previous owner of both RT and K1600, and coming from racing background, the K16 is wayyy more sportier than RT, a lot more torque and top end power. weight is completely disappeared when riding fast and in general it's more comfortable and luxurious. all the way K1600. that's only my personal decision, don't take it into consideration. every person has his own personal preferences. BTW the K1600 is not anyway for old people cause they cannot control it. it's a motorcycle for skilled middle age fast riders who appreciate expensive and quality machines. it was never belonging to old people this K1600, it's only a common misunderstanding that happening around the world. Enjoy your rides, ride safe ppl.

Love the opening monologue. Nice review. Thanks.

Unexpected things today: K 1600 GT is a haunted bike with a child's yell when off throttle. lol Great opening.

You guys are becoming my favorite BMW motorcycle reviewers

Loved the vid, especially as you took the trouble to compare it with the RT, If money wasn´t a problem I would go for the RT, amongst other things, I can´t complain though, I got my NT 1100 5 weeks ago and love it. Have fun and ride safe.

I like your videos. 👍 Your thoughts and judgements are always considered and good sense.

Im looking at these and an RT. Been on Harleys for several years and looking for a change. Love the way these and the RT ride and handle. Great review.

I love my K1600 GT

Great review and that’s a good looking bike for sure but I’m loving my 2022 R1250RT!!

Spoken as a true beamer fan ;) .. another great review

I'm 34 years old and have this bike (GTL) and I must say that when I bought I felt like 60 lol… I must say that I love this bike so far (only 500 miles yet) -- the sportiness, the stock pipe sound, the practicality for commuting to work, etc... On the down side I wish it had car play support on the beautiful 10.25" TFT.

Could you do a video review on the Honda Goldwing and give us some comparisons with this please?

Others are faster, others more agile, more powerfull, etc. etc. but for me the RT is the best everyday bike.

You just won a new subscriber!!!! Amazing vlogging skills 👏 👌

Hey! A Michigan brother! Good work, love your videos, ty.

Without any doubt your videos are the best when it comes to bike reviews. No over dramatics. Glade I found your channel. However I wouldn't swap my RT for the K16 too heavy.

This is a rocket ship !!! Nice review!!! NTP!!

I've owned the K1600GT, and now ride a 2021 RT. The extra weight of the GT is really only an issue moving the bike around, etc. Once it's under way, the weight is not much of a factor. It is a bit slower on turn in than the RT, but the GT holds a line a little better, and feels a bit more stable. The GT handles really well, and certainly does not handle like a cruiser. I've owned the Concours and FJR, and the K16GT handled better than both of those bikes. Both the RT and GT are great bikes. You're either a boxer fan, or you prefer the inline 6.

10 years ago, when I’d only been riding for a few years, I test rode a friend’s new K1600GTL. I was so intimidated by it - but soon I was totally at ease. Even slow a speed hard turn uphill was easy to manage. Smooth clutch … I was amazed at the user-friendliness. BTW, I won’t miss ACC. Haven’t we all managed without it?

Yes, it most definitely is. Much much better. The boxer never felt more like a tractor than after riding this jewel.

I ride a ‘19 1250RT, test rode this exact motorcycle and was ready to jump to the GT! What a well-heeled rocket ship! However the complexity and maintenance costs for this lovely beast made me appreciate the simpler complexity of my RT. Anyway the RT is nearly as fast as the GT and handles just as well, and is about 5K less! But those who drive ‘‘em love them all the same!

Agree 100% on all you said. 4 cylinder would work great. I don't know why they did 2 cylinder 1250RT and than went straight to 6 cylinder 1600 GT. Such a big jump.

Thank God I will buy one for myself

I bought one, arrives at the end of the month, same spec cant wait

Very good review

man, I used to live in Germany. Vilseck. I loved it and miss it everyday. what I would give to go back and go to a bakery for a coffee and a pastry and an extra loaf of bread for the evening.

