The New Bike Reveal!!
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- čas přidán 28. 07. 2022
- Hello all
Here is the reveal of the new bike that takes over from the last 3 BMW R1200/1250 GS(A) machines. It's the K1600GT SE Sport
I have always liked the K1600 since I tried one way back at the 1st service of my original 1250 in 2018 and eventually I have succumbed. Hopefully I'll like it as much and I'll be doing a run-down of all the features good and bad in a video shortly, when I have some miles under my belt on her
Onward!!
Nick
Below are various links to kit I use or items referenced in this video.
These are amazon.co.uk (United Kingdom) links and clicking through and purchasing does earn me a small commission and costs you nothing extra.
I'd be really grateful if you are buying any of these if you used the links and help support the channel.
Thank you
Nick
Accessories on (or used for) My BMW R1250GS Adventure
Horn
Denali Soundbomb Horn - amzn.to/3fnTd0B
Lights
Denali D4 (single unit - Ideal if fitting CanSmart Unit) - amzn.to/2TQJKra
Denali D4 KIT (pair of lights with loom - Ideal if fitting with EzyCan or normal cabling) - amzn.to/2WKYQQ5
Battery Charger (Dual Standard Connect and Canbus - Fits Din Socket to charge)
Optimate 4 - BMW Canbus Edition - amzn.to/3rORg2r
Protection
ACF50 Rust Protector (with buddy bottle, aerosols are poor) - amzn.to/2NKL5tJ
Compressor
Airman Comapct Compressor - amzn.to/3fm3WZj
Clothing I wear
Waterproof Jacket (Over Rukka Textile)
Tucano Urbano Nano Rain Jackket - amzn.to/3jhxPLP
Waterproof Trousers (Over Rukka Textile)
Tucano Urbano Nano Rain Trousers - amzn.to/3C6k8b3
Equipment I use to film videos
Main Helmet Camera
Go Pro Hero 8 Black - amzn.to/3C6k8b3
Mirror Mounted (rear-facing) Camera
GoPro Hero 7 Black - amzn.to/2Vcuw0h
Fixed Front and Rear Cameras (supplementary footage)
Innovv K3 Dual Camera Kit - amzn.to/3folILM
Adapter needed to add supplimentary mics to GoPro Hero 5/6/7/8
GoPro Microphone Adapter - amzn.to/378aSU8
GoPro Media Mod - Now used on main camera
amzn.to/2Vicbie
Case for mounting GoPro and Mic Adapter
Ulanzi Multi-purpose GoPro Case - amzn.to/32JIkgA
BOTH MICS below have leads for Mobile Phone (to use GoPro Adapter with these you need a TRS to TRRS Adapter)
Rode Phone Accessory (TRS to TRRS Adapter) - amzn.to/2CHKJh1
Helmet Microphone (needs GoPro Adapter) and Tie-pin mic Indoors
Aufgeld Lavalier Microphone - amzn.to/375WVpX
Indoor Microphone (GoPro and Phone Cameras)
Rode Micro Compact - amzn.to/2KlXUZn - Auta a dopravní prostředky
God bless ya brother ….63….I’m 62 and riding through the mountains of AZ on an RT. Do miss my home country of England ❤️
Thanks Michael. Enjoy the RT. That’s a really nice bike 👍🏻
Very nice Nick, certainly at the top of the ladder with that one. A beautiful looking machine........enjoyed watching as usual. Take care.
Thanks Stuart. More musings to come once I have some miles done 👍🏻
I thought so Nick..enjoy!
Good guess then Ian 👍🏻
Congratulations on your new motorcycle, I love your passion for our beloved bikes. I will miss the GS and it’s content, which is what I ride and what brought me to your channel. However, your content is fantastic. You are detail oriented and very analytical much like myself. I look forward to future videos, and learning about other models and your trips (or is it tours?). Be safe sir
Thanks again Bill 👍🏻
Good afternoon Nick, have a great rest of your day…and thank you sir.
Very nice Nick nice to see you back
Thanks Chris 👍🏻
Congratulations on the sweet new ride. Will keep on eye out for your next video.
Hopefully in a week or two we’ll get some more sensible opinions 👍🏻
great choice nick looking forward to seeing more vlogs on your new bike in the meantime ride safe and enjoy
Thanks Bob. Stay tuned 👍🏻
Congratulations Nick, wonderful bike - stay safe and enjoy ☺️
Thanks Giorgio. Here’s hoping I like to live with her when her toothpaste is on the side of the sink with the lid off! 🤣🤣👍🏻
Absolute Beast of a bike Nick, looks amazing. Looking forward to vids, enjoy your new ride. Stay safe 👍
Thanks Steve. 1st service 8th August then France. Here’s hoping 🤞🏻 👍🏻
@@nickhodgeUK I bet. All day comfort rocket ship. 👍
Awesome!! Really looking forward to your next videos.
