BMW K1600GT SE Test Ride | Can we have some fun with the six-cylinder tourer?

[@RikkyTang]

Time stamps 0:00 Welcome to Cotswold Motorrad! 0:33 tiny rear tyre ;) 0:56 Getting on board and getting the bike upright 1:37 Car park speeds 2:05 At low speeds the throttle feels "elastic" * 2:42 Short motorway stint 4:02 Testing the electric screen and wind blast 5:18 Nice Horn! 5:23 It's heavy but... 6:14 Good amount of space on the seat 6:35 Slow speeds and road feedback 7:36 Lovely slow speed balance (in ideal conditions) 7:54 Feet on the ground 8:12 Stall (no. 1) 8:41 Nearly stalled again... 9:37 Navigation situation 9:49 Ergonomics 11:00 Radio! 12:07 1500rpm in 4th... 12:42 Navigation issues 13:36 Getting the bike uppright on a camber... 14:03 Some faster stuff - suspension 14:50 Instruments and connectivity (briefly) 13:33 Electronic suspension is not infallible... 16:03 A step in the power delivery 16:43 Stall no. 2 (on camera, three in total) 17:09 Faster riding... learn to plan ahead! 19:37 Good screen and fairing 19:53 Reverse! 21:12 Walkaround, specs, lights and instruments 26:48 Second date? 27:46 I think the R1250RT was a slightly quieter ride 28:19 Grip heating on 28:44 Fuel consumption 29:07 Nice solid Windscreen unlike some I could mention (H.D...) 29:33 Heated grip update 29:58 Summary 30:52 This is no Honda Blackbird (duh)! 31:36 Thottle on-off action * 32:06 Vibration? 32:31 Throw it round a Roundabout 32:48 Mirrors 33:10 Finishing up - more Reversing :)

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

My neighbor has one and it looks big and elegant. In my opinion this is the ideal bike for touring. I believe there is no lack of power, comfort and protection. Looks wonderful. The weight could be a problem for some. In depth test ride bro. You got my like here. Just keep it up.

[@RikkyTang]

Thanks RRR, yes this bike is a big long-distance beast. I hope you keep it up too 😊

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

@@RikkyTang Just yesterday I uploaded a video that might be interesting for you. :)

[@checker3694]

Best review so far on K1600gt, well done

[@RikkyTang]

That's very kind of you to say so, thanks!

[@heating4343]

I have been on a camping trip with my wife on the back and fully loaded no problem at all as long as you don't forget the weight and be careful it can be done .

[@justthewayitis]

Lovely review and as always very well filmed and edited. I for one would love to tour on something like this and enjoy the comfort it offers. Thankyou Carl

[@RikkyTang]

Thanks Carl! Yeah if I took a long tour somewhere it would be awesome... perhaps not when getting on and off ferries in the rain though! 😱😱

[@the_whale1232]

I love mine and it doesnt feel so heavy even with two up! But i am big bloke 6ft2 i feel that its well balanced! I went same place as you to test ride and i feel new model 22 has got much more advanced suspension cornering is soo soo easy even at high speed!❤🎉🎉🎉 love your vid keep it up!

[@RikkyTang]

It sure would be nice if I had a few extra inches 😂😂 It's an awesome machine, one day something like this would be a great addition to my collection! Cheers! 👍

[@tonvandenbreekel4383]

Very good review and well edited, chapeau

[@RikkyTang]

Thank you very much!

[@Texas2Tires]

Nice overview. I was able to test ride both the R 18 B and K 1600 B on the same day. What a smooth engine that K 1600 has. I thoroughly enjoyed them both in different ways. @Texas2Tires

[@RikkyTang]

I've ridden the R18 Pure myself and both are awesome in their own ways like you say. We have access to some pretty amazing machinery in this day and age!

[@Texas2Tires]

@@RikkyTang HAPPY NEW YEAR! Indeed we do. I'm looking forward to exploring more "two tired" marvels in 2023! Yesterday, I went for my last ride of the year with a group of 15 old and new friends. Check out the 3 minute video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZKZm62ioNykms0

[@pbofan]

My bike before my ‘20 R1250R was a ‘16 Yamaha FJR1300, and while it was a fine bike (though ultimately ill-suited to my typical riding needs since I didn’t really tour), I’ll never go back to a heavy bike again. My bike before the FJR was a heavy cruiser. The 1250R’s 525 pounds is about as heavy as I want these days, for the type of sporty-weekend-backroads type of riding that makes up the lion’s share of my riding time.

[@RikkyTang]

Yes I hear you pbofan! Even the naked R model shouldn't really weigh as much as it does. If the replacement 1300 model is even heavier (if one is announced), this will give me some serious second thoughts about upgrading.

