My pre-ordered GT arrived recently and much earlier than anticipated. Those that have followed some of my posts know that I had a 2010 K13GT, which I was very happy with, and wasn't necessarily sold on a K16GT.
The deal I had with my dealer was that I had to rest ride the K16GT before deciding. Having spent time on the K1600GTL, I was impressed with many aspects of the bike, but as a package I liked my K13GT slightly better.
After a very skeptical test ride on my new K16GT, I was quickly sold. To me the K16GT is the sum of all of it's parts.
The riding position is RT(ish) but with more legroom. It's the first sport-touring bike I have owned that does not compell me to want to add risers, etc. So far I have managed a 500 mile day and I was really impressed with the level of comfort. Even the stock seat is passable, but will most likely be sent to Russell.
The GT has an edgier exhaust note, and more aggressive ECU mapping, which again, seem to suit the inherant character of this platform. I would be doing everyone a disservice if I did not call attention to what a remarkable engine the GT has. Ultra smooth, very refined feeling, and willing to be lugged or revved. It really is a "no compromises" engine, and provides stellar performance and feel, while being very charasmatic at the same time. Don't believe me?....take this bike through the gears and listen to it howl at full song.
What really strikes me about this bike is that it NEVER feels stressed. Handling, acceleration, high speed cruising, all feels very effortless. In particular the steering is so remarkably light that it inspires a level of confidence going into turns that could almost be dangerous. It's as if I cannot get this bike into a corner too fast. Whenver I feel I have gotten in too hot, the bike almost intuitively and with ease allows a mid corner correction with amazing stability.
My GT came fully loaded, and I am quickly getting acclimated to the features. I do wish the ESA were on a seperate switch like my K13GT, but when roads get technical I set and leave the menu on suspension. Otherwise, I find all of the features very useful and easy to use. The stereo speakers could be better, but then again I have bluetooth.
I've had several people come up to me and ask about this bike already, it's a bit odd to me, as I have never owned a bike like this that has drawn this amount of attention. Some know what it is, while others want to compliment the looks of the bike. Regardless, it's getting to a point where it's a bit tedious. I'm hoping a year from now that goes away.
My conclusion is that I made the right choice. I was tempted to hold out for the new Triumph Trophy sport-touring model. The K16GT is really a remarkable bike, and BMW has set the bar much higher.
The deal I had with my dealer was that I had to rest ride the K16GT before deciding. Having spent time on the K1600GTL, I was impressed with many aspects of the bike, but as a package I liked my K13GT slightly better.
After a very skeptical test ride on my new K16GT, I was quickly sold. To me the K16GT is the sum of all of it's parts.
The riding position is RT(ish) but with more legroom. It's the first sport-touring bike I have owned that does not compell me to want to add risers, etc. So far I have managed a 500 mile day and I was really impressed with the level of comfort. Even the stock seat is passable, but will most likely be sent to Russell.
The GT has an edgier exhaust note, and more aggressive ECU mapping, which again, seem to suit the inherant character of this platform. I would be doing everyone a disservice if I did not call attention to what a remarkable engine the GT has. Ultra smooth, very refined feeling, and willing to be lugged or revved. It really is a "no compromises" engine, and provides stellar performance and feel, while being very charasmatic at the same time. Don't believe me?....take this bike through the gears and listen to it howl at full song.
What really strikes me about this bike is that it NEVER feels stressed. Handling, acceleration, high speed cruising, all feels very effortless. In particular the steering is so remarkably light that it inspires a level of confidence going into turns that could almost be dangerous. It's as if I cannot get this bike into a corner too fast. Whenver I feel I have gotten in too hot, the bike almost intuitively and with ease allows a mid corner correction with amazing stability.
My GT came fully loaded, and I am quickly getting acclimated to the features. I do wish the ESA were on a seperate switch like my K13GT, but when roads get technical I set and leave the menu on suspension. Otherwise, I find all of the features very useful and easy to use. The stereo speakers could be better, but then again I have bluetooth.
I've had several people come up to me and ask about this bike already, it's a bit odd to me, as I have never owned a bike like this that has drawn this amount of attention. Some know what it is, while others want to compliment the looks of the bike. Regardless, it's getting to a point where it's a bit tedious. I'm hoping a year from now that goes away.
My conclusion is that I made the right choice. I was tempted to hold out for the new Triumph Trophy sport-touring model. The K16GT is really a remarkable bike, and BMW has set the bar much higher.