Thanks. Maybe a week or so to 1st service once I’ve got some varied miles on 👍🏻
Congratulations, I test rode one and loved it. The exhaust roar above 6K is addictive.
It’s engine is sooooo smooth 👍🏻
Good man. Seeing more and more people love from the gs/gsa to the touring bikes. Enjoy.
Hoping I’ll enjoy it. Certainly ok so far 👍🏻
Nick, the good thing about having the radio is that you can have the sounds coming through your helmet instead, making yourself not a noise pollution to others when out and about. I have the 2021 RT with everything on it and I find the radio, through my helmet, on radio 4, quite pleasant if not actually listening! They have good voices on radio 4, very relaxing on long journeys and helps keep you awake! Lovely new bike that you have, hope you enjoy it as much as your previous BMW's. Good luck. Nice to see you back.
Hi Paul. Yes I have played it through the helmet. (I prefer 5 live 🤣). I’ll see if I use it more than Spotify. For sure I’d listen to the radio in the car. My mate has a 2021 RT so going to see if we can do a comparison when I’ve a few miles in or maybe swap on tour for a day? 👍🏻
Congratulations 👏
Thank you 👍🏻
Great choice Nick, enjoy and stay safe.
Thanks Ivor 👍🏻
Oh boy she's a looker all right! Congratulations and enjoy your trip to France. Keep the shiny side up and riide safe.
Thanks Paul. She is pretty striking 👍🏻
She looks a beaut Nick, congrats!! Looking forward to the next instalment(s).
Thanks Spencer. Hopefully in a few days when she goes for her 1st service I’ll have a bit more to say (unlike me 🤣) 👍🏻
Enjoy the new bike, I’ve A 2020 GTLE and love it, a real beast when you wind them up, I love your colour scheme
Thanks Andrew. It was either the GTL or GT but I do little two-up so it was a little soft. This is hard though for sure. Much more so than the GSA. Hope i like living with her 👍🏻
Good luck Nick, the bike ´s color scheme is stunning and the technology is top of the class. Many happy hours touring. As a 64 year old riding the 1250 GS, this bike certainly looks appealing. Looking forward to the next video to get the details on this beauty. P.s. i am still glowing in success that my connectivity with helmet and
phone works since referring to your splendid descriptive video. Greetings from Berlin, Jim
Thanks Jim. Stay tuned to see how I get on. Glad the connections are working for you. Popular video that 👍🏻
At just turned 63 I too am looking for something top notch to continue my trips with……test riding a k1600GT next week 🤞 The map features are still something I am trying to get my head around 👍
I think you’ll like it. The GT is a ‘stiff’ ride but that helps it still handle well despite weight. The GTL is softer so another option. Watch this space for a Nav video 👍🏻
congrats with the new bike .
Thanks a lot 👍🏻
Congratulations
Thanks Mourad 👍🏻
Nice! Looking forward to the new videos.
Hopefully in a week or two after a few miles 👍🏻
I thought it would be another BMW, but didn't see that model coming. I had a BMW1200LT some years ago with ground lighting, I remember the sales guy explaining that we wouldn't want you stepping in something smelly before mounting your bike Sir in the dark!! What a sales pitch !! Enjoy your new bike hope it brings you many happy miles.
Thanks Peter. That’s some stretch to sell an option 🤣🤣👍🏻
Enjoy it nick.
Thanks Ugur 👍🏻
Keep that shiny side up fella, wishing you many a safe and happy miles on her 👍
Thanks Paul. Off to France soon so that’ll be a starter test 👍🏻
@@nickhodgeUK she’s a beaut. Enjoy fella
Good luck with new bike 😎🏍💨💨💨💨💨👍🏻🇨🇦
Thanks John 👍🏻
Lovely bike, Nick - and great colour/spec choices. It'll be interesting to see how you get along with it on a long-term basis.
Thanks Richard. Like a new lover, it’s not about how she looks but whether you can live with her. Here’s hoping 🤞🏻
Nice wheels Nick. Super colour scheme too. Looking forward to your escapades……Ride safe.👍🏍
Thanks. Hope to have some musings in a week or two when I’ve got some varied miles done 👍🏻
Amazing , I just took one of these out yesterday on test ( I've been riding GS 's for 20years) and I loved it and so did my wife, we also tried an RT and just didn't like it, but the GT put some smile on our faces my only "put off" was the price !! and not sure its for N.I. roads.
Health to enjoy.
It’s growing on me for sure. I’m sure it’d be fine in Ni. I loved my trip last year. Check out my video. Ride safe 👍🏻
I knew it, I knew it, I knew it!!! not sure if you remember my reaction on your previous where I told you my plans to buy the 1600.. If from my end goes well, I will get myself the 1600 GTL. Congratulations, great choice!!!! and ride safe!!! let me know if you ever make it to Belgium, would be fun to show you around on our bikes!!
