K1600GTL sighting

[beemerboy]

Had to make a quick trip to Denver BMW this morning and spied a new K16 in the service bay being prepped for it's new owner or as a floor model.

 

I have to admit that I've not been impressed with the photos I've seen and since I'm not eager to be another BMW beta tester - especially not at $22-26K - I've not given it much notice.

 

That being said my vantage point from the service desk made me take immediate notice. The rear view of the exhuasts reminded me of the old Triumph Trident T150 only updated.

 

In short, me likey but not enough to cough up the dough for one.

 

One more thing, I asked for a closer look and was told NO!

[Jerry in Monument]

When I was up there a couple of weeks ago, I was told they had 27 already sold. Just waiting for the deliveries.

 

I won't ever be able to justify $20k+ for a motorcycle (I can barely bring myself to spend that on a truck). And just like you Randy, I have no desire to spend that kind of money on a Beta unit.

 

Maybe in a few more months I'll take a look when the hype dies down and see what it's all about.

 

But I think an RT will always be my ride.

[Firefight911]

I can't wait to take a test ride if for nothing else but for the 6 cylinder. Me LOVES a 6 cylinder.

 

I resigned my beta position some time back but I do plan on sending a bottle of Aleve to my New Jersey BMW contact in 6 months and call her to check in on how many beta testers are calling her. I told her some time back to put some counseling appointments in her calendar as she is going to need them!

[beemerboy]

I can't wait to take a test ride if for nothing else but for the 6 cylinder. Me LOVES a 6 cylinder.

 

You'll put your eye out.

 

 

 

I resigned my beta position some time back but I do plan on sending a bottle of Aleve to my New Jersey BMW contact in 6 months and call her to check in on how many beta testers are calling her. I told her some time back to put some counseling appointments in her calendar as she is going to need them!

 

Me too. Sad that my BMW beta tester status ended with the purchase of my RT. Still got it, still love it, but there are days when I curse the brand for what they do and how they treat post sale customers. I'm currently on my third K bike and all were bought used and were screamin' deals compared to buying new. All were still under warrantly at the time, too.

 

As for your NJ BMW buddy I have one as well because I'm dealing with some K bike legacy warranty issues. BMWNA and I have been in contact for many months and I hope to have some resolution soon. I'll do a write up after I know the outcome.

[Guest Kakugo]

Local dealer had the first bikes (including their own demo GT) in late March. Since we are good customers they invited me to come over to give the big girl a go.

Went last week, had my ride (what a machine) and then sat down to talk about the bike.

The whole 2011 production run is already sold out. Given the huge success dealers have pleaded with BMW to increase production. BMW will give an answer in June: if it's positive orders will be reopened in September.

Having said that I agree with all of you that this bike should not be bought right away: the bike still felt a tad "green". The throttle-by-wire needs some fine-tuning, the on-board computer needs to be made more user-friendly and wind protection needs to be improved, big time. These are minor issues but I am ready to bet in a few weeks we'll be reading some horror story related to the incredibly sophisticated electronics.

On the plus side the bike feels like a rocketship. That engine pulls in any gear from 1500 rpm and when you are in sixth gear you'd better keep a close eye on the speedo. The damn thing is also incredibly stable: there's no way of unsettling it. Handling is good considered the weight and size, better than any Japanese tourer except perhaps the Kawasaki C14.

Me likes, but I'll be sticking to my boxer, thank you very much.

[beemerboy]

Having said that I agree with all of you that this bike should not be bought right away: the bike still felt a tad "green". The throttle-by-wire needs some fine-tuning, the on-board computer needs to be made more user-friendly and wind protection needs to be improved, big time. These are minor issues but I am ready to bet in a few weeks we'll be reading some horror story related to the incredibly sophisticated electronics.[/quote]

 

Kinda like the Toyota gas pedal problems. Hmmmmm, can you imagine going down the road on your nifty new K1600 and then having it accelerate out of control??!!

[Paul Mihalka]

"Kinda like the Toyota gas pedal problems"

 

I think I read that Toyota's problems were more the foot on the gas instead of the brake, and not a mechanical/electric malfunction.

[Dennis Andress]

"Kinda like the Toyota gas pedal problems"

 

I think I read that Toyota's problems were more the foot on the gas instead of the brake, and not a mechanical/electric malfunction.

 

 

Maybe, but they recalled my truck to trim 3/4" off the bottom of the gas pedal, and update the firmware so the engine goes to idle if the brake and throttle are pressed at the same time...

[ScottT]

I think I read that Toyota's problems were more the foot on the gas instead of the brake, and not a mechanical/electric malfunction.

