Well, it's home and I've just started the break-in process. First impressions:
Power and lots of it...down low where you need it. Shifting is not as frequent as with the ST. Torque is bone breaking at the elbow joints. Very smooth, but still not ST smooth. The fly by wire throttle takes some getting used to, but smooth transitions come with very little practice. Sitting position is perfect. I'm 6'6" at 245lbs and have a 36" inseam. Bike fits like a glove, no need to add/change anything. I'm adjusting to the shift lever positioning, as it is somewhat different in terms of my foot position than the ST. One thing that I must get over...that's looking at the display too much. I think it's because it's new and I want to know what's going on. It provides a lot of info. I have confined my riding to less populated roads so I don't smack into someone while looking at gauges and displays. The suspension system is very responsive and fully adjustable from a switch. The throttle response is directly related to the mode you are in (sport/normal/rain). The 7 gal fuel tank will allow a range to fill of about 300 miles or so. I purchased the top case as well. The luggage capacity is about equal to the ST, but the load range is greater. The K1600 has a load max of about 487lbs as compared to the less than 400 lbs of the ST. I had dealer install RP3's in lieu of the factory Metzler's. The PR3's will give me even better wet weather handling and tread life. The factory radio is ok, but really not worth the $$$. I'm running my audio and BT through Garmin Zumo 665 taken from my ST. Problem solved. The wind protection is more than adequate for me, so I will not change screen. Actually, my list of "stuff to get" is very small. So far, very early in the break-in process, there is nothing I don't like. In speaking with the dealer, the maintenance really isn't that bad. I will change my own oil, but take it in for major services. The big one at 18K will cost me 800.00. Regular service about 250.00. I will have this bike warranted for a total of 7 years along with wheel and tire protection. The really good thing is that I own nothing on this bike. I've been saving for a little over two years and along with what I sold another bike for, was able to pay in cash. There are still things I think the ST1300 will always have over BMW in terms of reliability and support network. The BMW K1600GT brings sport touring into the 21st century in a big way. More to follow.
Power and lots of it...down low where you need it. Shifting is not as frequent as with the ST. Torque is bone breaking at the elbow joints. Very smooth, but still not ST smooth. The fly by wire throttle takes some getting used to, but smooth transitions come with very little practice. Sitting position is perfect. I'm 6'6" at 245lbs and have a 36" inseam. Bike fits like a glove, no need to add/change anything. I'm adjusting to the shift lever positioning, as it is somewhat different in terms of my foot position than the ST. One thing that I must get over...that's looking at the display too much. I think it's because it's new and I want to know what's going on. It provides a lot of info. I have confined my riding to less populated roads so I don't smack into someone while looking at gauges and displays. The suspension system is very responsive and fully adjustable from a switch. The throttle response is directly related to the mode you are in (sport/normal/rain). The 7 gal fuel tank will allow a range to fill of about 300 miles or so. I purchased the top case as well. The luggage capacity is about equal to the ST, but the load range is greater. The K1600 has a load max of about 487lbs as compared to the less than 400 lbs of the ST. I had dealer install RP3's in lieu of the factory Metzler's. The PR3's will give me even better wet weather handling and tread life. The factory radio is ok, but really not worth the $$$. I'm running my audio and BT through Garmin Zumo 665 taken from my ST. Problem solved. The wind protection is more than adequate for me, so I will not change screen. Actually, my list of "stuff to get" is very small. So far, very early in the break-in process, there is nothing I don't like. In speaking with the dealer, the maintenance really isn't that bad. I will change my own oil, but take it in for major services. The big one at 18K will cost me 800.00. Regular service about 250.00. I will have this bike warranted for a total of 7 years along with wheel and tire protection. The really good thing is that I own nothing on this bike. I've been saving for a little over two years and along with what I sold another bike for, was able to pay in cash. There are still things I think the ST1300 will always have over BMW in terms of reliability and support network. The BMW K1600GT brings sport touring into the 21st century in a big way. More to follow.
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