BMW K1600 Bagger and K1600GTL
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- čas přidán 28. 08. 2024
- They're big....VERY big! But does that count against them or work in their favour? BMW's 6-cylinder touring bikes are a masterpiece of engineering, with an engine that is one of the great engines in modern motorcycling and with an electronics suite that makes the eyes water. Now, BMW has pandered to the U.S. market and brought out the Bagger. It's a little smaller than the GTL but has it gained anything by shrinking? Mat and Harry find out.
The bagger looks amazing. I genuinely never been so excited for a bike I can't afford.
just went from a Harley Davidson Electra-glide classic limited, beautiful bike, great driving slow and straight, the BMW K 1600 GTL is just plain amazing, power, sound, handling, fuel capacity, mileage, wind protection driving computer, suspension adjustment an d heated seat also.. unbelievable machine, I always feel like I am on a space ship!
I live in So Cal and all the Harley riders here are so happy about their stage 4 kits where they can actually get maybe 120 hp and then you put up one of these bikes next to theirs and it seems like the stone age in all categories performance, comfort etc...
Love the background track playing during the road segments.
After watching this episode on the Bagger vs. the GTL. This is what influenced me to buy the Bagger, specifically, the Grand America! Great bike and have not looked back (except to see how far back the other baggers are...lol) JUUUST KIDDING!
Collecting my Bagger this Friday with at least a four hour ride to get home....Perfect! Oh and you can buy pannier liners so you don't have to carry your socks and boxers into the hotel in a Tesco bag!
You nailed the narration. Awesome job.
the K1600B is a lovely beats! i love this 6 cylinder... just great🥰🥰🥰
If it wasn't The Bike Show, I wouldn't have watched this. Great report as usual. just need a shed load of cash now!
Awesome review! You captured the soul of both machines.
really luv this K1600B
Awesome video, definitely a keeper!
Hi
Bought a 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL.
Planet blue metallic, brown leather seats.
Magnificent bike!!
Take care everyone!!
Much love to you guys from Australia
We're feeling it! Thanks Rocky.
“... Bavarian black magic... “
Classic
Just waiting for the k1600b to turn up in my garage👍
Good opinionated views without just quoting specifications or over powered with backing music giving us a good sound of the bike... thats how a review should be.
Thank you guys for the amazing review.
Fabulous piece as ever chaps - I loved the Bagger and the big K1600GT (didn't try the "L") too and I agree with your enthusiasm for both...but is it really that much better than the RT? I know that big ol' 6 cylinder engine is a peach but the boxer in the RT works a treat and you lose a bit of weight/cost.......
I had my 2nd test ride on a K1600GT and was ready to push the button but the 1200GS was a itch i needed to scratch - to eliminate it from my enquiry as so to speak, but within 5 miles on the GS i realised it was an easier bike to own and much more suited to UK roads and bought it, but blimey, what a bike that 1600GT was!
Bought, whilst living in the UK, a K1600GT and liked it a lot. However, for British B and C Roads I did want a lighter, more nimble bike with even better and more suspension, so I added a GS. After a year of almost not riding the K, I sold it and stayed with the GS which I recently swopped into the new GSA... that says it all!✅
Yes, you are right but since when has common sense had anything to do with it! We're motorcyclists; we only think with the heart!
Does very much depend on the rider and the purpose of the ride. Some people will never get that flat twin grumble, it'snot vibration as such it puts some off as does the droning engine note. I've had several boxers but only one of my friends ever got it. The new LC RT is a marvel and so nimble and the performance is now more adequate than it's ever been, but that's often not enough for guys used to 4 cylinder sports tourers. The K16 though can appeal to multi owners and if big motors mean more to you than the awesome nimbleness of the RT then it could be the bike. Also we've probably all had at least one bike that had an annoying patch of vibration just in the wrong places, whether that was numb hands, numb feet, numb are or just annoying rattles - no worries of that with the K16. But to be fair, when considering the next bike I did weigh up the RT against the K16, K16GT Sport is the one for me.
@@darkdestroyer6634 I would have likely ended up with an RT or a GS but when chasing down leads on bikes with the target price, all but the last one which is now in my garage evaporated before I could even get a response from the listing agent. I needed something that could gobble up miles without making me feel like i'm trapped in a tiny closet. The RT or GS will take sharper corners than the GT with more grace and agility for sure. The ability to pass 12 cars at a time with ease, when opportunity presents itself is um addictive :D..
