FIRST RIDE | 2019 BMW K1600B vs 2018 Indian Roadmaster

Clash of the cruiser kings! I take you through the similarities and differences of some of the best bikes in their class today. Really enjoyed riding these machines loaded with some awesome features.
As always, please like the video and subscribe for more great content.

[@rafaelhernandez4266]

I owned a 2017 Chieftain which is basically a Roadmaster without the trunk. I traded that in for a Grand America after I test rode one. The power and handling of the BMW is light years ahead of the Indian.

[@motosafari6378]

I felt the same way. You really can't beat BMW bikes in general though. Nothing else is really close.

[@265KONING]

Thanks for the comment on your choice....I too looking at the BMW K1600B in the next week or two

[@eddiebenzz]

MotoSafari BMW = BEST MOTORCYCLE in the WORLD ..... 😁

[@alp3781]

I could not agree with you more. It is my pleasure beast to ride. I could not look at anything else after testing my 18 GA. That was it for me.

[@wilsonmercado2287]

Goldwing is the best,, BMW way two expensive, you better have super good Garrenty, it will brake your pocket

[@jeffrice7179]

I own and love my Honda Goldwing. Rented the Roadmaster for 3 days great bike. Test ride the. BMW 1600 B. It’s definitely going to my 2nd bike in my garage in the next few months. Absolutely love the bagger.

[@leroyjones769]

Totally glad you did this video. Haven’t ridden the BMW but I rode the Roadmaster for two days and was absolutely blown away... and I’m not even a v-twin guy.

[@theonlyredspecial]

Im a 1000cc sports bike fan, fireblades, S1000RR, R1’s, ZX10r ninjas. Owned a lot of bikes in my life. I road one of these recently and it was one of the best rides ive had. Plenty of power, loads of torque and a bike you could travel the globe on. Its certainly not a track bike, but as an all round package if you can handle the weight at standstill (its not quite as heavy as a goldwing, but its close) its a fabulous ride. That inline 6 engine is phenomenal. I road the more european GT SE version but basically the same bike.

[@swooopg]

Me too, I've owned several sport bikes and I love the power of the 1600b. It handles like no other and way more power than you'll ever need

[@jausher]

10:27 "If ur not riding your bike today, I don't know what ur doing with your life" ! LOL. Awesome.

[@motosafari6378]

James Usher yeah that’s my motto everyday 😂

[@thefloasuknow]

Love the NEW Indians and the BMWs. Great review of both! Thanks

[@motosafari6378]

thanks!

[@zakkor50]

I was going to by the BMW bagger but fortunately I brought Indian Chieftain

[@eddiebenzz]

❤️ THE LOOK AND SOUND OF THE INDAIN. THE PROBLEM WITH INDAIN THOUGH IS 2 FOLD. 1. THEIR ENGINE DOESN’T HAVE 4 VALVES PER CYLINDER ☝️ 2. ( SUBSEQUENTLY ) THEY OVERHEAT ! Especially in 90 degree weather !!! 😮😮😮😮

[@swooopg]

I just got the 1600b and it is absolutely the smoothest bike I've ever ridden! It's so fast for what it is and the extra features blow other bikes away

[@momanchanda5142]

Traded in my 17 SG with Stage 1 for a K1600B. Very different ride, but waaaaay lighter, I can now take those steep turns without worrying about laying down myself and the bike.

[@momanchanda5142]

...and I can’t tell you how many Harley guys I have pulled up next too that love the look as well.

[@briggsty]

Excellent dealership, I've brought 2 bikes from them. Steve is the man!

[@kevink1214]

I am surprised that the BMW does not have a GPS. I would expect they would have a nice large sized one that comes standard being that the Grand America is a touring bike.

[@GenXBiker]

I'm a beemer guy but I love the new Roadmaster and Chieftan. Indian's making some great stuff. I've seriously considered a new Roadmaster.

[@motosafari6378]

I was really surprised! Great bikes for sure.

[@williamdavidson4576]

Matthew, better stick with the Beemer. I rode a BMW 1250GT. Had it for years - great bike, never had ANY problems. Traded it in for the 2017 Roadmaster. Nothing buy a money pit. They look good on the outside, but Polaris builds them very cheaply. You have to spend a ton of money on exhaust, engine upgrades before it begins to sound decent. They also come with a very short warranty. My starter went out at 5k miles. Polaris wouldn't cover it. Said that the warranty expired 2 weeks earlier. Lots of other repair issues too. I'm now looking to offload my Injun and go back to the Beemer. The Indian's ride good, but waaaay slower on take off compared to the Zooooom of the BMW. Hope this helps.

