I realize I am reviving a very old thread but as I just returned from a 3,700 mile trip on the K1600 I thought I’d post some highlights of my experience.
Current bikes in garage are a 14 RK CVO with a 113 and a tourpak. And a 15 K1600GT converted to a GTL exclusive with all the add ons.
Prior to our big trip my wife spend a lot of time on both bikes but chose the BMW for the trip. So I added different seats, armrests etc. The works to make it as comfortable as possible for two up riding.
The thing eats miles like nobodies business. It does everything you ask it to do extremely well.
Due to fires in CA and our home being in an evac zone, my wife flew back from SDakota. I rode back alone. I noticed two things on my ride back that I did not notice on my way out.
1) knees hurt. I have the GT but I do have risers for pull back and a sergeant seat. Still if I keep the bike I’d want to lower the pegs and raise the seat for some knee relief.
2) butt hurt. While the sergeant is great for about 4 hours or every other day 8 hours. For daily 500 miles I’d have to switch to a Russell day long. Stock is a no go as only good for a couple hours.
3) dangerous crosswinds. With the top box, touring shield, arm rests etc, just lots of fairing panels, the bike was dangerous in High cross wind gusts. Sustained not so much as predictable. I was knocked 10 feet to the left last the emergency lane and almost into the divider once and blown left and right same distance another time with no vehicles around. The first time I was next to a big rig and I thank God I was blown left and not right. Now I know about the crosswinds and this bike. So I prepared and did as much as I could to setups. But still had two very close calls. Oh and I have 20K miles on it so I know the bike.
Two years ago I did a similar trip on the RK and crosswinds were no problem nor were my knees or butt.
I love the tank on the K1600. 7 gallons. In rain mode I could easily stretch it to 400 miles if I wanted to. So going through Nevada lonely rd at speed was no issue. Love being able to change the ride on the fly. Comfort. Sport. Normal. Same with motor. Rain. Road. Dynamic. Also the height for parking and or solo or two up. The adjustable shield.
Upon my return I got on the RK and immediately remembered why I love it too.
They are different rides. Comfortable in different ways. If I was going to have one bike it would probably be a CVO limited. But for now I’ll keep both the K16 and the RK and take one depending on the mood.
For all considering switching rent one for a day. Learn what you like and don’t like. They are very different from the H-D touring models.