You were one of two who guessed the 1600. Another knew as he was at dealer when I tested it. Good luck with yours 👍🏻
I love how it looks like a massive scooter! That seat gives it a Bergman sort of styling. The front wheel looks tiny! Brilliant. Many people would probably think it looks out of proportion and ridiculous but there's no accounting for taste, I'm afraid.
Maybe it is a Vespa?? 🤣
Hi Nick from South Africa 🇿🇦.
Congrats on the new machine.
I own a 21 model, but ordered the new 22 model 2 months ago.
I also ordered the same color, but added the option 719 wheels, akro pipes and top box from the factory.
Also ordered the lower seat....
You will love it, especially the smooth of that inline 6 and the best quickshifter ever.
Safe riding bud.
Thanks Zunaid. The bike was supposed to come with the top box but still on back order and now looking like another 2 weeks. There are definitely supply issues all around as was supposed to be 4-6 weeks on the bike, but ended up being 10 weeks. 1st service next week though so I’m nearly 1,000km in and mainly enjoying it 👍🏻
Congratulations 🎉🎉 lovely bike
Thanks Gerry
Hi Nick, Great to see you back and with a beautiful new machine. Loving the colour combo and that TFT wow. Looks a proper gentleman’s ride lol. Remember keep away from Nippies lol
Look forward to future videos. Your attention to detail in the videos is superb always enjoyed that aspect too. Have a lovely weekend.
Thank you for the kind comment John. I was hoping Nippy Norman were coming to me but I think my list was a bit long 🤣👍🏻
@@nickhodgeUK Your welcome. yes fingers crossed 🤞, nippy has some great stuff, but my wallet was crying. course new bike, new farkles, maybe wont need as many as GSA lol, who Am I kidding!.
Best bike
On the market. Had a gtl then another then gsa and now back to a K1600gt. You won’t be disappointed that’s for sure.
Thanks Marcus. You’ve already done the ‘circuit’? I was torn in the GTL but just felt it was a little ‘soft’ and I do little 2-up. This is ‘harder’ than the GSA by a long way though, but handles surprisingly well 👍🏻
happy new bike nick , stunning look forward to your progress with it 👌👌👍ps the engine noise gave it away lol 😂
Steven
Thanks Steven. The engine is very silky 👍🏻
It's beautiful 😍
Thanks Mike. She is a picture I think 👍🏻
100% beautiful Nick! Well done. Congrats. The GT/GTL are the top of the tree. Stay fit and healthy I ride with several mates that are in their 70’s with one 81 who rides a new generation Gold Wing. All others however ride Harley touring bikes. All music and communications run through my Cardo Edge with JBL speakers it’s incredible sound.
Thanks. I try not to drone too much about ‘an end’ but I feel much more planted with this loaded and 2-up than the GSA and as I run toward retirement I’d like to do more of that 👍🏻
That is a very impressive machine.
Thanks Paul. I’m hoping she’s nice to live with 👍🏻
I’m jealous nick, best bike in the world, well done. Stay safe
Thanks Tony. Stay for the ride 👍🏻
Brilliant!!!! Don't be discouraged about the lack of wireless charging. My 2022 1250RT's wireless charging is terrible!!!! Takes forever to charge and has a tendency to overheat. I've gone ahead an now have mine back on a phone holder with cable charger!
My mate has the same issue. Out of case and struggles to keep up. I do think the RT is a very capable bike though 👍🏻
Lovely bike Nick, if I was going to change from the GS it would be for a K1600, so I look forward to your voyage of discovery, best of luck with your new steed...
Thanks Stephen. Watch this space👍🏻
Enjoy your bike Nick, we are all different and I went from a GS to a K1600 but never got on with it ,back on a GS now! Good luck to you mate and I look forward to your thoughts
I just fancied the change Grant. Hopefully she’ll be ok to live with. If not I can always go back 👍🏻
Looks great ,I like that colour scheme
Thanks Dale 👍🏻
Love that bike
Thanks Doug. Hoping like a good mistress she’s fun to live with too 👍🏻
Congrats mate , on your new bike enjoy and safe riding ! I’m About to get a GS R1250 not sure if will get the new trophy or adventure 2023 yet . I want to have some fun on the GS before moving to a sport tourer , I’m 😃53 , no doubt will be looking at your bike in the future , in what ever iteration is at the time . I love your reviews , detailed descriptions and Content, impressed how you took care to the last detail the GSA 1250 you returned … you take attention to detail to the next level !
Thanks. For sure if someone wants a 2 year old GSA with 12,500 miles on it they could not do much better. Enjoy whatever you decide and ride safe 👍🏻
Sorry to hear you have left the Gsa fold at the minute, looking forward to your videos on the new stead. Health to enjoy Nick .
Thanks Colin. It was a wrench but fancied a change 👍🏻
What a cracking looking bike, congratulations. Be very interesting to hear your thoughts on it over time.
