New BMW Bagger Model

[jmdaniel]

This is getting interesting...

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/new-bikes/2017/november/bmw-k1600-grand-america/

[ths61]

Just saw a black K1600B at the Rock Store in Malibu on Sunday. First one I have seen out in the wild.

http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-news-new-bikes/bmw-k1600-grand-america-debuts

[Texas F6B]

Yes it is. The K1600B, I think is better than the " New Honda", but the saving of buying the F6B, make my F6B a better buy that ether one. Money to personalize my ride.

[ths61]

YIKES, 160HP and a top speed limiter of 101MPH ??? First we have nanny states, now we have German nanny motorcycle companies ?

[willtill]

YIKES, 160HP and a top speed limiter of 101MPH ??? First we have nanny states, now we have German nanny motorcycle companies ?

"It's for the children..."

(...a favorite leftist Maryland battle cry) :icon_rolleyes:

[bigswole31]

YIKES, 160HP and a top speed limiter of 101MPH ??? First we have nanny states, now we have German nanny motorcycle companies ?

I expect that these limitations are set per territory. I don't think the speed limiter kicks in this early on US models. Hornblower has one, I believe, so he can confirm.

[ths61]

I expect that these limitations are set per territory. I don't think the speed limiter kicks in this early on US models. Hornblower has one, I believe, so he can confirm.

According to 1 article, the 101 limiter is on the American version of the "Grand America" version, not the K1600B.

"...
BMW has speed-limited the bike to just 101 mph because of what it calls “the principle of the American Way of Riding.� It would be far less insulting for the company to simply acknowledge that a topbox can impact wheel load distribution and thereby have a negative effect on riding dynamics, stability, and safety, and leave it at that.
..."

BMW knows the USA has no Autobahn.

https://rideapart.com/articles/gold-wing-killer-bmw-introduces-k-1600-grand-america

[DaWadd]

That black one is so sweet.

[Ixol Phaane]

That black one is so sweet.

The yellow (gold?) is faster! :stirthepot:


edit - okay, since they're speed limited, I should say "quicker"! :icon_biggrin:

[Sorcerer]

You don't need a 160 ponys if it is going to fall on its face at 101 mph. Your going to get passed. It's no longer a Bagger once you add a tale trunk.

[ths61]

Anyone want to guess on the price ???

[willtill]

Anyone want to guess on the price ???

Twice as much as half of it? :shhh:

:icon_mrgreen:

[98valk]

You don't need a 160 ponys if it is going to fall on its face at 101 mph. Your going to get passed. It's no longer a Bagger once you add a tale trunk.

101 mph is pretty low. But for me, it is all about the acceleration. The shear thrill of it and its use in effortless passing.

I haven't been over 100 probably more than a couple of times in the last 20 years. It's not just the obvious danger, but the risk of getting caught. I guess losing my license as a youngster has left a permanent mark.

Still, 101mph is surprisingly low. I've never had the urge to test the 124mph limit (not since I was about 20).

[unsub]

This is getting interesting...

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/new-bikes/2017/november/bmw-k1600-grand-america/

BMW reviewers are quick to forget that the Honda B has been in this ring for a few years already. With multiple color schemes including Yellow.

BMW's color code for this might be Ale (post ingested) Yellow BTW.

I'm glad Honda has taken the fork in the road away from the Bagger Scene and changed up the Goldwing. In my opinion the Goldwing is now the much nicer looking motorcycle of the two.

As an aside the trend in automotive for 2018 forward seems to be adding more trim levels than ever to the base models. I understand that Chevrolet has 12 trim levels with unique names for each level for their trucks next year.

[Hornblower]

I expect that these limitations are set per territory. I don't think the speed limiter kicks in this early on US models. Hornblower has one, I believe, so he can confirm.

No such limitation on my 2018 K1600B. Purportedly, the KB will do 128 mph in 4th gear at the rev limit so top speed in 6th would be ridiculous. I can't attest to that personally :nono:.

