Picked up a GTL to test ride over the holiday weekend. I have a K16GT on pre-order.
Spent some time on it today, and here are my thoughts from the perspective of owning a K13GT.
Riding Position:
The K16GTL is certainly more touring ourientated in terms of it's riding position. The bars are very high, and swept back, which I find to be very comfortable. My K13GT has Verholen risers on it, and even still the riding position on the 13GT while very comfortable, is noticeably more sport orientated. I also notice that withthe GTL it feels like the rider is sitting in the bike, as opposed to on it like the 13GT.
Having sat on the K16GT I would put it in the middle of the 13GT and 16GTL in terms of riding position.
Wind Protection:
My 13GT has an Aeroflow tall with the wings added. I feel the weather protection is a bit better on my 13GT as it is equipped right now. Stock vs. stock, the 16GTL is better.
Engines:
All the magazines have gushed over the 6, and I give it very high marks also. In fact, it's the smoothest, most torquey, charasmatic engine I've ever ridden. It pulls extremely hard off the bottom, and sounds like an formula racer when you wind it out.
The 13GT engine is more visceral, and in my opinion sounds even better with it's intake growl. Compared to the 1600, the 13GT feels more like a sporting engine. It wants you to twist the throttle and rev it, whereas the 1600 feels more relaxed/content to thrum along at all times. It's worth noting that at 80 mph the 16GT is turning about 700 rpm less than the 13GT, but it is somewhat relative as the 13GT has a much higher redline.
Honestly, it's like comparing an M5 to a 7 series in some ways. The 1300 and 1600 are both amazing engines. I like them both for different reasons and can't say I would part with the 13GT simply for the 16GT engine.
Handling:
I was AMAZED at how light the steering is on the 16GT. It intuitively goes where you want it to and like my 13GT is dead nuts stable at high speeds and through corners. Duo-lever front suspension is phenominal in real world riding.
I do think the 13GT has the clear edge in handling though.
So will I trade the 13GT for a 16GT? I really don't know....the 13GT is so damn good it's hard to justify. I'll ned to ride a 16GT to say for sure.
Spent some time on it today, and here are my thoughts from the perspective of owning a K13GT.
Riding Position:
The K16GTL is certainly more touring ourientated in terms of it's riding position. The bars are very high, and swept back, which I find to be very comfortable. My K13GT has Verholen risers on it, and even still the riding position on the 13GT while very comfortable, is noticeably more sport orientated. I also notice that withthe GTL it feels like the rider is sitting in the bike, as opposed to on it like the 13GT.
Having sat on the K16GT I would put it in the middle of the 13GT and 16GTL in terms of riding position.
Wind Protection:
My 13GT has an Aeroflow tall with the wings added. I feel the weather protection is a bit better on my 13GT as it is equipped right now. Stock vs. stock, the 16GTL is better.
Engines:
All the magazines have gushed over the 6, and I give it very high marks also. In fact, it's the smoothest, most torquey, charasmatic engine I've ever ridden. It pulls extremely hard off the bottom, and sounds like an formula racer when you wind it out.
The 13GT engine is more visceral, and in my opinion sounds even better with it's intake growl. Compared to the 1600, the 13GT feels more like a sporting engine. It wants you to twist the throttle and rev it, whereas the 1600 feels more relaxed/content to thrum along at all times. It's worth noting that at 80 mph the 16GT is turning about 700 rpm less than the 13GT, but it is somewhat relative as the 13GT has a much higher redline.
Honestly, it's like comparing an M5 to a 7 series in some ways. The 1300 and 1600 are both amazing engines. I like them both for different reasons and can't say I would part with the 13GT simply for the 16GT engine.
Handling:
I was AMAZED at how light the steering is on the 16GT. It intuitively goes where you want it to and like my 13GT is dead nuts stable at high speeds and through corners. Duo-lever front suspension is phenominal in real world riding.
I do think the 13GT has the clear edge in handling though.
So will I trade the 13GT for a 16GT? I really don't know....the 13GT is so damn good it's hard to justify. I'll ned to ride a 16GT to say for sure.
