K1600 after 2 months.

[tony23]

Well Ive had my K16 for about 2 months now and thought I`d post some thoughts.

Now I know there are guys out there who simply don`t get the K16 which is fair enough, I didnt initially.

Having owned 2 r1200rt`s and the new 1200gs lc the k was a big shift in weight, or so I thought. The K steers better at low speeds than the Rt in my opinion, I get both feet almost flat on the floor, its a very different steering input but you soon get used to it. ESA is as good as the RT, but not as good as the dynamic ESA on the 1200 gs lc however the dynamic esa will no doubt migrate onto the k16 in due course.

I have no transmision "lash" and only the usual 1st gear selection clunk that I would expect from most bikes these days. I do have the latest software upgrade ( the green N on the dash). I had a switchgear issue when I picked the bike up which the dealer knew about and have since had both sides replaced under warranty (latest gen switchgear) with no quibles whatsoever.

The wife is happy as a pig in shit on the pillion which was certainly not the case with the gs lc

I`ve deliberately not mentioned the engine until now as it`s very easy to be taken in by the engine alone, so here goes-- the engine is F**cking incredible, whatever you may have heard or read does not prepare you for the straight 6, it is simply an engineering marvel Smooth as silk yet brutal power delivery if you want it, overtaking has become my new favorite passtime

So is it better than an Rt? well yes in my opinion, its an Rt with all the grunt the RT should have.It handles well, quite remarkable to be frank. Mpg is about 48 av, stereo works brill ,Nav 5 and iphone integration all work with senna smh 5.

Don`t like the Metzlers much but some Pr4`S are going on soon.

So for those who don`t get it, I fully understand as it took 800 miles for me to suddenly "get it" (albeit on wet shitty roads) , the roads dried a bit and I was able to exploit it properly and all of a sudden everything just "clicked".

Thats it , my 2 pence worth

Shoud you buy one--possibly ,should you test one-- definately

 

[Deleted account Cooperman]

Glad it's working out

They are also good value when you compare them with the new LC's.

 

[bladerunner]

Glad you like it.

3 years 24k and I'm still loving mine - best bike I've ridden by far.

I regularly ride Cardiff to London and back in a day and still feel fresh as at the end.

 

[patzx12]

its a bike i would own bit it doesn't suit my present riding needs. I road tested one and tried one on a BMW track day and i absolutely loved the bike.

 

[Nick Marshall]

Just got one myself

Was delivered on Friday.
It's mint.
Not used it yet.
But really looking forward to it.

<a href="http://s960.photobucket.com/albums/ae82/nickpmarshall/?action=view&current=4151b0395b007e4e8c3aa72bd918e9eb_zpsaccf0179.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae82/nickpmarshall/4151b0395b007e4e8c3aa72bd918e9eb_zpsaccf0179.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos" /></a>

<a href="http://s960.photobucket.com/albums/ae82/nickpmarshall/?action=view&current=7e37b4aa995a9583b8eebb51244f359b_zpsfde57b40.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae82/nickpmarshall/7e37b4aa995a9583b8eebb51244f359b_zpsfde57b40.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos" /></a>

<a href="http://s960.photobucket.com/albums/ae82/nickpmarshall/?action=view&current=d52c7ea3edeeeb157d717245deaf9d33_zps37356f73.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae82/nickpmarshall/d52c7ea3edeeeb157d717245deaf9d33_zps37356f73.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos" /></a>

 

[tony23]

Glad it's working out

They are also good value when you compare them with the new LC's.

Your feedback early on in the decision process certainly helped. Appreciate it

 

[Tricky]

Was delivered on Friday.
It's mint.
Not used it yet.
But really looking forward to it.

Don't sell it before you've tried it then.

<a href="http://s960.photobucket.com/albums/ae82/nickpmarshall/?action=view¤t=d52c7ea3edeeeb157d717245deaf9d33_zps37356f73.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae82/nickpmarshall/d52c7ea3edeeeb157d717245deaf9d33_zps37356f73.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos" /></a>

Not fair...

I want a green N on mine. How does one acquire it?