[Jimmytee]

Then there's this. 200 horsepower sport tourer :icon_lol:

https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2017/11/07/2018-kawasaki-ninja-h2-sx-first-look-15-fast-facts/

https://i.imgur.com/oTTmrkR.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/kQS65vi.jpg

[willtill]

101 mph is pretty low. But for me, it is all about the acceleration. The shear thrill of it and its use in effortless passing.

I haven't been over 100 probably more than a couple of times in the last 20 years. It's not just the obvious danger, but the risk of getting caught. I guess losing my license as a youngster has left a permanent mark.

Still, 101mph is surprisingly low. I've never had the urge to test the 124mph limit (not since I was about 20).

I agree. Top end around here will kill you real quick. :nono: But I love taking off from a stop light and watching EVERYTHING disappear in my mirrors. :icon_wink:

...Then I immensely enjoy the astonished looks of drivers around me as they pull up next to me; at the next stoplight. :icon_mrgreen:

Rinse. Repeat. :icon_wink:

My past Carpenter Racing 240hp enhanced Triumph Rocket 3 was reaaaaaaly good for that :icon_lol:

http://i58.tinypic.com/2yvp0jo.jpg

http://i58.tinypic.com/jjtms7.jpg

http://i62.tinypic.com/xlwfn9.jpg

[Hornblower]

Nice, JimmyTee! I've heard it said that all 1000cc inline 4 cylinder bikes have pretty offensive vibration. I know my Ninja 1000 did. The vibration started around 5000 RPM and grew worse from there. My S1000XR also had noticeable vibration starting around 5000 RPM but once you got past 6000 RPM or so, it smoothed out. Anyway, this new 200 HP Ninja Sport Tourer should be quite the beast but a little too "sporty" for this old guy.

[Verismo]

I agree. Top end around here will kill you real quick. :nono: But I love taking off from a stop light and watching EVERYTHING disappear in my mirrors. :icon_wink:

...Then I immensely enjoy the astonished looks of drivers around me as they pull up next to me; at the next stoplight. :icon_mrgreen:

Rinse. Repeat. :icon_wink:

My past Carpenter Racing 240hp enhanced Triumph Rocket 3 was reaaaaaaly good for that :icon_lol:

http://i58.tinypic.com/2yvp0jo.jpg

http://i58.tinypic.com/jjtms7.jpg

http://i62.tinypic.com/xlwfn9.jpg

Cool looking bike. I test rode a r3 roadster and although I liked it and thought it was a cool bike, that giant radiator up front made it seem like you were sitting behind a heat gun.
How was the 240hp version?

Jason

[willtill]

Cool looking bike. I test rode a r3 roadster and although I liked it and thought it was a cool bike, that giant radiator up front made it seem like you were sitting behind a heat gun.
How was the 240hp version?

Jason

It got to the point where I became leery of it. Traded it in for the F5B. Before it killed me... :shhh:

I remember the first couple of times I rode it after Carpenter did his work on it... the acceleration was so brutal; I had a hard time keeping my feet on the floorboards. :shock:

That flyshield btw, was custom made by a bloke in England. One of a kind. I named that bike "Hell on Wheels"...

[jmdaniel]

It got to the point where I became leery of it. Traded it in for the F5B. Before it killed me... :shhh:

I remember the first couple of times I rode it after Carpenter did his work on it... the acceleration was so brutal; I had a hard time keeping my feet on the floorboards. :shock:

That flyshield btw, was custom made by a bloke in England. One of a kind. I named that bike "Hell on Wheels"...

What is this F5B you speak of?

[willtill]

What is this F5B you speak of?

...still coming out of sleep inertia in the morning :icon_mrgreen:

http://i65.tinypic.com/330qnnq.jpg

[broncsrule21]

I agree. Top end around here will kill you real quick. :nono: But I love taking off from a stop light and watching EVERYTHING disappear in my mirrors. :icon_wink:

...Then I immensely enjoy the astonished looks of drivers around me as they pull up next to me; at the next stoplight. :icon_mrgreen:

Rinse. Repeat. :icon_wink:

My past Carpenter Racing 240hp enhanced Triumph Rocket 3 was reaaaaaaly good for that :icon_lol:

http://i58.tinypic.com/2yvp0jo.jpg

http://i58.tinypic.com/jjtms7.jpg

http://i62.tinypic.com/xlwfn9.jpg

Well done! that is by far the coolest Rocket I have ever seen!

