BMW Concept 6 cylinder bagger targets F6B

[Brasco]

Article concludes as follows: "BMW’s Concept 101 is obviously road-ready, so the million dollar question is when will BMW turn prototype into production? It would be the perfect motorcycle to pit against Honda’s Gold Wing F6B, the other performance bagger on the market."

Take a look and let's hear what you think. http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/2015/05/article/bmw-unveils-concept-101-bagger-in-italy/

[ths61]

Rider looks a bit stretched.

http://images.motorcycle-usa.com/PhotoGallerys/BMW-Concept-101-riding-posi.jpg

[bigdawg]

The actual production bike will look a little different than the concept and I suspect the ergos will be more relaxed.

[GONRDN]

Needs a windscreen, helibars, highway pegs, better seat, passenger backrest, cargo rack, trailer hitch, center stand, fork brace..........sounds familiar :icon_rolleyes:

[Bob Penn]

Needs a windscreen, helibars, highway pegs, better seat, passenger backrest, cargo rack, trailer hitch, center stand, fork brace..........sounds familiar :icon_rolleyes:

That's exactly what I thought when I saw the pictures. In addition how are you going to replace those little saddle bags or are you going to travel with only one pair of undies?:shrug:

[wjduke]

Looks like you'd be travelling alone...like I do. It's not a bad thing.

[Slammd]

A little more current info…

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/new-bikes/2016/may/bmws-160bhp-k1600-bagger/

[Jimmytee]

A little more current info…

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/new-bikes/2016/may/bmws-160bhp-k1600-bagger/

If the rendering is accurate , I'm not a fan.:icon_rolleyes:

The 1600 Beemer was on my list of potentials when I was in the bike shopping mode. I just was never warmed over by the looks. That , my love of the Flat 6 engine, and the deals the F6B were going for, sealed that decision.

[Wing'n it]

Goldwing platform..... nuff said!

[DarkKnt]

I love the initial concept bike, but obviously some of the elements that made it so interesting aren't going to see it through to production. The recent image does nothing for me at all; a big disappointment. Somehow they've managed to keep the goofy "egg" shape of the K1600 and lost all the cool factor.... The 'B is still the one!

[choptop]

I love the initial concept bike, but obviously some of the elements that made it so interesting aren't going to see it through to production. The recent image does nothing for me at all; a big disappointment. Somehow they've managed to keep the goofy "egg" shape of the K1600 and lost all the cool factor.... The 'B is still the one!

I agree, the first rendering stretched, bigger front tire... had me interested, the latest pic, not so much.

[ths61]

I love the initial concept bike, but obviously some of the elements that made it so interesting aren't going to see it through to production. The recent image does nothing for me at all; a big disappointment. Somehow they've managed to keep the goofy "egg" shape of the K1600 and lost all the cool factor.... The 'B is still the one!

+1, the new rendering looks like their existing bikes, not like the concept.

[Jayrock]

I remember when I first saw the concept pics my exact words were "That looks just like my F6B.... except this one has some wood panels" I've never felt any nostalgia for wood panels.

[Retired Army]

21025 Their not fooling me it's not tough enough to stop a train.
Picture included for the print impaired.

[53driver]

Still ugly and the exposed innards are aesthetically displeasing.
21026

[Pap]

Looks like the Honda CTX.

[grendl]

The Concept 101 looked good enough to consider were I looking ,but I have the original so no big deal.
What it morphed into for production is standard fare and doesn't interest me at all...

[khusmc]

Needs a windscreen, helibars, highway pegs, better seat, passenger backrest, cargo rack, trailer hitch, center stand, fork brace..........sounds familiar :icon_rolleyes:

IF it's true to BMW form, for most of us it will need a step ladder as well.

[stroguy]

I like the footpegs.

[unsub]

Not a big fan of BMW quality and design since the wall came down. West Germans had a certain pride in manufacturing that seems to have faded away.