Thank you. 1st service coming up. So far so good 👍🏻
What’s unacceptable with the New K 1600 is No Active Cruise and No Wireless Charging! Both options are available on the R 1250 RT. At this price level and being the Ultimate Luxury Tourer, it is unacceptable! You should get the rear crash guards to protect the Bags. It is a heavy bike, so one little slippery surface on the parking lot, it will go down. Installation is super easy as the bags come out with one click. Congratulations!
They had trouble with the ACC on the RT and withdrew it as an option and not sure if it’s back. I have it on my car and love it but think it may be a little too comfortable and also stark if someone braked hard on a bike??? My mate has the RT and I really wish it had it but he has to take it out the case to work and it struggles to keep up as the Connected App is a battery eater!! Hopefully she’s nice to live with, but we’ll see 👍🏻
Good to see you back Nick! Well done with your changeover - I'm a long time GS owner and will be interested in how you progress. A biggie for me would be the navigation - I use Basecamp extensively and love creating specific routes with waypoints for maximum enjoyment. Can you do this with the K1600?
Hi Jonny. You’re a man after my own heart. I do the same for all our tours and yes, if the connected app stays connected?????? Then a gpx file loaded from basecamp loads ALL the shaping points and works really well to follow exact routes. I only tried it yesterday so reserve judgement. The other think is the connected app is getting better for routing itself. I set no motorways or tools and shortest distance and it plots a pretty good route to run a 325kg bike down (without too much grass down the middle. That will happen if you select Winding in the app). Here’s hoping 🤞🏻 👍🏻
I knew it!!!!!! And hoped it would be in the m sport Colours ! Well done mate cracking bike!!!
There. Some guessed correctly. Think RT was the biggest result 👍🏻
Nice looking bike and it will be great for touring. Enjoy
Thanks. Here’s hoping 🤞🏻 👍🏻
Congrats! I was actually looking to change my R1250RS to this
I must try an RS. Never been on one 👍🏻
Congratulations on the new bike! It’s ironic as well. I just traded my K GT for a 2022 GSADVENTURE, I have a 32” (81 cm) inseam so height doesn’t seem to be an issue. We did the opposite
Twist!! It’s maybe not the end of GSs for me as I love them but it was time for a change and try of something different 👍🏻
I did exactly the same. Just bought brand new gsa low susspension and love how much lighter/manoeuvrable it is compared to k1600. And the fact I can go anywhere including riding on the beach ⛱️ is a massive bonus.
Truth is k1600 is designed for German autobahn but for daily use a bit to heavy for me😉
Nice to see u back 👍 Just returned from a 3000km 10 days road trip on my GSA, with full luggage and lovely wife. Sure the load feels pretty high 😱 so took a K1600 at my dealer for a try. Absolute beast, gorgeous engine, and feet well flat on the floor with the bike empty 👍 Don’t think my banker would like that bike as much as I did though 😅 Enjoy your new awesome flagship 😉
Thanks Michio. Off to France with pillion on Wednesday next week 👍🏻
Wowie, nice one. Swore you'd go RT but I have to say always fancied the 1600 but still want the option on the GS on those dodgy welsh tracks :-). Good on you! Will be interested to hear your thoughts over the coming months.
The RT was a consideration but the 1600 is not hugely more and when I rode the old model in 2018 I thought then, this is lovely. See if I can live with her now 👍🏻
Brilliant choice Nick. I have a 2021 GSA and whilst I love it, I think you might be at the front of the curve of a fashion change. Even at 6’3” I find the GSA to be a big tall beast, especially when loaded for a tour. I have had 2 K100RSs many years ago. I might have a go of a modern K. I’m really looking forward to hearing your comments on the new bike. Meant happy miles!
Thanks Derek. If you’ve seen my dress sense I NEVER lead 🤣🤣. I do find the GSA loaded and 2-up quite a balancing act. On the road and running it’s great but try rush hour in Strasbourg 😬 👍🏻
Congratulations awesome bike just subscribed 👍
Welcome along John. Hope you enjoy 👍🏻
Congratulations mate I sold my gsa for a older 17 plate rt love the rt. and I gust purchased a HD lowrider 117 lowrider st .love the colour scheme keep safe.
Thanks Stephen. The RT is a very accomplished motorcycle for sure 👍🏻
You have 3 years on me, so I may well feel different in 3 years, but that doesn’t appeal to me right now. I’m still hooning around on my Hypermotard and track my old K4 1000 as well as riding the GSA. That said, I was impressed with the RT when I had that on loan; just found the pegs too low in tight corners. So, who knows. I do love the colour scheme though Nick. You have good taste Sir.
Thanks for comment Jose. Each to their own. Bike’s are a very personal thing I guess. Like cars and women 🤣👍🏻
Lovely bike and best colour scheme. Locksheath 64 year old gsa rider here so if you fancy a blast ....
Hi Colin. Drop me an email. Would be good to add some new riders (my mates are all tossers 🤣). 👍🏻
@@nickhodgeUK emailed, probably in your junk.
Very smart bike in those colours........hope you have many smiles per miles on it.