Over 12,000 miles on my GTL and that Bavarian blackmagic is still there!
I commute on mine everyday in Florida. During the hot days of summer I see zero Harley riders on the road; gee I wonder why.
i have the gt sport . Well if you liked those two you will like this one even more
They've reworked the front end on the 2021 model of the GTL and eliminated the wind over instability concerns!
The reveal of the black magic a strait 6 (one of the smoothest powerbands of an engine) then they dropped it as low as it can go its a big engine so works kinda like a counterweight
If I was older I'd definitely look into a bagger.
Now you are older, get a bagger!
Regarding the weight, it's estimable, but they are hardly alone in the field.....
It makes me chuckle when they continue on about how huge this bike is despite them both being the lightest, smallest most agile touring machines here in the states, how the pond changes things.
Love the bagger, the resale value really concerns me. Want one, but the long term runnings costs worry me
The problems with the wonder wheel and a turn indicator is a problem only a first few km. Then you get used to them.
Agree. Never been a problem to me.
06:52 the Harley comment at low speeds. LMAO!!! But so true!!
Absolutely love the show, but where is Donavan? He’s such a “big” part of it. 😁
Sonar Saint I
Sonar Saint I I
Hello friend, all right, I speak of Brazil?
Congratulations on the bike, I recently bought the same K1600 bagger, mine has already taken 12000 km rounds, made the tire changes putting the pirelli GT angel tires, and went to road test them, but when I reach a high speed the bike starts to float the ahead, at this speed stop you made, did you feel it?
Sorry for the english, but i'm using google tadutor.
So not only are they better than the Harley Street and Road Glide in every way but they cost less as well.
TJ, you beat me for 8 minutes... Hoped to be that guy for once and write 'FIRST'...
But you have to calculate the maintanace in. A 6 Cylinder engine costs more to maintain than a 2 cylinder
Th3Grimmi I've owned a Dyna Wide Glide. Trust me, they're just as expensive to maintain.
Yes HD are expensive ,but BMW riders are so ..well besserwisser!!!
Theoretically, they cost more to fix if you pay somebody else to do it but they are surprisingly easy to do most of the maintenance on, this is coming from a guy who used to ride honda.
I have a Grand America for the past two weeks. I will not be missing the Harley. Passed on the wing
BMW are brave releasing this bike. Clearly aimed at the yanks, most of the market demographic that would buy a bagger are so closed minded with the 'if it ain't made in 'Murica (Harley) it ain't no good' attitude. Hopefully the better engineering, advanced technology and overall better quality of the BMW proves them wrong and it sells.
id never go for a harley but a 1600GT or the B is right in my happy spot.
Coldfin9er - Once I save up a mountain of coins this yank will own either a GTL or the new awesome Grand America in black. May start with the RT first though.
skip the grand whatever it is.. :P
This bike is amazing. I've test rode it, it's a beauty.
E-Nonymouse Will test ride it one day for sure.
it's not even the amde in america thing. it's their lack of balls. i've had many bmw's and a couple harley's. the harley guys really are very weak in character. their need to belong to a group and bolster an image is paramount. big tough guys too afraid that their friends will make fun of them if they ride something else they may actually like better. i've seen it many many times. it's the "lets all be different together" syndrome
I have to go with the GTL, forget looks I want to pack up!
those boxes (side and rear) don't hold much.
Here in the USA, we’d refer to both bikes as “baggers” actually.
Gary A why? Lol
Not
Surely the GTL is a DRESSER? Like an Electraglide. Baggers have saddlebags/panniers but no top box. Like a Streetglide.
Um, no.
i love those eyes
Just gave up my Honda Rune...beautiful, heavy, limited beast...something of a show pony. I want a tourer to do big miles and the bagger looks the part....too cool for school but still practical when I won’t to load up and do 2,500 miles in a week!
GW 1800 non tour is the better bagger in my opinion. Testrode k1600b and GW and ended up wirh the wing. The big tft on the k is great but cant do nothing where the wing comes with carplay.
No doubt the engine is a blast and beast and superiour to the GW boxer but
The black magic gets interesting after a couple of thousand miles in terms of whether the engine still lives. GW are bulletproof, thats a fact.
