Long term test.

[Lonewolf]

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.

[Winston Smith]

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!!)

[Winston Smith]

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 

PS I hope you've returned the Vicar of Dibbly home without him needing therapy 

     I think it was the rest of us that needed the therapy...

[estrenuo]

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.

[Winston Smith]

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!

[virginiajim]

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.

[beegee]

 

Better than BMW then?!

[O.C.]

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 

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

[Charlie747]

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 

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   

[PRD]

Surely not.

[O.C.]

I can think of 2 here who would agree with you on that   

What ...only two ......

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.   

[Phill_York]

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 

[greeny]

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 

So you bought an FJR, kept the GTR just in case you don't like the FJR?
Cheers
Greeny

[Phill_York]

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 

[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 

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