Decisions, Decisions

[tdragger]

It really depends on your mission.  If you are a casual rider that tours occasionally then I'd stick with the GTL.  However, if you are going to pursue any type of endurance touring or even scavenger rallying, then the Trophy is by far the better option.  A key item to remember, imho, is that the Trophy runs on regular gas whereas the GTL requires premium.  That adds up quickly.  Servicing on the BMW is also going to be far and away more expensive.  Lastly, BMW has taken a serious hit in the reliability department.

[Ghostrider25]

Originally Posted by AZBob

Better bike FOR YOU. Objectively, the K1600 is not a better bike. It doesn't handle as well, is heavier, gets worse gas mileage, requires higher octane gas, has a higher maintenance cost, has substantially worse wind/weather handling and seat, and can carry less by both weight and volume. The only objectively better specifications are the switch gear and the engine power, and pillion accommodation if you ride two-up a lot.

Well put, AZBob. I have just been through this process and while the price was a big factor in my decision making process, I would have bought the Trophy SE over either BMW anyway. Love the power of the K (admittedly something the Trophy could use more of) and the switchgear was very nice, but everything else was just a drag.  I am completely happy with my decision to go with the Trophy.

[HOLABIRD]

Yep, says me and every motorcycle magazine that has tested them back to back or side by side.  Have you ridden them back to back and compared them or are you just judging by the fact you have a Trophy?  Just curious.

[trophied]

I did ride them back to back because I took my big K bike in to trade for a lighter simpler F800GT - until I rode the Trophy.  The only thing that matters is what is important to the individual regarding their own riding style.  Some prefer Beemers, some Triumphs, others Ducati or even Moto Guzzi (God, the Italians can make the simplest fasteners beautiful), but the best thing about motorcycling is WE'RE the ones doing it!
Enjoy the ride.

[HOLABIRD]

Originally Posted by trophied

I did ride them back to back because I took my big K bike in to trade for a lighter simpler F800GT - until I rode the Trophy.  The only thing that matters is what is important to the individual regarding their own riding style.  Some prefer Beemers, some Triumphs, others Ducati or even Moto Guzzi (God, the Italians can make the simplest fasteners beautiful), but the best thing about motorcycling is WE'RE the ones doing it!
Enjoy the ride.

You sir, are correct.  Thanks for all the input.

[AZBob]

Originally Posted by HOLABIRD

Yep, says me and every motorcycle magazine that has tested them back to back or side by side.  Have you ridden them back to back and compared them or are you just judging by the fact you have a Trophy?  Just curious.

I have ridden them both and followed the development and owner experiences of both (amongst other bikes in this segment) since inception. The GTL and I do not get along at all, the handlebars are far too close to the rider for me, which actually caused pain in my palms after about 30 minutes, the GT would be more style. The power is excellent, of course. The transmission and driveline lash are an embarrassment. I understand that recent model years have fixed these issues, but on 2012-2015-ish bikes, it's really quite annoying to shift a tractor and bounce around like you're riding something with a loose chain drive for nearly $30k.

The K is reported to overheat simply going up a mountain (its cooling system is suspect), as well as the front end squeaking and/or pulling to the left (I've been on the K1600 forum since its founding and these are issues common to the K bike reported by many owners, as I'm sure you're aware). The Trophy has none of these issues and for me, these played heavily into my buying decision.

For the Trophy set, I highly suggest replacing the stock muffler. It really opens the engine up above 5k. Passing in 6th gear with a fully-laden bike is not a problem.

[trophied]

My K bike did indeed have the tiresome pull to the left that was common on the early versions.

[traveler46]

Each of us have our own reason for riding our bike of choice. As said, what maybe perfect for one, is a horrible experience for another.

I owned a 2015 TTSE for 19,000 miles and currently own a 2013 K1600, 45K, and a 2017 1200 RT, 9k. I am neither what you might call a BMW, or a Triumph guy. I have owned many brands over the last 50 years. Each bike has its pros and cons.

The TTSE and the RT are more in the same category then the K1600. But just for comparison, the TTSE is definitely more agile then the K bike. The BMW has far better brakes. The TTSE rear brake is like a block of wood and also has a lot of front end dive in heavy braking. The front end dive makes handling in a hard turn under heavy braking sometimes challenging. I felt the K bike is a better long distance bike then the TTSE. Short trip, a lot of traffic, the TTSE was my choice. I never had a problem with overheating on the BMW, and that's going from 80 MPH in 100 + degree temps headed up through the Rockies a number of times. I did not have any mechanical problems with the TTSE while I owned it. The BMW, I had the water pump replaced under warranty. I felt the TTSE as uncomfortably warm riding when the temps started nearing 90 degrees.  The BMW lets in a lot of air to the lower body but was not as comfortable below 40 degree.

Between the TTSE and the K1600, I didn't have a favorite. I rode each for somewhat different reasons.