring. As always a very useful and honest review.
Hi. Appreciate the comments. I have to say that I really enjoyed my short time on the 1600 and who knows I may end up with one in a few years. Will wait to see what the new GSA is like .😁
Glad you enjoyed a few days on the gentle behemoth. All fair comments although I only really notice the clunk out of neutral into first, then I find the gearbox pretty nice. Great review and agree the engine (and the whole experience) is smoother than the Fonz.. Can’t wait to unleash the angry side of the bike when I jump off the island…I’ll report back! Just reading the comment about the riding position too - that was my main worry but it’s been very comfy with the added ride height. Have found some good £50 inner bags from Amazon. And so far the TFT is just great for me - the bike makes its own Wi-Fi network which my phone connects to via which the mapping is transferred- it’s great to have no other satnav screen required.
BMW motorcycles are great values compared to Harley Davidson and Gold Wing touring all day long. The Gold Wing with it’s lower center of gravity and DCT transmission is an incredible machine. Although not for everyone. I get it. The BMW K and RT series are super values and legendary for their character. Wished they illuminated their handlebar switches for low light and night riding. If anything it adds to it’s fit and finish like their automobiles.
Good review and not easy to do on a a 160 bhp bike on an island with a 40mph speed limit. Part of me thinks it’s a bit of a one trick pony only being suitable for long distance touring but I owned an FJR1300 for 3 years and did everything bar off-road on that. That was a superb bike. Maybe I best not try one 😂
I would like to try the gold wing . Yup 40 mph is a bit limiting for footage that I can publish ……but the k1600 is an impressive machine bit for now I will stick with my tractor gs1250 and speed twin . Get down to your bmw dealer 😂
Very firmly on my radar for big journeys with luggage and passenger. The transmission can be clunky but you were riding at low speeds which is where its at its worst - it improves at speed and so does the qkshifter (!) Have ridden Goldwings too, another lovely bike.... but the K16 definitely has the sportier feel rather than just being an accomplished tourer. And that motor ..... 🙂
Hi, on the back you have a paralever suspension, not a telelever. Telever is on the front of a GS for exemple. BMW suspension duolever, telelever and paralever are great !
I see you've changed to a black Oxford Mondial Jacket now! Did you have another problem with your last grey one? I'm still bumming and erring about buying this suit so any comments would be helpful! Great videos by the way.
😂 oops. The Mondial Jacket is till going strong, I now have 2 jackets a grey one and a black one, the black one is a size smaller as I found once you take all the thermal stuff out the jacket got a bit baggy and I had shed a few pounds too......so the black one fits better. they can be had fro a pretty good price now.
hi no I have the bmw310gs and the bmw1250gs rally I love them both if I was to upgrade to the tourer type bike I prefer the glowing over the k1600@@gsd32i
Hi, I've just seen your review on this and I have a question. Not about the review but about the friend of Mr James who owned a K1600 as I believe that I bought his previous one from Mansell's. Could you ask him what the mileage on it was for me please.
I know this will sound dumb, but I've been wondering about it for a while. Cars are produced in left or right-hand drive. What about motorcycles? For example, are there any differences between the BMW K1600 sold in the US and the UK?(things that are different because you guys ride on the left side of the road)
@@gsd32i I'm sorry for even asking such a stupid question. :) I recently bought a BMW(car). While at the dealer, I saw a few BMW motorcycles and I think I got hooked. :)
My 2018 GTL has the option to set the headlight for riding on the left side of the road or the right side. The quick shifter will get smoother, even at low speed the change from 1st to 2nd is very smooth.
I owned the new Gold Wing with DCT for a while - it was buttery-smooth and even weighed a bit more than the GTL, but you wouldn't know it. You should ride one if you can. I would like to ride one of these and the RT. The thing that drives me nuts with this bike is that the top box mounting seems to be very flimsy - moves around way too much when being handled. The Grand America, not at all - it's solid. Nice review of a really nice machine.
