RT vs K1600
Having owned both K bikes and R bikes I have the following observations:
1. As a rule, the K bike engines were great; my 2 K75s were flawless in that regard, I also had a K1100RS, a K1100LT a K1200GT and a K1200LT.
Very fuel efficient and packed with usable power as well as more top end than the boxer motors. That having been said, the K1100RS and the K1200RS had real heat management problems. Both put so much engine heat on my legs that I would not ride either one when the temperature got above 85. While the new 1600 is a wonderful engine, I've talked to dealers as well as other owners who complain about engine heat on their feet. IMHO BMW needs to become aware that America is not Germany and it gets hot as hell here! I am sure that 100mph on the Autobahn will keep you relatively cool in 70 degree weather but that ain't Texas in June. Where the K powerplants fall flat is their poor heat management.
2. I have also owned a plethora of Boxers, both 247 air cooled and 259 oil cooled:
ZERO heat management issues.
Less will go wrong when there is less to go wrong.
The design lends itself to better cooling characteristics rather than Rube Goldberg fixes on the more complex engines to compensate for extreme engine heat.
3. The 1600s have F15 like shocking power which is most assuredly like a drug in my experience; the potential problem here is that if you are in the twisties in the rain and due to the smoothness of the 6 find yourself in a lower gear than you realized, too much throttle could send you into the trees given the high-reving nature of the 6.
4. The boxers by comparison have a more even powerband which I find to be a bit safer.
5. The boxers are lighter; were I Hulk Hogan, I expect a 1600 would be just right for me, but I'm done with 800 lb motorcycles. I recently changed from a K1200LT to an RT for that reason.
FWIW
Regards,
Will
Having owned both K bikes and R bikes I have the following observations:
1. As a rule, the K bike engines were great; my 2 K75s were flawless in that regard, I also had a K1100RS, a K1100LT a K1200GT and a K1200LT.
Very fuel efficient and packed with usable power as well as more top end than the boxer motors. That having been said, the K1100RS and the K1200RS had real heat management problems. Both put so much engine heat on my legs that I would not ride either one when the temperature got above 85. While the new 1600 is a wonderful engine, I've talked to dealers as well as other owners who complain about engine heat on their feet. IMHO BMW needs to become aware that America is not Germany and it gets hot as hell here! I am sure that 100mph on the Autobahn will keep you relatively cool in 70 degree weather but that ain't Texas in June. Where the K powerplants fall flat is their poor heat management.
2. I have also owned a plethora of Boxers, both 247 air cooled and 259 oil cooled:
ZERO heat management issues.
Less will go wrong when there is less to go wrong.
The design lends itself to better cooling characteristics rather than Rube Goldberg fixes on the more complex engines to compensate for extreme engine heat.
3. The 1600s have F15 like shocking power which is most assuredly like a drug in my experience; the potential problem here is that if you are in the twisties in the rain and due to the smoothness of the 6 find yourself in a lower gear than you realized, too much throttle could send you into the trees given the high-reving nature of the 6.
4. The boxers by comparison have a more even powerband which I find to be a bit safer.
5. The boxers are lighter; were I Hulk Hogan, I expect a 1600 would be just right for me, but I'm done with 800 lb motorcycles. I recently changed from a K1200LT to an RT for that reason.
FWIW
Regards,
Will