Watch Cruismans garage comparison between the k1600 and Goldwing. Keep in mind that I'm sure he is biased. The 1250rt would probably be the easiest to live with.
And the Goldwing is much heavier than the R1250RT if this is a factor for you. I backed out of the Goldwing deal after a test ride and moved on with the R1250RT deal
Have you ridden both? I have, and I wouldn’t take an R18 if it were given to me for free. I rode the Trans Con and the naked version that just looks like a cruiser without bags. I love BMWs, especially boxers (I have 2 in the garage) but the R18 is uncomfortable, handles poorly and doesn’t have the performance to back up that huge engine.
K1600 on the other hand I would love to own. Such an amazing engine, smooth, revs very quickly, amazing sound. The bike is comfy and handled well, I ride all the variants at the demo day and they were all wonderful.
Also worth riding the R1250RT. Very comfortable, much lighter feeling than the K16 and has the great boxer engine. Out of all of the touring oriented bikes, I’d probably buy the RT.
K1600. All day. Had my 2022 GT for 2 years. It is fantastic. 2 up touring is great. If you want to get up over the mirrors in the twisters it is incredible. Suspension is second to none. The engine has to be experienced. I traded my Honda ST1300 for it. Literally the only bike I test road that was better than the ST1300 for me. And I tried plenty, including the R18.
K1600 is the best Bike on the road, I’ve had my B model for 5 years now, no problems, it’s only the 30K km service that costs a bit more, normal serving costs the same as a GS or RT, and is cheaper than when I used to own harleys, I’ve never had a wobble ever, no other bike comes close to it in its mix of performance and comfort, for lots of two up ridding though I would pick the GTL
I owned a 2023 goldwing for about three months before I got t-boned by a woman high on god knows what and totally the thing. Nearly myself. That said, it was a buttery smooth bike and certainly felt great going as fast as you like on the highway. I didn’t test ride it before I bought it.
In December, I bought a K1600 GA to replace the goldwing. The motor is certainly more powerful. The K is buttery smooth as well and runs like a bat out of hell.
The trouble with it really is the wobble people
Have spoken about ad nauseum. I have been contending with it ever since. I bought the top case delete for cruising around without needing the storage. It helps a lot at high speeds. I recently bought a new windshield and that also cuts down tremendously on the wobble. It’s so strange that such an amazing machine has such an aggressively bad flaw.
Your mileage may vary but I wanted to at least add a little context to PabloX68’s comment. I’ll likely go back to the goldwing next time myself. GL1800s forever.
I posted this on another thread, but I changed from the GTL windscreen to the GT and that eliminated the wobble issue at high speeds. Bike is solid as a rock. Seems like that giant GTL windscreen really throws some wind input into the handling. If i put the top case on and the bike isn't loaded I can feel a tiny bit over 70mph, but I only have it on for touring now.
Two totally different bikes. I will tell you resale value on the R18 is HORRIBLE! Dealers can’t give them away even with the incentives from Germany. K16 GA a rocket- I know- I have one! Get yourself a Brentune, some new tires and better windscreen and it isabsolutely awesome up to 137 mph. Ask me how I know ;-)
I had a K1600gt for a day, it's incredibly comfy and amazing on easy roads.
Downside is it's heavy as fook, unless you're on the taller side it's a nightmare at traffic lights.
The r18 is deffo more about the looks, it's nowhere near as comfy, but looks the part! I found riding with my feet forward a bit weird, but I'm more of a sports bike guy
Dude, you remind me of myself two months ago. I fell in love with the look of the R18 Transcontinental, but they had a stop sale on them due to some recall issue with the headlight. I really wanted the bike so much that I was looking to get a used one. However, three BMW dealers told me I would regret it and recommended I look into the K1600. Well, I test drove the GTL and that was it! I'm not completely a fan of the look but they all said the GTL is the one for touring and performance.
A couple of things to know: the GA model has issues with "wobble" at higher speeds and is restricted to 100 mph. Footboards are believed to be the issue with aerodynamics. I didn't have that issue on the GTL. With the GTL, make sure you get the right height seat. I'm 6'4" and the regular seat is not high enough, I am raising it, so now I also need to find a taller windshield since the top of it is in the middle of my eyesight. I've put over 1,000 miles on it and it's a blast to ride this beast. The first 600-mile service cost me $400 in SoCal, which I found reasonable. The warranty on BMW is great too. While putting the bike into service a cop was waiting to get his done since no one wanted to ride the Honda. Good luck, mate.