[@ethanberry8360]

It's a gyroscopic effect all bikes have that feeling. 😊

[@michaelarchangel1163]

Rikky, the heaviest bike I ever lifted off its sidestand was a Kawasaki Vulcan 2000cc. I'd never have been able to pick it up if it toppled over. Can just about still manage 460lbs wet but bikes this massive are too much for me. I'm 65 and only weigh 9 stone. Even my Popeye-ish ex binman and gravedigger arms would fail me.

[@RikkyTang]

"Popeye-ish ex binman and gravedigger arms" 😂😂 Yes very true, if this bike went over pretty much anyone would be in big trouble!

[@WatermarquePaul]

Interesting video Rikky, I have an RT so always like comparisons. The Sat Nav works fine with my iPhone11 but you need the latest firmware on the BMW (FOC from dealer). To kick into life ‘find’ the Bike WiFi from phone settings and connect. The App will remember it from then on no issue.

[@RikkyTang]

Hello Paul, the bike was very new and perhaps it hadn't had a FW update yet... I should have taken a photo of the "about" screen! I have a more modern Samsung now and when I get a chance I'll try with the GT or R1250RT

[@Fernando90054]

The bike is wonderful. The RT is also heavy and bulky. If the rider is not careful any of those bikes can be a handful to control on slow maneuvers in steep or inclined stretched roads. There, our riding skills will be challenged. If we don’t want to face those kind of challenges, it will be necessary to plan the ride and avoid that kind of road shape or environment. These ( the K1600 or the RT) bikes are not universal in the sense that they demand some prerequisites from the rider. Essentially, out of their road environment of preference (big highways or A roads). To contradict this, the rider must compensate with a sharp and steady attention to the actual riding. And these bikes demand a learning curve. So, if we make this kind of investment is better to take time specifically to dedicate riding them often. Practice makes perfection. This, in the end, issues and questions vanish about 95%. Then we can start relaxing and enjoying more the bike and the riding.✌🏻✌🏻

[@heating4343]

I have the 2019 model have had it two years been France and Switzerland on it last year no problem at all I am 5 foot 7 so a short arse but get on with it OK.

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

I would love one of these fabulous machines, however....returning from a recent trip to Dorset I was threading my way through the 30+ mile queue of traffic and was held up by a guy on a K1600 who was unable to filter due to the bikes width. This one issue is a deal-breaker for me. Little point being on a bike with the filtering capabilities of a car....

[@22Royston]

Great perspective for a review - Having just had a new one delivered I am learning so 2 things - under the riders seat there is an adjustment of around an inch, at similar leg measurement I can flat foot at lowest setting, other thing I noted was the Wi-Fi flashing on the tft screen, had you gone into setting to connect Nav to phone? Cheers, Ride safe.

[@RikkyTang]

Thanks for your thoughts! I hope you have a great time getting to know your new K1600! Thanks for the info about the seat - wasn't sure how to adjust it but I did add both seat heights in the specs list. I spent ages going around in circles trying to get the phone and the bike to connect over Wi-Fi but I had no luck, even though they were already connected via Bluetooth! I have a new phone coming so if I get another chance to try a BMW with the big screen I'll give it another go.

[@MarkATaylor]

I’m tempted with this bike, but, I live in North Yorkshire and frequently come up on steep turns or junctions two up. I can manage with the GS at about 250kg but another 100kg on top of that is surely a challenge? Be interesting to know of any experiences with these kind of roads.

[@RikkyTang]

Well, I think as long as the bike is well balanced as you pull away and you are confident in your slow speed riding skills, this bike generally won't pose a problem. However there are two main issues as I see it - the first is that one time you are on a steep junction with a nasty camber and you happen to lose your footing. It's when the bike starts to get away from you and you're scrambling to get a good position for your feet, that's the scary bit! The other thing I can't ignore is that the bike stalled several times while pulling away. I'm sure I could work around that but stalling is the last thing I'd want on a bike of this size at an awkward junction. It really would benefit from a version of Suzuki's Low RPM Assist.

[@MarkATaylor]

Interesting Rikki, I need to have a go on one and see how it goes . Great video by the way. Thanks

[@HighMaintenancePS]

Bro once the bike is balanced it’s balanced. I ride heavy bikes and find zero issue anywhere. If you come to a rest place a foot down on the uphill side and otherwise just roll around same as any other bike.

[@carlohermans8762]

Use the quick shifter!

[@RikkyTang]

I did... just not all the time.

[@perryburns6515]

If I won the lotto I'd buy one and get a custom builder to take off all the fairings and needless weight to make a super naked! How are those wheelies progressing on the R1250R Rikky?

[@RikkyTang]

You K1600 would look pretty rad! I wished that BMW had kept developing the K1300R/S range... I might have bought one of those rather then my 1250! Winter has slowed my wheelie practice... who am I kidding I'm still rubbish 😂

[@BibtheBoulder]

I am drawn to the big K1600. I would like to ride one back-to-back with a GL1800 before parting with any hard-earned....

