RIDE ON | 2022 BMW K1600B Test Ride & Verdict

The K1600 Bagger has received many updates for 2022 - is it any good?
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[@pistolpete6321]

Great review, appreciate the comparison to the previous version, super helpful!

[@RichDunn]

You're very welcome PP. The old one was near perfect except for the dials/gauges, first gear pull-aways, and slowed steering - if fitted with the wrong or worn rubber. But the '22 really is hard to criticize within the genre. It's the lightest of the big custom baggers. It's the most powerful. The smoothest (tie with Wing DCT). The most agile/sporty. Arguably the prettiest. And all previous reservations (that I had) have now been comprehensively addressed. Within remit, it's a fabulous machine. If it had active cruise/blindspots/hydraulic lifters, it would be absolute perfection. I'd love one!

[@pistolpete6321]

@@RichDunn spot on, those additions would get me to seriously consider one!

[@kevink1214]

As a long time harley touring bike owner I test rode a used 2019 k1600 B. I wanted to like it, but didn't seem to live up to the expectations from many KZbin videos. I was a nice bike, no real complaints. It rode as well and smooth as my RoadGlide Special. The only thing is your legs are bent too much at an angle, yes you get the forward floorboards. Just quite a different riding style to have to get used to. Minor things I noted, when you are at a stop the pegs are right where your legs need to be. This bike also lacks built in compartments up front to put glasses in, gloves, phone, ipass, etc. I don't want to have to add a tank bag as it takes away from the look of the bike. Lastly I think BMW should have added a satellite connected GPS. Many times I have been on back roads where I lost cell service for many hours, case in point riding the mountains around Gatlinburg, TN. Still undecided here to switch teams and go to the BMW side.

[@RichDunn]

I find that it takes me a while to adjust to a new seating position when I change bikes, but once accustomed, they feel like a favorite pair of old blue jeans. Good point re: pegs though. I believe you have a choice of pre-set button panel or storage compartment (configure online). The BMW Connected app allows you to download maps onto your phone, so you only need Bluetooth, not a phone signal. A Beeline device will also work well in this respect, but no map. I know what you mean re: Gatlingburg having stayed near Pigeon Forge earlier this month! Good luck deciding. Having ridden the Glide (and SG, RK) many times, my personal preference is the BMW six. The Wing DCT is exceptionally smooth and comfortable too. But is higher maintenance and has softer suspension, with more compromised ground clearance, so it depends how hard you ride, etc.

[@gregfleenor9654]

Great bikes. I have one. Only ask is for a better seat. Stock seat fine for smaller, lighter riders but that’s where it ends. Put an RDL on mine. Huge difference.

[@RichDunn]

My friend Tom, with the Wing DCT has a RDL and swears by it too!

[@alp3781]

I wanted to love this bike and to my disappointment, it failed. 2018, Grand America, new from the dealer. After 12K on her, noting but problems. I was more riding to the dealer then for fun. It was a fantastic ride, by all means, as long as they ride fine. Be worn !!!! This block is very involved, very sophisticated. Under normal environment anything could and will go wrong. You should make sure you have a dealer close by and they have loaner for you. Labor and parts are not cheap. Not easy to work on. Service on them is time and/or miles. You need to buy a programmer to reset, if you do your own work. The bottom line is, this K is meant to ride and ride and ride....and you should not worry all the time about repairs. I had that, sadly. Otherwise, I would ride only K's. I will not ride a BMW again !!!!! The new GT black looks very sweet. Now, I ride 2020 Goldwing DCT Tour. simply to say.....magical machine, all around. I have 15K on her. ZEROOOOOO problems , so far.

[@RichDunn]

Good to hear balanced feedback from you, thank you for that! I have friends (a couple) that have owned multiple K's and currently have current models of the K1600GT and K1600B. They've had zero problems with theirs. But I've also known e.g. two friends with Multistrada V4s that have covered 50k problems free, and two others who have been left stranded by the side of the road, or have surging and ignition cutting-out issues. Sometimes we just get a Friday afternoon bike, but in the main BMW builds a solid bike - I've owned ten personally with zero problems, although I did ride about 10-12k on them annually, and don't mind paying for good mechanics, the bikes are computers on wheels nowadays. I've ridden the manual and DCT Wing and love it for its solidity, and the DCT is pure voodoo good. If reliability is everything the Wing is it. But the Honda's poor ground clearance, too soft suspension, lighting, dashboard, horsepower, typically poorer dealers, and way too short service intervals, are the downsides of the Honda vs the '22 BMW.