Excellent video. Thank you. I have a 21 XR. I love it. I'll be 57 in a few months and I'm retired. The XR is perfect for for what I use it for. Day trips and maybe some wknd trips. 200-300 mile days no sweat. Usually riding by myself. One of the negatives to retiring in my 50s, lol. If my wife was retired and we were going to do long trips then I would've considered a K1600B for sure. But the weight is certainly something to be reckoned with. Sales tax in the part of South Carolina where I live is 7.25%. If it was 19% (outrageous).I would ride a bicycle. Lol lol 😆 🤣

Cool to watch a review of a bike I don't get much exposure to. Lotsa cool gadgets and looks like it doesn't disappoint. Still, for the class it's in, I'd go with a Goldwing.

Absolutely. I did.

They probably didn't add the adaptive cruise control due to chip shortages. They have been having trouble to get enough just for the RT. I have to say I am very glad of having it on the RT, I use it all the time.

For any of you chaps needing a tyre change soon, get the pilot 6 for the K you won't regret it they are outstanding straight away you feel the difference.😎🖖

I loved my K1600GT, (2016) and recently bought a 2022 R1250RT. The only time I wish I had the K bike back is doing a road trip. The smooth power delivery and the all day comfort is superb. But the minute I;m pushing that big beast around the garage or hitting city stop & go traffic, I'm glad I'm riding the RT. But,, The sound and power of the 1600 is sublime. Great review, (but now I'm lusting for the new Big K!!)

Your vid is awesome

Thanks Scott great video. A great bike but I love my 1200GS too much to buy one.

Every reviewer of this bike always gets extremely giddy with the acceleration part of the video. I really enjoy that. I agree that the Honda Gold Wing is the best comparison bike to the BMW. I personally like Carplay or Android Auto to BMWs app for maps and entertainment. I also think Honda would be an easier engine to work on for basic maintenance than the BMW. I would definitely buy this bike before any other bike, should I become tired of my Gold Wing. Great video.

just picked mine up, amazing bike Ill do my 600 miles fast on this, I just love it

I haven’t payed the due attention to this video when it was launched. Now that you presented a few days ago a video about your RT and about the summer trip you’ve made with it, and after changing impressions with you by commenting that video I came here in the sequence to ear and watch. So, what about difference for the RT. They aren’t only the weight and the motor. They are extensively more than that:- a) No induction charging for the phone (seemed absent) and my iPhone 14 pro max couldn’t fit in the place for it on this Bike, but it fits and functions well on the RT; b) There is no adaptive cruise control on the K1600 GT. This is a bike to crunch long mileage, that feature should be mandatory on this bike, from my point of view. I’ll pleasantly will stick up with the RT. Thank you for your kind support ✌️✌️

"Thanks" Scott, for a GREAT review on this 1600 .... Such a big, sexy bike ..... I really want it, but sadly just a tad expensive to own one, ... (for this 60 yr old guy....)

Man thats one bueatiful machines

Superb review Scott of a superb bike but….. I’m currently happy with my 1250RS I love the boxer engine. My upgrade of choice would have to be the 1250RT as I love ACC and BMW have really missed a trick not having it on this machine. Thanks for the vids I really enjoy your approach and delivery so you get 2 thumbs up from me 👍👍

What is your mic/camera set up while riding? Sounds great

That funny whining noise comes from the angle drive to the camshaft. My FJR does it too but it sounds a bit different.

Nice bike

ive been lucky to have a lot of big bikes over the years. moving from fast bikes like fireblades and H2's etc. and This bike is such a great move for a guy in his early 50's. I love the goldwing, had one and sold it on when a friend really wanted it. then for a few years I bought a few harleys, including a CVO road glide and did a few tours - great bike. I recently got cancer and had to get chemo and sold my bikes- and while im not out of the woods just yet, my dealer in ireland gave me a great deal on a 600 mile ex demo 2023 K1600 B (fully loaded) and im excited to get it this week. I had a 2017 model and enjoyed it. Its a big heavy bike but once you get used to a CVO road glide (around 430kg), the K1600 feels like a 125cc. Not sure if I am even making a point here, just saying - the weight of these bikes is all about what you are used to I guess - I actually find owning a big adventure bike more stressful in some ways, as I hate having to climb over the top of them to get on it.....

