Congrats!! I bet you both really enjoy it. Post a pic when you can.
Just put a deposit down on a new GTL!
Hi everyone!
The wife and I have been riding a KTM 1290 Super Adventure R for the past four years. We bought it thinking it'd be a fun way to explore forest roads two-up. However, we haven't been riding it much—and almost never on the dirt—because it's just too cramped and, frankly, we don't bounce as well as we used to so riding a bike with a 34.5" seat with my 31" inseam was always a lot of work and stress instead of enjoyment. So we decided to sell it and look for a sport touring-type bike that'd let me have fun in the twisties and let her be comfortable all the while.
We wanted to like the KTM Super Duke GT, but again the pillion accommodations were cramped and it lacks a bit of fairing protection / good luggage options for longer trips. We then started looking at the options from BMW, and we gravitated towards the K 1600 GTL. We went to our local BMW dealer and he had a GTL we could take out for a demo ride, but he also suggested that we try an R 1250 RT, so we did.
The RT has a sterling reputation, and my wife found it to be much more comfortable than our KTM. I, however, was less enthused. Even with the ShiftCam the motor seemed laconic, the quick shifter was very rough, and it was so nimble it seemed to want to keep falling into the corners, forcing me to make small corrections to keep my desired line. I'm sure I'd adapt to those dynamics, but not the motor and transmission.
Then we got on the GTL, and within a couple of blocks I knew that this was the bike for me. The motor was super smooth and responsive, quietly powerful low in the revs but making amazing music as the revs climbed towards redline. The transmission provided a satisfying "thunk" as it changed gears and the quick shifter was leagues smoother than the RT's. The bike was quite nimble as well, but leaning into a corner it only did what I asked of it and not any more—no little corrections were needed to keep it on my desired line. The only downside was that the brakes weren't quite as authoritative as the RT's. As we pulled to a stop at the half-way point in our test loop, I feared what my wife's impressions might be. "Oh my God," she said, "I liked the other bike but this bike is SO much better! The seat's even more comfortable, and I can easily see over your helmet!" Whew!
Once we got back to the dealership we discussed their inventory, allocations, pricing, etc. The only GTL they had was the one we rode, and it was in black. I don't want a black bike—way too much work to keep it looking clean. We preferred the Gravity Blue Metallic. Fortunately, at this very moment there's one on a ship headed their way, with all the options we wanted, and it wasn't spoken for yet. It seems that this bike was meant to be ours! We put down a deposit and are now eagerly awaiting its arrival.
The wife and I have been riding a KTM 1290 Super Adventure R for the past four years. We bought it thinking it'd be a fun way to explore forest roads two-up. However, we haven't been riding it much—and almost never on the dirt—because it's just too cramped and, frankly, we don't bounce as well as we used to so riding a bike with a 34.5" seat with my 31" inseam was always a lot of work and stress instead of enjoyment. So we decided to sell it and look for a sport touring-type bike that'd let me have fun in the twisties and let her be comfortable all the while.
We wanted to like the KTM Super Duke GT, but again the pillion accommodations were cramped and it lacks a bit of fairing protection / good luggage options for longer trips. We then started looking at the options from BMW, and we gravitated towards the K 1600 GTL. We went to our local BMW dealer and he had a GTL we could take out for a demo ride, but he also suggested that we try an R 1250 RT, so we did.
The RT has a sterling reputation, and my wife found it to be much more comfortable than our KTM. I, however, was less enthused. Even with the ShiftCam the motor seemed laconic, the quick shifter was very rough, and it was so nimble it seemed to want to keep falling into the corners, forcing me to make small corrections to keep my desired line. I'm sure I'd adapt to those dynamics, but not the motor and transmission.
Then we got on the GTL, and within a couple of blocks I knew that this was the bike for me. The motor was super smooth and responsive, quietly powerful low in the revs but making amazing music as the revs climbed towards redline. The transmission provided a satisfying "thunk" as it changed gears and the quick shifter was leagues smoother than the RT's. The bike was quite nimble as well, but leaning into a corner it only did what I asked of it and not any more—no little corrections were needed to keep it on my desired line. The only downside was that the brakes weren't quite as authoritative as the RT's. As we pulled to a stop at the half-way point in our test loop, I feared what my wife's impressions might be. "Oh my God," she said, "I liked the other bike but this bike is SO much better! The seat's even more comfortable, and I can easily see over your helmet!" Whew!