[F6Dave]

I too considered the K1600 before buying my F6B. A great dealer let me take one out for a 50 mile test ride. A very impressive bike it is. The I-6 engine is somewhat similar to Honda's flat sixes, smooth with a broad powerband. The BMW has more top end power though the Honda seems to have a bit more at the low end. I loved the electric windshield -- you could get perfect coverage with the touch of a button.

The styling didn't do much for me, but that wasn't the deal breaker. I talked to some owners with nightmarish stories about maintenance and reliability. One guy had his water pump replaced several times. An oil change is a real PITA. The fancy electronics were buggy. The Honda (except for the air cleaner) looked like a lot less work, and cost about half. I haven't had any regrets.

[cruzdog954]

Reminds me more of the Rune than the Goldwing.

Big elephant in the room - Say you want to replace the windscreen for something taller - how would that work? Looking at the angle, there is nothing but introduce a steep curve which will break the flowing lines.

Saddle bags look worthless.

[adventurous1]

It looks badass (the concept) Believe the hardbag capacity will be similar, and probably room for luggage rack as well. BUT what im diggin the most is the line 6. No monstrous fairing.....and with a 36 in inseam, that is a huge consideration.

[Steve 0080]

BMW dealers are to far apart for me...the pipes look about 10 feet long !!!

[BIGLRY]

21034 21035

21036

[SoCal Rich]

Looks like CTX1300.

[bigdawg]

The k1600 is a great bike. It has been just as reliable as my f6b. The motor is a beast. It has amazing power and can easily and comfortably cruise at speeds my f6b doesn't like. It has all the bells and whistles the f6b has and many many more. My maintenance costs have not been unreasonable. However, I do prefer the lower cruiser platform and comfort of the f6b, so I am very interested in the new version of the k1600. If I don't end up with the new version I plan on keeping my current k1600 for a long time along with my f6b. They have been my favorite bikes I've ever owned.

[ths61]

21035

Looks like it has a built in goose neck trailer hitch.

[Jimmytee]

Looks like it has a built in goose neck trailer hitch.

I thought that was the shifter :icon_wink:

[yellow rex]

bigdawg I never found a speed the F6 did not like what was that speed for you?
I have been in triple digits for 3 or 4 miles at a time no trouble with trailer in toe.

[Old Ryder]

What told me that I will never own a BMW was a trip to western NC back in 2007,. It was a group of 5 of us and 3 were on BMWs and 2 of them broke down--both on the first day. One had an electrical problem and just bought a new battery and got thru the weekend. The other was a tour bike (don't know the model but it looked like a spaceship) that had a leaking seal in the rear end. We literally spent a complete Thursday afternoon trying to find somebody or a dealership to work on this thing--killed 2 cell phone batteries in the motel parking lot trying to find help. We called every shop and dealer within 100 miles. Ended up putting it on a trailer and hauling it 4 hours to Raleigh and he rented a Harley for the weekend. The parts took a month to get and install and the bill was well over a grand. I got my education at his expense.

I rode it on the way for about 100 miles on I-40 and it was a great riding motorcycle with lots of power and I loved the electric windshield. Depending on where you live and what dealer is close by, your misery may be less.

[bigdawg]

bigdawg I never found a speed the F6 did not like what was that speed for you?
I have been in triple digits for 3 or 4 miles at a time no trouble with trailer in toe.

The comfortable RELAXED cruising speed for me on the f6b is up to 85 mph. It is electronically limited to 124 mph, so of course you are correct it can go into the triple digits easily, but I'm looking for a 6th gear after 85 mph for relaxed cruising. The BMW already has a 6th gear and I shift to it at around 80-85 mph and it is a tall gear. Just a few stats for the curious:
F6B 850 lbs, 118 HP, 123 torque, 11.84 1/4 mile at 110.97 mph and an electronically limited top speed of 124 mph.
BMW 650 lbs, 160 HP, 130 torque, 10.89 1/4 mile at 122.13 mph and a non limited top speed of 155 mph.

