Best all in one bike or too heavy?

[Ecklund]

There have been a few consistent criticisms of the K1600 but they are mostly minor.

If you had to have only one bike, is this it?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVPvxVbB1GU

Admittedly, even used, they cost as much as a bunch of bikes together.

 

[Ecklund]

A more, 'sporting', possibly illegal, ride along with the K1600.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwjQ0_fEW2s

I suppose the new Ducati Multi strada may be more of an all round bike, but I just like a trail bike for off-road. For everything else? K1600?

 

[Ecklund]

But it misses my possible track day outing...

For yooz.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qliatilvyas

 

[GS1150Pilot]

If it is going to be BMW, and "all-rounder" is truly the operating theme, nothing touches the R1200/1250GS models.

 

[tkent02]

Except anything else half their weight.

Only one bike and it's going to be something quick and nimble. KTM 690 with dirt and Supermoto wheels maybe.

 

[Ecklund]

If it is going to be BMW, and "all-rounder" is truly the operating theme, nothing touches the R1200/1250GS models.

Tough to argue with that. Not the motor of the Ducati multi strada but the GS BMW bikes are so much more capable off road.

In my special world of what is cool I do have to say that a world class motor like the 1600 six is an undeniable draw.

I'll get an XR650 and leave the rest to the 1600.

Of course the true alternative is to have more than one bike. 1600... mmmmm

 

[Ecklund]

Except anything else half their weight.

Only one bike and it's going to be something quick and nimble. KTM 690 with dirt and Supermoto wheels maybe.

My buddies think I've been drinking too much rakija but as you mentioned the Tards... I have been looking into which dual sport type bike makes the best supermoto. If you don't mind single cylinder slow, a supermoto type bike may be a real all-round alternative.

The XR650L seems like a decent enough place to start. But almost all of the dual sport type bikes have quite a following on the intranets and youtube.

I had a Blackbird XX and while I didn't like the bent riding position that motor was addictive. Goldwings are even more monstrous than the K1600 by quite a bit.

Standard and naked bikes are becoming popular again. Maybe one will have a killer motor and not a lot of knee bend.

A B-king and or K1200 are just out for me.

I guess I just don't mind a heavier bike as much.

 

[tkent02]

If you don't mind single cylinder slow, a supermoto type bike may be a real all-round alternative.

Single cylinder bikes need not be slow, my orange 450 scares the **** out of me daily. The front wheel is rarely on the ground, it corners incredibly well.

They are only slow if you are talking about big highways or carrying a bunch of camping gear and a fat chick.

 

[tkent02]

This bike is slow:

https://fbcdn-video-j-a.akamaihd.ne..._=1438708300_3ca48d89327ed361076fcfb4fef4f3a1

 

[Ecklund]

This bike is slow:

https://fbcdn-video-j-a.akamaihd.ne..._=1438708300_3ca48d89327ed361076fcfb4fef4f3a1

I got to race motocross in the late 70s for a couple of seasons. We went to a trials competition to see what it was about. I admit thinking before I went that it must be for those that couldn't handle the speed of motocross. Wow, was I wrong. Incredible control and discipline.

That kind of slow is good.

Your point about your 450 being more than enough is well taken. I rode the wheels off a 150 first, from Juba to Kampala, and then found a rare 250 I used until we got evac'd.

I even saw a conversion on one of Leno's videos to do a 700 single conversion of an Intruder to a 'scrambler' type bike. And a 600cc dual sport bike would be more than enough for anything but the highway.

But in the good ole US of A its nice to take advantage of the big fast roads with a big fast bike. Heavy schmevie; but then I like old Caddies too.

 

[Guest]

There have been a few consistent criticisms of the K1600 but they are mostly minor.

If you had to have only one bike, is this it?


NO.

 

[Ecklund]

There have been a few consistent criticisms of the K1600 but they are mostly minor.

If you had to have only one bike, is this it?


NO.

Well it wasn't really a poll, but at least you are efficient and unambiguous.

Might I ask what bike might be 'the one' for you?

Or perhaps why the BMW isn't versus something that might be.