 

Kinda like the Audi 5000 “sudden unintended acceleration” of the late 1980s. It's what is known as "operator error"(sds - stupid driver syndrome).

 

You can't fix stupid

Ron White

 

[Guest Kakugo]

The throttle feels very much like the quick action one I have on my SP2: there's no freeplay whatsoever, it has a short run and it's very, very sensitive. I managed to get around it because I am used to QAT's but I suspect people used to the K1200/1300GT or Goldwing will have a very tough time adapting to it.

[TEWKS]

 

One more thing, I asked for a closer look and was told NO!

 

As a potential customer that would have pi$$ed me off.

 

K1600 GT in CT.

 

 

Pat

[s3steve]

Apparently all the GT's or sold and they only had 2 GTL's left up here. Now, I don't know if that across Canada or just at the one dealer.

 

Would love to get one but as other have said, I don't want to be the beta tester either given BMW recent record on new designs.

[Dennis Andress]

The throttle feels very much like the quick action one I have on my SP2: there's no freeplay whatsoever, it has a short run and it's very, very sensitive. I managed to get around it because I am used to QAT's but I suspect people used to the K1200/1300GT or Goldwing will have a very tough time adapting to it.

 

A trait of throttle by wire systems is near instantaneous on and off throttle response. The computer will have the butterflies open or closed before your wrist recognizes that it has reached the place where the throttle spring begins or ends. It is a PITA and difficult to learn. For both of our K1300 Ss We've found that taking nearly all of the slack out of the cables helps. That way we don't have to gently feel for the end of the slack before expecting the engine to respond.

[beemerboy]

 

One more thing, I asked for a closer look and was told NO!

 

As a potential customer that would have pi$$ed me off.

 

K1600 GT in CT.

 

 

Pat

 

It did. I was made to feel as though I was a pest, too. I guess the dealer felt they could do that since they'd sold their allotment and knew I wasn't going to be able to buy one.

[Jerry in Monument]

I think I might swing by BMW of Denver tomorrow on the way home. See what kind of reception I get.

[AdirondackJack]

Thought you folks might enjoy this thread from another forum:

 

http://www.k1600forum.com/forum/bmw-k1600-general-discussions/663-thanks-beta-testing.html

 

 

Just like any other commodity: there are good dealers , and bad dealers. Beemerboy: sounds like you should find a dealer who is nice to you. After all: this is America!

 

Peace!

[TEWKS]

Y'all are sure eager to be beta testers. I sure hope your experience is better than mine was with my 1994 R1100RS. If it is I may consider one next year or so. I know y'all will keep us posted.

 

Talk about holding a grudge! My 94 RS was quite trouble free.

 

Debating on a run down to CT to check out the GT at Max's.

 

Pat

[Roadwolf]

I resigned my beta position some time back

 

So you are now a beta tester for Yamaha then?

[Firefight911]

I resigned my beta position some time back

 

So you are now a beta tester for Yamaha then?

 

You mean the bike that has been out to the rest of the world for two years now? Hardly a beta test situation.

[DirtyDR]

I got an email from Foothills last night;

Triumph Open House and BMW K1600GTL Demo Rides at Foothills BMW/Triumph

 

I have to go down to Denver to take Mom out for Mothers Day so I might swing by tomorrow since I'm staying with friends not too far from Foothills.

[K9_RN]

This is part of the Max BMW newsletter I got 5/5/11:

 

THEY HAVE ARRIVED! Every day we're open come check out and demo the K1600 GT and GTL at all stores!

The K1600 GT and GTL have arrived, and boy are they impressive. It's almost enough to just gaze at these machines and admire all of the thought and detail that went into the design of BMW's 6-cylinder tour-de-force. But throw a leg over and suddenly your mind is flooded with images of riding this bike on the trip of your dreams. It's something that you have to experience yourself, so feel free to come in any day we're open to check out this new bike and take it for a no-obligation test ride.

MAX BMW Hours and Directions

 

[beemerman2k]

Why do they tell you it's a "no obligation" test ride?

 

I wouldn't say anything of the sort, and when people return from the test ride, then say, "OK, you are now obligated to purchase this vehicle!"

[W. Mazelin]

Besides the 2 models we've already seen and or read about, I wonder what BMW has up the sleeve regarding the 1,600cc 6-cylinder power-plant? A less faired-in CBX style roadster would be interesting; at least to me. Spy photos or concept drawings, anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?