[Jimmytee]

This is for a 2011, but is quite a bit heavier than 650 lbs.

http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/bmw/bmw_k1600gtl%2011.htm

[bigdawg]

This is for a 2011, but is quite a bit heavier than 650 lbs.

http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/bmw/bmw_k1600gtl%2011.htm

That is a k1600 GTL. NOT a GT. That is more comparable to the full Goldwing. I was giving specs on the F6B and the GT, but can give a similar comparison for the GTL and full Goldwing if you want.

[Airborne06]

21034 21035

21036

I kinda like it!

[Jimmytee]

That is a k1600 GTL. NOT a GT. That is more comparable to the full Goldwing. I was giving specs on the F6B and the GT, but can give a similar comparison for the GTL and full Goldwing if you want.

Maybe you were, but you did not say or specify "GT" in your earlier posts. :icon_wink:

This is for a 2014 "GT" and wet weight is stated at 732 lbs wet, which the F6B does come in at 842 wet.

http://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles/motorcycle-reviews/bmw/2014-bmw-k-1600-gt-ar160865.html

[bigswole31]

Maybe you were, but you did not say or specify "GT" in your earlier posts. :icon_wink:

This is for a 2014 "GT" and wet weight is stated at 732 lbs wet, which the F6B does come in at 842 wet.

http://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles/motorcycle-reviews/bmw/2014-bmw-k-1600-gt-ar160865.html

For my money, the specs that mean the most to ME are the 160 HP, the 129 torque, and the almost 1-second faster 1/4 mile time. :yikes::yes:

Nevertheless, I don't find ANY numbers worth taking on a maintenance headache.

I actually liked the direction of the concept.... big front wheel, and bold styling with that killer engine. Those new renders barely look different than the current BMW lineup. :icon_frown:

[pitcherd]

At first glance that is a good looking bike. My father in-law has 3 different BMW's and I would not own any of them. It was brought up that dealers are few and far between, which is the same reason that I got rid of my Triumph. Pound for pound the F6B is hard o beat. If your gripe is the windshield don't buy a Bagger, buy a Wing!

[shooter]

That is a k1600 GTL. NOT a GT. That is more comparable to the full Goldwing. I was giving specs on the F6B and the GT, but can give a similar comparison for the GTL and full Goldwing if you want.

Well if you want to compare apples to apples a ZX14 with bags is the same seating position and is actually a very comfortable sport tourer. You can lop off about 100 lbs and 2 seconds in that quarter mile time and add about 40 HP. All for a whole lot less money. BMW don't make a bike that compares to the B. Its unique. I've ridden my sons ZX14 many times and that BMW comes up short in every category.

[luckyluciano]

Well if you want to compare apples to apples a ZX14 with bags is the same seating position and is actually a very comfortable sport tourer. You can lop off about 100 lbs and 2 seconds in that quarter mile time and add about 40 HP. All for a whole lot less money. BMW don't make a bike that compares to the B. Its unique. I've ridden my sons ZX14 many times and that BMW comes up short in every category.

Yup, ZX14 is a incredible beast of a comfortable machine.

Reliable too.

[bigdawg]

Well if you want to compare apples to apples a ZX14 with bags is the same seating position and is actually a very comfortable sport tourer. You can lop off about 100 lbs and 2 seconds in that quarter mile time and add about 40 HP. All for a whole lot less money. BMW don't make a bike that compares to the B. Its unique. I've ridden my sons ZX14 many times and that BMW comes up short in every category.

BMW is making a bike that compares to the F6B. I think thats one of the main reasons for this thread.

[98valk]

The comfortable RELAXED cruising speed for me on the f6b is up to 85 mph. It is electronically limited to 124 mph, so of course you are correct it can go into the triple digits easily, but I'm looking for a 6th gear after 85 mph for relaxed cruising. The BMW already has a 6th gear and I shift to it at around 80-85 mph and it is a tall gear. Just a few stats for the curious:
F6B 850 lbs, 118 HP, 123 torque, 11.84 1/4 mile at 110.97 mph and an electronically limited top speed of 124 mph.
BMW 650 lbs, 160 HP, 130 torque, 10.89 1/4 mile at 122.13 mph and a non limited top speed of 155 mph.

