Unveiling of "Touring Masterpieces"?

[ESquared]

I'm new to the BMW world, and so this may be completely old news, but can anyone fill me in on what this is all about:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2ig3Ac4PsQ

Big reveal tomorrow.

[Grumpy Goat]

Probably just a new video about the Transcontinental and the other R18 based bike.

[darrell]

Actually release of the new K1600 series of bikes.

[ESquared]

Thanks, appreciate the update.

With all this talk of RRSs being the red-headed step-child at BMW, was just concerned they were discontinuing the bike I'm buying!

Look forward to seeing what all the hubbub is about when it launches tomorrow.

[Grumpy Goat]

Actually release of the new K1600 series of bikes.

They are revising these already? Sheesh ... shows where the emphasis is and where the RS update funds are going ...

But at least they are probably better sellers (read "more profitable") than the RS or the R18 family.

[Lee]

Actually release of the new K1600 series of bikes.

Good to hear the K bikes will continue.

[Lee]

They are revising these already?

Other than adding the Bagger and Grand America models I was thinking it's been a long time since any updates to the K1600GTL and K1600GT.

[Lee]

With all this talk of RRSs being the red-headed step-child at BMW, was just concerned they were discontinuing the bike I'm buying!

Concern that the RS would be dropped was one of the reasons I bought new bikes this year.
The same day Darrell posted the updates for the 2022 bikes I showed Debbie the white RS and she told me to call the shop and check on ordering a couple.
Being a good husband I do as I'm told

[darrell]

Actually release of the new K1600 series of bikes.

Good to hear the K bikes will continue.

As well I’m glad to hear this model group is continuing.

It will be interesting to see if all current K1600 models are updated and/or kept in the lineup. A couple of websites only spoke of the GTL model and a couple of others included the GT, Bagger and Grand America. Not sure any of them really knew for certain.

I’m guessing but the 10.5” dash will likely be a focal point as well as all the other technologies added to later models of the GS and RT models.

[MrVvrroomm]

I’m guessing but the 10.5” dash will likely be a focal point as well as all the other technologies added to later models of the GS and RT models.

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1015...6513949379

It is

[TriangleRider]

I’m guessing but the 10.5” dash will likely be a focal point as well as all the other technologies added to later models of the GS and RT models.

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1015...6513949379

It is

That and some sort of customizable paint for 719 bikes. Not sure how that will work or how you would be able to replace a body panel at some point in the future.

[Grumpy Goat]

I started watching the video and for some reason after maybe 3 - 4 minutes I started falling asleep. I shut the video down. Don't get me wrong I think they are beautiful bikes but I must confess I have almost zero interest in any of these models.

That said they do have their fans and it takes all kinds in this passion of ours. Of course I hope the new K-bikes are successful, but I also wish that they turn more attention (and $$) to the RS next. Boxers are where it is at for BMW, and not only the GS. The market seems to be now rebounding with respect to sport-tourers so maybe that will give BMW the push they need.

[Lee]

I started watching the video and for some reason after maybe 3 - 4 minutes I started falling asleep. I shut the video down. Don't get me wrong I think they are beautiful bikes but I must confess I have almost zero interest in any of these models.

Both of us are K Bike lovers, but have no interest in the K1600 because it's too large.
I feel the same way about the R1250RT. Too heavy and too much bodywork.
I even feel the R1250GSA is too big for me. If I wanted a adventure bike I would buy the smaller R1250GS.

[Grumpy Goat]

Both of us are K Bike lovers, but have no interest in the K1600 because it's too large.
I feel the same way about the R1250RT. Too heavy and too much bodywork.
I even feel the R1250GSA is too big for me. If I wanted a adventure bike I would buy the smaller R1250GS.

I think you guys are *previous* K bike lovers and I would have been one too since they are smaller and probably had more specific power than the current models. The current K bikes are too large for me also BUT if I were to get a land yacht like that, it would probably be a Goldwing.