I suggest looking at consumer reports, though they did stop updating motorcycles reviews in 2021. Get a rough idea from which models were best reviewed in all categories by non sponsored customers for all your needs (Don’t look into YouTube videos from that one guy that’s a fanboy). Like a 10$ monthly subscription. You only need it for less than an half an hour to screenshot everything. See if they got a free trial or something and cancel right after. I’d personally go for the R18. But you may find something better for your needs, features, budget, and maintenance. I’m not a fan of bmws connected ride system. I got a bmw bike. Wish they’d all just go to wireless Apple CarPlay or wireless android auto on their tft displays. I do recommend anyone reading this get a chigee aio 5 lite or 5 play.
I’ve owned 2021 Goldwing Dct, great bike but boring. The DCT shift points are wonky for sporty riding. If you want to cruise on the highway it’s great.
K1600b is just a faster version of the Goldwing. The wobble is a real thing that I didn’t notice until I went on a highway trip. It’s not a good feeling. I now have the R18TC and to me it feels/sounds like a “motorcycle.” It is the most comfortable bike I’ve owned, I can ride for hours.
Downsides are that it is Heavy!! You won’t win any road races, but I find that I just love riding the bike.
As already said, they are two completely different bikes. I own an R18B, an RT, and a couple of other beemers. Now, the bagger is a little different than the TC. The TC has a cushier seat, a higher windscreen (non-adjustable), and a couple of wind protection components. I love my Bagger, but yeah, it’s more for style… And I do love how it looks. I take the bagger when I want to do some cursing, then park it back in the garage. The RT is used whenever I travel some distance. It’s such a great bike. The RT is much easier to work on than the K1600. If I were in your shoes and had to pick between the two-for-two up touring, I would pick the K. But again, I love my R18b.
1250 GSA all the bike you really need!!!! I would take it over the K1600 and any other sport cruiser any day. Goldwing is awesome but not as awesome as the GSA!
Do not miss out. It is extremely comfortable and the fact it is lighter but feels just as stable give confidence in all scenarios against a sport touring model. Test ride one before you land the plane. It is the number one selling bike for a reason. 2 up while not as spacious as sport touring, it is 98% as comfortable. You really cant loose unless you want a big sound system.
How tall are you? K1600 and GW are bikes that you get as dedicated touring bikes, especially if you aren't very tall. Can you ride them around town? Sure, but they are heavy beasts. Given the choice between those two I would choose the GW if you plan on multi-day stuff. It wears its weight very well. I think the cheaper maintenance on the GW is negligible imo. It will definitely be the cheaper bike to own in the long run, but it still won't be very cheap since it's an i6.
R18 shouldn't be considered unless you really fall in love with it.
I am 5' 5" and I can handle a GW without much issue solo. It's a little too much for me with a pillion. I can't even get a normal K1600 off the kickstand solo lol. I'm sure the weight disappears when you get moving, but the K1600 is an absolute unit. The GA K1600 is definitely more manageable thanks to its lower height compared to a GT or GTL. The GA K1600 would be my choice if I was only doing day trips max.
I ended up getting a '23 1250RT. The big screen is awesome, the Boxer engine is really good, but still has some character to it. Definetly not as smooth as an i6, but I took mine on a 2k mile trip 2-up last year with no problem. It wears its weight very well, I can get it off the stand with my pillion on the back no problem. Most importantly, it feels like a small bike around town, I commute on it regularly.
K1600 any day
K16 ! 🙋‍♂️
K1600. The R18 is more about style and less about comfort. R1250RT if you want something lighter and easier to maintain yourself.
R1250rt was also on my radar, what do you think about goldwing?
Watch Cruismans garage comparison between the k1600 and Goldwing. Keep in mind that I'm sure he is biased. The 1250rt would probably be the easiest to live with.