Thanks, amazing bike a little top heavy but if I had the money and the open roads with a few curves thrown in then yup ideal tool for the job...am on the hunt for a local Goldwing to try out🤞
I owned a 2017 K1600 GT which I sold in 2022. I then purchased a brand new Africa Twin AS ES DCT which I rode for 25k Kms. I sold it 1 month ago. I wanted to buy the Goldwing with the DCT but the price on that one is prohibitive!! So guess what? My local BMW dealer made me an offer I couldn't refuse: 2023 K1600 GTL fully loaded at 25k euros. Should arrive on Christmas 🎉
A very good, honest review. I bought a K1600 GTL "Exclusive" in 2014 and it's the best looking of the range - the Pearl white with tan seats. The styling hasn't aged at all and it still gets admirers every time I ride it. It has been very reliable too - only things which were replaced was the front wheel bearings (after 38k KM). The starter motor (and heavier duty loom) was replaced FREE by BMW despite being years out of warranty. I only just had the original brake pads replaced - at 43k KM !!! The Exclusive has night time "puddle lights", built-in aerial, chrome brake/clutch fluid covers and a few other extras on top of the GTL version. Absolutely no rust or rusty bolts, though I clean it after each spin and maintain it well. But it is obviously not an "every day runaround" - it was designed as a fast, comfortable, 2-up tourer and imo BMW got it dead right and it is probably the best in this class. As you say, the engine is definitely the standout feature - it's fantastic and no other machine in its class sounds like it, pulls like it or is as capable around twisties. And it's the only bike I've ridden where carrying a pillion doesn't have a huge adverse effect on rider comfort, handling or power delivery. As some other commenters have done, you just cannot put the BMW RT in this class either - the boxer engine is no comparison and definitely is not an all day motorway machine (and I own a 1250 GSA). Getting off the K1600GTL and onto any other machine (and I've owned over 30 bikes) is like getting into a Beetle after driving a BMW 6 Series.
yup I know exactly what you mean . 👍
For someone who doesnt own one,cracking review.Watch being in the wrong gear at crossroads.as a stall or tip could ensue.
Keep the revs up.simple then no problems.
Hill start.gear assist and reverse gear.adaptive lights all ways and suspension settings all automatic.just make it a dream ownership.my wife falls asleep everywhere we go.either im biring or its the bikes comfort.Im pleased GS owners after riding say.Im going back to my tractor.its a very apt comparison.
With the Michelin 6 GT tyres are a marraige made in biking heaven.
You can play all day with spoertsbike in the twisties.power and sheer blistering torque a thing of joy.
Leaves you with a stupid grin everywhere you go.enter as many gurning comps as you can because thet are all k 1600 owners GTL is my perfect tool.
No need ever to upgrade any further.18 model.its got the lot .It really pisses Ducati owners off even with full luggage and your pillion 😅
It's my Dr's bike and he absolutely loves it and he kindly let me ride it for the review . He had 1250GS for about 6 months and then went for this and hasn't looked back. Don't think he has dropped it yet, but is always using it even for work!
I switched from a 2021 R1250RT to a 2022 K1600GT this summer and have absolutely no regrets. It is absolutely heavier and has a higher center of gravity, but the phenomenal engine more than makes up for it. I get around 350-400 km range on a full tank, so it is also a little thirsty compared to the boxer. But I also have to be honest and admit that the RT gives more value for money …
Hi, I test road the K1600 and enjoyed it on my own, but with passenger on I found the front lighter in handling, not good for me. I now ride the goldwing and love it. I am only 5' 7 and dont have any issue with the weight or handling. Its soooo easy even at low speeds, just clutch and front brake control. I would love to have the bagger version also.
what a great channel, i`ve not had a bike for 15 years (blackbird) and boy has technology moved on, but your very good at this presenting, and keeping me occupied for many hours, so thank you. 😁😁
Thanks, appreciate it. There are many many out takes, with lots of swearing though 😂
I've riden GTL, the GoldWing (post 2018), the R1250RT the R1300GS & the R18 Cruiser and the K1600GTL is BY FAR the most enjoyable & fun ride!
