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[Phantom309]

The GTL is an awsome machine without a doubt but a few reasons turned me off with it ...

1. I couldn't stand all the drivetrain lash which is caused from a slipper clutch constantly kicking in/out. I hate slipper clutches period and believe they are used to safeguard against novice riders that can't downshift properly.
2. I thought the radio was crappy.
3. I didn't care for the protection of the windshield no matter how I played with it.
4. I always caught myself wanting to speed since its such a blast to ride.

That thing reminds me of a more comfortable crotch rocket with saddlebags and a trunk that would get me in nothing but trouble .... I drive for a living and can't afford any high speed awards! Other than that I loved it. Thats why I'm showing some interest in the new Voyager now. I need a comfortable, reliable bagger that won't bring out the little kid in me.

[Robmay]

Phantom, one thing I just thought about with your driveline lash.

What "throttle setting" did you have it on?

Most dealers want you to ride it I'm RAIN mode to start with so they have it set that way.

There were two other settings above that (I think) one being DYNAMIC.

When you mentioned slipper clutch it reminded me as that is what the RAIN mode is for.

[geezerglide]

Since I already owned several BMWs in the past R1150 GSA, GS, F800GS and K1200 GT (did not like the seating position). I decided to take any other kick at the cat. However, rather than spend the money on a 1600 GTL I found a low mileage (20,000 miles), excellent shape 2002 K1200 LT in Tucson for only US $6,000.00, in Calgary these bikes still fetch CDN $10,000 - $12,000. Had it delivered to a friend of mine in Phoenix, will be down in a few weeks to try it out.

Some of the mods I have already purchased is a Rack that goes on in back to replace the 38lb Tour Pack, Driver Floorboard Kit to replace the rubber pegs, enough for now. If I don't like the ride I will sell.

The 2010 CVO geezerglide ULTRA also is in Phoenix so I will have an instant comparison.

Will report how this one runs.

geeerglide

[Phantom309]

Phantom, one thing I just thought about with your driveline lash.

What "throttle setting" did you have it on?

Most dealers want you to ride it I'm RAIN mode to start with so they have it set that way.

There were two other settings above that (I think) one being DYNAMIC.

When you mentioned slipper clutch it reminded me as that is what the RAIN mode is for.

Rob, I never tried the rain mode ... just dynamic and road. I heard a couple guys on the k 1600 site saying the bike has a slipper clutch so that explained the clicking noise that felt like driveline lash to me.

[JCZ]

Since I already owned several BMWs in the past R1150 GSA, GS, F800GS and K1200 GT (did not like the seating position). I decided to take any other kick at the cat. However, rather than spend the money on a 1600 GTL I found a low mileage (20,000 miles), excellent shape 2002 K1200 LT in Tucson for only US $6,000.00, in Calgary these bikes still fetch CDN $10,000 - $12,000. Had it delivered to a friend of mine in Phoenix, will be down in a few weeks to try it out.

Some of the mods I have already purchased is a Rack that goes on in back to replace the 38lb Tour Pack, Driver Floorboard Kit to replace the rubber pegs, enough for now. If I don't like the ride I will sell.

The 2010 CVO geezerglide ULTRA also is in Phoenix so I will have an instant comparison.

Will report how this one runs.
geeerglide

Look forward to reading this review!   

[Zipper104]

As an alternative I've been looking at a 2013 R1200RT. In the distant past I owned a Honda CBX with a 6. Nothing compared sound-wise so I imagine the GT or GTL sounds great.
I love the GT, but despite the big power, it's over 150 lbs. heavier than the RT. I want something nimble, but I'm concerned 110 HP won't impress me. Anyone here look at the R1200RT?
The money isn't an issue, but I don't dare ride the GT with the 6. I'm afraid I'll be hooked.
I love my Harley, but I'm always nitpicking all the rattling and clanking going on.....and that's with earplugs in. I feel I'm due for a change, but in a way I kinda hope I dislike the RT or GT test ride enough to sway me from owning one.

Anyone else able to weigh in on this?

104

[UFO_HOG]

As an alternative I've been looking at a 2013 R1200RT. In the distant past I owned a Honda CBX with a 6. Nothing compared sound-wise so I imagine the GT or GTL sounds great.
I love the GT, but despite the big power, it's over 150 lbs. heavier than the RT. I want something nimble, but I'm concerned 110 HP won't impress me. Anyone here look at the R1200RT?
The money isn't an issue, but I don't dare ride the GT with the 6. I'm afraid I'll be hooked.
I love my Harley, but I'm always nitpicking all the rattling and clanking going on.....and that's with earplugs in. I feel I'm due for a change, but in a way I kinda hope I dislike the RT or GT test ride enough to sway me from owning one.

Anyone else able to weigh in on this?

104

My cousin has been a long time BMW rider and rode all 48 States on his 1150RT. He always said his next bike would be the 1200RT. When it came time to get the new bike he rode the 1200, and on request of the salesman rode the 1600GTL. He said as much as the 1200 was better than his 1150, neither one was even a close comparison to the 1600 and his concern was the weight difference. He said the 1600 actually rides like it's lighter than the 1200.
I, like you, am getting kinda fed up with HD, but I have avoided riding the 1600 for fear I will make the jump.....

[Panhead_Jimmy]

As an alternative I've been looking at a 2013 R1200RT. In the distant past I owned a Honda CBX with a 6. Nothing compared sound-wise so I imagine the GT or GTL sounds great.
I love the GT, but despite the big power, it's over 150 lbs. heavier than the RT. I want something nimble, but I'm concerned 110 HP won't impress me. Anyone here look at the R1200RT?
The money isn't an issue, but I don't dare ride the GT with the 6. I'm afraid I'll be hooked.
I love my Harley, but I'm always nitpicking all the rattling and clanking going on.....and that's with earplugs in. I feel I'm due for a change, but in a way I kinda hope I dislike the RT or GT test ride enough to sway me from owning one.

