Funny Comparison Between The GTR and BMW K16

[Winston Smith]

Roger - you're right it is a 'taller' bike in that respect.  Probably helps account for the superior weather protection as well that it offers and lack of buffeting compared with the GTR.

As it is taller that also give the feeling of sitting in opposed to on it!

I remember when I swapped from a ZZ-R600 E1 to CBR600FS i felt as if I was on top of the CBR after the ZZ-R which also used to cosset you (at 151mph )

[O.C.]

Gotcha Chris 

[zedmeister]

Hi Winnie,  in respect of there has been no bike mag write up ( or have i missed it ) that gives a full and frank account of both bikes, both pro's and cons.

[Winston Smith]

RiDE Mag - January issue I think it was - we tested the GTR14 / K16 / 1200RT / ST13 against each including pillions around  Mid France and Pyrenees.

In  a nutshell - K16 was top dog, but only just, great engine and very nimble - RT was comfiest for both rider and pillion, GTR was sportiest but worst for passengers, ST was jack of all trades but long in tooth and lacked clearance.

Not a bad machine amongst them but the GTR - v - GT was the biggest 'battle'

GTR was the one to have if you wanted a sportier ride.  GT was a brilliant package but didn't have the sporty feel although the engine was unbelievably good.

Pillion - wise, RT was way ahead of others, GT and ST were close and GTR was least comfy due largely to it's sports bias.

As stated RT was comfiest for rider, followed by GT with ST pipping the GTR by a hairs breadth.  None were bad and the differences between last 3 were minimal.

Very close call, ST was showing it's age, the GT was clearly well designed and developed, being the new kid on the block whilst the RT and GTR were really down to a matter of preference - Sport or Tour, GTR being the better on long runs (albeit not as comfy) as it held higher speeds with more ease - the boxer being vibey on motorways (in comparison)

All were great on the twisty bit, but the ST, whilst forgiving, did run out of ground clearance first although it was very forgiving.  GTR was nimble, but GT was slightly more flickable.  RT was a giggle and a fun thing to ride as it was so light and made you giggle on the nadgery bits!

GTR felt very compact and solid, well engineered and stable.  GT was almost loose, but in a good way feeling comfortable and confidence inspiring once it's bulk was out of your mind, particularly impressive on the mountain roads.
RT felt tall and top heavy until moving then it was so light you could do anything with it.
ST just felt like a little moped, so low and small in comparison

Hope this helps!

[zedmeister]

Yep missed that one totally, thanks for the info,very interesting, only thing is i have done mega miles on my 3 GTR's and have found the seat very comfy and her indoors the pillion too, have to admit though i would like to test a k6, just because its there but made that mistake with the monster, ended up buying one.

[Winston Smith]

When you first ride one you are trying to get your head round what it is about.  Took me about a day to get into it then when the penny drops ............... Well I bought one!

I found the GTR to be a very comfy mile muncher, but the K16 is that then some.  Add to it the technology and toys (did I mention THAT engine) and it's worth every penny.

Don't get me wrong, the GTR is brilliant and I had no intention of changing it but the deal was there to enable me to do it.

Whilst there is no doubting it is an expensive machine, when you look at what it has equipment - wise the cost becomes comparable with ST13 (14k) FJR13 (15.5k-wtf!!) and the GTR 13.7k.  For the basic one at 16k you get on board computer, cruise control, ABS, Traction Control, heated grips, most of which are extra's or unavailable on other machines.

With the right deal it doesn't come out at a great deal more than the others.

Oh.  And did I mention that engine....................

[O.C.]

Now that's what ya call an informative answer tio a question  well done/thanks Winnie.

I've never ridden the BM 16, but do hear what you say about the engine, as the K1300 GT I had was also blessed with a fantastic power plant, so I'm guessing that the 1600 must obviously be even better

[pistole]

Well I bought one !

- Win , did you experience any problems with your K16 ?

- eg , dead switchgear (resulting in no-start , no cruise control , no windshield control , etc) , transmission clunking/lash, starter failure (starter spins but no engagement) , bike pulls to right , loud engine noises at 2-3K rpms , gearbox mis-shifts / non-shifting , no USB / no Bluetooth audio , very sensitive transition from idle in slow-stop-go traffic.

- was originally all set to get a K16GT , but when researched further , got a very bad impression (of the bike and the entire BMW eco-system) and didn't want to beta-test for BMW.

- cheers.
.

[mecki]

For the basic one at 16k you get on board computer, cruise control, ABS, Traction Control, heated grips, most of which are extra's or unavailable on other machines.

Expensive cruise control I'd say. 

[Winston Smith]

- Win , did you experience any problems with your K16 ?

- eg , dead switchgear (resulting in no-start , no cruise control , no windshield control , etc) , transmission clunking/lash, starter failure (starter spins but no engagement) , bike pulls to right , loud engine noises at 2-3K rpms , gearbox mis-shifts / non-shifting , no USB / no Bluetooth audio , very sensitive transition from idle in slow-stop-go traffic.

- was originally all set to get a K16GT , but when researched further , got a very bad impression (of the bike and the entire BMW eco-system) and didn't want to beta-test for BMW.

- cheers.
.

In a nutshell - No.

Only thing I have had to do is put 500ml oil in (which all BMW's do until fully run in)

A lot of the issues above are 'urban legends' bearing in mind I had test ridden for the magazine, and then did some research.

They may have happened once or twice (and lets face it the GTR isn't without it's issues - discs, KIPAS, ignition ring, suspension unit) and suddenly the model is a bundle of faults.

4.5k now and no issues at all - and I do ride quite hard!

Big K have a great infrastructure and dealer / customer back up.  Any faults have been resolved without quibble so if I do have any problems BMW have a lot to live up to!

[zedmeister]

Winnie what MPG are you returning bearing in mind its barely run in  --  and what are the tyres like now with 4.5k.

[Kwikasfuki]

After reading Chris' post today I actually spent some time reading some of the K1600GT forums. From what I could gather it has its niggles (just like the GTR), and is a dream to ride.

I will book myself in for a test ride. Not that I'll be buying one, I just want to see if it really is that good

[Winston Smith]

Winnie what MPG are you returning bearing in mind its barely run in  --  and what are the tyres like now with 4.5k.

Zed - Tyres are down to about 2.5 - 3.0 mm - reckon they will last another 1000 miles or so.

Readout from today

After reading Chris' post today I actually spent some time reading some of the K1600GT forums. From what I could gather it has its niggles (just like the GTR), and is a dream to ride.

I will book myself in for a test ride. Not that I'll be buying one, I just want to see if it really is that good

Asif - Make sure you can take it for a good half a day, if not a full day.

[Winston Smith]

May have been a gremlin 

True mpg is about 47 - 49 mpg.  Steady run today gave me 53mpg

[zedmeister]

Winnie, on par with the GTR then, with more weight and power, nice bike but TBH i can't see it being worth the extra £££££££££ despite your comparable comments, ah well cut me and i bleed green, cut me in half and i have kawasaki written all the way through, have done for 33 years.