Ride Safe
Steve ( no bike currently but previously had 1 x 1150 GS followed by 2 x 1100RT'S, 1 X 1200 RT and 1 X 1100R).
Thanks Steve. That’s quite a BMW stable!! 👍🏻
@@nickhodgeUK The GS had to go as I found that the ground wasn't as near as I thought it was ( I'm only 5ft 8 with a 29inside leg)....lol....I love the low down grunt and all day comfort ( done quite a few 500 miles plus in a day rides) that the beemers afford, and generally found them to be reliable. My next bike (if I can persuade management to let me get one) will be lighter - looking at the Honda NC700/750 as the best option for me.
Steve
Many congratulations on your new bike Nick; I must admit that I thought you'd be going for the RT, never considered the 1600 and the TFT on it looks fab. I'm 64 and have had my latest GSA for nearly three years. It is currently my intention to keep this bike for a few more years yet and put as many miles and countries on it as I can; I've always wanted to have a bike that I could look at and say 'that's taken me so many miles and to so and so destinations'. It will be interesting to see what your servicing costs are, as I'm led to believe the 1600 is a lot more than the GS/GSA due to the more complex way it's built e.g. fairing removal required for oil filter change. Ride safe, Andy.
I’m sure it’ll be more. The oil filter is visible though. I loved my GSs but it’s time to try something different before it’s to late to do so. Hoping she’s nice to live with but we’ll see 👍🏻
I had some inside info on your new bike!
While having my bike serviced at North Oxford Garage (May'22) I mentioned to someone I know there that I follow "Nick Hodge" but haven't hear from him in a while........Ah because he's selling his GSA and buying a K1600GT SE Sport.
And here it is, very lovely, enjoy many more miles Nick!
Ha ha Iain. It’s such a weird thing. They have sold bikes because people have seen my channel. I still find it bizarre but it does mean I guess they’re good to me and I hope those that have gone out of their way to go there on my say so. Anyhow. Here’s hoping it is nice to live with and not just look at. Bit like Joanna Lumley and not Amanda Holden I feel?? 👍🏻
@@nickhodgeUK Joanna L every time!
NB. The "someone I know" is from RSA!
There’s a few of them there but i suspect Myburgh 🤣👍🏻
@@nickhodgeUK Advance to Go and collect £200!👍
Good to see you back Nick. I am 64 and having the same thoughts as you have had, currently have a GSA love the bike BUT is It going to be my bike for the next five years ? Or longer, did not consider the K16 so I am very interested on how you get on with it, good stuff. 👍
Thanks Johnny. Who knows how this will go. My head is saying if it’s not for me after a year I can probably get a GSA with little money exchanged. I’m looking forward to it though 👍🏻
Superb choice motocycle enjoy it 😁
Thanks Steven. 👍🏻
Your video makes me change my mind and get a k1600 lol
Oooh the pressure. Sure you’ll like it 👍🏻
Look forward to your views on weight comparison between the GSA and the 1600. Great choice and colour scheme 👍
It’s certainly heavier but still feels ok once moving. See how it is to live with 👍🏻
Well well, I was close with the RT. Same thoughts as you Nick, I’m 70 now and still fit 🤞but I had to admit the GSA was just on the too big side for me and I think you’ll appreciate getting your feet down more and more on your lovely new machine. I love the extra weather protection I have on my RT and being a 2020 model I still have the “independent” Nav 6 so no potential problems with linking my phone etc. I also use the screen adjustment all the time, so useful. My mate has a K1600, beautiful bike, I’m looking forward to watching your journey with the new bike.
Cheers, safe riding. 👍
Thanks. The RT (if you remember my 2020 video) is a seriously good bike. My mate has just bought one (2021). I’m still nervous if the Nav but I have my Quad Lock on, so if it plays up it’ll be good old Google maps. Ride safe 👍🏻
@@nickhodgeUK I had the nav bracket removed when I bought my '21 GS. I've got a RAM mount if I want to use my Garmin Nuvi but I've never needed it as I'm fine using the BMW app connected to my 4yr old Samsung. Never caused any probs and works well once you've fine-tuned the settings. I'm 66yrs old and bought the standard GS as it's less bulky and a bit lower. I sold my 20yr old HD Road-King because of the weight (and rubbish performance/handling/brakes) so I think I'll stick with the lighter stuff. Beautiful bike though!
@@adrianleach1670 certainly android is better connected than Apple 👍🏻
Looks great hope you enjoy it,was intrigued to find out you can follow your bike being built as I've just ordered my second GSA could you give me info how to do this. Thanks John
Hi John. Sounds more elaborate than it is. The dealer has a track on it where you can see that it’s in the paint shop, assembly, etc. they sent screenshots but mainly because 4-6 weeks became 10-12!! 👍🏻
Interestingly I went from the K1600 to the R1250GS. Loved the comfort of the K but the weight was a bit much especially standing at traffic lights. The GS makes me seem like a better rider than I am which is quite handy!