Still the K's are beautiful machines and fun to ride ✌️
I’d be interested to hear how these two bikes compare to the new GoldWing.
DervMan yep me too
DervMan there's NO comparison.. the BMW feels like a formula 1 car with bags... the Goldwing is just "pleasant"... like a Camry. Different bikes for different things.. I will add 1 more thing: the seating position is actually better on the BMW. I found it more comfortable than the new Golswing. BMW hit a homerun here.
Having ridden on a gold wing and it's smaller cousin, there's no comparison.
The K1600 is a 690 pound formula 1 car like Br Sha says. It has more BHP and torque output at lower rpms than any other touring bike on the road. My GT gets 47 mpg, has a 6.2 gallon tank. A useable top end of 250kph out of 265 theoretical. The torque curve is very flat, the gears above 2nd are quite tall so you could hit 110mph before you were forced to shit up. 6th gear handles from 40 up to 170mph.
The vibration from the road is almost not noticeable, the GT is faster and lighter than the GTL. The differences between the two are mostly farkles and max weight. What I will say about the K16 that conflicts with what this video claims, it's turn radius is quite wide and low speed handling is dicey because it's top heavy. You don't notice the top heavy feel at speeds.
The K16 also has a single swing arm design, so taking tires off is a breeze. Stripping panels off to get at the guts is surprisingly easy (honda sucks a fat one on that score).
Doing as much of your own mechanical work on the K16 as possible will make it very economical to own. Do buy a GS911 ODB reader immediately upon purchase of the bike.
I tried it, but ended up getting a Honda f6b, the bmw was too tech, don’t need that much complication, f6b has better looks, just as good handling and still good for a passenger
Anyone reading this comment, Zach and Ari did a great comparison on an EP of on two wheels before they left motorcyclist magazine
I absolutely am smitten with that 1600b, however I’m highly concerned about the mysterious “high speed wobble”. The steering seems to move on you at 70ish mph I think it was. Has that been remedied? I’ve heard about it too much not to be true. Also, 2022 model expected to have that great new display the RT12050 has now? Thanks in advance!!
I also had my doubts about the dash and see that the 1250rt plus other Beemers in the line up are now being fitted with the tablet type TFT dash. Problem I have is that it now looks to "plain" for my taste. I think i still prefer the analog and digital combination. maybe I am too old school, but I think it will age better with current set up.
Great engine, might work well in a sports bike
Well, a nice naked-bike with that engine will do (just take a look at the Concept 6 bike from BMW). Or a real sports-touring-bike. IMO the K1300S needs a predecessor, and the engine of the K1600 is just the perfect fit. Sadly, BMW seems to not get in line with us..
Its happening now
What where?
Rode both. Great engine. Riding position better be enjoyable to you because its the only riding position you will be able to get into. No leg movement allowed to any other location. Deal breaker to say the least.
ok, I give up....what is the deep bas electronic music playing in the background?
How do you like the Shark carbon helmet?
If that's the wet weight, I think the 360kg or 793lbs is quite reasonable. I used to ride sport bikes exclusively but started to ride touring bikes out of necessity (can no longer physically tolerate clip ons and rear sets). When I first started shopping for a Harley, I just couldn't wrap my head around a bike that weighed as much as two of my old bikes... heck, even an optioned out Goldwing is pushing 900 pounds! Thing is, it's actually the riders who are causing the weight gain; the manufacturers are just giving us what we ask for, as we keep demanding more tech, more comfort, more storage, and more performance. It gotten to a point where I'm just thrilled to see a weight rating under 800lbs 😁
Current dream bike
How do you get the halo lights to flash as at the 3:13 minute mark - GTL lights flashing and B lights not? Later GTL lights not flashing.
Both of them are "flashing", just at different frequencies. It is to fast for the human eye to see, but a camera set at certain frame rates and shutter speeds causes it to be seen.
I would like to point out that you've missed one out..... there's also a K1600GT Sport.... which has a different and more sporty riding position to those two.....
I LOVE THIS MOTORCYCLE !!!!!
;-))
Only a mother could love those bikes. :/
ah yes. more concerned with what others may think is cool. what a sad way to live life
Beautiful bikes, especially the B...but new GW is coming out in 2018...
