[bjedruszczak]

I just did a demo ride on the K1600GTL. Very impressive engine smoothness and power. I always enjoyed the smoothness of my LT, but this one is just amazing - 0 vibration in the handle bars. I haven't driven a bike with an engine that smooth.
The bike handles as easy or even easier than my 1200LT. Didn't have a chance to play with all the gadgets, but what I've seen it all seems to be in right place, well designed and fairly easy to use.


But still....
There are things that I would miss if I switch from my LT:

Wind protection - the new GTL is much more open and feels more sport touring than the LT. If I wanted this type, I would probably get the GT not GTL with that flimsy top box.

Mirrors - on my LT they are in a perfect location (for me), the new GTLs are smaller and in a location that is more for a sport riding.

No reverse - I rarely use it, but if I have to I'm really glad I have it.
No hydraulic center stand - I use it all the time, would miss it very much.


Overall, I'm very impressed with the bike, but would really love it if it was an LT type.

I think I'll wait and see if BMW comes up with a tourer equivalent to the LT. As soon as that happens, I will be the first in line to get it.

Are there any reliable rumors about new LT, or I'm sentenced for a long wait?

BJ

 

[JimE]

I just did a demo ride on the K1600GTL. Very impressive engine smoothness and power. I always enjoyed the smoothness of my LT, but this one is just amazing - 0 vibration in the handle bars. I haven't driven a bike with an engine that smooth.
The bike handles as easy or even easier than my 1200LT. Didn't have a chance to play with all the gadgets, but what I've seen it all seems to be in right place, well designed and fairly easy to use.


But still....
There are things that I would miss if I switch from my LT:

Wind protection - the new GTL is much more open and feels more sport touring than the LT. If I wanted this type, I would probably get the GT not GTL with that flimsy top box.

Mirrors - on my LT they are in a perfect location (for me), the new GTLs are smaller and in a location that is more for a sport riding.

No reverse - I rarely use it, but if I have to I'm really glad I have it.
No hydraulic center stand - I use it all the time, would miss it very much.


Overall, I'm very impressed with the bike, but would really love it if it was an LT type.

I think I'll wait and see if BMW comes up with a tourer equivalent to the LT. As soon as that happens, I will be the first in line to get it.

Are there any reliable rumors about new LT, or I'm sentenced for a long wait?

BJ

Can't help with rumors...and it sounds like you've already answered your own question.

If after the demo ride, you don't have a burning desire to have a K16, and you're still thinking about things like a hydraulic center stand and reverse, then clearly this is not the right bike for you.

 

[starvingdrummer]

I know what you mean, but yes, Jim is right, you've answered your own question. I was very skeptical at first, but now I'm a believer. I drank the punch - and I'm lovin' it. After 2 LT's, I now love and live to ride the GT! This bike has it's short comings and is a change from the LT, but it has a lot more positives than the LT. In an odd way, some of the wishes were met with this bike. LT peeps wanted the LT to go on a diet and gain a few horses. Well, this is that and more. But unfortunate for some, the GT's are a little more sport than tour.

I have the GTL for 3 years, then hand it back to the dealer. In which time, there will not be a completely new LT waiting for me. BMW Motorrad is evolving...

Check out this thread: http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=67015 The Future of BMW Touring?

I just did a demo ride on the K1600GTL. Very impressive engine smoothness and power. I always enjoyed the smoothness of my LT, but this one is just amazing - 0 vibration in the handle bars. I haven't driven a bike with an engine that smooth.
The bike handles as easy or even easier than my 1200LT. Didn't have a chance to play with all the gadgets, but what I've seen it all seems to be in right place, well designed and fairly easy to use.


But still....
There are things that I would miss if I switch from my LT:

Wind protection - the new GTL is much more open and feels more sport touring than the LT. If I wanted this type, I would probably get the GT not GTL with that flimsy top box.

Mirrors - on my LT they are in a perfect location (for me), the new GTLs are smaller and in a location that is more for a sport riding.

No reverse - I rarely use it, but if I have to I'm really glad I have it.
No hydraulic center stand - I use it all the time, would miss it very much.


Overall, I'm very impressed with the bike, but would really love it if it was an LT type.

