Like most everything in life, no one motorcycle excels at everything. While the BMW GS is often considered the Jack of All Trades, it offers compromises for most uses. The K1600 is no exception either. For the uses BMW targeted this motorcycle I think it is exceptional. For many other uses I think it is quite good, hiding the size and weight well. For some uses, I think there are far better BMWs, let alone other manufacturer models, which would be better suited.
For example: Let's take urban commuting. This is a place where the new BMW C600 and C650GT excel. Slow speed maneuvering in traffic, a snap to park, frugal gas consumption, built-in storage, etc...
An new Ride Magazine gives these scooters top marks for urban commuting. BMW includes the safety features and styling we see in their new designs too.
For a motorcycle that is a comfortable long distance mile muncher, a good sport bike on the fast sweepers and a hooligan bike on the severe twisty roads, I think the K1600 is excellent.
Will the K1600 work on the odd gravel road sections? Sure. Will the K1600 commute? Stop and go traffic on freeways? Yea. Stoplight after stoplight on crowded urban roads? Sure. Will the K1600 split lanes well? Oh yea. Will the K1600 pull a trailer? Probably. Would the K1600 be a good choice for riding in a parade of cruisers? Oh heavens. But I wouldn't say that the K1600 is "happy" with these tasks.
For example: Let's take urban commuting. This is a place where the new BMW C600 and C650GT excel. Slow speed maneuvering in traffic, a snap to park, frugal gas consumption, built-in storage, etc...
An new Ride Magazine gives these scooters top marks for urban commuting. BMW includes the safety features and styling we see in their new designs too.
For a motorcycle that is a comfortable long distance mile muncher, a good sport bike on the fast sweepers and a hooligan bike on the severe twisty roads, I think the K1600 is excellent.
Will the K1600 work on the odd gravel road sections? Sure. Will the K1600 commute? Stop and go traffic on freeways? Yea. Stoplight after stoplight on crowded urban roads? Sure. Will the K1600 split lanes well? Oh yea. Will the K1600 pull a trailer? Probably. Would the K1600 be a good choice for riding in a parade of cruisers? Oh heavens. But I wouldn't say that the K1600 is "happy" with these tasks.