HAHAHA... See the review of it from RZ(common tread), they compare the K16 to the 'new' GW. As goofy as their style of review was, it was quite evident that the k16 is still better in many ways, including fuel economy btw. The wing is still too heavy and performs like it. I've tried both and can say the comparison holds up.
I rode (not too far) a new GW with the DCT, it was amazing.. but that being said, I now own a 2018 (dealer hold over) K1600 GTL.
How is that possible,that stability issue appears only in BMW's on American market? There's is nothing wrong with them in Europe. I took my 2018 Grand America fully loaded trunks plus passenger to the limit, I must admit,at 90 mph I could feel little wiggle but pushed to the limit which is 💯 mph for about two minutes and nothing, totally smooth ride like we're not moving. Amazing. Remember folks, there's always two sides to the story. Competition.
The GTL not good looking, huh? Totally disagree. The top box is easily removable and becomes a formidable GT like bike. The Bagger looks great but needs a functional back rest. It’s seat design won’t allow one. This Bagger model still has some tweaking to be done and needs more color ways. Finally the K1600 line of Touring bikes all need TFT screens and back-lit handlebar switches for night riding. Come on BMW!
Great as always guys. 2 questions though.
1. What microphone / camera set up are you using for your onboards?
&
2. Can Matt redo his zx14r test on the newer model please. I have watched his original one dozens of times and it was one of the vids that helped me to decide on one myself
For microphones, we use a pretty standard lapel mike plugged into a GoPro Hero5. The noise cancellation software is brilliant straight out of the box. As soon as the newer model ZX14R is available to us, we'll be testing it.
The Bike Show thanks Harry. Ill have to have a look at my gopro microphone then as I get a shite load of wind noise. Cant wait to see the zx. Actually, id like to see all 3 of you on it. It would be good to get Donovans feedback as a current circuit racer, Matts as a comparo to the original review and yours Harry as somone who would have the bike as an every day rider.
great
I'm sure its badass
It's not that heavy compared to GoldWing or Yamaha Eluder though.
obvious choice:
K1600GT
(without top-case)
not GTL
not B
cheers ;o)
You can add all the farkles that make a GTL what it is, to the GT model afterwards if you wanted to.
Hear hear! And a decent higher seat! Not EVERYONE is a dwarf!
as an RT guy, ever really liked teh GTL. but i fell in love with the GT this week. was going to get a GS. GT all the way!!!
@@babayaga1767 logged 5k miles in a month and a half so far on my GT. A GS or something like a GS for dirt would be my second choice as well. GT weighs 700 pounds but can be knocked down by as much as 60 pounds, all the other K16 models are quite a bit heavier.
If you would like assistance with where to find the K16 communities online send me a PM.
5:08 no corner , maybe a slight curve .
Get the bag liner’s…
I bought a 2018 GTL. The bike is fast and for a tourer, is extremely nimble.
Take it out on the highway, let 'er rip and a glaring fault soon rears it's ugly head: Instability.
Once you get up to about 75 MPH, a 'crosswind' kind of instability begins to be prominent.
At about 95, You'll feel a lot of things, but "one handed confidence" isn't one of them.
My neighbor bought a K1600 b. He HATES the highway characteristics. I think his issue is worse on his version than it is on mine. He hates it so much, I think he's going to trade it
in.
When I watch a GT go up to 230 Km/h I think to myself "Are you kidding me?! I wouldn't even think of doing that. I ran my 1000cc V-Strom up to about 120 MPH no problem.
I might experiment with removing the luggage and top case, a la 'GT' style. That may do it.
I kinda expected this bike to feel and handle "like on rails" at speed, as the saying goes.
If it did, I would think this may be the perfect big sport tourer. but, alas, it does not.
I will say this though, despite being heavy, and very top heavy, it is pretty amazing in the twisties.
On country roads, going at a good clip, it is everything I hoped it would be.
Sadly, more often than not, I'm taking the Interstate to get to the roads I really enjoy.
So, for anyone thinking of buying a K16GT/L or B, take it out on the highway before you sign off on it.
Hi buddy. Any news on the stability issue you mentioned about? Did you try the bike without the top case? I also read somewhere that if you change the screen, the bike is 100% stable.
OMG! It costs the same as the views :)
How does it compare to the FJR?