I think most modern bikes do that Artov 🤣👍🏻
Nice to see you posting again Nick. Have you thought of posting an occasional Vlog as well as your usual videos. I was guessing the RT or K1600, being a bit shorter of leg, I the RT would be my pick if I was to go for a touring bike for longer rides, especially as I would prefer the sportier of the two.
The RT is a great bike with the boxer of course. My mate has one so maybe we’ll look at a comparison video?? 👍🏻
Nick
New to your channel, but just subscribed, as your level of detail is excellent… I am 68, rode from Florida to Patagonia and up to Rio, then from Fort Lauderdale to Alaska. Have had many GS and GSA, and countless bikes in the past 50 years and bought a 2022 K1600 GT. The reason I wrote about my past experiences is that at 6.2, I found the bike too heavy to manouver, too hard suspension, not steady on the hwy as the GSA, and the foot pegs are far behind giving me knee pain. I really want to love this bike, but I think I am going back to the GSA. Maybe your comments will change my mind. Congratulations on your videos.
Homero. Thanks for the comment. I think it’s a bike I always wanted to have from 2018 but I did fall in love with GS’s. I’d love to do top to bottom South America and North, just not on this bike!! For sure the suspension on the GT is FAR stiffer than the GS , which has to have more travel for its off-road capability, but the K16GTL has much softer suspension too but it does make it a bit more wallowy so I think I’d like to keep the sporty nature even though it’s a third of a ton!! It may be I too go back to a a GS but with just under 1,000 miles in her now she is growing in me. Got a thousand miler in France next week so we’ll see how that goes. That’s with pillion too for the first time ever on a tour. Ride safe 👍🏻
@@nickhodgeUK Nick, I will follow your trip and reports with much interest. Cheers
Good choice Nick, if you ever fancy a meet up, I live near Romsey, ride a ‘13 GS and I’m out on it most weekends. Quite often end up in Lepe beach or Calshot Spit on a Sunday
Alan. For sure. We seem to do a lot of Loomies and Portsdown Hill/South Downs Drop an email 👍🏻
@@nickhodgeUK I would if I could find it Nick 🤔
@@BiGVern1958 I don’t look at it much but try my name and gmail 👍🏻
Hi Nick, very strange that you have chosen the K1600, I only say that as I currently have a GS1250 and before that a GS1200, this weekend I am looking to purchase a 1600GT myself.
Love the GS, but I'm the same age as yourself and I feel that I need to have a full tourer. I have had 5 Honda ST1300 Pan European's, and have driven the 1600 before when the GS was on a service.(the same one that TeapotOne had a few years ago) so great video, and hopefully I'll be a K1600GT owner soon.
👍👍
Hi Barry. Just put a video up with me going to the 1st service, with first thoughts. May be worth a watch?? I’m liking it so far and just need to stretch it’s legs to see if I love it. Off to France later 👍🏻
@@nickhodgeUK Hi Nick, well test drive done, deposit paid and I will collect my GT on the 27th August, not a new one but a 2020 with only 474 miles on it. Cannot wait.
Perfect Barry. Enjoy it and ride safe 👍🏻
Lol - I'm going the other way! Moving from a K1600 GTL Exclusive to a 2023+ GSA. I just turned 60 - looking for a "smaller" bike.
I understand that. The K1600 is a beast weight-wise. I’m sure I’ll go back eventually but probably to the RT
Great Vid Nick, I’m 51 and so be thinking how much longer I can get on and ride a GSA. I’m getting shorter with age and the ADV bikes as getting taller.
Indeed. I still love my GSA and maybe I’ll be back but with a pillion it becomes a little more ‘unsteady at standstill’ every time (although I don’t do huge amounts of two-up). She considerably heavier than even the Adventure but my feet are firmly planted for sure 👍🏻
I’m very interested in your thoughts, Nick. After a long break from biking, I’m going to be getting myself a bike in November, when my pension rocks up. I’ve been chopping and changing about what to get. The K1600GT was a strong contender. The last time I rode one was when they first came out, and my beloved K1200S was being serviced. Lockdown and surgery stopped me doing this sooner, but the proposed ULEZ moving out to the M25 has made me decide not to get a new car, to commute to London on, but a bike.
I’ve ridden the Adventure and, yes, it’s big, but as you say it’s pretty easy to ride. What I liked about it, was my wife, who’s never been on the back of my K1200S, although scared at first, began to love it. The other thing was that our wonderful roads, which don’t seem so important as causing chaos at the taxpayers expense, are riddled with dangerous potholes. Yes, looking as far down the road as you can, helps spot and avoid them, but with 20cm of suspension travel at each end, the GSA sails over them. That’s going to be handy at night when our country’s death holes are much harder to spot.
