Author Topic: Anyone here ride a K1600GTL? Opinions please (Read 921 times)

1KPerDay · « **on:** October 21, 2020, 09:20:03 PM »

I have a chance to buy my brother’s 2014 GTL. It’s the base model but has upgraded premium package that includes the central locking luggage and alarm, arm rests, fog lights, advanced electronic suspension control etc.

My 2002 GL1800A has about 120K on it and is getting a bit long in the tooth, though I’d not hesitate to ride it across the country tomorrow.

This would be a pretty big sacrifice for my family to buy it and I’m interested in feedback from any owners.

Thx

Vulcanbill · « **Reply #1 on:** October 22, 2020, 08:56:08 AM »

I don't have any feedback regarding the bike. But if you have a bike you like and wouldn't hesitate to ride across the country, that strikes me as no real reason to replace it. And if purchasing a new one is going to result in a sacrifice for your family, I'd say it doesn't matter what the bike is like. You don't need it and therefore the sacrifice is unnecessary. Take one for the team and remain just content vs elated.

*debbie downer

1KPerDay · « **Reply #2 on:** October 22, 2020, 04:28:09 PM »

My thinking is the GL1800 is ready for something big/expensive to break. The forks have already been recalled and nobody has replacements. The seals have gone 2X. It's burning oil. I plan on keeping it but I have several adult kids who have expressed interest in riding tours with me so it would be a great bike as a secondary/spare bike. And I would never have the chance to buy a bike like the BMW in such good shape. I just wouldn't do it under normal circumstances. My wife actually is the one suggesting it as a worthy successor to the mighty Goldwing.

miles · « **Reply #3 on:** October 22, 2020, 09:28:14 PM »

I borrowed a demo bike K1600 GT (not the L with the big top case) for a day and my wife absolutely loved it. It was perfect for her to sit in comfort on the pillion throne.

Vulcanbill · « **Reply #4 on:** October 23, 2020, 06:59:51 AM »

Quote from: 1KPerDay on October 22, 2020, 04:28:09 PM

My thinking is the GL1800 is ready for something big/expensive to break. The forks have already been recalled and nobody has replacements. The seals have gone 2X. It's burning oil. I plan on keeping it but I have several adult kids who have expressed interest in riding tours with me so it would be a great bike as a secondary/spare bike. And I would never have the chance to buy a bike like the BMW in such good shape. I just wouldn't do it under normal circumstances. My wife actually is the one suggesting it as a worthy successor to the mighty Goldwing.

Well, that's a little different then. If it's a struggle or sacrifice that everyone one else is on board with and it will increase overall motorcycle happiness, it makes more sense. I was picturing momma being all mad and kids not being able to eat. OK, maybe not.

I personally wanna see your young girl riding with you on tours. Maybe she inherits the wing.

1KPerDay · « **Reply #5 on:** October 23, 2020, 10:37:55 AM »

Quote from: miles on October 22, 2020, 09:28:14 PM

I borrowed a demo bike K1600 GT (not the L with the big top case) for a day and my wife absolutely loved it. It was perfect for her to sit in comfort on the pillion throne.

thanks

radon222 · « **Reply #6 on:** October 23, 2020, 11:01:25 AM »

Since it sounds like you're keeping the Wing anyway, I say buy it and try it. If you find it works for you and your needs, rock and roll! If it doesn't, just flip it. You're not going to be stuck bikeless with the Wing still in the wings.

Mustang · « **Reply #7 on:** October 26, 2020, 06:34:22 PM »

Quote from: 1KPerDay on October 23, 2020, 10:37:55 AM

Quote from: miles on October 22, 2020, 09:28:14 PM
I borrowed a demo bike K1600 GT (not the L with the big top case) for a day and my wife absolutely loved it. It was perfect for her to sit in comfort on the pillion throne.
thanks

I had a 2016 GT, had to sell because of health reason, but I loved it, you really can't go wrong with it.