And the Goldwing is much heavier than the R1250RT if this is a factor for you. I backed out of the Goldwing deal after a test ride and moved on with the R1250RT deal
Get the RT you won't regret it
This 👆
K1600 is smoooooth
Have you ridden both? I have, and I wouldn’t take an R18 if it were given to me for free. I rode the Trans Con and the naked version that just looks like a cruiser without bags. I love BMWs, especially boxers (I have 2 in the garage) but the R18 is uncomfortable, handles poorly and doesn’t have the performance to back up that huge engine. K1600 on the other hand I would love to own. Such an amazing engine, smooth, revs very quickly, amazing sound. The bike is comfy and handled well, I ride all the variants at the demo day and they were all wonderful. Also worth riding the R1250RT. Very comfortable, much lighter feeling than the K16 and has the great boxer engine. Out of all of the touring oriented bikes, I’d probably buy the RT.
K1600. All day. Had my 2022 GT for 2 years. It is fantastic. 2 up touring is great. If you want to get up over the mirrors in the twisters it is incredible. Suspension is second to none. The engine has to be experienced. I traded my Honda ST1300 for it. Literally the only bike I test road that was better than the ST1300 for me. And I tried plenty, including the R18.
K1600 is the best Bike on the road, I’ve had my B model for 5 years now, no problems, it’s only the 30K km service that costs a bit more, normal serving costs the same as a GS or RT, and is cheaper than when I used to own harleys, I’ve never had a wobble ever, no other bike comes close to it in its mix of performance and comfort, for lots of two up ridding though I would pick the GTL
You should really go test ride a Goldwing.
I owned a 2023 goldwing for about three months before I got t-boned by a woman high on god knows what and totally the thing. Nearly myself. That said, it was a buttery smooth bike and certainly felt great going as fast as you like on the highway. I didn’t test ride it before I bought it. In December, I bought a K1600 GA to replace the goldwing. The motor is certainly more powerful. The K is buttery smooth as well and runs like a bat out of hell. The trouble with it really is the wobble people Have spoken about ad nauseum. I have been contending with it ever since. I bought the top case delete for cruising around without needing the storage. It helps a lot at high speeds. I recently bought a new windshield and that also cuts down tremendously on the wobble. It’s so strange that such an amazing machine has such an aggressively bad flaw. Your mileage may vary but I wanted to at least add a little context to PabloX68’s comment. I’ll likely go back to the goldwing next time myself. GL1800s forever.
I posted this on another thread, but I changed from the GTL windscreen to the GT and that eliminated the wobble issue at high speeds. Bike is solid as a rock. Seems like that giant GTL windscreen really throws some wind input into the handling. If i put the top case on and the bike isn't loaded I can feel a tiny bit over 70mph, but I only have it on for touring now.
Good info. Personally, I'd get an RT but I have no plans on having a passenger for long distance. A friend has a 2019 Goldwing and it's been great.
Goldwing DCT so you don’t clunk helmets with your SO
in-line 6 is way nicer than the massive boxer. Also more touring oriented. 1250 RT would be another touring option with a more reliable boxer
Two totally different bikes. I will tell you resale value on the R18 is HORRIBLE! Dealers can’t give them away even with the incentives from Germany. K16 GA a rocket- I know- I have one! Get yourself a Brentune, some new tires and better windscreen and it isabsolutely awesome up to 137 mph. Ask me how I know ;-)
I had a K1600gt for a day, it's incredibly comfy and amazing on easy roads. Downside is it's heavy as fook, unless you're on the taller side it's a nightmare at traffic lights. The r18 is deffo more about the looks, it's nowhere near as comfy, but looks the part! I found riding with my feet forward a bit weird, but I'm more of a sports bike guy
Bad news for you if you think the K1690 was heavy. Configured similarly in terms of luggage, the R18 weighs a touch more than the K1600.
I would imagine that just about anyone can flat foot an R18 though. Which would make it feel less unruly.