Did anybody notice at 4:05 a man walking by the road in the midle of nowhere? ^_^
I can see getting the GTL for touring but I'll keep my Road Glide Special instead of the BMW Bagger. One high RPM beast and then my tractor. Just need to build that 124 ci engine with around 145 hp and 145 tq. I'll get there.
didn't say a thing about differences !
PROBLEM areas are: (4:30) Ugliest handlebars ever made on anything. Lawnmower handles look better. #2 wind buffeting. That from multiple reviewers all over the internet. #3 Saddle bag doors and latches. German over-engineering. Too small and cut off way too high off the ground. Has a funny looking "T" shape from the back. #4 Ugly dashboard and gauges. It looks old. #5 Microscopic touch screen. There is no excuse BMW, its 2019 for fuck sake. #6 top bag cannot hold a large helmet and there is no option for removal (Grand America). #7 Leg/foot position. Its either slightly back or way up. Its not bad but its also not premium. #8 Oil Change procedure. Retarded. #9 Paint. Too limited. #10 Its amazing. Even after all that, it is one bad ass bike. Power, safety features, overall look, suspension, amazing. Its just so hard to look past 1-9 when its time to put down money. It also reminds me of how liberal Germans are and their self hatred. Makes me want to gag.
K1600B ku pakai dinas harian 😆
I like all motorcycles they are all dependable, Ducati is likely the least dependable imo
Highway pegs?
Yes, I agree. I have a K1600GT, and fitted crash bars so I could add highway pegs. Problem is the lower fairing sticks out so you can't put your feet in the pegs. Or the pegs would have to stick WAY out to the side. Another thing is the K1600B highway boards. They gave me hope, but they are too close unless you are a dwarf. Can't stretch out the legs with them at all.
The Bagger comes with forward floor boards.
Hacksaw? Just remove the top luggage, it's designed to come off quite easily!
Parts are super, super super expensive
I have one. The standard windscreen is an abomination. Changed it for a Wunderlich screen, which is too big and in summer temperatures much too hot. Furthermore, fast touring on small roads is a hassle, my upper body hurts from dragging this big thing through tight low speed corners after a day's ride. It is inmensely heavy to handle at standstill or low speeds. The stock seat is ridicilous, had it changed by a seating specialist. Although looking large from outside the panniers are very small inside, I can't put my helmet in it, a loptop case hardly fits and the maximum allowed weight is not very much. I can't see any reason for this bike existence rather then being a show piece for the BMW factory. Even the audio system is bad, speakers are absotely useless and changing the audio output to you bluetooth headset only makes the music audible at moderate speeds, on the motorway the sound is drowned by the wind- and engine noise. It is comfortable for long rides on motorways, but there it ends.
Now I hate it and soon it has to go. Changing to a lighter more nimble bike like a 1000XR.
Top
3.51
having rode both and at roughly the same price point, the BMW bagger and the Goldwing bagger I have got to say the Goldwing does most things better especially the screen which on the BMW K1600 B LE is woeful and at 5.11" the wind noise and buffeting at motorway speeds was unbearable and couldn't hear the radio or music which is a shame because that is exactly when you want some sounds to ease the journey. On the Wing with the screen up the music was perfect and wind noise and buffeting non existent.
humongous? dont' know. my buddy's goldwing weighs 900 lbs.
Hows the stereo system
Audio is tolerable but can be fixed up with third party stuff.
To expensive rather buy a car the Kawasaki gtr 1400 is still the king money wise and gtr do the job by a mile
Everybody rates the new goldwing higher
Guess what, the Goldwing is NOT a BMW!
They look like something out of a bad science fiction movie.
I’m 6’4” has anyone my height have thoughts?
Bagger will be okay. You just need to adjust the bars up. I’m 6’6 and happy with the bagger
Humongous massiveness? Ha!
Are the saddle bags removable?
Not on the B , but they are in the GT & GTL
"hasn't mentioned the best part yet which is the noise! listen to this!" proceeds to pull throttle back and it sounds like a Prius accelerating. Not sure what you guys are used to in the UK but that sounds like shit
Harley rider?
