I’ve looked and drooled over this bike since it was first mentioned in the motorcycle press as a concept back in 2010. It hit BMW dealers floors in 2011 and was an immediate hit and dealers in both the US and Canada could not get enough of them.
The GT on the left is set up more for sport touring with a seating position a little more aggressive then the GTL on right. The foot pegs on the GTL, are positioned a little farther back and the handlebars are also further back, allowing the rider to sit a little more straight up. The two motorcycles other then mentioned above can be outfitted exactly alike with the GTL arriving with most options as standard equipment. If a person was to option out both motorcycles exactly alike then the GT would tax your budget a little more then the GTL.
The BMW K1600 has been recognized by virtually all the motorcycle press, both in North America and Europe, as the best and the most technically advanced motorcycle of 2011
This motorcycle is by far the smoothest, most powerful, and the most enjoyable bike I have ever ridden in my 47 years of riding. I have only about 1400 km on my new bike so far but am looking forward to this summer riding season with great expectations of long distance travel both in the US and Canada.
Here is a picture of myself taking delivery of my new bike from Island BMW in Victoria on April 11.
Although I and Nancy would have preferred another colour, this dark blue looks very good in the sunlight. The GTL only comes in a silver or blue where the GT comes in Red and a silver, and I have had a few non colour (read silver) bikes before. The rain today could not dampen my spirits as I was about to ride away from Island BMW with my new bike. The staff at Island BMW with both very helpful and courteous and Pascal the sales manager made trading in my 2008 GSA very straight forward and as easy on by pocket book as possible.
For two days I rode around the south island to put on a 1000 km needed for the first check up. It was quite hard not to ride the bike hard and keep the rpm down under 5000, for this bike just screams GO FAST. With the check up and oil changes done I left for home and travelled up the Fraser Canyon on mostly a beautiful day. This bike has so far exceeded my expectations of how it would handle and the performance it will deliver.
Here is my trusted GSA that I traded in on my new bike. It was a great bike and I had put on many miles travelling the back-roads on my travels.
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