I think I'll wait and see if BMW comes up with a tourer equivalent to the LT. As soon as that happens, I will be the first in line to get it.

Are there any reliable rumors about new LT, or I'm sentenced for a long wait?

BJ

 

[ATFLT]

If you wait for a new LT you will be waiting a long time. Most likely it will never come. BMW will have some new models but they found they couldn't beat the Goldwing and they won't try again anytime soon.

 

[JimE]

If you wait for a new LT you will be waiting a long time. Most likely it will never come. BMW will have some new models but they found they couldn't beat the Goldwing and they won't try again anytime soon.

Interesting...when I bought my LT (99 model purchased in 2010) I got it because we wanted to try out the 2-up touring world, and wanted to start with an older bike so that my wife could see if she really enjoyed touring with me before we went out and spent a ton of money on a new bike. I looked at Gold Wings and LT's, and bought an LT because I could get one cheap and all of the Gold Wings were much more expensive. Going into it, I thought I wanted a Wing.

Turns out she loved riding, we loved the LT, and now we have the GTL and love it much more.

Now every time I see a Gold Wing I thank my lucky stars that I didn't find a deal on a used Wing a couple of years ago. If I had, I almost certainly would've bought it, and would likely now be riding a new Wing...and never would've known what we were missing in the GTL. I have ridden a Wing, and know that we're not missing a thing. It's a good bike, but not for us.

Funny how things go sometimes...

 

[LTFan]

Interesting...when I bought my LT (99 model purchased in 2010) I got it because we wanted to try out the 2-up touring world, and wanted to start with an older bike so that my wife could see if she really enjoyed touring with me before we went out and spent a ton of money on a new bike. I looked at Gold Wings and LT's, and bought an LT because I could get one cheap and all of the Gold Wings were much more expensive. Going into it, I thought I wanted a Wing.

Turns out she loved riding, we loved the LT, and now we have the GTL and love it much more.

Now every time I see a Gold Wing I thank my lucky stars that I didn't find a deal on a used Wing a couple of years ago. If I had, I almost certainly would've bought it, and would likely now be riding a new Wing...and never would've known what we were missing in the GTL. I have ridden a Wing, and know that we're not missing a thing. It's a good bike, but not for us.

Funny how things go sometimes...

+1

 

[billsmith]

I just did a demo ride on the K1600GTL. Very impressive engine smoothness and power. I always enjoyed the smoothness of my LT, but this one is just amazing - 0 vibration in the handle bars. I haven't driven a bike with an engine that smooth.
The bike handles as easy or even easier than my 1200LT. Didn't have a chance to play with all the gadgets, but what I've seen it all seems to be in right place, well designed and fairly easy to use.

But still....
There are things that I would miss if I switch from my LT:

Wind protection - the new GTL is much more open and feels more sport touring than the LT. If I wanted this type, I would probably get the GT not GTL with that flimsy top box.

Mirrors - on my LT they are in a perfect location (for me), the new GTLs are smaller and in a location that is more for a sport riding.

No reverse - I rarely use it, but if I have to I'm really glad I have it.
No hydraulic center stand - I use it all the time, would miss it very much. . . .

Are there any reliable rumors about new LT, or I'm sentenced for a long wait?
BJ

Never use reliable and rumor in same sentence.
I wouldn't say you answered your own question but I would agree it's more likely that Japan would make another LT before BMW does. If you are willing to wait that long. I went from a GW1200 to my LT. I rode the GW since 1985. I started seriously looking at the BMW in '06 and finally wrapped up the last of it's kind new in 2010.
I had no knowledge of the 1600 at that point but took a demo ride the next spring. Nice but not phased. I am not going to repeat all the short comings TO ME but let's suffice it to say I love my LT and what it brings to the table. A true touring motorcycle.
ride safe :bmw:

 

[DanDiver]

Always get what you want now.... Live for now. Someday never arrives.......