Frankly I think the real answer might be more than one bike... you?

 

[trevor]

Put your di*ks away boys, this p*ssing contest is over!! Lol..
Ya gotta be able to tour, ride like a hooligan, ride around town and be able to take the Misses with you...this is the bike!

 

[Ecklund]

I don't think there is such a thing as an all rounder, "a jack of all trades is a master of none."

But if i had to have just one bike, it would be a 93 to 95 CBR900RR,(gotta have round headlights) light,(400ish lbs) quick and nimble, all the things a motorcycle is supposed to be. Not tons of power(125 @ crank?), but ample, just does everything really well. The easiest bike ever to ride rapidly and comfortable enough to go all day. It's even got a trunk that will hold 6 beers plus tools.

Not the greatest off road machine, I prefer roads. Also I would then have to use a car for 2-up touring, but I'd rather solo.

ps. they not as ricky racer as they look.....

View attachment 41341

Its tough to argue against the performance for value of a Japanese sport bike. The technology, fit and finish, reliability and level of function that you get for the money is untouchable.

I was just thinking that you could get 80% or more of the performance of a sport bike, not have to ride it like a pretzel and even have good two up seating when required. I'm with you on the solo thing; but life... well you know. If you could live with the weight penalty that K1600 seems to cover a lot of area in motorcycling riding/use.

I also buy that we can leave off roading to the more dedicated bikes. I have to say though that the 160hp multistrada is not without its appeal.

Tough to argue with your idea of a low weight, high performance, relatively low cost ride. Riding position is just out for me.

 

[Ecklund]

Put your di*ks away boys, this p*ssing contest is over!! Lol..
Ya gotta be able to tour, ride like a hooligan, ride around town and be able to take the Misses with you...this is the bike!

Maybe I'm developing a BMW fetish I don't know, but to me this bike gets very close to being, if not the do it all, then the do the most bike.

The K1600, especially the GTL, just has lower foot pegs, taller bars and all kinds of doo dads that extend its usefulness.

I've been doing a fair amount of work to get my knee/s to function better. I'll have to see how much of a sporting type motorcycle knee bend I can tolerate when I get home.

The other issue I have conveniently ignored here is price. Even used K1600 are two large bags of money. The R1200 versions of your bike in the states are getting down right thrifty.

Lots of plastic on a bike can be bad. But that is the only way the K1600 is made, right now. Despite its weight it seems to handle very well. And that motor... Wow. With its riding position it does seem to cover a lot, if not the most, area of motorcycling.

Of course the motor in the R1300 and the lack of a fairing make it a very close competitor.

Man, you keep posting really good pics of that thing and its just killin me. Very nice...

 

[Ecklund]

Performance and capability like this for under $6K. Yumm.

http://miami.craigslist.org/pbc/mcy/5149113043.html

I haven't looked because I didn't want to know, but I assume someone makes handlebar risers and foot peg lowering mounts too.

How's the felt vibration?

 

[trevor]

Performance and capability like this for under $6K. Yumm.

http://miami.craigslist.org/pbc/mcy/5149113043.html

I haven't looked because I didn't want to know, but I assume someone makes handlebar risers and foot peg lowering mounts too.

How's the felt vibration?

Yes I put Heli bar risers on mine and it made a huge difference. Vibration for me is no issue.
My cousin that was just here from Ontario has a 2008 Concours at home that he has owned since new. He has been riding for 50 years. He rode my k1300r for over 500kms all all kinds of roads and speeds and said he would trade bikes in a heart beat. And loves his connie. He said that the lightness and maneuverability was much better on the BMW. He even said he might look for one when he gets home.
Another thing is these bikes get amazing gas mileage.
Here is a great place to find out more..it's just a pity you can't get your hands on a 1300r
http://www.i-bmw.com/forumdisplay.php?f=9
Cheers

 

[Ecklund]

Yes I put Heli bar risers on mine and it made a huge difference. Vibration for me is no issue.
My cousin that was just here from Ontario has a 2008 Concours at home that he has owned since new. He has been riding for 50 years. He rode my k1300r for over 500kms all all kinds of roads and speeds and said he would trade bikes in a heart beat. And loves his connie. He said that the lightness and maneuverability was much better on the BMW. He even said he might look for one when he gets home.
Another thing is these bikes get amazing gas mileage.
Here is a great place to find out more..it's just a pity you can't get your hands on a 1300r
http://www.i-bmw.com/forumdisplay.php?f=9
Cheers

The Concours has had the rep for being slow handling. But in general its a reasonable comparison.