[grendl]

I like the new GW without the trunk,but definitely see the need on my longer trips. So far I have a large bag that I put stuff in and go. Wonder how much effort it would take to remove the trunk on the BMW?

[unsub]

Then there's this. 200 horsepower sport tourer :icon_lol:

https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2017/11/07/2018-kawasaki-ninja-h2-sx-first-look-15-fast-facts/

https://i.imgur.com/oTTmrkR.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/kQS65vi.jpg

Thanks for posting Jummytee

When it's just got to get there overnight! lol

Leno's garage does an episode where they talk about the H2 and the H2r. Kawasaki's flagship bike made with all premium materials. It's the model where Kawasaki engineers create for the sake of showing off their prowess. Apparently it should sell for a lot more than it's already very high price because of the hours and materials put into it. Kawasaki actually looses money on it but garner prestige in the industry. I'll look for the episode and post a link.

https://youtu.be/vAo0LWQFxdE

[Texas F6B]

Thursday, I rode the BMW 1600B, the plus was the clutchless shifting, which had time not using the clutch, moves very quickly, better that F6B. Big bike to big bike, F6B short comings no ABS braking, no dash select ride. A better comparison would to Honda 2018, price new Honda to BMW about the same. Not have ridden the new Honda, but Knowing I have a 2016 for 7K less. My F6B I will enjoy for the next 3 years. Thanks

[jm21ddd15]

Cool looking, hi-power cycles! At Sturgis this summer, there was a whole group of the Boss Hoss bikes. One BIG man, got on his 504 cubic inch, turbo-charged Boss Hoss, and it had Nitriss bottles, and put down a black strip of rubber, about 1/4 mile long. He had a 14" wide tire on the beast. Had more HP than any 3 of the other mentioned bikes. :yikes:

[ths61]

Cool looking, hi-power cycles! At Sturgis this summer, there was a whole group of the Boss Hoss bikes. One BIG man, got on his 504 cubic inch, turbo-charged Boss Hoss, and it had Nitriss bottles, and put down a black strip of rubber, about 1/4 mile long. He had a 14" wide tire on the beast. Had more HP than any 3 of the other mentioned bikes. :yikes:

Boss Hoss's probably cook the riders alive with all of the engine heat.

[BIGLRY]

Boss Hoss's probably cook the riders alive with all of the engine heat.Trust me when I say you dont want to set at a stop light to long with a Boss Hoss between your legs....I know.
https://blog.bikerornot.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/bosshoss-play2.jpg
(not me)

[pdxstriper]

Bottom line for me in comparing the K1600B vs New Goldwing:

tech: comparable
price: comparable
performance and zoom/gee-wiz factor: comparable

reliability: favors the Honda
cost of ownership: greatly favors Honda

So that's the way I'll roll once they are both out and the initial bugs are flushed out

pete




Thursday, I rode the BMW 1600B, the plus was the clutchless shifting, which had time not using the clutch, moves very quickly, better that F6B. Big bike to big bike, F6B short comings no ABS braking, no dash select ride. A better comparison would to Honda 2018, price new Honda to BMW about the same. Not have ridden the new Honda, but Knowing I have a 2016 for 7K less. My F6B I will enjoy for the next 3 years. Thanks

[ths61]

Trust me when I say you dont want to set at a stop light to long with a Boss Hoss between your legs....I know.
https://blog.bikerornot.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/bosshoss-play2.jpg
(not me)

A blower on a Boss Hoss ??? That is insane.

[willtill]

A blower on a Boss Hoss ??? That is insane.

