Rambler358
Active member
The new boxers have 12k service intervals because they’re water cooled. The air/oil cooled boxers need to be checked earlier because of this.
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R 18 Bagger To K 1600 B
- Discussion starter Berardi3
- Start date
I agree 100% as that has been the case with my pre and post lc engines too and the K1600 appears to enjoy the same reputation judging by the shared experiences from owners I've chatted with and in the various K1600 forums. That said, I don't think it's fair to say the OEM recommended major service interval may not have to be followed so disregard when comparing +/- of a tool for a particular job. Anyway, as I mentioned above neither option is what I would choose to take home even as appealing they are. I've ridden cross country many times on my BMWs of various shapes and sizes (R, S, F) as well as aprilia, Triumph, Guzzi, Honda, Harley and Victory and while they each treated me well/never broken down they all had little objective things I wished I could incorporate from other models or Brands. Worst thing that ever happened was a bunch of fun riding and hoping to be able to "repeat often" as my Bucket List only gets longer each trip.
I came off a HD road king so... i like the sounds the r18tc makes and it makes me feel things.
3 hawks
New member
Have owned both; 1st year K600GTL and now a 22 R18B. As for the 1600, an engine to die for, hottest heated seat I ever encountered; (albeit very uncomfortable) Good High speed stability BUT WAY TOO TOPHEAVY. Got tired of having to pick it up in the garage. R18 B; Low center of gravity, Torque, Torque, Torque!; despite being easily as heavy, the low center of gravity makes the weight more manageable. Harkens back to the era of the Rubber Cows when done in Black w/pinstripes. If you want to go coast to coast in 3 days, the 1600 is your huckleberry with the capability of running 120mph all day with serene smoothness. If your journey is a cruise on RT 66 and you are not in a hurry, the 1800 B is your ride. In the end, the only one who has to like either one is you.
I have found the R18 to be preferable to the Transcontinental. Great cruiser the R18 is. The TC was gorgeous and had the best wind deflection of any bike. The handle bars on the TC were just a tad to short for me.
Star-Lord
Well-known member
I didn't realize how heavy my Model B is in comparison to a First Edition R18; I've always had a good feel for the weight difference or balanced weight between the R18 B compared to the HD Road Glide and Street Glide.
Moving the FE around in the garage, while working on it is extremely easy to maneuver, it feels like I'm moving a scooter compared to the Model B.
I had an opportunity to ride the FE last weekend for the first time, when I took it in for the Reverse Recall; plus I wanted to get a feel for the beachbars handlebar - which I thought was very comfortable.
With that said, once at 70 mph or so, I quickly remembered why I wanted a bike with a fairing... But still fun though..
Moving the FE around in the garage, while working on it is extremely easy to maneuver, it feels like I'm moving a scooter compared to the Model B.
I had an opportunity to ride the FE last weekend for the first time, when I took it in for the Reverse Recall; plus I wanted to get a feel for the beachbars handlebar - which I thought was very comfortable.
With that said, once at 70 mph or so, I quickly remembered why I wanted a bike with a fairing... But still fun though..
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I've been drawn into the youtube rabbit hole of moto videos lately, particularly those regarding Goldwing reviews. Look, I certainly don't count myself an old man, but whoa boy, the new Wings seem to have it all. Watched a few guys do a head-to-head with the K1600 and it seems for the person who wants a leisurely, comfortable, dependable touring bike, the Wing is the way to go. Common complaint against the BMW is the top-heaviness and overall comfort when compared directly to the Wing. Infotainment on the Wing is a bit behind the Beemer, but most takes have the bikes pretty even otherwise, all things considered.
Me? For the projected/perceived cost of ownership alone, I'm thinking a Wing might be in my sights at some point down the line. But for now (and maybe until I'm totally gray), I'm all R18B, baby!
Me? For the projected/perceived cost of ownership alone, I'm thinking a Wing might be in my sights at some point down the line. But for now (and maybe until I'm totally gray), I'm all R18B, baby!
Never ridden a GW but I did try the K1600B.