 

[bjedruszczak]

Never use reliable and rumor in same sentence.
I wouldn't say you answered your own question but I would agree it's more likely that Japan would make another LT before BMW does. If you are willing to wait that long. I went from a GW1200 to my LT. I rode the GW since 1985. I started seriously looking at the BMW in '06 and finally wrapped up the last of it's kind new in 2010.
I had no knowledge of the 1600 at that point but took a demo ride the next spring. Nice but not phased. I am not going to repeat all the short comings TO ME but let's suffice it to say I love my LT and what it brings to the table. A true touring motorcycle.
ride safe :bmw:

I'm hoping that my LT will run well and long enough until a good replacement (BMW LT?)shows up on the market. Current version of GW is just not my style, even with all the bells and whistles.

 

[Scootr]

I'm hoping that my LT will run well and long enough until a good replacement (BMW LT?)shows up on the market. Current version of GW is just not my style, even with all the bells and whistles.

You will be like the airheads that are hanging on to their antiques (I have one too) until BMW starts aming new airheads.

 

[bjedruszczak]

You will be like the airheads that are hanging on to their antiques (I have one too) until BMW starts aming new airheads.

I was just trying to say that I expect more from a new bike than just a great engine. I expect all of the bells and whistles that I have now and even more. This is what I would call an upgrade.

BJ

 

[crosswrap]

I was just trying to say that I expect more from a new bike than just a great engine. I expect all of the bells and whistles that I have now and even more. This is what I would call an upgrade.

BJ

I traded my 1999 LT after nearly 12 years, for a GTL. Best bike move I ever made! Haven't found anything missing, no, not so, since the lights on the GTL really work I have seen lots of night detail missed with LT lights. I avoid parking nose down, unless renewable reverse, the wife, is on board. And on the engine, man, till you get to run the thing you should reserve comment. Nicest engine note ever! Dangerous fast. :bmw:

 

[meese]

Wind protection - Yes, the K16 fairing is a little narrower, letting more air in around the sides. But AeroFlow is working on it, and it will be awesome.

Mirrors - I removed my LT mirrors because they got in the way while lane splitting, and replaced them with handlebar mount mirrors. I'll be doing the same thing on the GTL. The LT mirrors were good for some hand wind protection, but I'm adding GS-style hand guards to take care of that.

No reverse - No need for reverse, if you watch where you park (just like on every other bike out there except the LT and the Wing). Plus it allows the K16 to have a proper 6th gear, for relaxed highway cruising and better gas mileage (or higher top speed if that's your thing ).

No hydraulic center stand - Again, no need for one. The K16 goes up on the center stand much easier that the LT does, and it's one of the ways that BMW dropped significant weight from the K16.

I loved my two LTs, and put 130K miles on them all over the US and Europe. But they always were just a bit too heavy, just a bit underpowered, and needed more ground clearance. The K16 is lighter, much more powerful, and handles so much better, while still being quite comfortable, plus it has a whole lot of new technology (ESA, Bluetooth, built-in GPS, Sirius, iPod/mp3 compatibility, etc.) that I use on every single ride.

And it's damn fast, too. :bike:

With the LT, I could hang with most riders in the corners, even if they were on smaller, "faster" bikes. With the GTL, I can pass them . . . :bmw:

But if Luxury Touring means reverse and hydraulic center stand and an extra 100-150 lbs, then there are still many great LTs out there, and a few wings, too. Isn't it great to have choices.

 

[WildBil]

Meese, nice assessment, expect perhaps for the word "Awesome" but since it is a BMW review on a BMW forum, I guess even that is okay.

 

[meese]

I've got well over 100K miles on AeroFlow products, and Awesome is the correct word.

It seems to me that all the folks complaining about the "luxury" items they're giving up are quite simply overlooking all the things that make the Slant/6 bikes great. The LT is still a fine bike, but that design is more than a decade old, and BMW sure hasn't been sitting idle in that time. The improvements to the motor, suspension, electronics, and safety features on the K16 really are a leap ahead. Quite simply, the K16 is much easier to ride than the LT, and also happens to be much easier to ride very quickly. :bmw:

Still, there are a lot of great, low-mileage LTs out there, if that's what you prefer.

 

[pkpr1998]

Pandora's here in Chattanooga said today that the new LT is the current GTL!

No new LT. Sooooooooooooooooo, I guess there will be GTL in the garage in the near future.

Thanks Ken for the good write up on the GTL.