[@curbsidecritiqe2066]

Thank you for the comparison. I have primarily ridden BMWs over the years, but I am considering a V twin. Currently, I can get a grand America cheaper than the Harley/Indian equivalent. I’m more comfortable with the BMW but was just interested in something a little different.

[@murfrirhke4557]

Well, I got rid of my CVO Ultra for a 1600b with no regrets. I also have a 2016 Indian Chief Dark Horse. I’ll prob keep the Indian in case I need that American V twin fix. My old 2012 CVO Ultra had nearly 60k on her and was running strong however, I spent a few grand to get it right. Time will tell with this 2019 1600b, but I am looking forward to it. Folks, you will love this BMW.

[@GerhardCombrink]

Own a GS and the only thing holding me back from adding a Bagger is the reduced leg room. Feet forward on traditional cruisers is comfortable but reduces your ability to shift seating positions on longer trips. BMW sure nailed it with their GS bikes (including the amazing practicality) and thus the reason they're so popular.

[@sickunit2096]

I don’t think you’d be disappointed in the K1600B ergonomics. Ive owned an F800GSA, R1200GS, and R1250GS and Im very comfortable on my K1600.

[@RanGer-498]

Made my mind up..im getting a goldwing

[@Charles-dv4du]

Definitely take the Grand America 1600!! Two years ago I upgraded from a Kawasaki Ninja ZX10R, to a GTL 1600 Exclusive!! I ride it 90% of the time, Gotta Love that BMW!!

[@Boxer1250RT]

Harley SG or RG dashes look so much better than the Indian. K 1600 B really Rocks. Traded the GSA for the B and could not be happier.

[@motosafari6378]

Nice! so you like your B more than the GSA?

[@Boxer1250RT]

@@motosafari6378 For my type of riding yes. Keep up the great videos.

[@alp3781]

k1600GA is super machine!!! You can not compare the two.....period. The K is a Porsche cruiser , the Indian is a Caddy cruiser. The BMW is a very powerful beast and it is addicting to ride like no other bike out there. No one will understand till the own one !!!! Indian came a long way by now and i would consider owning one with no issues.

[@swooopg]

I just got the k1600 b and it is the funnest bike I've ever ridden. I have only owned rockets years ago so I definitely like faster bikes but the wife wouldn't let me get another rocket, the 1600b is the best of both worlds!!!

[@alp3781]

@@swooopg Not to be negative but since a year ago, I had no choice but to sell the K1600 GA. Nothing but issues in one season only. I just had enough. Fuel injection, electronics, cold starts issues, engine shutting down while riding and on top of that, the dealer is more then an hour away. I just got a new Honda Goldwing DCT Tour so well shell see later on. Enjoy your B.

[@leifandersson6808]

I’ve had Yamaha xv1600 wild star, XV 1900 stratoliner, FJR 1300 ae. Now, a Bmw K1600 GTL-18. Bought it brand new. Also have a 2008 Harley Davidson Road King Classic. BMW , super sports touring. Harley, cruising Like them both!!

[@williamdavidson4576]

Moto - great video. How do you feel about BMW capping off the speed at 102mph, or thereabouts? My local dealer said it was due to a lawsuit in Cali (of course). Something about the bike becoming unstable due to the side bags at high speeds. The 1600GT doesn't have the speed restrictions.

[@motosafari6378]

I've read around and it looks like it's capped at 122. Since the GT is capped at 155 they are saying that the bike is not safe at that speed when your feet are forward on the floor boards

[@williamdavidson4576]

Oh, thanks for clarifying. 122 is definitely workable.

[@frankmirandosr875]

William Davidson morning

[@nokoolaid]

@@motosafari6378 The non-trunk B is 122, the trunk version is 101. The GT should hit around 160.

[@maylabear]

Oh it's gonna be the BMW1600b hands down...

[@stewartwilliams2535]

I rented an Indian full dresser of some sort in Las Vegas October 2016. Approximately 85F was fine on the highway, but maneuvering through Las Vegas Strip traffic during rush hour was misery. The heat coming off that engine onto my right leg was merciless! At that time, my primary ride was the Honda ST1300. Now riding BMW GTL1600. Neither bike produces half the heat of the Indian. Not really a fan of the big twin ergos with either Harley or Indian. I'll gladly stick with the GTL. Prefer to ride my own, but with rentals you sometimes have to take what you can get.