Reminds me of....

http://i66.tinypic.com/2jcux2.jpg

[bigswole31]

Bottom line for me in comparing the K1600B vs New Goldwing:

tech: comparable
price: comparable
performance and zoom/gee-wiz factor: comparable

reliability: favors the Honda
cost of ownership: greatly favors Honda

So that's the way I'll roll once they are both out and the initial bugs are flushed out

pete

Interesting....
While I agree with MOST of what you wrote, I am curious about your projection on the performance factor. The K1600B blows the doors of the F6B. All of the K1600 series bikes have 160hp, and several of our members have had the pleasure of watching the K-series taillights get smaller and smaller. Hornblower and a couple others actually own or owned both a K1600 and an F6B. According to them, though the F6B is a great performer in its own right, it isn't comparable at all performance-wise. The K-series are faster with more clearance in the turns.

The new Goldwing's engine is supposed to be an improvement on the current engine (how much remains to be seen...but the displacement has only gone up by 1cc), and there is a slight difference in weight between it and the F6B (90 pounds lighter than the current full-dressed wing... less so with our bikes). How are you drawing the conclusion that the performance is comparable? Better than what we have (which is great IMO)?...probably. Comparable to the beastly inline 6 that the K1600 has?... I see no evidence of that in any of the reviews.

At the end of the day, there are several factors that go into making a bike purchase besides speed and handling. I'm just curious if you came across some info that paints a different comparative picture between the performance of the new bikes. If so, please share. :icon_biggrin:

[ths61]

Interesting....
While I agree with MOST of what you wrote, I am curious about your projection on the performance factor. The K1600B blows the doors of the F6B. All of the K1600 series bikes have 160hp, and several of our members have had the pleasure of watching the K-series taillights get smaller and smaller. Hornblower and a couple others actually own or owned both a K1600 and an F6B. According to them, though the F6B is a great performer in its own right, it isn't comparable at all performance-wise. The K-series are faster with more clearance in the turns.

The new Goldwing's engine is supposed to be an improvement on the current engine (how much remains to be seen...but the displacement has only gone up by 1cc), and there is a slight difference in weight between it and the F6B (90 pounds lighter than the current full-dressed wing... less so with our bikes). How are you drawing the conclusion that the performance is comparable? Better than what we have (which is great IMO)?...probably. Comparable to the beastly inline 6 that the K1600 has?... I see no evidence of that in any of the reviews.

At the end of the day, there are several factors that go into making a bike purchase besides speed and handling. I'm just curious if you came across some info that paints a different comparative picture between the performance of the new bikes. If so, please share. :icon_biggrin:

Being simple minded, it amuses me to think Mother Honda increased each cylinder size by 1/6th of a cc. Maybe they shaved a little off of each piston to increase the volume and save weight. :icon_razz:

[ghostrider]

Being simple minded, it amuses me to think Mother Honda increased each cylinder size by 1/6th of a cc. Maybe they shaved a little off of each piston to increase the volume and save weight. :icon_razz:

They reduced the cylinder dia. by 1mm and increased the stroke by 2mm to make it an even 73mm X 73mm configuration. Not sure why except it did reduce the size (physical) of the engine a little bit and with a little more stroke should improve torque even if it is a small amount. Seems like the strategy was to reduce the weight first and foremost to make the bike feel lighter and faster. But anyway that's where the extra 1cc came from.

[2wheelsforme]

Reliability is even more important than price to me.

The annual USAÂ-consumer survey of the top 10 brands found similar results to last year with the Japanese marques leading the reliability stakes. Yamaha recorded the lowest failure rate for four-year-old motorcycles with 11%, followed by Suzuki and Honda (12%) and Kawasaki (15%).
American brands Victory (17%) and Harley-Â-Davidson (26%) were midpack, and Triumph (29%), Ducati (33%), BMW (40%), and Can-Am (42%) were the more trouble-prone brands.

[opas ride]

Interesting....
While I agree with MOST of what you wrote, I am curious about your projection on the performance factor. The K1600B blows the doors of the F6B. All of the K1600 series bikes have 160hp, and several of our members have had the pleasure of watching the K-series taillights get smaller and smaller. Hornblower and a couple others actually own or owned both a K1600 and an F6B. According to them, though the F6B is a great performer in its own right, it isn't comparable at all performance-wise. The K-series are faster with more clearance in the turns.

