Nice to see motorcycle sport and leisure doing a long term test on a GTR.
:punk: :clap:
Yeah I read that, TBH I did wonder where the report was going after the first sentence
Just done a weeks test riding of this years selection of tourers with RiDE.
Gotta say, the GTR, for me, was still a great ride and I thoroughly enjoyed it after 4 years since I had mine.
Great bike still, but definitely more Sport than Tourer in the company it found itself!
Quote from: Winston Smith on May 21, 2016, 01:00:45 AM
Just done a weeks test riding of this years selection of tourers with RiDE.
Gotta say, the GTR, for me, was still a great ride and I thoroughly enjoyed it after 4 years since I had mine.
Great bike still, but definitely more Sport than Tourer in the company it found itself!
:agree:
Love the rush above 7K :mfr_lol:
Better than BMW then?!
Quote from: PRD on May 21, 2016, 08:35:59 AM
Better than BMW then?!
Definitely better than an R1200RT in my opinion. That boxer engine sounds like a tractor. And it shifts like one too. Although the BMW is a little more agile.
Quote from: PRD on May 21, 2016, 08:35:59 AM
Better than BMW then?!
For the challenge and rewards of riding it well. Wins hands down. Above 7k it's so addictive.
It's exciting. The K16 is an all day easy comfy ride. Two very different bikes in character :scooter:
GTR suits my style of riding really well, but I may have developed it from riding the GTR for 3 years!
I won't be swapping back from the K16 to the GTR though!
The RT is the best bike out there at the moment, comfortable, very rapid, great value and excellent weather protection. It'll do the long distances in extreme comfort and the agility makes it fun when you get there.
The GTR is a very demanding ride that rewards you for working it hard.
It is not as easy as other tourers due to it's sport orientation and for the pillions was the worse of the bikes.
Personally I really enjoyed the GTR, but objectively it isn't the all singing all dancing bike the others, especially the RT, are.
Generally the Japanese bikes just don't cut it compared to the European options, particularly, again, the RT.
The Trophy is surprisingly capable, especially two up and the K16 a force of nature.
The GTR is the 'selfish' tourer! Leave the missus behind and ride it like you stole it - but avoid bumpy roads!
Quote from: Winston Smith on May 21, 2016, 09:44:06 AM
GTR suits my style of riding really well, but I may have developed it from riding the GTR for 3 years!
I won't be swapping back from the K16 to the GTR though!
The RT is the best bike out there at the moment, comfortable, very rapid, great value and excellent weather protection. It'll do the long distances in extreme comfort and the agility makes it fun when you get there.
The GTR is a very demanding ride that rewards you for working it hard.
It is not as easy as other tourers due to it's sport orientation and for the pillions was the worse of the bikes.
Personally I really enjoyed the GTR, but objectively it isn't the all singing all dancing bike the others, especially the RT, are.
Generally the Japanese bikes just don't cut it compared to the European options, particularly, again, the RT.
The Trophy is surprisingly capable, especially two up and the K16 a force of nature.
The GTR is the 'selfish' tourer! Leave the missus behind and ride it like you stole it - but avoid bumpy roads!
Like the analogy Chris..........I've not tried the others but I love my K16 for the effortless ride, comfort and pace day in day out.
My GTR on the other hand makes horns grow out of my head as I look for apex's, use the box and throttle like I was a kid again and when dismounting at the end of a ride feeling that inner warm glow of satisfaction of a job well done.
A few years ago you were involved in a group tourer test were the GTR strap line was single person tourer.
Only now having the K16 as well do I fully understand that comment. Looking forward to reading the write up :scooter:
PS I hope you've returned the Vicar of Dibbly home without him needing therapy :mfr_lol:
But there do seem to be more reliability issues with the bm's.
Maybe the RT is a better bike objectively but I didn't like it. My back likes the more sportier seating position of the GTR and didn't like the chair like seating position of the RT. Having driven the Z1000 4 in line engine in different versions, I didn't like the boxer feel either. Even the quick shifter on the RT didn't seem to do its work properly (at least not on the test bike). The ESA is nice but I didn't feel that much difference between modes. I did like the fact that the RT hardly dives when braking.
As far as pillion comfort, will have to see what my misses thinks of the GTR, still waiting for its delivery next week
Quote from: PRD on May 21, 2016, 11:57:17 AM
But there do seem to be more reliability issues with the bm's.
Such as? :nono:
Quote from: The Wolf on May 21, 2016, 02:16:06 PM
Such as? :nono:
you're kidding aren't you Steve, I like a man with a sense of humour :mfr_lol:
Even mother Kawa have few issues
http://www.dft.gov.uk/vosa/apps/recalls/searches/search.asp?whichpage=1&pagesize=10&resultString=(BMW%20MOTORCYCLES%20All%20Models)%20%20for%20the%20date%20range%2001/Jan/2010%20to%2001/Jan/2016&tx=
Quote from: The Wolf on May 21, 2016, 02:16:06 PM
Such as? :nono:
too many too list! Also their owners have an unshakeable belief in them. Itis called BMW itis. I understand the cure is to buy any other make of bike! And enjoy real quality at an affordable price.