On the BMWs I never use the rear brake except for parking lot maneuvers. As I understand it the braking module, applies optimum rear brake for all situations.. there is a note in my manual about applying rear before front, and feel vs rear after our at same time the feel will be different. I've come to trust it. I got decisions. Miss my RT. got the s1000xr love it . Got an 18 k16b that I like. Would prefer the GT and a RT.

I rented a K1600 for the Toys for Tots Rally, having owned 6 GSs I did not enjoy the high revving engine. I think the boxer is a more relaxing ride, I would go with RT for cruising, 130 hp is more than enough for me

Amazing review! I know they're different types of motorcycles, but for my second motorcycle, I'm looking into this 2022 or newer, BMW K1600 GT. I also really like the 2020 or newer, BMW R 1250 RS. The last one I like is the 2020 or newer, BMW S 1000 XR. Next spring or summer, I will be looking for a used, low mile BMW from a BMW dealership only. I'm still up in the air on which one I will go for? I'll have to ride all three, and that will be the final decision maker.

I am 70 and I ride all tipes of bikes for 50 years. I don´t need such a think. I'm very happy with my 2018 Royal Enfield Classic 500 and my 2003 Moto Guzzi Breva 750. The price of the 1600 in Portugal transaction taxes is affected minimum by 23%.

A wonderful super bike indeed. No question Scott. But, when existing popular technology doesn’t make it to other models in a new year roll out “having no space is not a good answer from BMW”. It would be if the long term plan is to phase out the model or a renovating of the K series front end. Me thinks the renovating has been done. With stringent environmental regs affecting everything and markets for large touring getting smaller, BMW maybe seeing the writing on the wall. But that’s just my .2.

Greetings. How do you do. Thank you very much for sharing your assessment. Highly appreciated.

God I love that bike, I want one. If you were to look on the back of those front brake calipers I believe you will likely see a Tokico stamp. At least that is how the 2018's are and they look identical to the brakes in your video. Also Scott the K1600GT has the Duolever front suspension (hassock) whereas your R1250RT, like the GS, has the Telelver. The main differences between the two is the Duolever has upper and lower control arms and upper and lower ball joints and there are no telescopic forks (like the new Gold Wing), whereas the Telever only has a bottom control arm and ball joint and actual telescopic forks, the top of the shock mounts directly to the chassis behind the steering head. They are both fantastic, the duolever is in my opinion is more refined and is more stable in the corners, but is heavier. My K1300s has the same duolever as the K1600GT and my R1200S has the same telelver as the RT.

I can just enjoy these as I know I’m never going to get one. Especially as I’ve already traded down from a R1250RT to a F900XR. I don’t like the heavy bikes on our UK West Country back roads with their awkward cambers. Mind you if you have a huge garage and bank balance to match I can see how you might have one, as a second or third bike, for certain types of long distance journeys. Having just one bike though it’s a no no…

Great review as always. All the time I have been a subscriber I thought you were a German who spoke perfect English then just now you said your from Michigan. I rented a Honda Blackbird in 2004 in a Town called Esslingerstr (?). East of the black forest area. The roads are awesome. At least you don't have to deal with the sorry politics back here in the States and just ride those great motorcycle roads in Germany NTP !!!