Once we got back to the dealership we discussed their inventory, allocations, pricing, etc. The only GTL they had was the one we rode, and it was in black. I don't want a black bike—way too much work to keep it looking clean. We preferred the Gravity Blue Metallic. Fortunately, at this very moment there's one on a ship headed their way, with all the options we wanted, and it wasn't spoken for yet. It seems that this bike was meant to be ours! We put down a deposit and are now eagerly awaiting its arrival.
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Congratulations on a great choice! Your journey sounds a lot like mine last year. I contacted my dealer and a GTL that was Gravity Blue Metallic was on its way, and no one else had inquired and I put my deposit down and the rest as they say was history. I think you will really enjoy that bike.
You have great taste in bikes.Hi everyone!
The wife and I have been riding a KTM 1290 Super Adventure R for the past four years. We bought it thinking it'd be a fun way to explore forest roads two-up. However, we haven't been riding it much—and almost never on the dirt—because it's just too cramped and, frankly, we don't bounce as well as we used to so riding a bike with a 34.5" seat with my 31" inseam was always a lot of work and stress instead of enjoyment. So we decided to sell it and look for a sport touring-type bike that'd let me have fun in the twisties and let her be comfortable all the while.
We wanted to like the KTM Super Duke GT, but again the pillion accommodations were cramped and it lacks a bit of fairing protection / good luggage options for longer trips. We then started looking at the options from BMW, and we gravitated towards the K 1600 GTL. We went to our local BMW dealer and he had a GTL we could take out for a demo ride, but he also suggested that we try an R 1250 RT, so we did.
The RT has a sterling reputation, and my wife found it to be much more comfortable than our KTM. I, however, was less enthused. Even with the ShiftCam the motor seemed laconic, the quick shifter was very rough, and it was so nimble it seemed to want to keep falling into the corners, forcing me to make small corrections to keep my desired line. I'm sure I'd adapt to those dynamics, but not the motor and transmission.
Then we got on the GTL, and within a couple of blocks I knew that this was the bike for me. The motor was super smooth and responsive, quietly powerful low in the revs but making amazing music as the revs climbed towards redline. The transmission provided a satisfying "thunk" as it changed gears and the quick shifter was leagues smoother than the RT's. The bike was quite nimble as well, but leaning into a corner it only did what I asked of it and not any more—no little corrections were needed to keep it on my desired line. The only downside was that the brakes weren't quite as authoritative as the RT's. As we pulled to a stop at the half-way point in our test loop, I feared what my wife's impressions might be. "Oh my God," she said, "I liked the other bike but this bike is SO much better! The seat's even more comfortable, and I can easily see over your helmet!" Whew!
Once we got back to the dealership we discussed their inventory, allocations, pricing, etc. The only GTL they had was the one we rode, and it was in black. I don't want a black bike—way too much work to keep it looking clean. We preferred the Gravity Blue Metallic. Fortunately, at this very moment there's one on a ship headed their way, with all the options we wanted, and it wasn't spoken for yet. It seems that this bike was meant to be ours! We put down a deposit and are now eagerly awaiting its arrival.
Congrats!!! My wife has been enjoying the rides when we’re not splitting lanes in traffic and I tone down my aggressive consumption of twisties. To keep her on the bike, I’m learning to compromise when she’s with me. You’ll enjoy the bike solo or paired.
Don’t forget pix when you get it and ride safe!!! 👍🏽
Don’t forget pix when you get it and ride safe!!! 👍🏽
Congrats!! I bet you both really enjoy it. Post a pic when you can.
Hi sobiloffHi everyone!
The wife and I have been riding a KTM 1290 Super Adventure R for the past four years. We bought it thinking it'd be a fun way to explore forest roads two-up. However, we haven't been riding it much—and almost never on the dirt—because it's just too cramped and, frankly, we don't bounce as well as we used to so riding a bike with a 34.5" seat with my 31" inseam was always a lot of work and stress instead of enjoyment. So we decided to sell it and look for a sport touring-type bike that'd let me have fun in the twisties and let her be comfortable all the while.