[Paul Mihalka]

Besides the 2 models we've already seen and or read about, I wonder what BMW has up the sleeve regarding the 1,600cc 6-cylinder power-plant? A less faired-in CBX style roadster would be interesting; at least to me. Spy photos or concept drawings, anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?

 

You, and may be two others, might want a naked K1600. Lets look at history: The K1200R did not sell well in the USA. BMW didn't even bring here the K1300R they had in Europe. In the R series the R1200S had to be discontinued and the R1200R is the slowest seller in the current R lineup. I don't think we'll have a naked K1600.

[W. Mazelin]

Besides the 2 models we've already seen and or read about, I wonder what BMW has up the sleeve regarding the 1,600cc 6-cylinder power-plant? A less faired-in CBX style roadster would be interesting; at least to me. Spy photos or concept drawings, anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?

 

You, and may be two others, might want a naked K1600. Lets look at history: The K1200R did not sell well in the USA. BMW didn't even bring here the K1300R they had in Europe. In the R series the R1200S had to be discontinued and the R1200R is the slowest seller in the current R lineup. I don't think we'll have a naked K1600.

 

Paul:

 

I know you are probably right; I would like to have that kind of power and 6-cylider silk in a less bulky machine. A GT-lite, if you will. A GTS, Grand Touring Sportster.

[Heck]

I resigned my beta position some time back

 

So you are now a beta tester for Yamaha then?

 

You mean the bike that has been out to the rest of the world for two years now? Hardly a beta test situation.

 

Think Ima gonna bookmark this post.......This one should be saved for posterity..

 

Nah, too easy....

[fourteenfour]

I wish I could get excited by these bikes. Even after going over one at the local dealer I just could not get impressed. What am I missing?

[TEWKS]

Pictures?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pat

 

 

[KenK]

I wish I could get excited by these bikes. Even after going over one at the local dealer I just could not get impressed. What am I missing?

Try riding it and then you will. I did last weekend and I was totally impressed.

Ken

[Jerry in Monument]

Well, I did not get the chance to swing by BMW of Denver today. Hopefully next week.

[TEWKS]

This bike (the GT) is at Greater Boston Motorsports in Arlington, MA if interested. It is their demo bike but a miscommunication with the sales guy cost me a ride. I'll go back next week.

 

It's definitely a bigger bike than the RT, (No surprise) the seat will need a rework but, it sure is a good looking bike.

 

Pat

[amz]

BMW Motorcycles of Omaha got their GTL Demo Thursday. They had an "unveil" (no, the Teutul's were not there) yesterday evening for the pre-order customers...

 

Before getting into the Pizza and beer/wine, I took the bike out for a quick spin. I can generally confirm what others have said about he bike before. A couple of personal observations... [Note: My history is completely in Sport Touring motorbikes, I am currently riding an 08 K1200GT, so that is the primary comparison bike for me!]

 

• Throttle is VERY sensitive - almost like the original (pre-ECU reflash) K1200GT. It's not a huge issue, one just needs to be aware of it, especially in DYNAMIC mode.
  
• The bike handles easier at slow speeds than my 1200GT. I believe the balance of the bike is better, overall.
  
• The slipper clutch is GREAT, and the transmission has almost no cluncking. Nice.
  
• I did not care for the windshield on the GTL - In oder to eliminate the buffeting, I had to raise it so far I was looking through it... I hope this will be better on the GT I have coming.
  
• The low seat on the GTL gets me "flat footing" the bike - I am 5-10 with a 31.5 inseam...
  

 

Overall, I do not regret my decision to 'upgrade.' Can't wait to get my new GT!

 

 

 

[OoPEZoO]

They had a GTL for demo at Hermy's in Port Clinton PA today for their open house. It was technically a demo day for Triumph, but they had the full line of BMW's to ride also. I'm not really interested in the the GTL, but it was great to see one in person. Great looking bike, and its not nearly as large as I had imagined. It is no where near as wide as my old man's Goldwing 1500. The seat seat height felt super low to me, but then again I can flat foot a GSA.

 

They also had a GTL at Velocity Cycles in Mechanicsburg, PA as well (our 2nd stop of the day), but these guys are a bunch of buffoons and I wouldn't buy a used scooter from them, let alone a $20k+ motorcycle.

[BerndM]

Irv Seaver BMW in Orange, SoCal previewed the GTL today along with the obligatory hot dogs etc.

Nice bike for sure, but 30K bucks OTD????

Not a snowball's chance in hell.

If I was even remotely interested, which I'm not ( I like my 05 RT) I'd wait at least 2 years and let someone else take the huge depreciation/tax hit along with all the inevitable first year beta issues.

Just sayin'

<:-))