Great honest review, I’m torn between the GSA, RT and K1600. What you described at the end existed as the K1200S, updated to the K1300S. I had a K1200S with a full titanium exhaust it had 175bhp at the crank. I used to describe the acceleration in two ways. Firstly, like being strapped to a rocket. Second, just look, think and gone! If they made a K1200/1300S updated with all the gadgets, I’d buy it hands down. I’m seduced by the K1600GT because of that quickshifter gearbox mated to the inline 6. I test rode the RT (new one) and the previous GSA (before the adaptive headlight). The GSA was great for the potholes that cover the bulk of the UK roads. It also helped to quell the urge to lose my license. The RT was OK, and I liked it, so I’m still stuck. I’m buying in November due to surgery on my spine, but I’m definitely going to try the K1600GT. I’m just concerned about its weight filtering in London traffic.

What do you think about the Metzeler Roadtec 01 HWM tyres? I put them on my Kawasaki z1000sx and they are great in comparison to the Bridgestone battlax tyres I had before. Only other tyres I know which is as good are the Pirelli Diablo Rosso III.

Nice review! One thing you did not comment on is how are the mirrors of this vs the RT?

Hi Scott I have been looking at all your videos of motorcycles in general and it seems to me that you achieve very good hits in your comments. I have some questions about the BMW GS, Rt and finally the R18 Bagger. I don't know which of these three to choose. I will be living in Frankfurt Germany for a few years and I don't know which of these bikes would be the most appropriate to have. I would be very grateful if you could give me a hand in seeing which could be the right one for me. I will also tell you that I have had a BMW GS before and I love it but as they say, the changes are always good. I'll be there in early August. It would be nice to meet and make some trips to show me Germany or recommend places to visit. Thank you very much and I look forward to your response.

I lived there on and off for 20 years and I missed the ride so much than California. I will be back living in Germany again.

I have ridden both the RT and the k1600 so to me there is no comparing the two. The K 1600 is so much nicer and faster and way more comfortable.The engine is so smooth its not even close .The top end rush is so nice and torque is so much more smooth that it leaves the RT in the dust.Long live the 6!!!!

Front brake calipers on k1600,s have always been Tokico calipers, looks like they are the same, it used to be stamped on inside of calipers

Hello there!! Can you please consider reviewing triumph scrambler 1200 ?? How does it fare against tiger 900

My bike is a 2009 RT and this would be a huge upgrade. So would the R1250RT. Other than cost, the stopper with the K bike is maintenance. The valve adjustment costs are nuts on the K bike. That said, it's a cool bike. I just haven't been motivated to buy again.

Yeah BMW should have put de ACC, I just got mine and would have loved that treat, but truth is we’re going through a huge shortage of microprocessors and it would have meant less bikes, on an already depleted market. I live in Mexico and only 7 K1600 made it these year. Food for thought…

Ĝreat review Scott! Me too I think that I won't change my 21' RT for K as yet and honestly I don't think I will change, I really love the RT very much.

It's a nice looking b ike, but I agree with you they should have fitted the radar cruise control

BMW, I hope you watching 👀 what most of the K16 riders around the world want from the K bike? ACC. I won't be rushing to my dealer to trade my 21 model K16 for the new one. Just cannot understand why they did not put more engineering effort into the design to add ACC and also blind spot assist onto their flagship model. Lots of K16 riders here in South Africa 🇿🇦 feel the same. Another fail is not having wireless charging. You must fiddle with connecting a 90 degree connector into your phone evertime you get on the bike....ridiculous. T Did they sort out the bugs with music apps? On the RT and R18, the nav and music apps conflicts with each other. I prefer the smooth quickshifter and inline motor, compared to the RT. Nice review bud, 👌🏼 safe riding.

I've just ordered an RS and keeping my fingers crossed for a quick manufacture date but one thing the dealer mentioned was the lack of various manufacturing parts/materials. I don't know if entire EU is affected but the K models are apparently on wait for months while R/GS/RS are 2-3 months tops if not is stock. Could be 'simple' supply chain issues prevented more ACC being implemented across the model lines, or focused on those with higher sales (RT). Sweet bike, but imho more oriented towards the US rather than EU if you tour off-highway.

I test rode both and bought the K1600 GT for one specific spec. The Goldwing has a lean angle of 42o, the K1600 GT has one of 58o.