Okay, I am too lazy to do the research. Since you mentioned the BMW has a 6th speed, it would be interesting to know what the RPM's are compared to the F6 in top gear. Anyone know?

I am going to guess that they are real close and if anything, the BMW is actually higher. But, I am a crappy guesser ... :shrug:

[shooter]

BMW is making a bike that compares to the F6B. I think thats one of the main reasons for this thread.

According to the OP its a concept bike.

[53driver]

21075

[bigdawg]

According to the OP its a concept bike.

I think you are referring to the Roland Sands concept design with the short screen and wood panels pictured on page one of this thread. That version is not going to production. According to the Motorcycle News article (a link is given for the article on page one of this thread as well) BMW will produce their version of this motorcycle as a 2017 model. There are pictures of their version in that article as well as on page 2 of this thread.

[bigdawg]

Okay, I am too lazy to do the research. Since you mentioned the BMW has a 6th speed, it would be interesting to know what the RPM's are compared to the F6 in top gear. Anyone know?

I am going to guess that they are real close and if anything, the BMW is actually higher. But, I am a crappy guesser ... :shrug:

It's a rainy night here. I'll have to let you know if and when things dry up this weekend.

[taxfree4]

21075

That bike reminds me of the old Suzuki Katanas in the sense the gas tank was configured in such a way, and had such a radical front that guys I rode with used to put a pillow against their stomachs to make the reach to the bars bearable. My GPZ 1100 never had that problem, it was the F6B of its' time.

[53driver]

That bike reminds me of the old Suzuki Katanas in the sense the gas tank was configured in such a way, and had such a radical front that guys I rode with used to put a pillow against their stomachs to make the reach to the bars bearable. My GPZ 1100 never had that problem, it was the F6B of its' time.

Tax - did you have the 80s GPZ or the mid 90s version?

[Chas]

+1, the new rendering looks like their existing bikes, not like the concept.

+2

[taxfree4]

Tax - did you have the 80s GPZ or the mid 90s version?

Silver 1983? or 84 I have a picture somewhere

[taxfree4]

There it is

[98valk]

Okay, I am too lazy to do the research. Since you mentioned the BMW has a 6th speed, it would be interesting to know what the RPM's are compared to the F6 in top gear. Anyone know?

I am going to guess that they are real close and if anything, the BMW is actually higher. But, I am a crappy guesser ... :shrug:

So a quick google search showed the K1600GT pulling about 2900 rpms at 60mph in top gear. I believe our 1800's are around 2600 at 60 mph. Don't know if that is a fact, just what a quick searched found.

What's the point? This is in reference to someone claiming the BMW was a more relaxed ride at cruising speeds due to the 6th gear. When actually our F6 is at a more relaxed rpm at cruising speeds, and with less shifting! We don't need no stinkin' 6th gear. :icon_twisted:

[53driver]

There it is

Pretty lil' gal.

[bigdawg]

So a quick google search showed the K1600GT pulling about 2900 rpms at 60mph in top gear. I believe our 1800's are around 2600 at 60 mph. Don't know if that is a fact, just what a quick searched found.

What's the point? This is in reference to someone claiming the BMW was a more relaxed ride at cruising speeds due to the 6th gear. When actually our F6 is at a more relaxed rpm at cruising speeds, and with less shifting! We don't need no stinkin' 6th gear. :icon_twisted:
I don't know if those are accurate figures or not, but regardless wouldn't determine which bike feels more relaxed at a given rpm. It depends on the bike. For example, if you are riding a sport bike in top gear at 7000 rpms and it redlines at 12000 rpms, then it will feel pretty relaxed. If you are riding a cruiser like the F6B in top gear at 6000 rpms and it redlines at 6000 rpms then it does not feel relaxed at all. The k1600 gt redlines at 8500 rpms and feels more relaxed at higher rpms than the F6B that redlines at 6000 rpms. FYI, they are both fantastic bikes and I enjoy different things about them, but if I were forced to get rid of one I would keep the F6B.

