Well boys, I've ridden the Smokies, the Rockies in four states, the Sierras, the Black Hills, and the hills of San Fransisco as well as "flat country". My wing rider friends who I've ridden with for 25 years on all kinds of bikes over a large part of this country have complained about that low first gear as have I.
When I go camping I take my pickup. When I go motorcycling I ride. I'm sure that first gear is ok for pulling a trailer but that's not what we do. I guess its ok to have a different opinion and neither be wrong!
That's what BMW K1600 GT has in std. version ( not auto trans. opt. yet ).
It's priced accordingly too .
I was always thinking to be able and build any bike with options "a la carte". Needed and ordered , than installed by factory upgrades could attract buyers and flawing inventory be more beneficial for manufacturers . Auto industries are doing that , but not many buyers know about it . In past , having specific requests for needed options , I purchased few cars already and were always less expensive , than offered in available "packages". It could be not so traditional , but possible indeed .
Personally on my wish list I'd like
1) No linked brakes, they are too intrusive, especially on gravel roads (we have a lot of them here)
2) 6th Gear, I'd like a true OD gear, it's nice to have the power for overtakes but would like a lazier gear for fuel economy on those long stretches of highway, I don't mind changing down for overtakes.
3) More modern dash, including gear indicator and back lit switch gear.
4) Updated radio panel