We wanted to like the KTM Super Duke GT, but again the pillion accommodations were cramped and it lacks a bit of fairing protection / good luggage options for longer trips. We then started looking at the options from BMW, and we gravitated towards the K 1600 GTL. We went to our local BMW dealer and he had a GTL we could take out for a demo ride, but he also suggested that we try an R 1250 RT, so we did.
The RT has a sterling reputation, and my wife found it to be much more comfortable than our KTM. I, however, was less enthused. Even with the ShiftCam the motor seemed laconic, the quick shifter was very rough, and it was so nimble it seemed to want to keep falling into the corners, forcing me to make small corrections to keep my desired line. I'm sure I'd adapt to those dynamics, but not the motor and transmission.
Then we got on the GTL, and within a couple of blocks I knew that this was the bike for me. The motor was super smooth and responsive, quietly powerful low in the revs but making amazing music as the revs climbed towards redline. The transmission provided a satisfying "thunk" as it changed gears and the quick shifter was leagues smoother than the RT's. The bike was quite nimble as well, but leaning into a corner it only did what I asked of it and not any more—no little corrections were needed to keep it on my desired line. The only downside was that the brakes weren't quite as authoritative as the RT's. As we pulled to a stop at the half-way point in our test loop, I feared what my wife's impressions might be. "Oh my God," she said, "I liked the other bike but this bike is SO much better! The seat's even more comfortable, and I can easily see over your helmet!" Whew!
Once we got back to the dealership we discussed their inventory, allocations, pricing, etc. The only GTL they had was the one we rode, and it was in black. I don't want a black bike—way too much work to keep it looking clean. We preferred the Gravity Blue Metallic. Fortunately, at this very moment there's one on a ship headed their way, with all the options we wanted, and it wasn't spoken for yet. It seems that this bike was meant to be ours! We put down a deposit and are now eagerly awaiting its arrival.
Welcome from Australia, just a bit concerned about this description. I would have thought the tighter seat would have helped this ???
However, we haven't been riding it much—and almost never on the dirt—because it's just too cramped and, frankly, we don't bounce as well as we used to
We are a Supportive Group on this Forum Mate, Im not sure there is any experts in the field on here. Generally we stick to bike advise, 😇
I’m on my third GTL. You can have a relaxed cruise with the wife or you can have an adrenaline inducing rectum-rattler of a ride.
You will love the GTL, it's the absolute best balance between two up touring and active riding. We gradusted from an RT before and are now on our 3rd GTL which is our go to vehicle moreso than a car in the summer months.
You will find yourself exploring places that you would never have visited with a lesser tourer.
Here's my better half showing off our own Gravity Blue Metallic in Berlin
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You will find yourself exploring places that you would never have visited with a lesser tourer.
Here's my better half showing off our own Gravity Blue Metallic in Berlin
I recently bought a 2023 GTL in Blue, my fourth GTL.
Always had dark-colored bikes but this blue one is "Beauty" I added some black accents as a matter of choice.
You will love it.
Always had dark-colored bikes but this blue one is "Beauty" I added some black accents as a matter of choice.
You will love it.
She sure is pretty…. I mean the bike ……well the wife too.….there both keepers😁You will love the GTL, it's the absolute best balance between two up touring and active riding. We gradusted from an RT before and are now on our 3rd GTL which is our go to vehicle moreso than a car in the summer months.
You will find yourself exploring places that you would never have visited with a lesser tourer.
Here's my better half showing off our own Gravity Blue Metallic in Berlin
View attachment 179086
You are so right, I'm one very happy guythere both keepers
And the blue is much better in person than any of the official BMW photos.
I hope it shows up soon for you, welcome.
Can you please share photos of your bike with the black accents ? I’m thinking about the same approach …I recently bought a 2023 GTL in Blue, my fourth GTL.
Always had dark-colored bikes but this blue one is "Beauty" I added some black accents as a matter of choice.
You will love it.
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