The new Goldwing's engine is supposed to be an improvement on the current engine (how much remains to be seen...but the displacement has only gone up by 1cc), and there is a slight difference in weight between it and the F6B (90 pounds lighter than the current full-dressed wing... less so with our bikes). How are you drawing the conclusion that the performance is comparable? Better than what we have (which is great IMO)?...probably. Comparable to the beastly inline 6 that the K1600 has?... I see no evidence of that in any of the reviews.

At the end of the day, there are several factors that go into making a bike purchase besides speed and handling. I'm just curious if you came across some info that paints a different comparative picture between the performance of the new bikes. If so, please share. :icon_biggrin:

Agree with your post about the speed and handling differences between the 2 bikes...My riding buddy on his 08 R1200RT can out run my F6B eaisly..The new 1600B from BMW is very, very, fast and will out accelerate the F6B without effort....If speed and a little better handling in corners is your thing it might be worth to take a look at the BMW...Maint. costs will be much higher as I am told, but who knows??....Regards and ride safe

[Hornblower]

Now that I have some seat time on the K1600B, how about some pros and cons. Just to get it out of the way, yes, it's awesome! The engine, brakes, suspension, lighting, electronics, and for me, the looks, are simply great. Also, the cornering clearance is much better. The 7 gallon fuel tank is pretty nice too and, at 740 lbs. wet, it's quite nimble. That said, there are a couple of possible cons in comparison to the F6B. First, the CG on the KB is noticeably higher than on the B. You really feel this difference when taking the KB off the side stand and in very slow riding. Of course, once up to speed, this disappears. Also, putting the KB on it's center stand is extremely difficult. If I was heavier and stronger, I could do it but, as it is, I simply cannot get it on the CS without help or at least first riding the rear tire up on a 1" board. I think possibly if the CS was shortened a bit, it would be much easier. As most of you know, it's pretty much impossible to service many big bikes without a CS especially if there is no underlying structure to handle a motorcycle lift or jack. That's the case with the KB...just no place to use as a lifting point.

Looking at the 2018 redesign of the Wing, I have to believe the comparison to BMW will be much closer than some think. I know, on the KB, all performance components are first rate. This is simply the best engine, best brakes, best suspension, etc. I've ever had on any bike. Between the B and the KB, one issue to be considered is whether you want a really torquey and relatively low RPM engine or a higher revving and thus higher HP engine. Both bikes are probably fast enough for most of us. I imagine 0-60 ET's would be pretty close but past that, the KB will rule. Also, it's going to be very interesting to compare the KB's quick shifter to the Wing's DCT. I have DCT on my tuned GTI and it's pretty cool. If it works that well on the Wing, I'd love to have it. The future is looking pretty interesting indeed!

[Davidk]

Reliability is even more important than price to me.

The annual USA�-consumer survey of the top 10 brands found similar results to last year with the Japanese marques leading the reliability stakes. Yamaha recorded the lowest failure rate for four-year-old motorcycles with 11%, followed by Suzuki and Honda (12%) and Kawasaki (15%).
American brands Victory (17%) and Harley-�-Davidson (26%) were midpack, and Triumph (29%), Ducati (33%), BMW (40%), and Can-Am (42%) were the more trouble-prone brands.

Yamaha and Suzuki beat Honda in reliably? Wow... I never would have guessed. Also surprised that BMW is so trouble prone

[willtill]

Yamaha and Suzuki beat Honda in reliably? Wow... I never would have guessed. Also surprised that BMW is so trouble prone

BMW + :tools1: = "ccsmiley"

:nojoke:

They are nice bikes but will not have one. They are high maintenance.

[opas ride]

BMW + :tools1: = "ccsmiley"

:nojoke:

They are nice bikes but will not have one. They are high maintenance.