[@alp3781]

@@RichDunn Funny you mentioned the engine cut out of nowhere. I had few of those at 60 mph. And as I was exit a HWY. That was alone scary shit !!! It’s good to know that many just don’t have issues with them. I have to say. The mechanic at the dealer told me once that the K can be strange at times. And they do. I just got burn out with the K. Don’t have the sweets to go back. I loved that machine so much. Now, with the GW DCT, I have 3 dealers by me. Very easy to work on it. Parts are everywhere. I can do almost everything on it. I never went back to the dealer once for anything. The ride is incredible for 6’4” rider. Yes, the bike is not perfect ! But, for what I got, can’t complain at all. I am glad the k is working for you. I wish it was for me. I just got tired of the unknown.

[@theonlyredspecial]

R18 bagger and transcontinental has the same 10.25 dash along with 4 analogue dials above it. Good dash system.

[@RichDunn]

Yes, you're right. My friend Darcy owns one, he really likes it.

[@109rfan1]

tires make a huge difference on these k1600’s. i have tried stock metz then Pirelli angel gt and now Michelin road 5

[@RichDunn]

I've heard that as well, Michael - GTK! Not sure what this one was fitted with, but it felt sweet,very agile for a big girl.

[@109rfan1]

@@RichDunn that’s what drew me to the k16’s large comfortable and agile really only time i notice how big it is when riding tight first /2nd gear mountain roads aggressively

[@thatwhatisaid]

So you're suggesting Michelin road is best of the 3?

[@109rfan1]

@@thatwhatisaid in my opinion i liked michelin best

[@roadglide]

I love really the look, feel and sound of this bike. You are absolute right Richard about BMW’s TFT. Best in the business. A difficult decision this would be against the Gold Wing, either one Tour or Bagger. Then consider the Wing’s Sport mode and tech offerings. The HD not in this league. Indian yes.

[@RichDunn]

The Wing's DCT is awesome and its comfort and refinement are top drawer. But the BMW definitely handles better (far better ground clearance too), is quicker, and has that TFT. A tough decision. The BMW is probably better for a solo rider who doesn't want to work too hard in the twisties. And the Honda is probably better as a two-up machine taking the curves in a slightly more reserved manner.

[@joerocket3rider603]

Nice bike, just more inclined toward the touring side of the street... will stick with me K1200R Sport which is nearer to an actual sport bike and much more to my liking... great review, per usual, sir...

[@RichDunn]

Many thanks, JR. I used to have a K1300S, and have ridden the K1200R, which makes for a great road bike!

[@logicalsearcher7589]

Thank you for uploading this video. I’m torn between trying to find a new 2022, order one, or buy used 2018 model. I like the new dashboard look but have a concern. What are your thoughts on the new model not having the true Garmin GPS? A friend pointed out to me that GPS is more reliable than any maps application on your phone and especially when doing cross country rides. He went from Georgia to Idaho/Montana and back last year. PS - I enjoyed to video and recognized all the locations personally.

[@RichDunn]