I test rode the new RT, and it was a candidate, but I started watching videos on the new K1600GT. It was the sound that appealed. It was like my K1200S, but on steroids! I’m not allowed to buy or even order until November, so I’ll be following your experience closely. I’d like your serious thoughts on weather protection. My K1200S was fantastic for keeping me dry. I’ve not ridden the GSA in wet weather, so I’d like to know your opinion on that. I know the GT will be great on weather protection, and the RT will be too. I’m very confused and will be out testriding in September when the surgeon gives me the all clear.
Hi Alberto. Watch this space. The K1600GT is a hard ride and suspension travel is something I mention in my upcoming ‘1st Service, 1st thoughts’ video. Maybe consider the GTL as that is nearer the GS, although for it’s off-road use nothing comes near the GS(A). Watch this space and have fun choosing!! 👍🏻
@@nickhodgeUK Thanks Nick, I shall keep watching. Of course, the solution is to have multiple bikes, but I don’t think I’d have a pair of testicles after pulling that stunt!
I couldn’t warrant the money to keep the GSA but yes. May not just be temporary testicle confiscation either. They may be on the mantelpiece for a considerable time 🤣👍🏻
@@nickhodgeUK 🤣
The lengths one has to go to to solve the TFT connectivity issues!
Let’s not be too confident Nick 🤣🤣👍🏻
@@nickhodgeUK I´m rooting for you! I gave up the battle some years ago.
What a beauty!
Love the colourway.
What's the seat height off the top of your head?
Thanks. 810-830 (low/high setting). There are FOC seat options too
Nice! Got the radio on my RT. Easy to mute the volume with the scroll wheel. The lack of adaptive cruise in comparison to yours put me off this time around, but next time???
Do you have the adaptive?? I’m interested to know how it is. My car I love it, but not sure the characteristics on a bike I would like 👍🏻
@@nickhodgeUK Yes and works exactly the same as any car I’ve driven. Great for motorway/long-distance. I’m going from Kent to Scotland and the NC500 in a couple of weeks, so glad I have that feature for that kind of journey.
Oh, and changing gears does not disengage it either which I also like.
@@dexradio I must try it myself. 👍🏻
I have a 2015 with 109,000 miles it runs great
That’s encouraging. Ride safe 👍🏻
If you want prominence, a Gold Wing would certainly help 😂
I think that is going a little backward (subjective opinion). The new one has a bit of a weird shape. My mate has a 2020 model and that’s a nice looking bike. In the eye of the beholder I guess? 👍🏻
@@nickhodgeUK You're not old for a Gold Wing, yer still a young lad 😀
Looks beautiful , I like BMs but the cost of the add ons crazy money service and maintenance frightening ,
Hopefully you'll have many years of enjoyment , from a 65 year old Welsh man still riding but with a struggle ,
Thanks Martin. I’ve decided this isn’t a rehearsal 🤣👍🏻
Knew when you started it, it was a K16 GT or GTL (not sure why you didn't get the GTL, coming from a bigger bike like the GS). I have a 2012 GTL and am thinking about going to the GS! My bike has had a lot of the things that people rave about just coming to the GS, but I want to see if I get more leg stretch out of a GS. I have highway pegs, but they can't be positioned to really do any good, as I'm 6'5". Enjoy the ride - phenomenal engine!
Hi Jim. I felt the GTL was a bit ‘spongy’. I rarely have a passenger so went for slightly stiffer handling 👍🏻
@@nickhodgeUK Interesting and I agree in road/comfort setting. Putting it in sport/dynamic was a whole different thing! what difference, if any, do you notice in the seat-to-peg distance between the GT and GS?
@@jimwilliams5788 it’s shorter and backward on the K1600. I have a slight issue currently as this makes a booted foot difficult to naturally get under the gear lever 👍🏻
@@nickhodgeUK thanks and that was what I was hoping to hear - still waiting on the availability to test ride the GS
Nick your bike looks superb couple of questions because I’m thinking of doing the same . Is your seat height standard and I noticed on your gearshift that it was adjustable did you put that on yourself. Have you sat on the bagger is the seat thinner on the gt . The only reason I ask is because I’m 29 leg and I’ve test ridden the bagger but they have no gt and I found the seat on the bagger to wide. Enjoy your bike.
Hi Simon. My seat height is standard (on the high setting). They do a free option too of high and low seats. There are also aftermarket lowering lugs for little money. The gearshift is standard although I find it very low and tough to get a booted toe under naturally so I may need to adjust it. I didn’t try the bagger (look doesn’t really appeal). I tried the GTL but it was a bit ‘soft’ as it’s really built for 2-up and I rarely do that. The GT is for me a good handling pretty stiff ride. The Grand America….. now that’s another story. It’s huge (and speed limited) due to the rear end weight and overhang. Also I don’t like the lights in the luggage as I often ride without it 👍🏻
Sorry, yes the seat is narrower
@@nickhodgeUK Thanks for your quick reply 👍
not looking forward to getting old and boring, wife said I already am, and having to get a boring bike .... no offence mate and hope you enjoy your new bike 👍👍
Thanks David. This is far from boring. Maybe not your cup of tea, but there are few bad modern bikes it’s just ‘what suits’. I know probably close to 10 people now who hated GS’s. They’re now riding them! Ride safe 👍🏻
@@nickhodgeUK I was 1 of them gs haters ... till I test rode the 1250 😉
@@davidknight4497 great. Eleven now see 🤣
I never read the manual. But I do haunt CZcams .
That’s the correct approach 👍🏻
Did you try the multistrada?
No I didn’t. I still think if I was looking adventure bike it would be the GSA. As I said in the video there’s faster, lighter, etc but IMO nothing yet matches the all round ability of the BMW and certainly the range of accessories. I think it was the change of genre I was looking at and I’m so far pretty pleased with the purchase 👍🏻
£877 for a top box is over $1500 AUD, that's almost a Ducati desmo service 🤣🤣🤣
The only thing I can get near justifying that price for a plastic box is it’s colour-matched, has an interior light and joins the central locking on the bike (which is a good feature) 👍🏻
Send us more , she’s nice eh
Hi Carl. 1st service on 8th so by that time I’ll have a list of good/bad and waffle my thoughts I’m sure 🤣👍🏻
@@nickhodgeUK funny world Eh , I’m thinking that this will be my last GSA and was thinking of the RT but I hate the mirrors so low down ? Going to ask for a weekend test ride when I’m in for a service .
@@Carlnewman68 watch this space then. My mate has an RT and he loves it and I think it’s very underrated but this was about £3,000 more (with radio if that ticks boxes)
@@nickhodgeUK would you happen to know why my GSA 2021 connected maps are Boring blue even the roads look like a bloody river ? Nav 6 is broken again just can’t find its self (2ed nav 6 ) why can’t BMW get this sorted and when I spotted your maps I was thinking they have changed the blue background?
Send me your friends link so I can have a look at his RT
No adaptive cruise on the 1600. Big fail on this new model.
I’m not sure as not tried it on a bike. I love it in my car but it does take some attention away from the ride and if something stops quickly, so does my car. Not sure how quick I would want the bike to brake for itself. Maybe an option would have been good but they had to drop it from the RT for a while (not sure if it’s back yet) as they had issues where it was sending road signs as traffic and stuff. As I say an option would be good, but I’m not sure I’d have added it 👍🏻
I got it right. Do I get a prize lol
Hi Dave. I think you were one of two and one was close with the GTL (and one was at the dealers when I tried it). Treat yourself to a beer 🍺 👍🏻
It is really surprising that you swapped GSA for k1600. Poor fuel economy, top heavy, zero offroad capability, overpriced service...etc
I did exactly opposite but I can see from your videos that you don't do serious touring mileage so I think you will enjoy k1600 to show off on the parking lot🤣
My advice for the future, if you ever get back to GSA is to get low suspension version. Perfect tourer for serious mileage with loads of luggage capability/capacity and passenger comfort, and obviously offroad if you need to get to that tricky b&b somewhere in the middle of nowhere 😉
Well thanks for the digs 🤣. I guess 2100 miles in the 6 days in June wasn’t ‘serious’ mileage?? Anyhow I’ve needed the off road capability of the GS once and even that was tricky with road tyres. It’s not a need to be lower, on my own I’m fine but doing more 2-up touring the slightly lower helps. Ride safe 👍🏻
@@nickhodgeUK well, let me explain what serious mileage is😉 I picked up the bike on Tuesday morning, Wednesday afternoon had first service done. Left UK on 28th Jul. A week ago had 6500 service done somewhere in Croatia. I'm at 8500 in Southern Greece. By the time I get back in about 3 weeks will have 3rd service...lol
Everything done fully loaded with my wife. Beaches and mountains I could never do on k1600😉
Satnav set to avoid motorways🤩
@@beemaniauk sounds perfect 👍🏻
a wonderful straight line tourer
Thanks John. Hope it’ll go around corners too 👍🏻
i sold K1600 to get a 1250 GS, only becuase our roads in NZ are shite, so the GS suspension is perfect. K1600 great grunty bike but cant handel shit roads.
Yes. I could see that. The GS’s suspension travel and adjustment is phenomenal. I got a speeding ticket in NZ and got stranded in Greymouth by snow. I call it a ‘3rd World/1st World country’. But it is beautiful 👍🏻
@@nickhodgeUK yeah its all about adv riding here.
And why the hell not?
This isn’t a rehearsal, eh Matt? 🤣👍🏻
@@nickhodgeUK absolutely Nick, Enjoy mate!!
I can't find the USB port in the phone compartment, where is it please, otherwise I love mine!
Hi Brian. Top of compartment, nearest to rider on centre-right. Effectively facing right and it’s USB-C. Extra advice, buy the BMW lead for the compartment. Astronomical cost (£40GBP for the lightning cable, £30GBP for USB-C) but it’s the only one that really fits 👍🏻
@@nickhodgeUK Thank you very much!!