Well I can only speak from my experience with my BMW and since owning it from 2014 I've had no issues whatsoever.
I had more issues in half the time with the GTR, such as bike cutting out at low speeds, poor paint quality virtually everywhere, the shock adjuster, (well there's no secret there) a few other issues too but I can't remember all the details.
As much as I enjoyed the GTR I would never go back to one after owning the K16. The Beamer is better value for money and the servicing costs are actually cheaper in addition to the service intervals being greater.
Quote from: estrenuo on May 21, 2016, 01:37:13 PM
Maybe the RT is a better bike objectively but I didn't like it. My back likes the more sportier seating position of the GTR and didn't like the chair like seating position of the RT. Having driven the Z1000 4 in line engine in different versions, I didn't like the boxer feel either. Even the quick shifter on the RT didn't seem to do its work properly (at least not on the test bike). The ESA is nice but I didn't feel that much difference between modes. I did like the fact that the RT hardly dives when braking.
As far as pillion comfort, will have to see what my misses thinks of the GTR, still waiting for its delivery next week
It is more upright, I did find that too.
Objectively it is the one to buy, but who really buys a bike with their head? You get what lights your candle!
Personally, I prefer multi cylinder engines to twins (especially V twins - eugh!!)
Quote from: Charlie747 on May 21, 2016, 11:21:38 AM
Like the analogy Chris..........I've not tried the others but I love my K16 for the effortless ride, comfort and pace day in day out.
My GTR on the other hand makes horns grow out of my head as I look for apex's, use the box and throttle like I was a kid again and when dismounting at the end of a ride feeling that inner warm glow of satisfaction of a job well done.
A few years ago you were involved in a group tourer test were the GTR strap line was single person tourer.
Only now having the K16 as well do I fully understand that comment. Looking forward to reading the write up :scooter:
PS I hope you've returned the Vicar of Dibbly home without him needing therapy :mfr_lol:
:yes: :yes: :yes: :innocent: I think it was the rest of us that needed the therapy...
Quote from: Winston Smith on May 21, 2016, 08:51:26 PM
It is more upright, I did find that too.
Objectively it is the one to buy, but who really buys a bike with their head? You get what lights your candle!
Personally, I prefer multi cylinder engines to twins (especially V twins - eugh!!)
Indeed, I think especially regarding bikes there is nothing more bought from the heart than the mind. The one I did buy from the mind (a Versys 1000), I traded in after a year. It just didn't tick the right boxes.
Quote from: estrenuo on May 21, 2016, 08:56:42 PM
Indeed, I think especially regarding bikes there is nothing more bought from the heart than the mind. The one I did buy from the mind (a Versys 1000), I traded in after a year. It just didn't tick the right boxes.
I did that with the GS!
I've had mine since early August 2007. Still love it. That's pretty long term I think. Have about 70,000 US miles on it.
I've never ridden a K1600 but have no doubt it is a superb bike, but at that price I would expect it to be :yes:
My biking decisions are very much based around past experiences surrounding brand reliability/suitability, maintenance costs and residual values, which is precisely why I won't be buying another BMW motorcycle
Quote from: O.C. on May 23, 2016, 07:03:50 AM
I've never ridden a K1600 but have no doubt it is a superb bike, but at that price I would expect it to be :yes:
My biking decisions are very much based around past experiences surrounding brand reliability/suitability, maintenance costs and residual values, which is precisely why I won't be buying another BMW motorcycle
I can think of 2 here who would agree with you on that :yes:
Surely not.
Quote from: Charlie747 on May 23, 2016, 07:39:35 AM
I can think of 2 here who would agree with you on that :yes:
What ...only two ...... :mfr_lol:
Joking aside, my experience with BMW bikes really was not good, added to which I have had rather a lot of Kawasaki motorcycles, it's also true that I've tried other marques, but I seem to gravitate back to good old Kawasaki products, which I'm not saying are the best but I have found them to be very reliable and great fun.
I've just bought an FJR with my head and it's getting delivered this week.
I'm keeping my GTR for now as I might regret swapping otherwise.
I can't keep both so will ride them both for a month and decide which one to sell; I'll keep you updated :smiley:
Quote from: Phill_York on May 23, 2016, 11:10:10 AM
I've just bought an FJR with my head and it's getting delivered this week.
I'm keeping my GTR for now as I might regret swapping otherwise.
I can't keep both so will ride them both for a month and decide which one to sell; I'll keep you updated :smiley:
So you bought an FJR, kept the GTR just in case you don't like the FJR?