Read web. Serious issues with Reverse. Transmission. I have a K1600B 2019 with 215 Miles on it. I put in reverse and transmission locked up. Read internet BM’s blogs. This bike has been out 2 years and THEY HAVE NO FIX! Ruined my summer! All my friends just left hotel. I’m stuck paying 1000’s In cancelled reservations not to mention gear I bought for trip! This is a MAJOR ISSUE! Buyer beware
105 speed limiter = BIG JOKE!
And why is the limiter set to 105? Because of the dangerous instability issue.
Yet NOBODY talks about it.
It's getting pretty difficult not to think all these reviews are bought.
I mean really, it's a pretty big issue. Some issue that big and not even mentioned, is a big issue in itself.
@burnerjack01 apparently riders have found that if you replace the bagger screen with the gt screen and put good tyres on, road 5 or 6, sorts the problem!
What I don't like about them is the foot positing. Riding with your legs bent like that for more than a few hours becomes rather uncomfortable.
code for 'tea bagger'
Hv
NO NO NO, the best tourer far exceeds this BMW and that is the Gold Wing. This was a very Eurocentric review. You don't go to Europe to understand touring bikes, you have to go to America because America has longer and larger stretches of highways than Europe. We have highways that are 3,000 miles of uninterrupted highways. Europe has no such thing. Goldwings are the ultimate tourers. Always have been and always will be. These guys are confusing cruisers and tourers at points. They really don't know their shit. If you're going to use American terms, at least understand what they mean.
@ Little Switzerland. As an American, I understand the point you're trying to make, but I respectfully disagree. The BMW K1600 GTL is a better touring bike than the Goldwing in almost every measurable way. It has more power, better technology, more comfort, better handling, and more storage capacity. The only advantage the Wing has over the BMW is its dealership network which is critical for touring riders. If repairs are necessary while out on the road, you're never far away from a local Honda dealership. Not so with BMW. That fact alone might sway my decision as to which bike to buy, but as to which is the best bike, the Beamer hands down, IMHO.
Gabby I own both a 2018 K1600 GTL and a 2018 Goldwing. The Goldwing is a far better tourer in my opinion. I do love the BMW though for its speed.
@ Little Switzerland. What a coincidence, so do I. But I had to sell the Wing to make room for my new Lamborghini.
NIce, so I assume you're saying I'm a liar? Want me to give you the vin#'s?
Correction: These gentlemen are from Australia. They make the same "misjudgment" in their comparos, but they are not European.
GET RID OF THAT STUPID CROSSBAR ON THE BAGGER!!!
this is the exact bike that's for the stupidly crazy people.
tours on such a heavy bike just kill the reason of riding a motorcycle and you are not always on long rides
How exactly do you tour with a small light bike? Where does the passenger sit? Where do you pack the luggage for a week or two? (Please don't admit you rely on a support vehicle - some of us treat a bike as the real thing, not a toy)
Angry Birds
You said butt. Then you said big butt. This is hardly amusing, and I for one won't stand for it.
Stop pointing the camera at your face. Nobody wants to see that. If you MUST point the camera at your face, for the love of God, put DOWN THE FACE SHIELD.
Too bad they're so unreliable.
228th like and 36th comment so early lol.
All BMW K1600 have serious issue - They all pull to the left! My one pull so hard that if I barely touch handlebar in split second I am on left lane. ( after hour ride my shoulder is in agony from constant pull handlebar to correct it and BMW don’t seem see the problem like I will not pay £ 24000) And after owning this bike for 3 months from brand new and having already swap engine for new one I can truly said it’s crappy bike. Go do yourself favor and bike Japanese bike
You should see your BMW dealer. I'm on my 6th BMW and have never had this issue. The problem is YOUR bike, not BMW.
Have to admit, it's a known problem on these bikes.
It's a documented issue but to be fair mine has never done this, and if it should show up during your test ride make the dealer find you one that doesn't before you agree to purchase, or pick another bike or go somewhere else.
@@gwilymhowes6422 It's a fair bit of both BMW and a dealer issue, if under warranty and the dealer will not resolve it then BMW MUST step in and resolve it, because it's a known problem.
I am surprised there hasn't been a transparent investigation into cause and resolution.
The dealer should be disclosing known maintenance concerns for a given model and any potential stuff that might pop up given how well documented they are in the riding community. I only know what I know because I went above and beyond the level most would go to research it myself, the dealer said squat about this bike that was at all informative about it's maintenance aspects.
This is why I seldom travel outside of roundabouts.