K1600

[SteveD]

The rider says "absolutely awesome"!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vNESfn3 ... ded#at=134

[Bob Distelcamp]

Well there was the Honda 6 CBX The Kawasaki 6 And don't forget the BENELLI Sei But I think that was 900cc
Why diden't BMW make a flat 6 like the K bikes or even a V6.... Whats next a V8?????

Keep the clean side UP

Bob D

[Ross]

This bike is just a bad idea as far as I'm concerned. Heavy, ugly, and loaded with things to go wrong. Like BMW cars: Just make sure you are within warranty and trade them off on a new one every three years. That is how the system works. That's the way to enjoy the new technology. That's the way to own the new BMWs...IMO

I fully agree with you on this mate.

[Major Softie]

Well there was the Honda 6 CBX The Kawasaki 6 And don't forget the BENELLI Sei But I think that was 900cc
Why diden't BMW make a flat 6 like the K bikes or even a V6.... Whats next a V8?????

Keep the clean side UP

Bob D

Well, we were discussing the claim about it being the lightest straight 6, and I'm pretty sure the Kwacker is quite a bit heavier.

The K bike layout would make for an awfully long bike in a straight 6. A flat-4 boxer would have been an obvious choice if it wouldn't have ended up looking like a previous decade Wing.

[SteveD]

Just had a weekend away and one of the lads hired a K1600GT.

wE AHVE 2 ANNUAL RIDES AND HE HIRES A BIKE @ $500 FROM fRIDAY 1400-MONDAY1400 oops...for each ride. Over the years he's paid over $12K in fees.
I think I've paid that much in rego/insurance/tyres etc..and he gets a new bike and new helmet every ride! Excess is $3K if damaged.

Anyhow, here's his 200 words or less impression of the K6, also called "the whale". Lately he's had the R1200Rt so there is some comparison to it.

Impressions of the Whale? In a word - engine! The R1200RT engine is a slow old plodder.

Taking off from the lights, you'd dial up the throttle, whistle two lines of "Deutschland Uber Alles" and then start to feed the clutch in. The 1600 goes zingggg in the best Japanese fashion, especially in "Dynamic" mode. In fact, it was a little hard to get a smooth takeoff because the engine has little flywheel and a lightning response to the throttle. Setting Mode back to "Road" helped a lot. The engine is magic. It's silky smooth with a good bottom end, but the power builds substantially (although still smoothly) with revs. Often when passing a truck, I'd shift back to 4th and dial it on then think "not a lot happeninggggg" then zing past the drivers door.

Apart from that, it's similar to the R, hiding its bulk well once you're on the move. It did seem a little unsteady at times, but I had that with the R with a topbox and suspect it's the wash from the fairing coming back and hitting the topbox. The 1600 seems to carry its weight a little higher than the R, making it a bit more difficult to pick up off the sidestand.

Overall, supremely comfortable, with the bars swept back hugely making the seating position truly armchair-like.

[grant81rs]

Gidday,

Nice read Steve and wouldn't it be great to try one out and especially up in that high country also..

And he's not one to hold back either from what I can remember when I joined for the trip a few years back.

Certainly has himself a good deal for the 3 day ride @ $500.00 - come off and its a different story to tell wifey..