 

[billsmith]

GTL owners have an advantage.
The best means for comparison is having the opportunity to experience the two things you are weighing. So if you go from an LT to a GTL admittedly you have all those rights. On the other hand I look at it differently. I have only owned 3 bikes and rode three others. Though my comparison range is limited it helps me resolve this dilemma. Kaw 1000 vs Kaw 1300 improvement only in size. Yam V-Max a killer if looking for raw speed. Which brings me to the deepest comparative skills Goldwing 1200 ('85 to '06) and LT 1200. Now I can say better, improved, #1 in touring (luxury) all in the same sentence.
My demo ride of the GTL1600 was a mare 40 minutes control speeds and control course but the features I did not like right off the bat are still a part of that package. Meese mentioned some of them. Since it was day riding I did not experience the head lights other than that I am very satisfied with my LT of 2 seasons. Already I have extended my ride range, comfort and indulgence for touring. I don't even need an excuse now to get on it and one day hope to see 100000 on my odometer. I think the GTL is certainly a different bike in the stable but not better or substitute for the LT. Just my opinion.
ride safe :bmw:

 

[crosswrap]

GTL owners have an advantage.
My demo ride of the GTL1600 was a mare 40 minutes control speeds and control course but the features I did not like right off the bat are still a part of that package. Meese mentioned some of them. Since it was day riding I did not experience the head lights other than that I am very satisfied with my LT of 2 seasons.

Man, if you were satisfied with the LT lights, now I had a 99 LT, you are going to love the 1600 lights!! Real lights, you will love them. Your ride was too short, and too supervised. You have to zooom this bike a bit to have any feel for it. It zooms best! I don't see any change over issues. If you need reverse, bring your wife along. I bring my wife along some, but usually just park nose up. Not much problem. My 99 didn't have power stand so I really don't need one. This bike is waaay more responsive, handling, suspension, engine, it is not a fair comparison. A bit more wind exposure. More fun! :bmw:

 

[starvingdrummer]

It's all very relative isn't it? The GT's are and feel much lighter than the LT. I totally enjoyed the toys and stability of my LT's, but it was time for a change - at least for me. So, by switching from the LT to the GTL, there goes your larger fairing protection, larger mirrors, CD player, 2 less speakers, reverse, EHSC, 'flying brick' engine, larger ABS pump, more tupperware, larger swing arm, heavier final drive, larger permanently mounted cases and more. The LT has been due for a revamp for some time; the last refinement being 05. I saw nice improvements from my 2000 LT to the 2008 LT, and that sufficed me for a while. But with a new Captain at the helm, BMW is going a different direction. The LT has gone the way of the R1200C Cruiser; of which I was/am a fan, having had two.

As far as factory lighting (IMHO); the lighting on my 2000 LT was good. The Xenon lighting on the 08 LT was the best I've experienced from an OEM standpoint - even better 'lighting' than my GTL! The refractor on the 08 was very large and flooded the area thoroughly. True, the GTL can see around corners, but because of the twin high beams and halo rings, the Xenon is slightly limited in its 'width' of projection comparatively. This is where my factory installed LED driving lights come into play.

A close friend of mine is on his second Oldwing; he now owns a 2010 GL. I'll sum up our m/c riding relationship (since buying the GTL), by just saying; he won't allow himself to ride my GTL because he knows that once he swallows the kool-aid, there'll be no turning back. My wife calls the bike, 'motogasmic', and she's right. The engine seems to have no limitations, no dead spots and no vibration. The GTL takes very little effort to operate and gives back loads of feedback through its wonderful chassis and neutral steering. BMW has developed an intoxicating, canyon-carving, long-distance, ultra-advanced and comfortable driving machine that other manufacturers are now having to strive to play catch-up...once again.

 

[DanDiver]

Kevin, Nice post!

Concerning the lights though, high beam, at 80MPH, on the interstate, I can stop inside of what I can see up ahead. I am very satisfied with the stock light.

With just 1,000 miles on the bike, I did my first 1,000 miles in less than 15 hours. If the course had been 1,500, I could have easily finished it in less than 24 hours comfortably.

The only riding comforts that I have added are Suburban peg extenders, a Cal-Sci windshield, beads on the seat covered with a sheep skin. The stock bike came with just about everything I needed or had replaced on my K1200LT.