I have been riding now for about 10 years. My bike progression has been: Harley Fat Boy, Kawasaki Nomad 1600, Kawasaki Voyager, Harley Road King, and now a 2018 K1600B. I have put about 2000 miles on the B and thought it might be helpful to share my thoughts for someone considering the shift to BMW. I know everything is relative to a person's experience and perspective but here it mine.
Pros:
BTW - some people knock BMW for maintenance costs which I think is a poor argument. If you aren't turning your own wrenches any bike you own is going to have an annual cost. What we do is inherently dangerous so my attitude is that I want my motorcycles in perfect mechanical order when I ride them so I budget $1,000 per year and have never been shocked by maintenance.
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Pros:
- No Engine Heat! - On all my previous bikes I had to do something to manage the intense engine heat (thigh protectors, heat shields, leathers, etc) from burning my thighs. It may seem small to some people but this is a huge deal to me.
- Engine Braking - I recently got the bike into some mountain twisties. I was stunned at how well the bike engine braked. On a severe decline I could select the speed I wanted to go by simply selecting the gear for the speed. This is a confidence inspiring feature, kudos to the engineers.
- Ergonomics of Controls - The controls are so well thought out. I love how easy it is to manipulate all the controls. Just the horn and light switch location are genius.
- Traction Control - This is the first bike I have had with traction control and recently I was coming around a corner with a gravel patch in my path. The rear wheel slipped and I immediately felt the traction control kick in and recover traction - awesome!
- Electronic Suspension - being able to make changes with buttons instead of wrenches is great.
- Front End Suspension - the isolation of the front end and handle bars is amazing as my hands aren't bouncing around all the time.
- Slow Speed Control - full lock out u-turns on this bike are so easy compared to all my other bikes.
- TPMS - the fact that this is built in and the stems are built into the wheel spokes is an awesome feature.
- Cruise Control Precision - the best cruise control I have ever experienced
- Power - I find it amazing that in any gear at any speed there are huge power reserves available. This allows me to not mentally manage what gear I am in because in most cases it really doesn't matter. I am blown away by how much power this bike has.
- Quick Shift - Before I owned the bike I thought this feature was for sissies. Who would ever use it? I now use it all the time up and and down the gears. Massive convenience which now makes me wonder why I wanted the DCT from Honda.
- Quiet - I have always liked loud bikes but being able to ride long distance without the constant throb of sound is relaxing and extends my comfort. I never thought I would say this: I love how quiet my bike is.
- Lights - simply the best stock lighting of any bike.
- Light Weight - This is the first bike that I have been able to stand on the side of and walk with. The lighter weight really is wonderful but does have a highway downside.
- Drivability - The previous owner said, "This bike literally drives itself". I thought that a weird statement but he was exactly right. There is almost a zen like quality about the way the bike wants to lean into a corner. Steering controls are so precise that I am often muttering to myself about how great the engineering is on this bike.
- Braking - holy cow batman! If you are coming off a Harley please be fully prepared when you grab a fist-full of front brake or you will go over the handle bars. Amazing braking!
- Comfort - coming off the V-Twin touring platform there is really no comparison. This bike is not as comfortable as any of my other bikes.
- Buffeting - This bike does not like cross winds or dirty air. I have never been more bounced around on a motorcycle. That being said, I have never felt unstable. You just have to be aware and prepared but even in these wind conditions the bike tracks well.
BTW - some people knock BMW for maintenance costs which I think is a poor argument. If you aren't turning your own wrenches any bike you own is going to have an annual cost. What we do is inherently dangerous so my attitude is that I want my motorcycles in perfect mechanical order when I ride them so I budget $1,000 per year and have never been shocked by maintenance.