Good question. I've owned many versions of both TomTom and Garmin GPS devices, including the BMW Navigator VI. I've also used BMW Connected extensively, and currently have 17 GPS applications on my smartphone. I've tested all of these extensively over 100k+ miles and created many videos on them, often testing four or five at the same time/over the same route. IMPO nothing beats Beeline for accuracy and reliability, especially when you have no phone signal or on rare occasions when you have no satellite signal too. But for convenience with a map display, nothing beats a Garmin Zumo XT, because you can load GPX files via Bluetooth, and it auto connects to your home wifi when you get home and updates its firmware and maps (free for life) before turning itself off, without the owner having to do anything - no need to ever connect to a computer or you Basecrap software. It also split screens to let you control music while still seeing the map too. The MSRP is $499, but I got one for $399 through J&P Cycles. The '22 K16B is a much-improved bike as my review indicates - better TFT dashboard, more controlled suspension, clever new lighting, and lighter/smoother clutch actuation. These things matter and justify the extra price IMHO. I would get the '22 and fit a Zumo XT, or just use BMW Connected with Beeline as a backup. Creating routes using MyRoute-App online using the Open Street Map (OSM) format works perfectly with both Connected and Beeline. I'm still testing it on the Zumo, but I've ridden over 600 miles in the last three days (all very complicated backroads routes) and it's worked perfectly. Don't base your decision on whether you can still easily use your existing GPS device, just get the bike that 'you' want the most. I hope that helps?

[@snakegs4203]

Where are you located? BMW usually launches bikes on time. They said Q1, and they’ve technically got a few days left. I want mine!!!!!

[@RichDunn]

Georgia. They should be hitting the dealers now.

[@steveb2618]

Good review, thank you.

[@RichDunn]

Thanks, Steve. It's a seriously impressive machine.

[@gordon4221]

Looks a good bike and wonderfully smooth - just too heavy for me... You mentioned the K1300s. I have never ridden one but I have this 'feeling' it would be my ideal sport tourer. Shame BMW don't do it anymore ? I would love to have a go on one

[@RichDunn]

Yes, ridiculously smooth the sixes are. I agree re: K1300S. Its wheelbase is sometimes a little long for fast UK B-road use, but it's awesome on dual-carriageways/motorways and a perfect bike for NA in a lot of ways. It was beautifully built too. I used to say it was the equivalent of a BMW M5 car - pace with grace. I'd love one here, but alas they no longer make it. The K1600GT is the natural closest thing, but I just don't like the way it looks compared with sort of slammed-lowered Maybach looks of the K16B.

[@snakegs4203]

Why too heavy? Get some training. No bike is too heavy for anyone who can ride proficiently.

[@seanbussie7480]

Where did you test drive these at ? I'm here in Atlanta and would love to test drive one as well

[@RichDunn]

Hi, Sean. It was actually a BMW-organized demo truck tour. However, the dealership is Wooly's of Marietta. I've bought a number of new BMWs from them. Mention my name and they'll probably let you take out a K1600B. P.s. My spies tell me that Roswell will also be getting a BMW dealership soon, on route 9 near Roswell Triumph - which is worth visiting too, if you've never dropped by.

[@davidmcconaghy9404]

Great review thanks, - how loud is the radio - I have a 2018 and it’s not loud at all, it can’t be heard on the highway. I hope they fixed this.

[@RichDunn]

Sorry David I didn't try it. I'm not a fan of speakers on bikes, personally. The sound quality through my Cardo Packtalk Bold with 45mm JBL speakers always seems far superior to me at 80 mph. And I don't like to annoy pedestrians and my fellow riders at traffic lights. Each to their own though, sorry I couldn't help!

[@markheinig]

Solo touring on a mix of variable-quality paved roads and highways. Which would you prefer to ride: K1600B or Goldwing Tour DCT?

[@RichDunn]