Stripes · « **Reply #8 on:** October 26, 2020, 06:53:17 PM »

Different strokes. I hated mine. Loved it at 1st. I did like it better than my friend's old wing. YMMV

Vulcanbill · « **Reply #9 on:** October 27, 2020, 06:31:00 AM »

Quote from: Stripes on October 26, 2020, 06:53:17 PM

Different strokes. I hated mine. Loved it at 1st. I did like it better than my friend's old wing. YMMV

Can you elaborate on that a little? What specifically and compared to what previous bikes and why?

1KPerDay · « **Reply #10 on:** October 27, 2020, 08:18:08 AM »

Yes please

stevent · « **Reply #11 on:** November 04, 2020, 10:05:12 PM »

I test rode one a few years ago, smoother than my K1300GT, more plush, more whizz bang, didn't feel like it had as much power but maybe I was not winding out as much. The k13gt was more sporty feeling, I liked it but not for full pop, a gentle used one would be cool.

1KPerDay · « **Reply #12 on:** November 04, 2020, 11:32:03 PM »

Gonna get it

miles · « **Reply #13 on:** November 05, 2020, 08:59:56 AM »

We are going to need pics.

Andrew · « **Reply #14 on:** November 17, 2020, 07:01:19 PM »

You know the rules 1K

1KPerDay · « **Reply #15 on:** November 17, 2020, 10:48:09 PM »

I don’t have it yet but here’s a pic my brother posted. I’m going to call it the Flying Prune.

Vulcanbill · « **Reply #16 on:** November 18, 2020, 07:07:43 AM »

I would most definitely call it Johnny.

visitors can't see pics , please register or login

1KPerDay · « **Reply #17 on:** November 18, 2020, 12:03:15 PM »

1KPerDay · « **Reply #18 on:** November 21, 2020, 08:49:31 PM »

Picked it up today. Initial impressions mixed. Main issue is HORRIBLY restricted lean angle. This is compared even to the goldwing. Pegs scrape swerving back and forth in your lane. I hope it has aftermarket peg lowerers that can be scrapped.

Heated seat is nice in 38 degree weather. Nice engine. Revs quickly. Power everywhere. Suspension feels bouncy and a bit wallowy. Need to figure out how to adjust it. Stereo doesn’t work. Don’t really care. Feels topheavy and sluggish moving around the parking lot. Steering is quick but front end feel is weird. Doesn’t want to lean into turns... But tires are badly squared so a new set will likely sort lots of issues. Throttle by wire (I think) is strange; it keeps revving for a fraction of a second when you pull the clutch to shift. So you seem like you don’t know what you’re doing. Transmission is a bit clunky and notchy. Typical BMW from the ones I’ve ridden.

Hopefully I can get back some lean angle and get familiar with the suspension.

coho · « **Reply #19 on:** November 21, 2020, 09:28:25 PM »

It's definitely no GoldWing, but I bet fresh tires and some poking at the damping and preload (as well as some acclimation saddle time) will better nail down the keep it or flip it question.

miles · « **Reply #20 on:** November 21, 2020, 11:09:26 PM »

The K16 I rode for a day I took on plenty of very twisty roads (Mt Palomar among them) and didn't drag anything at all, so I'm guessing yours has some non-stock bits and some very poorly set up suspension.

PatM · « **Reply #21 on:** November 22, 2020, 06:36:40 PM »

Your new ride has lowered pegs. The OEM have better ground clearance. Nice bike BTW.
You can raise the suspension by setting it to one plus luggage or two up and use the firmest settings.
I rode a K1600 two up, in the Italian Alps and it didn't scrape the pegs much.

1KPerDay · « **Reply #22 on:** November 23, 2020, 07:44:18 PM »

Figured out how to set the electronically adjustable suspension to 2-up and it's way better. Took my 200-pound son for a ride to lunch today in 40 degree temps and it was fine. Hit 104mph. Still can't get the speakers to turn on. Meh

REALLY don't like the 170mph, 10-mph graduated speedo. Useless and hard to read. I've taken to using the nav and putting the speed on the top of the display and using that as my speedometer.