I was very impressed . Just need a bigger wallet , bigger garage and an understanding wife 😂
I’ve ridden pretty much everything and the GTL is an excellent bike, but I find the RT more “ flickable “ and an incredible bike to ride
Great review. Thank you.
Thanks for that. That’s what was on clock but fitted sat nav showed 27k
Very good all round and honest review. Fab bike. Cheers!
Thank you kindly!
Having just spent 3500 km's travelling around southern Australia on my brothers 2020 K1600 GT I can only say 'I want one!' I have, back in the UK, a 2017 BMW R1200 GSA which will be sold as soon as I get back in April. You are right that weight is an issue but not once you are moving. The engine is always in the right rev range and I have never had the need to rev it about 5ooo rpm throughout all those kms. The handling is also fantastic, as a quick ride out of Queenstown in the rain towards Hobart proved. I have heard many people complain about the gearbox but using the quick shifter removes all the so called clunkyness I have found and makes the bike sound like a BMW M3 straight 6. The engine noise is addictive and sounds lovely from start up to whatever. I can't wait to get back to the UK to buy mine and do some serious touring. As always a very useful and honest review.
Hi. Appreciate the comments. I have to say that I really enjoyed my short time on the 1600 and who knows I may end up with one in a few years. Will wait to see what the new GSA is like .😁
Glad you enjoyed a few days on the gentle behemoth. All fair comments although I only really notice the clunk out of neutral into first, then I find the gearbox pretty nice. Great review and agree the engine (and the whole experience) is smoother than the Fonz.. Can’t wait to unleash the angry side of the bike when I jump off the island…I’ll report back! Just reading the comment about the riding position too - that was my main worry but it’s been very comfy with the added ride height. Have found some good £50 inner bags from Amazon. And so far the TFT is just great for me - the bike makes its own Wi-Fi network which my phone connects to via which the mapping is transferred- it’s great to have no other satnav screen required.
Enjoy the off island trip and look forward to the update 👍
BMW motorcycles are great values compared to Harley Davidson and Gold Wing touring all day long. The Gold Wing with it’s lower center of gravity and DCT transmission is an incredible machine. Although not for everyone. I get it. The BMW K and RT series are super values and legendary for their character. Wished they illuminated their handlebar switches for low light and night riding. If anything it adds to it’s fit and finish like their automobiles.
Still regret selling my 2013 GT, but new GS looks so good, hope that's my next BMW (5th lol) 🤣👌🍻
Good review and not easy to do on a a 160 bhp bike on an island with a 40mph speed limit.
Part of me thinks it’s a bit of a one trick pony only being suitable for long distance touring but I owned an FJR1300 for 3 years and did everything bar off-road on that. That was a superb bike.
Maybe I best not try one 😂
I would like to try the gold wing . Yup 40 mph is a bit limiting for footage that I can publish ……but the k1600 is an impressive machine bit for now I will stick with my tractor gs1250 and speed twin . Get down to your bmw dealer 😂
Very firmly on my radar for big journeys with luggage and passenger. The transmission can be clunky but you were riding at low speeds which is where its at its worst - it improves at speed and so does the qkshifter (!) Have ridden Goldwings too, another lovely bike.... but the K16 definitely has the sportier feel rather than just being an accomplished tourer. And that motor ..... 🙂
👍 I did give it a bit of stick off camera and it did hustle very well for a big machine 😁
Hi, on the back you have a paralever suspension, not a telelever. Telever is on the front of a GS for exemple. BMW suspension duolever, telelever and paralever are great !
Thanks for the info!
For this recording, what camera/video systems did you use? The coverage and quality are superb.
DJI ACTION 4 and DJI wireless microphone . More reliable/stable than gopro.
if they are as good as the ones on the RT, they are top notch. Try an RT, you might be surprised.
I agree with you. I’ve had 3 RTs and then got a K1600gtle for 2 years. Back now with the RT1250 and love it, they do everything so well
@@andrewdyson4255RT is an amazing bike. Ridden most bikes out there
Am I alone in preferring the pre 2021 dash? I like the analogue speedo and rev counter! I like an actual garmin sat nav!
