The biggest difference between the two is in handling and vibration. The 1600 handles so much better than the 1300. When I test rode a 1300GT in 2010 I found it handled like a barge and needed a lot of input just to make it turn. I had this in mind when I took out the 1600 for the first time and I was gobsmacked at the difference between the two bikes. The 1600 is also much smoother than the 1300 with hardly any vibration getting through to the rider.

 

+1 The 13GT felt like a bardge in comparison to the K16GT

I only test rode the 13GT and didn't buy one because of this
I signed an order for the K16GT after half an hour test ride

 

I currently own both a GTL and a 2010 1300GT. I find the 1300 to be quite a good contrast, which is why I haven't sold it. The 1300GT is an absolute 10,000RPM rocket. I regularly beat my brother and his Hayabusa in first through third gear roll-on acceleration contests (at 130mph+ he pulls away, but by that time I've had enough). Yes, there's more vibration than the 1600 and the center of gravity on the 1600 is lower so it turns in quicker, but the 1300GT also gets the adrenaline pumping in a way the 1600 can't. They are both fabulous bikes and I won't be selling either one soon. Whenever we do any serious riding, my brother is begging me to use the 1300, it's a great tourer as well.

 

Sorry guys, I can't say the 1300 handles like a barge... I found the 1300 to require a little more convincing and input to get her to do what I want, and she is a fabulous bike.

My R1200C..... Now that baby handles like a barge.... 4 hours on the twisties with her and I feel like I have been wrestling a bear....



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Not a barge; not even close. I came from a K1200GT. More discussion and comparisons here: http://www.k1600forum.com/forum/bmw-k1600-general-discussions/3980-k1200gt-k1300gt-k1600gtl.html

 

They certainly handle like a barge compared to a R1200RT or a K1200/1300S and also the 1600GT. That's why I was so surprised when I rode the 1600 for the first time, expecting it to be like the 1300, if not worse, and it was so much better.

 

K1300GT is lighter & much easier to manouvre when paddling it about. Above 10mph advantage K1600GT. Better balanced, amazing handling & the engine is superb. It sounds better too. Overall the K1300GT is a sportier ride and a fabulous bike in its own right but the K16 moves the game on.

 

As a former owner of the slant4 GT, completely agreed! :gm

 

I can't agree with the barge statements. Like most bikes, the 1300GT's handling is somewhat tire dependent; it did like the PR2 and PR3's. The tranny and throttle were lightning fast and predictable, and the ride was always intense. No regrets trading for the 1600GT, but my 30k miles on the 1300 were great in a different way. I'm not surprised that those who can afford to have kept theirs.

 

I don't get the barge idea either. I had a 2007 1200RT which was a jump up from my 1150RT. The K1300GT (2009) was a step up handling for me particularly on the more demanding Alpine routes where I found the 1200RT a bit top heavy and high geared. The 1300 was/is a rocket and made the 1200 feel like a farm implement. did 15-16k miles on both. Just running the K16 GT to c2k miles at the moment. The 1600GT is not as rapid feeling as the 1300GT but I'm sure if you want to push it... I have found the 16GT a more relaxed bike particularly on the motorways and it was really stable in windy conditions 2 up with full touring mode over past few days. seating is more comfortable on the 16GT at stock. I like the K16 for different reasons to the 13GT. SWMBO prefers the pillion position on the 1600GT (and that's probably the most important thing)

 

Having ridden my old twin cam 1200RT in some of the demanding Swiss passes, and also in the Dolomites, in company with friends on a 1300GT, there was no doubt as to which of the two bikes handled it best. My friend on the 1300 said that it was not as nimble as the RT on this type of road and it took a lot more effort to ride it. He had owned a RT immediately before getting his GT so he was in a good position to compare.

It seems some don't think it is a barge but there are plenty who do. But it is not an argument that anyone is going to win but will always make for a good discussion.

 

shouldn't be an argument. just different strokes for different folks. I am reminded of an old poem from primary school about the men of Hindustan who went to see an elephant though all of them were blind. Might have been kipling - apparently not - John Godfrey Saxe
The Blind Men and the Elephant