[navsnipe]

Today I test drove a 2017 R1200RT and they happened to have a 2012 K1600GT with trunk available for test drive. The K1600 really blew me away and and it only had about 4500 miles on it. I am currently riding a 2012 R1200GS and only do road riding and are looking for a bike to gobble up the miles in comfort. What should I be aware of with maintenance/problems if I go for the 2012 K1600GT?

They are also knocking off a bunch of money off msrp on brand new 2016 K1600GTL. The one they had seem to have a lower one piece seat versus the 2012 GT with two piece. Any feedback of the differences between the two.

 

[JNW003]

You should ask the dealer to check if the water pump had been replaced under warranty as well as the handlebar switches as those items I believe tended to have issues in the earlier model K1600 bikes. They are nice bikes and the power, especially in dynamic mode, is exhilarating. I would also recommend that you check out this forum's sister site - k1600forum.com and check it out. Other than the two aforementioned issues, the K1600s are pretty dependable.:bmw:

 

[navsnipe]

Thank you for the info. I will head over to the K1600 forum. I take it they are more active on the k bike topics.

After some research I am leaning towards the brand new 2016 K1600GTL I saw. I would guess the bugs are pretty well sorted out by 2016 model year. I originally went to test the new R1200RT but a chance to drive a K1600 also really left an impression I cannot get out of my head. I am not a speed demon but not a pokey rider either, the effortless riding even two up is really sweet. Almost every review I read called this bike a big bike but it did not feel that way, it felt lighter and more balanced than my 2012 GS. I used to have a 96 Goldwing GL1500 some years ago and that bike felt big.

 

[DanDiver]

I own a very early 2012 K1600 GTL and the only two complaints were previously mentioned. The handlebar switches and water pump, both quickly handled by the warranty. If the one you are looking at has not had these two issues replaced, be sure to get the dealer to either do them now or verify that they have been done. Very few bikes did not need this done. You won't be disappointed in the K1600. The newer models have a few improvements, but not enough for me to want to trade, yet !

 

[navsnipe]

Thanks Dan. I will ask the dealer about these two issues.

I see you have a 12 K1600GTL, what model GPS's will fit in the console? I currently have the BMW Nav IV.

 

[DanDiver]

Nav IV. The switch issue was handled by a recall and for most, the water pump was not really a big deal. Some refereed to it as a leak, but it was just a slight seeping and unless you were looking for it, hard to actually see. I had some water staining (blue color) on a pipe and the dealer didn't even question replacing it.

 

[navsnipe]

Dan, did you get a chance to compare the GT to the GTL? If so why did you go for the GTL?

 

[SmokinJoe]

Dan, did you get a chance to compare the GT to the GTL? If so why did you go for the GTL?

I came from the LT as Dad did.
My biggest reason for the GTL vs. the GT was we ride two up 95% of the time and the GTL was designed for two up riding. Relaxed sit upright or back touring bike type of ride. Top box included.
The GT has more of a forward lean sportier design and although it has seating for two it is best suited for one up spirited riding and carving the twisty's. Top box is optional.

 

[DanDiver]

Dan, did you get a chance to compare the GT to the GTL? If so why did you go for the GTL?

I didn't test the two bikes before my order because there were none in the US at the time. I order a GTL because of what came with it. The dealer gave me the option to switch or cancel after the bikes started to arrive, but I liked the GTL and stuck with it.

Because it was so different from the LT, it took me about 1,000 miles to really adjust to the differences and appreciate the way it handled. Going from a mechanical to electronic throttle was the hardest challenge for me. The rest was just reprogramming my muscle memory.