Agree. There's no need for the Rev meter to take up soooo much real estate on the huge screen.
... and configurability is so limited.
You forgot to mention it comes with an up and downstairs, plus staff quarters!!
Indeed 😂
Really enjoyed that thanks even though a little out of my league
Glad to hear it
Hi there like your motor bike coat what make is it please,and great review thank you 👍
Jacket is the Oxford Mondial
www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/433519
Thanks so much for replying
I see you've changed to a black Oxford Mondial Jacket now! Did you have another problem with your last grey one? I'm still bumming and erring about buying this suit so any comments would be helpful! Great videos by the way.
Obviously, that should be, ‘umming’, not ‘bumming’!😂
😂 oops. The Mondial Jacket is till going strong, I now have 2 jackets a grey one and a black one, the black one is a size smaller as I found once you take all the thermal stuff out the jacket got a bit baggy and I had shed a few pounds too......so the black one fits better. they can be had fro a pretty good price now.
Talking about price, I bought my triple black in February this year 22,160€ now same bike here 25 k wow bmw bit greedy !!
lovely machine I am a bmw owner myself but if I was in the market for one I prefer the goldwing
Do you have the K1600? The Goldwing has all those knobs from Halfords(vehicle accessory outlet in the uk) all over the tank though 😂
hi no I have the bmw310gs and the bmw1250gs rally I love them both if I was to upgrade to the tourer type bike I prefer the glowing over the k1600@@gsd32i
Hi, I've just seen your review on this and I have a question. Not about the review but about the friend of Mr James who owned a K1600 as I believe that I bought his previous one from Mansell's. Could you ask him what the mileage on it was for me please.
I will ask him , what colour is the bike?
@@gsd32i sort of light gold. I believe he's a Dr
@@gsd32i Awesome piece of machinery. Took it to Verdun last month and taking to Brussels next week
Hi . The chap reckons it was less than 10k . He’s away out of the island at the moment so can’t check . 😁
I know this will sound dumb, but I've been wondering about it for a while. Cars are produced in left or right-hand drive. What about motorcycles? For example, are there any differences between the BMW K1600 sold in the US and the UK?(things that are different because you guys ride on the left side of the road)
Nope..no difference...I think!
@@gsd32i I'm sorry for even asking such a stupid question. :) I recently bought a BMW(car). While at the dealer, I saw a few BMW motorcycles and I think I got hooked. :)
My 2018 GTL has the option to set the headlight for riding on the left side of the road or the right side.
The quick shifter will get smoother, even at low speed the change from 1st to 2nd is very smooth.
Colors will differ on all thi gs.indicators might differ.even fuelling might be different too.
I owned the new Gold Wing with DCT for a while - it was buttery-smooth and even weighed a bit more than the GTL, but you wouldn't know it. You should ride one if you can. I would like to ride one of these and the RT. The thing that drives me nuts with this bike is that the top box mounting seems to be very flimsy - moves around way too much when being handled. The Grand America, not at all - it's solid. Nice review of a really nice machine.
Thanks, amazing bike a little top heavy but if I had the money and the open roads with a few curves thrown in then yup ideal tool for the job...am on the hunt for a local Goldwing to try out🤞
You need to pinch the BMW S1000XR if you want to feel a lovely BMW quick shifter. Mansells have one with your name on upstairs 😉
Thanks😂
I carnt afford one but I love it
Get used. As low as 12k
It’s a beast , or a local bus ? 🤪
BMW = Bring My Wallet
Forget your height it’s your inside leg measurement that matters, I keep telling you guys but all I hear is height which means nothing.
and relax....32 inch inside seem...description updated 👍
I removed this because of what is happening in Israel right now.
😂
It's - too - big!
It is very nice though and just sooooo smooooooth 🤪
@@gsd32i I was looking at one the other day, it was parked right next to this little, dinky, cute, diminutive, dainty - Hayabusa. :-)
Amazing review. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it!