Riding buddy took his 08 R1200RT into local dealer for some work a few days ago...Tires, oil/filter change, fluids changed, and check-up etc. Charge was $900!!!....Ouch......Ride safe and stick with the Honda

[pdxstriper]

You are correct; I misspoke. I was thinking more about the gee-wiz technology - which appears to be similar in both bikes - and bundled that thought with performance. Another example of my increasing age ;) . Funny thing is that I have an older RT and it certainly out corners my F6B.


Interesting....
While I agree with MOST of what you wrote, I am curious about your projection on the performance factor. The K1600B blows the doors of the F6B. All of the K1600 series bikes have 160hp, and several of our members have had the pleasure of watching the K-series taillights get smaller and smaller. Hornblower and a couple others actually own or owned both a K1600 and an F6B. According to them, though the F6B is a great performer in its own right, it isn't comparable at all performance-wise. The K-series are faster with more clearance in the turns.

The new Goldwing's engine is supposed to be an improvement on the current engine (how much remains to be seen...but the displacement has only gone up by 1cc), and there is a slight difference in weight between it and the F6B (90 pounds lighter than the current full-dressed wing... less so with our bikes). How are you drawing the conclusion that the performance is comparable? Better than what we have (which is great IMO)?...probably. Comparable to the beastly inline 6 that the K1600 has?... I see no evidence of that in any of the reviews.

At the end of the day, there are several factors that go into making a bike purchase besides speed and handling. I'm just curious if you came across some info that paints a different comparative picture between the performance of the new bikes. If so, please share. :icon_biggrin:

[98valk]

Reliability is even more important than price to me.

The annual USA�-consumer survey of the top 10 brands found similar results to last year with the Japanese marques leading the reliability stakes. Yamaha recorded the lowest failure rate for four-year-old motorcycles with 11%, followed by Suzuki and Honda (12%) and Kawasaki (15%).
American brands Victory (17%) and Harley-�-Davidson (26%) were midpack, and Triumph (29%), Ducati (33%), BMW (40%), and Can-Am (42%) were the more trouble-prone brands.

Interesting info. I am real surprised by the results. It suggests that 1 in 8 of us will have trouble within four years.

I question what constituted a failure. And maybe it should have been measured in miles vs years.

[2wheelsforme]

Interesting info. I am real surprised by the results. It suggests that 1 in 8 of us will have trouble within four years.

I question what constituted a failure. And maybe it should have been measured in miles vs years.


The failure rate included sport bikes which were higher than for cruisers. So the 12% would be lower for our bikes I think.

[willtill]

The failure rate included sport bikes which were higher than for cruisers. So the 12% would be lower for our bikes I think.

I had all of my "failures" when the stealership's "service" department put their hands on it initially for the brake recall. :icon_rolleyes: I should be G.T.G. now... oh.. I had that radiator hose coolant leak as well shortly thereafter.. I fixed that myself. :yes:

[98valk]

The failure rate included sport bikes which were higher than for cruisers. So the 12% would be lower for our bikes I think.

Good point! Didn't think of that. :yes:

[skippy1969]

Nice bike!
Not for me though.
As a previous BMW K1600GT and C650GT scooter owner,I won't be buying any more BMW's anytime soon.
Reliability,build issues and poor dealer network and the wait for parts to come from Germany made me and my wife go back to Honda.
I rode the new K1600B bagger this summer and I was not impressed.
I'll stick to Honda,thanks.

[jm21ddd15]

Nice bike!
Not for me though.
As a previous BMW K1600GT and C650GT scooter owner,I won't be buying any more BMW's anytime soon.
Reliability,build issues and poor dealer network and the wait for parts to come from Germany made me and my wife go back to Honda.
I rode the new K1600B bagger this summer and I was not impressed.
I'll stick to Honda,thanks.

I was considering the R1200RT, before I got my F6B. Not many dealers in Wi. Plus, as has been stated, big $$$, for service and parts. Almost any decent sized town, has a Honda Dealer. Much nicer going on long rides, when you have Dealer support, if needed.