@Tony

Agree with your summary and dear god that engine.

 

[peterh]

The green N comes with the latest software update.

 

[paddy]

I like these 16's a lot nearly bought one before I bought my GSA 90th edition last year.

I just got scared by the weight and different feel to the GSA and lacked the nerve to do a deal.

Must have another demo soon.

Paddy.

PS Nick enjoy yours.

 

[Gargy]

And I've just done the exact opposite.

Traded in the K1600GT SE for a LCGS.................. Your right about that engine though.............. It's like a turbine, and so easy to go way to fast................ Missus told me to slow down when she noticed we were doing 140 mph on the German autobann, but she wasn't that impressed with the helmet buffeting.............. Thought my K1300GT and the FJR were better.

One thing I will say, is that it will eat tyres if you leave it in Dynamic mode. I had 3450 miles out of a set of Metzlers.

With tyres, you need to watch out for the weight of the bike, as quite a few tyres are not recommended for the K16. I had Pirelli GT's on mine, and found them very neutral and much better wear rates.

Good luck.

 

[Wapping]

Yup, the machine eats tyres. Not surprising given the weight and the power output.

I too find that my Metzler front and back tyres wear out simultaneously. One thing to watch out for is that the rear tyre's wear rate accelerates quite markedly. I think I have got pretty good at guesstimating tyre wear left, with or without recourse to a tread gauge but did get caught out once. The wear is gradual and nicely even from new, the tyre retaining a nice rounded profile (I don't do many pure motorway miles, usually one up and don't carry the kitchen sink in the panniers) for the first say, 3000 miles. From then on its downhill rapidly, the wear rate increasing fast.

You notice it first when the bike shimmies over road markings, which is not unusual. It will then start to track road irregularities, again not unusual, with the usual lumpy turn and fall into corners. Then the bike WILL start to slide on hard acceleration and on fast twisty bends.... Your time left with the tyre is now very limited. Take notice and replace the tyre.

I now make a note on a board in the garage of the mileage when I change the tyres and keep an eye on it. It's not a cheap bike to run, that's for sure. But, as something that will eat miles, handle as well as most outright sports bikes with similar acceleration and with more than enough luggage capacity, it's hard to beat. The whole ergonomics of the thing are great, everything integral, nothing bolted on to fall off or flap about.

Faults or niggles, after 32,000 miles?

It has always pulled to the left. This has reduced a bit as the whole thing has shaken down and loosened up.

It has overheated, twice. The ONLY cure is to get ALL the crap out of the lower V-shaped louvre at the bottom of the radiator, say every 6000 miles irrespective. If you leave it, it will bake hard (the bike runs hot, not surprisingly) and the lower third of the radiator will be rendered ineffective.

Faulty high beam switch, part of a batch that also affected the F800R who share the same switch. Mended under warranty.

A faulty radiator cap. Part of a batch that also affected the F800R, too. Replaced (mine was OK) as a part of one of its 6000 mile services, again as a part of the warranty.

I do get the 'egg whisk' effect through the shaft drive and footrests on a steady throttle at about 4,000 RPM which some bods complain about. It's never bothered me, who really rides about on a steady throttle at 4k for hours on end? I can only say it's similar to riding a motorbike with a badly worn chain and front sprocket, when the chain slips on the cog's teeth.

The suspension, which started to go at around 26000 miles, is now getting past its best for sure. I will probably get it done.

I did buy the extended warranty after two years, only because it's a very big (expensive) engine. I have no reason to think it might go bang but with the excellent BMW recovery lobbed in (most of my miles are in continental Europe, not the UK) it seemed like a no-brainer.

 

[J.R.]

And I've just done the exact opposite.

Traded in the K1600GT SE for a LCGS.................. Your right about that engine though...............

Hi, I am on my second K16 (swapped the 'Light Grey' (White) for the Dark Grey after two years). Very noticeable improvements to the gearbox, much smoother, noisy clunking first gear selection gone, and the bathing in the nice big green glow from the 'N' in case you weren't too sure.... Brilliant machine, and definitely by far the best bike I have ever ridden.
I have my deposit in place for the new GSA and wondered how much of a difference you found in overtaking acceleration on your new LCGS from your experience on the K16?