That "whine" you hear? When the timing chain has some neutral tension upon it you are hearing that unique sound. Take a straight 6 cylinder made famous by BMW add the shaft drive and semi-auto transmission shifter, the perfect long distance sports touring machine.

Hello Scott, looks like your living the dream! Man what a nice ride on all those boring mountain roads! So how would you compare this machine to the gold wing? Cheers.

I believe there has been a couple of software upgrades that specifically were for the map system.

Scott: I enjoy your reviews. May I ask what brand/model of denim cycle jeans you are wearing in this review?

Great bike, uther crazy price without even advanced cruise control… But if money wasn’t an issue at all I’ll surely get one for my stable.

K1600 have always had Tokico front brake calipers.

Excellent video again thanks what jeans are you wearing and how do I get some look good ?? Many thanks

I have Super Tenere, CB500X and XT250. I think all three new, together cost less than this one. My go to is 500x. 65mpg, easy in and out garage, easy to zip in between cars when traffic jam. Super Ten works in all conditions and can easily do 500-600 miles a day. That is my limit even in my Silverado 1500 which is quite smooth and comfy. These bikes are cool but, I honestly don't understand their purpose.

Owned the K16 (first edition) and now a new owner of the RT. Biggest difference is for me the agility of the RT and feeling of still riding a bike. The K16 was too much of a car on two wheels. I consider the RT the sweet spot between a GSA (owned two) and the K16.

A lot of reviewers say that RT has better weather protection and are disappointed with K 1600 regarding that.

Hello Scott. I enjoyed this comparison video to our RT’s. I attended the “Street Survival” class at the BMW Performance Center in South Carolina. At the end of the class the instructors brought out every bike in the lineup for everyone to test, which included the RT and K1600. Most everyone in the class enjoyed RT best for it’s sportiness and the K1600 (As you said) for it’s smoothness. Your RT review was a major factor in me buying my ‘22 RT four months ago, and I am still loving it today. Last week I took it on a 1000 mile round trip adventure to Michigan’s U.P. . Keep the BMW reviews coming and ride safe.

Nice review. You didn't mention one of the big differences from the RT is the quick shifter. The K1600 is so smooth from 1st to 6th and back down again, where the RT lacks in this department. But the omission of ACC really is a shame. That said, I'm looking at the GTL for 2-up touring and solo canyon carving.

I'm an avid K1600GT owner; e.g. 2012GT, 96,000 miles. I don't "need" a new bike but I "want" a new bike. I'm very disappointed ACC was not added to the '22. If it had been I'd be on the way to owning one. I inquired to BMW Mottoradd, "why no ACC", here's the response, "Dear Duane, thank you very much for your email to Dr. Schramm. On behalf of Dr. Schramm I would like to answer your question regarding ACC for the K1600. As you know the basis and the architecture of the K1600 bikes is more than 10 years old. We have investigated the integration of ACC to the bike very intense and deep and come to the conclusion that the necessary changes to the architecture would be significant and enormous. Beside the integration of the necessary sensors and the impact to the design we would have to develop a completely new braking system (full integral ABS). Additionally we would have to modify the Duolever front suspension system. So overall we came to the conclusion that the necessary changes and the development efforts are in an unfavorable ratio and that at the end would lead to an unacceptable price for most of the customers for the ACC in this bike. So we are very happy to hear that you are a fan of the K1600GT, perhaps we can convince you of the new features we have included in the new K1600 bikes. Thank you very much and ride safely, Best regards, Wolfgang

Did you take it on the Autobahn?

I have to ask, do you know what the building was at the 11:50 mark, that has the motorcycle sculpture in front of it?

3 packages...my 2022 R/T showed up with the "select package" not advertised in the order...no radio installed another $600.00 just "radio prep" for $300.00 and no ACC but I can retrofit it if I want to spend another $900.00

Great video, however the RT is one of the FINEST bikes in the world.