Good question, Mark! One of these is very possibly my next motorcycle, and I'm so torn between the two. They both have a John Hossack style duo-lever front suspension, which provides good ride quality across varied quality surfaces. Both have ridiculously smooth engines, superb comfort, and great connectivity systems (Honda CarPlay/BMW Connected), And both are beautifully built and would make any owner proud to own. I would say that the biggest differentiator is that the BMW has better suspension for a rider over 200 lbs (more composed, better ground clearance), is sportier (more agile, faster), and has better dealers (generally nicer showrooms and more professional service technicians). However, for a rider who has grown up on American v-twin cruiser-type bikes, the Honda DCT takes refinement to the next level. And more and more navigation apps (Rever, Sygic, Waze) now work on CarPlay, so take your pick. The BMW TFT is simply the best. The Honda has a taller screen for long freeway journeys, but the BMW has the lovely fold-down highway-boards to stretch your legs. The base Gold Wing doesn't have the extra bells and whistles of the Touring, which benefits from a top-case over the K16B, but also weighs more than the BMW and those Honda latches on the cases are very flimsy on a 30k bike. The typical spec'd bikes are K1600B at 27k vs Wing DCT at 29k. But IMHO for myself, I'd have to upgrade the suspension. My friend just had that done and it cost another $5k, which then makes the difference noticeable at $7k, not that far short or a nice additional bike like a Tenere 700 for instance. My favorite thing about the Honda is the DCT and my least favorite thing is the typical poor dealers. My favorite thing about the BMW is the agility/handling due to its lighter weight, placement, and geometry; and my least favorite is that the dealer network is much smaller. If either gained active-cruise control, blindspot monitoring, and hydraulic lifters (no valve checks) that would declare a clear winner. Or if they moved to Ducati/Triumph style 10k oil changes and 40k valve checks. But we can hope! It's a Ferrari or Lambo win-win, no losers here. But currently, for me personally (sporty rider with a good local BMW dealer), I'm leaning towards the BMW K1600B. Once clear indicator for me, is that when thinking about the worst thing about the bike, I find myself scratching my head to find 'anything' that I don't like about it! I hope that helps?

[@markheinig]

@@RichDunn Wow, what a reply! I asked the question because I had all the same thoughts in my mind, making the decision between the two bikes a perplexing one. When I was a pre-pandemic motorcycle commuter and annual tourer, frequency and cost of maintenance rose to prominence as one of the factors to consider when choosing the next bike. With the likelihood of retiring in the next year and the return of higher mileage riding, maintenance cost and hassle might be weighted more heavily. Having lived with a Tiger 800 for 9 years, I'd really rather not put up with anything remotely like 6,000 mile oil changes and 12,000 mile valve checks. The Goldwing probably (or maybe) wins on this factor but has other concerns to consider, such as a horrendous air filter change procedure and suspect service departments. Like you, I have an excellent BMW/Ducati/Triumph dealer. My ideal would be to combine their service department with reduced service needs. Something like a K1600B with the maintenance schedule of your Multistrada. Hydraulic valves would be a slam dunk. I'm not a sporty rider like you, though, so these bikes are overkill for me. I'd probably be better off with the new Tiger 1200 and enjoy very good service intervals and ease of riding through long stretches of road construction that I often find on my tours in the western states.

[@RichDunn]

@@markheinig I think valves are 18k for the BMW and 8, then every 24k for the Honda. both expensive services no doubt. I've sat on the Tiger 1200 a few times now and the early reports are great. Shaft drive, 10k services and I suspect 20k for the valves. but probably easiest access. That also concludes my top three next bike options, same as yours! I'd like Triumph to make a bagger with the Rocket 3 engine, but with DCT, a 13" TFT, and much better rear shock. They should Street Glide it, with auto-box, and hydraulic lifters. Still... what do we know, ha!

[@markheinig]

@@RichDunn That would be a sweet retirement bike.

[@adamt581]

Why does the 1600B have different handle bars than the GT?

[@RichDunn]

I would say that they think some riders (perhaps current Harley riders) might be more comfortable with a tubular bar. And some who want to bolt lots of devices to the bars will have an easier time with tubed bars. And finally, they are likely to be cheaper to obtain and fit. However cosmetically the GT/RT style wing-like bars are prettier, and also available as a no-cost option to new buyers.

[@kevink1214]

@@RichDunn good point on clamp on devices like phone holder, or GoPro, etc.

[@lennykibbs260]

Does it still drift to the left when you go hands free?

[@RichDunn]

All four I have ridden steered perfectly well. It's more likely to be a road camber if experienced.

[@lennykibbs260]

@@RichDunn my 2019 did it.. wasn't to a point where it was a safety issue but annoying as hell.... and Def not due to road crown or camber or whatever it's called...

[@RichDunn]

@@lennykibbs260 I can see how that would annoy. It felt good to me at all revs in all gears at all angles; but I didn't do any no-handed stuff on this particular ride