Cheers
Greeny
Quote from: greeny on May 23, 2016, 11:16:53 AM
So you bought an FJR, kept the GTR just in case you don't like the FJR?
Cheers
Greeny
It's not as decadent as it sounds as I needed to buy a bike through the business before year end but essentially yes :agree:
Quote from: Phill_York on May 23, 2016, 11:20:02 AM
It's not as decadent as it sounds as I needed to buy a bike through the business before year end but essentially yes :agree:
No, good onya mate, I have two in the garage as well, both quite different though, not similar like the FJR and GTR.
Cheers
Greeny
I've rode three older BMWs, didn't like any of them.
Actually the older ones pre 1980 were better quality. It has been downhill since then.
That's what I like about bikes.... each can feel so different. One bike will feel perfect for one person, and just about ok to another, depending on riding style, height, weight and what types of road you want to ride on etc. I doubt there are many terrible bikes these days, but the variety and styles makes for some good banter!
Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk
Quote from: shaggs147 on May 23, 2016, 09:12:19 PM
That's what I like about bikes.... each can feel so different. One bike will feel perfect for one person, and just about ok to another, depending on riding style, height, weight and what types of road you want to ride on etc. I doubt there are many terrible bikes these days, but the variety and styles makes for some good banter!
Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk
You've just written the next edition of RiDE!
Ooh any jobs going haha
Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk
Quote from: Winston Smith on May 21, 2016, 01:00:45 AM
Just done a weeks test riding of this years selection of tourers with RiDE.
How'd you get that gig then ?
I emailed them last year volunteering to be a pillion on long distance tests but I was shot down in flames, basically told to piss off :oops:
Quote from: davetherave on May 23, 2016, 10:06:40 PM
How'd you get that gig then ?
I emailed them last year volunteering to be a pillion on long distance tests but I was shot down in flames, basically told to piss off :oops:
Long story, but been doing the Tourer Tests since 2009.
Hi, nearly joined the bmw don't wave squad recently,had 2 test rides on the rt, first bike broke down, fuel gauge fault (common). The second another 10 plate was pretty much broke from the start... screen didn't work, could be the switch (common fault) 400quid plus vat,or motor 500, heated grip only one, abs light came on after 10 miles oh and the fuel gauge countdown to zero was broke. So apart from that and rocking when you b lipped down,they are fine if New or extended warranty. Took my new toy out today 08 g t r ..what a machine..love's it ..great engine, well built,,handles great on avon ultra 2 s. Great box, comfy.. and nothing broke lol.
:scooter: :punk:
:185:
Quote from: Bobgtr on May 23, 2016, 11:06:29 PM
Hi, nearly joined the bmw don't wave squad recently,had 2 test rides on the rt, first bike broke down, fuel gauge fault (common). The second another 10 plate was pretty much broke from the start... screen didn't work, could be the switch (common fault) 400quid plus vat,or motor 500, heated grip only one, abs light came on after 10 miles oh and the fuel gauge countdown to zero was broke. So apart from that and rocking when you b lipped down,they are fine if New or extended warranty. Took my new toy out today 08 g t r ..what a machine..love's it ..great engine, well built,,handles great on avon ultra 2 s. Great box, comfy.. and nothing broke lol.
this man has seen the light and knows the truth.
Welcome along Bob, you've not only got yourself a great bike, but you have also found the U.K home for the GTR crew :clap:
Thanks for the welcome.. the truth is out there..
And you're riding it...
you wise old sage Jim :clap:
Quote from: Bobgtr on May 24, 2016, 06:09:08 PM
Thanks for the welcome.. the truth is out there..
See yer already fitting in with the old school PRD OC & Virginia Jim :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol:
Good on yer :punk:
Quote from: Charlie747 on May 24, 2016, 08:18:53 PM
See yer already fitting in with the old school PRD OC & Virginia Jim :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol:
Good on yer :punk:
I'm flattered. ...I think :mfr_lol:
Quote from: O.C. on May 24, 2016, 08:25:07 PM
I'm flattered. ...I think :mfr_lol:
:mfr_lol:
Hey Bob are you joining us at our annual meet 3-4 June The Belfry Littledean ?
Quote from: O.C. on May 24, 2016, 08:25:07 PM
I'm flattered. ...I think :mfr_lol:
+1 :banana:
Quote from: Charlie747 on May 24, 2016, 11:24:02 PM
:mfr_lol:
Hey Bob are you joining us at our annual meet 3-4 June The Belfry Littledean ?
Bob who ?
Bobgtr... will have to see if im working.. and where it is.. dont think its near s wales, then again nowhere is that far on a g.. t...r.. ooops that rhymed, ill give that to the club lol.
Well it so happens that it is near s wales ... the belfry ? Is that a pub?
Yes i will try too..
and fanny is my aunt :mfr_lol: