Saying goodbye to a great steed

[RandyShields]

After almost 8 years of ownership, 33,000 miles, and riding in all the lower 48 states, I am preparing to say goodbye to my 2012 K1600GT.  This has been a fabulous rock star of a bike over the years, but I am just not riding it as much with the GS in the garage.  Also, I realized on my Westward Ho trip last summer that, while the K1600 is a fantastic touring bike with an engine that loves to hum along those wide open western highways, my GS could do everything almost as well, and could do the back roads and twisties better.  The buyer is coming by Monday to pick it up and, I have to say, I am quite torn since I love this bike so much.  But, time to let someone else enjoy it.  Even at 8 years old, it is still quite developed and has most of the advancements that we see in the new BMWs, including ride modes, traction control, ESA and that cool adaptive headlight.  I will miss it.

[wbw6cos]

Sorry for your loss Randy, so to speak.  For what it is worth, that is a good looking color.  

[Rinkydink]

Still looks brand new. Someone is getting a pretty machine. 

[TEWKS]

Randy, thinking about a future replacement or just going to keep it a one bike family for a while?  Guess there is something to be said about the simpler one bike life.  Ha, I actually typed that without a chuckle. 

[Selden]

I hope the buyer appreciates what he is getting, and takes good care of it. Parting with a good friend is always stressful, and I hate it when I sometimes see what a new owner has done to something I loved.

[RandyShields]

Thanks guys.  Yes, still looks and rides like brand new.  Just going with one bike for now; we'll see how that goes.

 

 

[Rinkydink]

1 minute ago, RandyShields said:

Thanks guys.  Yes, still looks and rides like brand new.  Just going with one bike for now; we'll see how that goes.

 

 

It’s actually easier than one would think. The maintenance stream is a lot simpler. 

[gordiet]

I did the same thing recently. Traded my 2014 K1600GT for a 2020 R1250RS. I really liked the K motor on long trips. It’s loves to run hard at speed. The new R ain’t no slouch though. First long trip starts this Tuesday.

[Limecreek]

21 hours ago, gordiet said:

I did the same thing recently. Traded my 2014 K1600GT for a 2020 R1250RS. I really liked the K motor on long trips. It’s loves to run hard at speed. The new R ain’t no slouch though. First long trip starts this Tuesday.

Loved my 2013. An amazing touring bike but I am  having much more fun on the R12RS. 

[longjohn]

On 6/21/2020 at 4:44 PM, gordiet said:

I did the same thing recently. Traded my 2014 K1600GT for a 2020 R1250RS. I really liked the K motor on long trips. It’s loves to run hard at speed. The new R ain’t no slouch though. First long trip starts this Tuesday.

What color is that?

[MikeB60]

 

10 hours ago, longjohn said:

What color is that?

Vermillion Red.  

[RandyShields]

Actually, my former 2012 is Vermillion Red -- kind of a dark burgundy/maroon.  Not sure if that is the same name given to the color of Gordiet's 2014.

[RTinNC]

On 6/21/2020 at 7:44 PM, gordiet said:

I did the same thing recently. Traded my 2014 K1600GT for a 2020 R1250RS. I really liked the K motor on long trips. It’s loves to run hard at speed. The new R ain’t no slouch though. First long trip starts this Tuesday.

 WOW ... .I love that color !!   VERY nice! 

[RTinNC]

Always sad to see a bike you love ride out of the driveway but equally nice when you know it's going to a good home where it will be loved and cared for.  I sold my 2012 GSA last year and still keep in touch with the new owner who is loving it!   

 

Never had the desire to own a K1600 as it filled a space i just did not have with my RT and GS .... BUT .... when my riding buddy Don sold his K1600GT I told him I really would miss the sound of that motor when he fired it up in the morning !!   That is one sweeeeet sounding engine! 

 

But Randy ... now you have all that empty space in the garage!!  It really needs to be filled!!  

[gordiet]

On 6/23/2020 at 6:01 PM, longjohn said:

What color is that?

Austin Yellow 

[dba]

Having both a GTL and a GSA, fills a lot different missions.  Love them both, just for different things.

[RTinNC]

On 6/25/2020 at 2:03 PM, dba said:

Having both a GTL and a GSA, fills a lot different missions.  Love them both, just for different things.

 Yep .. .and exactly why I have a RT and GS.   Both great but with slightly different personalities.   And having 2 boxer motors makes like a bit simpler. 

 

[Don Miller]

I know how you feel Randy. After 39,000 miles on my '12 K1600GT, I felt it was time for a change. Although the 1600's handling is superb for its' weight, I was surprised to realize after the fact, how much input it took to carve through the twisties compared to my next bike, an R1200GSA. While both bikes are a joy to ride, the hands down winner of the "fun factor" award goes to the GSA.