The biggest I would do is the R1250RT which I do like a lot … sight unseen. It is on the short list to replace my RS if ever I decide to do that with another BMW. The other is the model I have been resisting for years … the GS.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Ray]

I think you guys are *previous* K bike lovers and I would have been one too since they are smaller and probably had more specific power than the current models. The current K bikes are too large for me also BUT if I were to get a land yacht like that, it would probably be a Goldwing.

The biggest I would do is the R1250RT which I do like a lot … sight unseen. It is on the short list to replace my RS if ever I decide to do that with another BMW. The other is the model I have been resisting for years … the GS.

Keep the mind open, Grumpy.

Haven't ridden a Gold Wing in more than a decade, but I have ridden the modern K1600 GT (2019). It handles really well! (And it goes on the centerstand fairly easily.) I thought it handled better with more power than the slightly overloaded and flexy RT.

Haven't compared it with a modern Gold Wing, but willing to bet if you did the head-to-head comparison, you'd change your tune.

(Still have flashes of of that big K1600 a close 2 slots behind me, carving up the rear of the group ride to breakfast at the Ozark Cafe in Berryville, Arkansas a few years ago.)

A pitch for Mitch Boehm (one of my favorite writers, who contributed to Sport Rider and former editor-in-chief at Motorcyclist), who has been writing as Editor-in-Chief for AMAs American Motorcyclist. In the recent issue, he helped pen an article on the GS, which included the nearly simultaneous decision to go introduce the K75.

[runnerhiker]

All the K1600 on the BMW website are now 2022 models. I am not very familiar with these models, I don't know what's new for 2022. I would think, mechanically speaking, there is no change.

I have test ridden them before and I was underwhelmed. One time, I rode to the dealership riding my Kawasaki ZX-14 to get a real sense of the engine performance, I liked the Kawi motor better. If BMW were to come out with a K1400RS (4 cyl with shaft drive), I would really be tempted.

[Grumpy Goat]

Keep the mind open, Grumpy.

Haven't ridden a Gold Wing in more than a decade, but I have ridden the modern K1600 GT (2019). It handles really well! (And it goes on the centerstand fairly easily.) I thought it handled better with more power than the slightly overloaded and flexy RT.

Haven't compared it with a modern Gold Wing, but willing to bet if you did the head-to-head comparison, you'd change your tune.

Of course IF i were in that market I would have to try both just to be fair, but my criteria would be different than what they are now for a motorcycle. Only the GTL would interest me from an aesthetics POV. I think I prefer the Wing because it is more refined (even if a little slower than the K1600) and offers DCT, which Honda has mastered. And when I say refined I am also referring to design aspects and build quality. I am still amazed by the Tracer's attention to detail on how it is put together (compared to BMW; although its choice of fasteners that use hex keys is dumb). Honda would be even better. But that is a whole 'nother discussion.

This video compares the two bikes by actual motorcycle enthusiasts and is very interesting to watch.



The Missenden Flyer also has some nice videos explaining why he got his Goldwing even after having also ridden an admittedly older 2017 K1600, and I find his opinions and mine somehow align very closely. Plus he is the same size as I if less weighty, and that is important. Being a boxer, it also carries its weight better ... like our RSs.

The RT pulls on different strings for me and I would not consider it in the same breath as the K1600. Why? I think that it is lighter and would out-handle the K1600, and then the boxer sound and character ... for me that is very endearing and intoxicating. I have owned a 4 cylinder and now a triple and while those are sweet engines (Tracer sounds like a sewing machine) the boxer engine is a beast all on its own. I also find the RT better looking compared to the K1600 line which is ... meh.

They all have one problem though ... they are sooo expensive.

Ending this post on a positive note for the subject bike ... I do love how the pillion seat is significantly higher than the rider's ... a complaint from my pillion is that she has trouble seeing forward. This is a nice shot of the GTL.

   

[Grumpy Goat]

If BMW were to come out with a K1400RS (4 cyl with shaft drive), I would really be tempted.

Now there you go (assuming it was smaller and lighter), and I think that would be right up Lee's alley too.