Anyone else able to weigh in on this?

104

I totally agree with UFO_HOG.  My experience: I've put 148,000 miles on a 1998 RT1100 and 54,000 on a 2005 RT1200.  They make an excellent commuter bike.  Great acceleration.  Unfreakin' believable breaking.  Good handling.  Expensive parts (Harley parts are downright cheap compared to BMW). Warm in the winter.  Cool in the summer (all hot parts are covered in plastic).  You don't need to keep them spotless like Harleys.  But they (RT) are the most uncomfortable bike I've ever ridden on trips lasting over an hour.  Painful!!!  I rode a new GTL 1600 and it was very light feeling, even in slow U-turns, fast as all hell but I've not been on any trips so don't know about the comfort level. I was going to buy one but the color selection is pretty pathethic.

[CVOThunder]

Test rode the R1200RT the day before I rode the GTL and the 1200 was really fun one up. I also enjoyed the GTL when I rode it by myself but at the time I was looking for a family sled and the GTL just didn't sem to be an exact match. Then I went to ride an 2010 Ultra and I knew I found the machine for me/us. I'm really kinda pissed about reliability issues even though I push those ideas aside. Anyway, if I get another ride I'll really look at the R1200RT again. I couldn't believe the performance and ride coming out of a 1200 twin. Maybe I should rent one for awhile to make sure. Gotta sell toys though so I can gear up for my diesel Jeep...if I can rationalize spending that kinda coin for another new depreciating asset.

[SBB]

if I can rationalize spending that kinda coin for another new depreciating asset.

Now there is the real issue!

 

SBB

[CVOThunder]

Now there is the real issue!

 

SBB

 

[geezerglide]

Look forward to reading this review!   

Well after putting on approx. 500 miles on and off in the last four days mostly on the K1200 LT as I already knew what the HD was all about.

Here is what I found with the K1200 LT

PROS

A lot quieter, No valve train noise, could ride without ear plugs.

Great handling, so is my HD

After riding around will keep the Top Box and it does not affect handling, at least for me.

Great Wind & Rain protection, love the adjustable windshield, would change for a lower one.

Great Power, however so is mine with the 120R crate motor that hd-dude installed.

Great long distance bike, so is my HD.

Not everyone has one.

CONS

Engine noise will take getting used to, people would say nice bike but it doesn't sound like an HD, guess what bikes they own

Five speed transmission

You want to keep up the engine revs up for best performance, in the 4500 rpm range, will rev up to 8000 rpm

Radio and speakers suck

No WOW factor, again everyone would say nice bike, but then comment the HD is way nicer looking.

I made a few inexpensive mods, added RT type mirrors, the fairing mirrors suck. Removed the 6 disc CD changer and  Added the AUDIVOX DICE iPod interphase can control everything through the factory audio set up. Decided against removing the Tour Pac, bike not to top heavy for me, may still change from pegs to floorboards, not sure yet don't want to lose cornering clearance.

Still not 100% sure if I will keep, I'll see after a 1,200 mile trip.

geezerglide



 

[Chuck Pryor]

Now that I have a full year on the GTL I thought I'd throw in my real life experience with this bike. Right at 12K miles on in all kinds of conditions. This past weekend was the first time I'd been back on a Harley (Ultra) since making the switch.

The best way to  compare these two bikes (CVO Tourer and the GTL) for me is the CVO Bagger is like a 69 Chevelle with a big block... balsy, sounds great, muscle it through a corner, looks cool, buddies think its awesome and tinker on it all the time.

The GTL is more like driving an Audi R8. Precision engineered tightly sprung screaming through the corners goes WAY faster than it looks euro racing machine that needs very LITTLE tinkering. Just ride it. Yes, both are cars. Both fun. Just different.

To be honest I felt like I went WAY back in time on the Ultra. I'm certainly still an "HD" guy (wearing HD swag as I type) but for me, if I can only have one its the BMW hands down. Overall, just a much better bike for me and the kind if riding I do.  I'd still love to have my 09 SERG too but not realistic. And after two rebuilds in less than 30K miles, plus a few no-starts, plus bad starters, breaks, tires, etc I was getting fatigued with the CVO.  Other than my 79 CX500 I had ONLY owned a Harley prior to this GTL but I have to admit I have no regrets.

Both brands have positives and negatives but for me at least, the positives that the GTL far outweigh the negatives. I will say this... The CVO forum here has the nicest People in ANY forum on it !  The BMW forums seems to have a lot if snobbish, "I'm smarter than you" kinds (not all of course)

Anyway... thats a bit if my experience on the GTL for the past year ir so. regardless of what you ride. Be safe. love God, love people, look out for  friends, family, other riders, and enjoy the journey.

[Trapperdog]

We have 2 Hd's, 2 'Suzuki's and a couple of Honda's. If we could afford it we would also own both a GT 1600 and a GTL 1600 as Melanie can flat foot the L.  Personally, having one style of bike or just one bike doesn't shake my timbers. Even though I recently blew my CVO up at 70K miles and the warranty Co. refused to pay, I'll pay and keep her for another 70K.  Heck, if the opportunity arose I might get a scooter too, but that's just me. Always nice that the good people here embrace discussions about other motorcycle makes. Other forums I am on are not quite as keen to me bringing up Harley's. But we've been having conversations regarding congeniality as of late.

[Black Diamond]

Good write up Chuck P. 

JW