[@RikkyTang]

Back-to-back test rides would make for an enjoyable day out!

[@crumblymal8479]

She's a big old beasty Rikky not one I am keen on but pretty impressive none the less good in depth review very interesting watch but seems like those fly by wires aren't quite as feely as a cable but never tried one .Now one I am liking the look of the the new Guzzi mandello V 1,000 that seem promising hope you get to take one out soonish . 👍

[@RikkyTang]

Hey Mal you're right it's a big bike and I wouldn't want to drop one! Some ride by wire throttles are great and some aren't to be honest... takes a bit of work to properly replicate the feel of a traditional cable throttle but it can be done! Yes I like the look of the new Guzzi too, hopefully in the Spring I can swing a ride on one 👍

[@FxRiderST]

If you had to chose, would you chose this or the RT, and why?

[@RikkyTang]

Very difficult question! They are both great bikes in my opinion. I think I would most likely go for the K1600 - that engine feels fantastic and also gives a sense of riding something special. It handles well for its weight and there is more performance to come with a ECU flash! The reverse gear is very helpful too. Lets not mention that either bike would require me to buy a new house first so I could actually park it!

[@FxRiderST]

Thanks for the reply. I always liked the K16 for lot's of reasons. But the RT is 150lb lighter and has shorter wheelbase which can be more maneuverable in the. Yeah, need to take back to back test ride and see what talks to me... I ride an older ST1300 (Pan European and it's very close to the previous gen RT.

[@cyclechris6591]

I want one, but will keep my Traxxion F6b Goldwing. A fella can have 2 super tourers right?

[@RikkyTang]

Yes, I think a fella can 😁

[@dorstefan]

It's not for me. It's almost as big as a car and in certain cases more expensive.

[@RikkyTang]

True it is a lot of money, but I imagine for about 22k you could not find a car with the performance of this one!

[@cyclechris6591]

Looks like you hit every bug in Europe. Can’t get over you guys drive on the wrong side of the road there. On the bmw forums some owners talk about a stability issue at highway speeds. Did you notice any issues if you got a chance to hit 80 mph plus speeds? On my F6b goldwing I can let go of the bars for miles on strait hiways.

[@RikkyTang]

There are a lot more bugs around in the middle of year believe me! I have to say that I had no stability issues on my ride but to be honest I only had the bike for about three hours so didn't do too many miles

[@sebastianodemari3038]

I switched immediately Bridgestone tires and windshield, big big improvement. You stand correct, stock the windshield is horrible, I installed an Aeroflow and its way better.

[@richardethier6721]

You don't shift till 5200 rpm you are short shifting with no power

[@RikkyTang]

Yes fair observation - however this bike was brand new and I didn't want to be a total **** and thrash the engine.

[@ronr6605]

Well it's an inline6 that starts pulling where the goldwing ends till like 8k. Being that it's kinda obese sportstourer tho. That comes with the negative point that it doesn't feel very well in needles on Passes in the Alps. Especially if there is stop and go traffic. But it is very unique thing. Wouldn't be my only bike but as replacement for a car... interesting point you made. There are issues with the Smartphone connection through the range at BMW's make sure your Bluetooth is active if you connect. Havin atself issues if other apps are active like the Sena one i made alike "experiences" as you got. But you are the computer guy. Ty, has been interesting 👍

[@RikkyTang]

Hi, I'm glad you found the video interesting. Yes despite seeming like a very similar machine to the Goldwing they the two bikes do seem to be aimed at different audiences. I've never visited the Alps (not yet anyway) so I'll have to defer to your experience 😊 I did give the phone/bike connection a fair chance to work (20 mins+ of efforts with no sucess) and perhaps the issue was the bike rather than the phone. But just in case..... I bought a new Samsung phone anyway!

[@ronr6605]

@@RikkyTang that connection problem appeared w Samsung FE and Galaxy and on F900R as well as the k63 S1000R. It can happen that it worked but suddenly disconnects. We use the BMW connected app via Bluetooth, but also the Sena ride connected. Something clitches at a certain point and then ur Smartphone got problems to reconnect. No idea if it is about the 4G that is not always stable in the mountains or if it is the Bluetooth. Got to check if I got same problem with a wired connection to exclude the Bluetooth. Well 9 weeks to wait, sadly. After the connection clitches, there are problems to connect again. Restarting the bike doesn't work, but switching Bluetooth off and on again helps at time. So it could be the energy saving, no idea. That I would have to check too. Would suck to lose turn by turn Navi cos one loses one's 4G connection (well the area where it appears is known to have that issue). Regarding that 1600, it is a bit weak if revs are ultra low. Never come to a standstill Bars turned in (just as in every other bike) so better be experienced rider in the alps with that one. :))

[@cyclechris6591]

You might consider an IPhone.

[@RikkyTang]

Maybe next time around, just got a Samsung S21+