[@rayjensen4480]

This was a really good review! A fair comparison. One thing that I notice that NONE of the online reviewers do.....is to research the MAINTENANCE COST of the bikes that they are reviewing. These days.....it's a BIG deal. That....and the overall RELIABILITY....(or the lack of it. In this case.....The K1600's really DO NOT have a good track record . Fun to ride....but VERY EXPENSIVE to maintain compared to EVERY other bike......and lots of RECALLS. Hard to believe from a company like BMW.....but research it yourselves. The Indians.....as you so aptly put it....are more "raw"......but they run.....and their cost of maintenance is WAY less. Something to really consider....and ASK about before you buy your next bike.

[@nokoolaid]

The valve check and adjustment is nuts on the K bike. On the boxers, I could do it myself. with the K bikes, the cams have to come out and a lot of bodywork has to come off. Figure 900-1000 is the valves need a change. The Indian has some crazy requirements too. Like 20w-40 oil and 30k mile belt replacements. Who has 20w-40 oil? Belts should last at least double that.

[@curtissmith8789]

Indian requirements will still be a lot less than BMW . The price of the valve adjustments from what I was told by a dealer was 1000 k+. Those numbers you said are in that range. I have a victory CC with over 111 k on it. It seems that 30 k for the belt in more of suggestion even by the dealers. I put 75 k on mine before a change and I had company according to the dealer. I not sure the same can be said for the valve adjustments. I know you can get 3 drive belts for the price of one valve adjustment.

[@curtissmith8789]

As was stated, I think all reviews should have a maintenance cost included. That's a make or break for a lot of riders. If you're the kind of rider that stacks up to miles that could get expensive.

[@nokoolaid]

@@curtissmith8789 Truth is, I probably wouldn't get either bike. The Loadmaster is an elephant, underpowered elephant at 950lbs wet and the K bike is expensive to maintain. If I was getting an Indian, more likely a Springfield or a Challenger or maybe a R1250GSA or RT or none of the above.

[@JefferyT]

What is the BMW's cost of ownership vs. the Roadmaster's?

[@octking012]

Something to consider, I understand that every 18k miles the BMW needs it's valves adjusted, rumor is that's a $900 service charge. I'd like to know if this is fact or fiction.

[@autobot70]

I owned a 2013 Indian Chieftain and a 2015 Chieftain converted to a Roadmaster and before that 20+ years of HD. I traded my 2015 Roadmaster for the 2018 Grand America and OMG, what a difference. I love my Grand America but boy do I miss my Indians. I think I have to purchase another Chieftain classic soon.

[@joeschebler6236]

At 20:00 in it hit me that your voice reminds me of Rand Pauls' voice

[@dashmohi]

is bmw K1600 B coming with tour pack ?, and why handlebar is like BMW K1600 GTL ?

[@chrishansen1323]

Indian roadmaster is an Absolute joy to ride, super smooth 111 engine

[@juicygaming6926]

Not as smooth as bmw

[@swooopg]

If you like the Indian you will LOVE the BMW!!!

[@CrayzJohnny]

As you said, I think the k1600 compared to the gold wing would be a better comparison. For the Indian and something like the Harley road glide would be a better comparison. I’ve had a street glide, a road glide, super bikes (bmw s1000rr) and now I have the k1600b. The k1600 is very comfortable but with 160hp, you can’t compare to an Indian. Although, imo, that Indian is ugly, sorry but I just couldn’t do it.

[@BigdogLarry]

I’m really liking this bike. Currently riding a 19 Road Glide, but might be time to roll with the beemer 🤔. Why doesn’t bmw get rid of that hideous antenna in the front? Either put it in the back or inter-grate into the bike somehow.

[@gensicki]

The stock antenna is hideous. I have a much more aesthetic aftermarket one. I considered the Road Glide, but wanted to try the K1600B. Love it.

[@roadglide]

Both sweet bikes. The BMW is a beast, rips and has loads of tech. The Indian V-Twin is a classic and good looking but antiquated technology for the money. But then who cares about all of that when it’s really about what you like to ride and what makes you look back when walking away. BTW the new generation Gold Wing doesn’t look anything like a Road-Master. Nothing close.

[@robpeters2296]

I'm in love with the BMW

[@bluesguy47]

Nice review, but jesus man spring for some real riding pants....