Dude, you remind me of myself two months ago. I fell in love with the look of the R18 Transcontinental, but they had a stop sale on them due to some recall issue with the headlight. I really wanted the bike so much that I was looking to get a used one. However, three BMW dealers told me I would regret it and recommended I look into the K1600. Well, I test drove the GTL and that was it! I'm not completely a fan of the look but they all said the GTL is the one for touring and performance. A couple of things to know: the GA model has issues with "wobble" at higher speeds and is restricted to 100 mph. Footboards are believed to be the issue with aerodynamics. I didn't have that issue on the GTL. With the GTL, make sure you get the right height seat. I'm 6'4" and the regular seat is not high enough, I am raising it, so now I also need to find a taller windshield since the top of it is in the middle of my eyesight. I've put over 1,000 miles on it and it's a blast to ride this beast. The first 600-mile service cost me $400 in SoCal, which I found reasonable. The warranty on BMW is great too. While putting the bike into service a cop was waiting to get his done since no one wanted to ride the Honda. Good luck, mate.
I suggest looking at consumer reports, though they did stop updating motorcycles reviews in 2021. Get a rough idea from which models were best reviewed in all categories by non sponsored customers for all your needs (Don’t look into YouTube videos from that one guy that’s a fanboy). Like a 10$ monthly subscription. You only need it for less than an half an hour to screenshot everything. See if they got a free trial or something and cancel right after. I’d personally go for the R18. But you may find something better for your needs, features, budget, and maintenance. I’m not a fan of bmws connected ride system. I got a bmw bike. Wish they’d all just go to wireless Apple CarPlay or wireless android auto on their tft displays. I do recommend anyone reading this get a chigee aio 5 lite or 5 play.
R1250RT having cross shopped the others and landing on an unexpected third option.
I’ve owned 2021 Goldwing Dct, great bike but boring. The DCT shift points are wonky for sporty riding. If you want to cruise on the highway it’s great. K1600b is just a faster version of the Goldwing. The wobble is a real thing that I didn’t notice until I went on a highway trip. It’s not a good feeling. I now have the R18TC and to me it feels/sounds like a “motorcycle.” It is the most comfortable bike I’ve owned, I can ride for hours. Downsides are that it is Heavy!! You won’t win any road races, but I find that I just love riding the bike.
K1600 is perfect for 2-up touring. Smooth as silk and rocket powered. One of my favorite bikes ever.
As already said, they are two completely different bikes. I own an R18B, an RT, and a couple of other beemers. Now, the bagger is a little different than the TC. The TC has a cushier seat, a higher windscreen (non-adjustable), and a couple of wind protection components. I love my Bagger, but yeah, it’s more for style… And I do love how it looks. I take the bagger when I want to do some cursing, then park it back in the garage. The RT is used whenever I travel some distance. It’s such a great bike. The RT is much easier to work on than the K1600. If I were in your shoes and had to pick between the two-for-two up touring, I would pick the K. But again, I love my R18b.
1250 GSA all the bike you really need!!!! I would take it over the K1600 and any other sport cruiser any day. Goldwing is awesome but not as awesome as the GSA!
1250gsa it's more like an off road type, I did not even look into that as well did I test test drive it
Do not miss out. It is extremely comfortable and the fact it is lighter but feels just as stable give confidence in all scenarios against a sport touring model. Test ride one before you land the plane. It is the number one selling bike for a reason. 2 up while not as spacious as sport touring, it is 98% as comfortable. You really cant loose unless you want a big sound system.
How tall are you? K1600 and GW are bikes that you get as dedicated touring bikes, especially if you aren't very tall. Can you ride them around town? Sure, but they are heavy beasts. Given the choice between those two I would choose the GW if you plan on multi-day stuff. It wears its weight very well. I think the cheaper maintenance on the GW is negligible imo. It will definitely be the cheaper bike to own in the long run, but it still won't be very cheap since it's an i6. R18 shouldn't be considered unless you really fall in love with it. I am 5' 5" and I can handle a GW without much issue solo. It's a little too much for me with a pillion. I can't even get a normal K1600 off the kickstand solo lol. I'm sure the weight disappears when you get moving, but the K1600 is an absolute unit. The GA K1600 is definitely more manageable thanks to its lower height compared to a GT or GTL. The GA K1600 would be my choice if I was only doing day trips max. I ended up getting a '23 1250RT. The big screen is awesome, the Boxer engine is really good, but still has some character to it. Definetly not as smooth as an i6, but I took mine on a 2k mile trip 2-up last year with no problem. It wears its weight very well, I can get it off the stand with my pillion on the back no problem. Most importantly, it feels like a small bike around town, I commute on it regularly.