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How does the BMW K1600B stack up..
- Thread starter CoachTony
- Start date
The 1600 B model is the Bagger version. It has rigid mounted bags, smaller rear tire, and maybe a governor at around 100mph. It's designed to look like a Harley ... that really runs! My friend has one and loves it, because it looks like his old Harley.
If you want 1600 performance stick to the GT or the GTL .
If you want 1600 performance stick to the GT or the GTL .
Well my benchmark is always the rider. I was hoping someone here had made the switch and could that the BMW outhandles the Connie. I certainly would hope so.
You are correct. I do ride two up, and having the top box with the full comfort backrest is part of my decision. I do some longer trips, and would need the top box for that. The removable bags would be nice.
I twist in my plan is that I found that the B is somewhat notorious for skating or an instability when in dirty air, such as riding in a cross wind around big trucks. My previous bike had the problem, and it was frightening at times. The C14 is like a freaking rock in those conditions and I want that feeling.
The non B versions also lose the Floorboards, which I feel might be nice for the long haul. They also have a different passenger seat that sits higher which can create a different dynamic for the passenger. The add on top box doesn't have the cushy wrap around backrest that the B has.
Thank you! I am looking at the GT. I don't ride a ton two up, and now that my wife has her own bike, it will be my daughter with me. She doesn't need the wrap around. I will likely ride without the top box most of the time. On big trips once I ride, I will take the top box off once I arrive. Maybe even the side bags!
The integrated non removable everything and the wiggle issue scared me off. Also, I LOVE the Red, White and Blue Trophy Edition color scheme
True. "It's not the plane. It's the pilot" -Top Gun Maverick
I rode the 2024 K1600GT for 300 miles over 2 days in varying conditions. Although and amazing bike which does many things very well, it isn't the bike for me. In crosswinds, or around trucks on the freeway it wandered really bad. Put those two things together and it was down sketchy! The salesperson, who was awesome told me that all bikes do that. I told him he need to ride a C14! This morning when I returned from riding the K, I jumped on the C14 and went back out into the same conditions. Where I felt all over with two hands on the bars of the K, I could ride no hands on the C14!
No way was I going to spend $32K on a bike that can't handle the wind. I ride way too much for that!
No way was I going to spend $32K on a bike that can't handle the wind. I ride way too much for that!
LOL
If you have passenger the wobble is not there. Only when box is on and no passenger.
Thanks! Now that my wife has her own bike, I rarely ride 2 up. Especially on long trips which is where I do a good amount of freeway riding.
A few years ago, riding from FL to Lake of the Ozarks for the National, we ran intoa LOT of gusty winds in Arkansas.
I did a goody experiment, where I put my hands on the grips, but did not touch them to see the effect from the gusts.
The C14 would turn INTO the wind gust. I had to, slightly, steer with the wind to stay straight. My wife thinks her Vulcan S does.the same thing.
My C10 would also do this, but with less stability than the C14. I think the same characteristics that male it turn into the wind are what makes it so solid in dirty air.
Long time ago I had a BMW R75/6...that was an exciting bike in windy conditions or dirty air.
I wonder if Kawasaki has found a secret sauce to make the bikes to stable in windy conditions.
I love this about the C14!
I did a goody experiment, where I put my hands on the grips, but did not touch them to see the effect from the gusts.
The C14 would turn INTO the wind gust. I had to, slightly, steer with the wind to stay straight. My wife thinks her Vulcan S does.the same thing.
My C10 would also do this, but with less stability than the C14. I think the same characteristics that male it turn into the wind are what makes it so solid in dirty air.
Long time ago I had a BMW R75/6...that was an exciting bike in windy conditions or dirty air.
I wonder if Kawasaki has found a secret sauce to make the bikes to stable in windy conditions.
I love this about the C14!
Spend 2500 on upgrading you C14’s suspension and you’ll never regret it.
Steve
Steve
I’ve upgraded the rear shock, remained with stock forks - I have heard many times I should probably should upgrade the forks too?!. The forks do feel very compliant…
I am guessing it will likely be the way of the Penske Shock, Quickshifter, Windshield, AirHawk seats, AreaP Full Exhaust, High-End Helmets and Communicators, Heated Gear, Lithium-Ion Battery, Motorcycle specific GPS (ZUMO XT), Throttle Lock, High Quality Tires - once we actually make the upgrade we’ll ask ourselves why we waited…
Wayne, Carol & Blue
+strong motor, lots of electronics, buck roger styling
- BMW
EXACTLY! And, don't forget $$$$$$ per year to keep it properly running and current, and, around here, you make an appointment for service and they keep your bike for 2 months, forget about working on it yourself, and, one more, needlessly complex for the sake of complexity, this runs in the German psyche in my opinion.
- BMW
EXACTLY! And, don't forget $$$$$$ per year to keep it properly running and current, and, around here, you make an appointment for service and they keep your bike for 2 months, forget about working on it yourself, and, one more, needlessly complex for the sake of complexity, this runs in the German psyche in my opinion.
What upgrades in the suspension do you recommend?
Several years ago, I belonged to the BMW MOA. A rider told how he'd gone to the national rally that year on his K1600. Along the way, he slid out in a corner due to some loose sand. His bike seemed very rideable and I believe he got it home just fine.
He took it to the dealership to have it checked out. They totaled it. The engine case had been scratched. Not gouged. Not cracked. Just scratched. There was no repair authorized.
Chris
He took it to the dealership to have it checked out. They totaled it. The engine case had been scratched. Not gouged. Not cracked. Just scratched. There was no repair authorized.
Chris
Attachments
Traxxion Dynamics in Georgia. They have AK 20 cartridges and springs for the front, and Penske shock for the rear.
dMR is no where near 2500 but he does a spectacular job rebuilding the stock forks and shock. His background is in racing and engineering. I hand delivered my parts to Ft Wayne so I got to see the set up. Got to love craftsmen with a passion for their craftMy bike has his shocks, David Snells windshield bracket and Steve[s flashes. Shock dude is a certified mechanic on the racing circuit and fits his shock services in between his racing duties. My stuff was there about 5 weeks in the winter.
I supplied my accurate weight and discussed loaded vs unloaded. Shock and fork springs upgraded to accommodate my fatazz and revalving done.. Came out very well.
I am probably going to pull the forks and shocks on the 2018 this winter as it approaches 40K. THere is a really noticeable difference between the 2 as I switch back and forth.
Pricelist is here https://daughertymotorsports.com/kawasaki/
I supplied my accurate weight and discussed loaded vs unloaded. Shock and fork springs upgraded to accommodate my fatazz and revalving done.. Came out very well.
I am probably going to pull the forks and shocks on the 2018 this winter as it approaches 40K. THere is a really noticeable difference between the 2 as I switch back and forth.
Pricelist is here https://daughertymotorsports.com/kawasaki/
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He will take the time to answer emails and take a phone call too. Money well spent