I think if I buy one of these, the first two things I would have done is a stage 1 flash and Remus exhaust or something comparable.

Not to be disagreeable- but a single side swing arm makes it easier across the pond to change a tire- of course looks are great but- in a emergency- single arm swing arm makes it way easier for tire plug or removal… our country is all longer lol! Maga jk.. amazing video.. im from Michigan too! Love your videos

Ive said this before but if BMW made a modern version of the K1300GT I’d pounce. Best of all worlds. I have a lighter bike now and the 1250RS will in no way accelerate like the six or four.

Will they be upgrading RT to A 1300/1400?

Those are the fans in the stands baby

Whats the bracket that you have for the go pro? where can i get one and do they mount phones?

Bought the 2022 K1600GT in black. The bike is a beast and quite comfortable, but…. the new TFT is a huge improvement, but the compartment for a phone is not big enough to put an iPhone 13 Pro Max. Fitting a charging cable is really awkward. Initially I liked the idea of no more need for a Garmin, but the BMW Connected app is a joke. The navigation doesn’t warn about traffic, or route you around it. Just shows you that you are, indeed, in traffic. The split screen is interesting, but there is no way to control the smaller side to the right if you are in split screen mode. Nor does it respect your selection of data to display. I uncheck the time spent on breaks, etc.. yet it shows up in split mode, nothing you can do. I wound up frustrated with the navigation portion of the app -and the Connected app is mostly a lot of fiddling around trying to get it to connect to the bike, even though it IS connected via a power cable. You must have both bluetooth AND WIFI pairing between the bike and the phone. And that WIFI handshake is sketchy… it struggles maybe 50% of the time to make the connection. Which means you have to stop, take the phone out of the compartment, restart the app, wait (and wait) for it to connect to the bike’s WIFI, put the phone back in the compartment, and ride. Stop for gas? Repeat. I really, REALLY wanted to love the bike. But the big reason I waited for it was a more integrated, useful TFT. It isn’t. Why BMW didn’t go with Apple CarPlay like other bike makers I don’t understand. Or heck, just use Google Maps, which would be an improvement over the BMW app. I’m 6’5” tall, so I had to upgrade to a taller windshield - the stock one had the wind hitting me right in the chin. Ultimately, I bought it to replace my 2018 RT, hoping the larger wheelbase, TFT, and power would be game-changing. Nope.

How's the wind management? The windscreen looks really big and makes me think there's going to be a lot of wind noise even in the lowest position.

I always felt it was top heavy I had a 1600 GTL Excl. Goldwing sits much lower..

I wonder if they short changed some electronic creature features due to supply chain shortages? It seems counterintuitive BMW would trend backwards on purpose.

Given the choice, which one would you take on a trip through Alps (RT or GT/L)?

I’ve got a 21 RT a fine bike but with panniers and top box full with touring gear two up manhandling in parking situations it’s a beast weight wise . I know the big K16 will be even heavier when loaded but I’m thinking that reverse is the factor that helps with the weight real quandary as both are fine bikes but I just worry about the every day garage etc handling of the K vs the RT which is not quite as smooth or rapid but not by much and RT has longer range …….finely balanced as it’s quite a lot to change from one to the other …….still undecided 🙄

Yes , you nailed !!! 4/cyl , lighter ,…..Any of you guys remember the K1200RS? 1998 (I had the Taxi, yellow black color scheme ). 4Cyl Engine. One of my favorite’s!!!!!How about an updated version. Updated cockpit, electric shield , same 4 cyl engine w/more hp/torque/ on off exhaust baffle like Porsche , AMG ETC , lighter , adaptive cruise. Look at the demographics. It would be an instant hit IMHO. BTW, Here’s my deposit now. 😂

👍

Love the GT. Btw in the US sales tax may be lower but there is a $4000 tariff on bmw and triumph bikes. Your RT for example is $25500 msrp in the US. KTM not part of it, thanks Harley 🙄