Thanks.

 

[Wapping]

I have my deposit in place for the new GSA and wondered how much of a difference you found in overtaking acceleration on your new LCGS from your experience on the K16?

Is this a serious question?

How many motorcycles have you owned, outside of your 2 1600's and your soon to be arriving 1200 WC GSA?

Any half decent motorcycle from a 400 cc upwards will make short shrift of overtaking. A bucket less power just means you gave to work a bit harder and a bit smarter, that's all.


Take a vanilla 1200 WC out.... And find out for yourself. If you hate it you can always cancel your order.... Though it does beg the question as to why you apparently haven't tried one already before slapping your deposit down.

Brilliant machine (k1600) and definitely by far the best bike I have ever ridden.

Makes one wonder why you are heading to the 1200

 

[Gargy]

Hi, I am on my second K16 (swapped the 'Light Grey' (White) for the Dark Grey after two years). Very noticeable improvements to the gearbox, much smoother, noisy clunking first gear selection gone, and the bathing in the nice big green glow from the 'N' in case you weren't too sure.... Brilliant machine, and definitely by far the best bike I have ever ridden.
I have my deposit in place for the new GSA and wondered how much of a difference you found in overtaking acceleration on your new LCGS from your experience on the K16?

Thanks.

I will have to wait for the answer myself. Pick the bike up on 01/03/14, and then have to run the thing in.

 

[jarh]

Fabulous bike. Engine amazing. Pillion great - keeps SHMBO happy and when SHMBO i not there the bike rocks! Love it!

 

[Bendy toy]

I have my deposit in place for the new GSA and wondered how much of a difference you found in overtaking acceleration on your new LCGS from your experience on the K16?

Thanks.

The K1600 makes 160bhp. The new LC about 120. Power to weight probably much the same so expect similar low speed acceleration though with more power the 16 will pull harder at higher speeds. Being a multi, it should also be more flexible.

TBH why would anyone buy a new bike without at least road testing one.

 

[Wapping]

Fabulous bike. Engine amazing. Pillion great - keeps SHMBO happy and when SHMBO i not there the bike rocks! Love it!

Great, mate

It must be comforting to have her on the back to stop the rocking. I haven't noticed any significant instability myself; best get it checked out.

PS For future reference it's SWMBO, as in: She Who Must Be Obeyed. That's who with a 'w', not how with an 'h'.

 

[J.R.]

Is this a serious question?

How many motorcycles have you owned, outside of your 2 1600's and your soon to be arriving 1200 WC GSA?

Any half decent motorcycle from a 400 cc upwards will make short shrift of overtaking. A bucket less power just means you gave to work a bit harder and a bit smarter, that's all.


Take a vanilla 1200 WC out.... And find out for yourself. If you hate it you can always cancel your order.... Though it does beg the question as to why you apparently haven't tried one already before slapping your deposit down.


Makes one wonder why you are heading to the 1200

Yes, it was a serious question. I have had a couple of Blackbirds, a 1300 Pan, an 1800 Goldwing, a HD FatBoy (not all good I know) and the K16. My experience on the WC1200 is limited to a couple of days on the BMW ORS last year, and a half day loaner when I was having a service done. I have my own ideas of course, but it is interesting to canvas other views, is it not?

I totally enjoyed the ride on the GS, and as yet haven't had the pleasure of the GSA. It is such a departure from the K16, and rides like a tractor (IMHO) but was full of grin inducing fun
And I'm heading for the 1200 because.....I can

 

[tony23]

I found the 1200gs to be a great bike, for solo riding. SWMBO found it dreadfull and that was end of story really.

Whilst power to weight calculations etc are fine on paper I find the K16000 excells in its power delivery. Its the closest thing I`ve come accross so far to a V8 engine in a car, all down to torque.Puts a smile on my face everytime I take it out.

 

[Wapping]

Puts a smile on my face everytime I take it out.

It's just a shame your wife doesn't look forward to you, taking it out, with the same degree of enthusiasm.