[cosborn]

I still prefer the looks of the F6B and can you imagine the cost of the BM.

Chris

[taxfree4]

Pretty lil' gal.

They weren't much off the line, kind of a slug, but something happened to it from 2nd to 3rd gear and it was a rocketship after that.

[53driver]

I still prefer the looks of the F6B and can you imagine the cost of the BM.

Chris

All mine are free, save for a couple of sheets of Charmin......

[Greg O]

I personally like the looks and the specs. of the BMW concept bike. I would have to sit on and ride the bike to see if the ergonomics are to my liking. Ergonomics are 10 times more important than power.

[Dfinkelsteinmd]

+1, the new rendering looks like their existing bikes, not like the concept.

I agree--the new rendering looks like my K1600GT since I cut down the windscreen, but I prefer the original concept, which is much closer to my F6B (which also has a short oem screen). They are both great bikes but the conceptualized one would have gotten me to trade both of my 6's...

[98valk]

I don't know if those are accurate figures or not, but regardless wouldn't determine which bike feels more relaxed at a given rpm. It depends on the bike. For example, if you are riding a sport bike in top gear at 7000 rpms and it redlines at 12000 rpms, then it will feel pretty relaxed. If you are riding a cruiser like the F6B in top gear at 6000 rpms and it redlines at 6000 rpms then it does not feel relaxed at all. The k1600 gt redlines at 8500 rpms and feels more relaxed at higher rpms than the F6B that redlines at 6000 rpms. FYI, they are both fantastic bikes and I enjoy different things about them, but if I were forced to get rid of one I would keep the F6B.

I agree that the engine may be more relaxed due to running at a lower percentage of max redline rpm.

But from a riders point of view, more relaxed is a lower rpm, period. It's when an engine starts sound too busy that we want another gear.

Guys coming from twins feel the six is "busy", even a the same rpm.

My KZ1300 would run at 4000 rpm at 72mph. With a redline of 8500, that was pretty high/busy. I'm happy with the gl1800's lower rpm even though it is a similar percentage.

[bigdawg]

I agree that the engine may be more relaxed due to running at a lower percentage of max redline rpm.

But from a riders point of view, more relaxed is a lower rpm, period. It's when an engine starts sound too busy that we want another gear.

Guys coming from twins feel the six is "busy", even a the same rpm.

My KZ1300 would run at 4000 rpm at 72mph. With a redline of 8500, that was pretty high/busy. I'm happy with the gl1800's lower rpm even though it is a similar percentage.

Disagree. I ride both of them back to back almost every day and might have just a little more experience of which one feels more relaxed at say 85 mph. No comparison.

[Davidk]

21075

What is that?

[Greg_N]

Ugly.
Somebody told me that BMW design their motorbikes using "Kriegsmarine manual to design U-Boots" from II-nd WW.
And it's true. This motorbike is confirmation.

[Brewdog]

I looked hard at the K1600 before buying my F6B. The appeal is certainly there with it's classy controls and 160 hp.

In the end, I paid 1/2 the price and got a super reliable and fast motorcycle in the F6B. My Honda has plenty of power for me and I find myself using most of it on occasion. :shhh:

I don't ride motorcycles for the controls glitz or top end mph. I prefer the "old school" controls and simply enjoy listening to the engine cut the wind. When I pass vehicles on the interstate, it happens fast. I love that !!

[98valk]

Disagree. I ride both of them back to back almost every day and might have just a little more experience of which one feels more relaxed at say 85 mph. No comparison.

To each their own. With no facts, it's just an opinion. YMMV, yada, yada, yada, and all that stuff. Enjoy your rides.

[pilotguy299]

...

Guys coming from twins feel the six is "busy", even a the same rpm.

....

I came from a VTX1300R, and I'm not sure that the F6B engine feels "busy" at 3000 compared to the VTX at 3000. It does sound a little "buzzy" or like it is "whirring" to me, but it definitely doesn't sound like it it working harder. Just different.

And quieter!