Good to hear that vibration is not an issue as the K1600 six is probably a very smooth motor indeed.

I'm sure the 1300 has advantages. But as the 1200 has been around for a while I think I might be able to find one with the adjustable suspension for the mid $5Ks once it gets a bit colder.

Now all I have to do is get another contract ...

Will check out the link.

 

[Jedz123]

Ecklund, Id recommend a B-King if your only going to commute for short distances... I got off the saddle for it was just not practical. Luggage options are near non existent. No center stand for chain or tire maintenance... I could write a review... Maybe I should. It's not that great for a standard. Top heavy too.

I'm youngish (31) and now run a Connie 14 now, sure it's not the fastest, but it's uber comfy, Perfect for VT roads with it's plush suspension(set on low). Turn the dial and she hugs the road like it's her job. It's heavy but after a bike bonding course I feel more capable on the slow and sharp stuff then with the BK. Drop the cases, run with half a tank of gas and windshield low and she's a frickin rocket that keeps right up in the twisites and straights. Like a Saturn V rocket; huge, powerful but purposeful. It can get away from you, seen +130mph without thinking. VVT and Ram-air really helps the bike develop it 100ft/lbs of torque all over the band. More options then the space shuttle, it really is a poor man's BMW. I wasn't sold until I rode one... Now I think, why the hell did I deprive myself for so long? I'm still youngish and like to go fast, get the rush of acceleration and romp my friends bikes, I get that with the Connie 14, there just a little bigger in the mirrors . As fast as the BK? no but it's definitely up there on the fastest bikes I've ridden, especially on a cool day completely unloaded. It is the Nicest bike I've ever owned or ridden... Built perfectly.

Don't discount the Connie 14 until you ride one.

 

[Ecklund]

Ecklund, Id recommend a B-King if your only going to commute for short distances... I got off the saddle for it was just not practical. Luggage options are near non existent. No center stand for chain or tire maintenance... I could write a review... Maybe I should. It's not that great for a standard. Top heavy too.

I'm youngish (31) and now run a Connie 14 now, sure it's not the fastest, but it's uber comfy, Perfect for VT roads with it's plush suspension(set on low). Turn the dial and she hugs the road like it's her job. It's heavy but after a bike bonding course I feel more capable on the slow and sharp stuff then with the BK. Drop the cases, run with half a tank of gas and windshield low and she's a frickin rocket that keeps right up in the twisites and straights. Like a Saturn V rocket; huge, powerful but purposeful. It can get away from you, seen +130mph without thinking. VVT and Ram-air really helps the bike develop it 100ft/lbs of torque all over the band. More options then the space shuttle, it really is a poor man's BMW. I wasn't sold until I rode one... Now I think, why the hell did I deprive myself for so long? I'm still youngish and like to go fast, get the rush of acceleration and romp my friends bikes, I get that with the Connie 14, there just a little bigger in the mirrors . As fast as the BK? no but it's definitely up there on the fastest bikes I've ridden, especially on a cool day completely unloaded. It is the Nicest bike I've ever owned or ridden... Built perfectly.

Don't discount the Connie 14 until you ride one.

Well said.

Nice comments. Within the small universe we've set up here comparing all-rounder type bikes and highlighting the K1600, your suggestion that the Connie not be dismissed is very valid.

If having a fairing is a necessity, many think the opposite, then the Connie has to be a low cost alternative to the K1600.

Great engine and covers a lot of what motorcycling is. I can't say having a Connie as 'the' all-round bike would be wrong especially when cost is in the mix. And when isn't it?