[@steveh7108]

Well it's like this: I have a K1600 GTL and I've ridden the Indian and several big Cruisers. I think the riding position would be much more comfortable on the Indian for long highway travel but I live in the Ozarks with all the curvy roads around here nothing will beat BMW for a big bike with all the luxuries. I would almost rather have the Indian just because it's American-made and cool but it won't do what the BMW can do. Now the new Challenger is definitely going to be a step in the direction of BMW but still fall a little short. However I might consider trading in my BMW for the Challenger even though I know it's not quite as good in the performance of curvy Road category.

[@sudhakarsharma9048]

Try a knee drop curve

[@lennykibbs260]

What are those shiny chrome round things on the lower fairing on the Indian?

[@motosafari6378]

talking about the roll bars?

[@lennykibbs260]

@@motosafari6378 Negative. the round things above the roll / crash bars they look like speakers? clearly see them at 13:27

[@motosafari6378]

@@lennykibbs260 yep they are the lower speakers!

[@lennykibbs260]

@@motosafari6378 Nice, speakers for your shins

[@motosafari6378]

@@lennykibbs260 those speakers will blow you off the bike lol

[@nokoolaid]

I'd prefer the tubular bars, but then I wouldn't get that bike. The speed is governed to 101. I went from a 1600 Nomad to a 2009 RT 10 years ago. Much different ride, the RT is vastly superior. The newer RTs are a lot better than mine. Losing the weight was a big deal. It was like riding a motorcycle again. The extra weight does very little positive. BTW, I think the K bike redlines at 8500.

[@BBFazer]

try to shift properly!

[@randyfarnsworth7825]

I don’t get it. Take a spec sheet on both bikes.. you would be crazy to go Indian or Harley. I get the culture thing? But come on! It’s like comparing a 56 Chevy to a Ferrari. I have: Honda Rune Bourget Custom Fatso 124 SS K1600B Yamaha VMax Bagger wins

[@leroyjones769]

Pat Metcalf .. DAUMM.. you DA MAN👍👍nice job

[@jeromehebert3184]

why some of the 1600B have the cool looking handlebars like the one in this video and some have that ugly ones with that bar stretching from one bar to the other one?

[@shoomapadoo1141]

BMW . . Just admit it. Concede. Uncle. And the wind cries . . . BMW

[@alanbstard4]

BMW all the way. No comparison

[@alp3781]

After owning an 18 GA for almost a year now, you can NOT even compare to these grand cruisers out there. The GA or B are like Ferrari cruisers. As simple as that. Once you ride it, it is like drug addiction. I do not think any HD or Indian owner can say the same. Totally different apples !!!!! BMW sold me, so far for GOOD !!!!

[@freedom6919741]

I have a 2018 Road Glide Ultra with a 124 CI motor in it. It has plenty of power now but handles like a dump truck. I am thinking of riding a K1600 B in the future. I wonder if a passenger back rest is available for the K1600 B ?

[@alp3781]

@@freedom6919741 Yes! One you own one, go on K1600 forum, plenty options.

[@alp3781]

@Sofia Berardi Sofia, what do you ride?

[@nicholasjheinz7461]

I have a BMW R 1200CL with 70000 miles on it and a 2015 Victory CCT. I prefer the boxer engine over the V-Twin mainly because of the heat. Would not buy another V-twin.

[@shoomapadoo1141]

Horns save lives not pipes. Please work on your shifting. Eeeeeek.

[@ZUBEYIRKILICARSLAN]

İ have a chief vintage and just say its butter smooth all of category.unfortunalıty its soulless. İ sold it.i ordered new k1600b with option 719 and iam waiting like a little boy.this bike is end of the end.buy bmw.

[@bartlawhorn2762]

2020 Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special was my choice.

[@bartlawhorn2762]

K1600B is on my viewing chart very soon.

[@freedom6919741]

What happened to your pants ?

[@edwardtumbaking2189]

Gold wing the best

[@Donfleebie1]

That freakin antenna is annoying!

[@jamesers99]

ikr nobody likes the antenna.

[@dougm659]

Silly contest, this is like a 50 year old George Foreman vs a 20 year old Mike Tyson…..

[@6speedsti241]

YOU CAN NOT SHIFT STOPPED VIDEO MID WAY

[@toddfather1971]

Girl Jeans?

[@akbt2]

*Jeans

[@daphneodora1]

グローブはしてるのに、膝ぼん丸出しのダメージジーンズ！解らない。