Found it super comfortable and manoeuvrable, especially since the fairing is not attached to the fork and therefore the steering is very light. She is not a light machine by any stretch but sits higher than the B in my opinion, which makes the weight noticeable at low speeds or stand still. It can propel you at warp 2 speeds in no time and definitely was designed to eat miles and leave cars behind on the motorway, however, it is not perfect either. Have a look at the K1600 forum and you will see plenty of discussions (including the new flavour- reverse gear)
Maybe one day if I decide to go touring 2 up I would consider the K1600B. For the time being, I really love my R18B and she puts a smile in my face every time I am out and about.
Found it super comfortable and manoeuvrable, especially since the fairing is not attached to the fork and therefore the steering is very light. She is not a light machine by any stretch but sits higher than the B in my opinion, which makes the weight noticeable at low speeds or stand still. It can propel you at warp 2 speeds in no time and definitely was designed to eat miles and leave cars behind on the motorway, however, it is not perfect either. Have a look at the K1600 forum and you will see plenty of discussions (including the new flavour- reverse gear)
Maybe one day if I decide to go touring 2 up I would consider the K1600B. For the time being, I really love my R18B and she puts a smile in my face every time I am out and about.
BigSlim, I once owned a 2018 Wing. The six cylinder engine on that bike is hands down the smoothest, most powerful motor on a bike. Shifting was butter smooth. And it also had a center stand.
Kept it for only two years for several reasons.
A) On startup (whether summer or winter) the bike would idle at 2,000 rpm for first 5 minutes. Service tech said they were designed that way.
B) The windshield was thin and would vibrate at highway speed.
C) The plastic parts seemed 1/16 inch thick compared to Harley’s 1/8 thick.
D) Changing the air filter was a 1 hr, 45 min job if done by service tech. Filter was located in what is known as the Honda Hell Hole”.
E) Handle bars were too far forward. Bought the Heli-bar kit which helped some.
The bike was a nice red color, but didn’t hold a candle to the optics of BMW.
Kept it for only two years for several reasons.
A) On startup (whether summer or winter) the bike would idle at 2,000 rpm for first 5 minutes. Service tech said they were designed that way.
B) The windshield was thin and would vibrate at highway speed.
C) The plastic parts seemed 1/16 inch thick compared to Harley’s 1/8 thick.
D) Changing the air filter was a 1 hr, 45 min job if done by service tech. Filter was located in what is known as the Honda Hell Hole”.
E) Handle bars were too far forward. Bought the Heli-bar kit which helped some.
The bike was a nice red color, but didn’t hold a candle to the optics of BMW.
harrisrc740
Active member
I love my R18B for the tech and the low seating position. My wife prefers to be on the K1600GTL whenever we go out, especially if it is for any distance riding. But now more than ever I notice I am sort of on my tippy toes when riding the K1600. But it reminds me more of my sport bikes with an upright sitting position. One of the main reasons I could not get rid of it when I got my R18B.
I see why she prefers the GTL and to be honest she is right. Although very capable of 2 up, I think the R18B is best suited for solo riding. The GTL offers the pillion more comfort since it has the back box with the back rest for the passenger and even tho my R18B has now become very smooth with mileage (7k) the K is way smoother straight out of the box . Indeed the K felt a tad higher than the R18 although I did not feel too concerned. I did not try the bike on heavy traffic so I was on the go 99% but I remember no dive when stopping at intersections and going round corners or roundabouts was a breeze. This is possible thanks to the duo lever set up at the steering and the cornering ABS. It felt the bike works with you and wants to help you on those manoeuvres. The K is in my opinion a sports bike on steroids with a lot of comfort and definitely set up for long distance touring.
The R18B can also accomplish that without a shadow of a doubt and adding the ACC is a big deal in my opinion. The K is the crème of the crème for touring but the R18B oozes heritage, nostalgia, class and style. Real head turner. In the end, both bikes are amazing, the pinnacle of motorcycling, they just offer different things but very well indeed.
harrisrc740
Active member
Love the way you put it "The K is in my opinion a sports bike on steroids with a lot of comfort and definitely set up for long distance touring."
Have to hold on to that phrase.... Best way to say it!!
Love the way you put it "The K is in my opinion a sports bike on steroids with a lot of comfort and definitely set up for long distance touring."
