BMW Touring Bike reviews

This review for 2006 BMW K 1200 R . The drop down menu does not have my model. The motorcycle has been been own by me for the last 15 years. Beside regular maintenance such as motor oil, driveshaft fluid , and tire changes , the only repairs it needed were the valve cover gasket , and driveshaft cover gasket replacement. I suspect these items were worn due to relative low usage in the last few years. The rubbers got less flexible and start leaking oil. Overall, I would describe the bike reliability and quality as very good. The bike riding takes time to get used too due to duolover front suspension. The bike does not do a "nose" diving when braking. Initially, its feels strange but after a while you get used too it and it is actually feels great. The engine power is endless. The bike handling is great. It takes some skill to get into corner with it, however at the corner it fells stable and even mid corner breaking does not affect bike handling. Breaks are top notch, the only thing that the front break gets squeaky sometimes. The riding position is comfortable overall. However , at go and stop traffic it gets somehow tiresome. Show less

This is the pinnacle of sport touring motorcycles. It is the second BMW I've owned and I like it better than the two Harleys, the Moto Guzi, and the Japanese bikes I've owned. I use it as my daily drive because its comfortable, gets through traffic, and easy to park. I can fit a decent amount of groceries, work materials, etc in the locking, waterproof saddlebags. Its so fun to ride that I don't mind the commute. My wife loves to sit behind me and go for long trips. Its comfortable around town as well as on long trips. Its the preferred motorcycle for the police because of its performance and durability. The only downside is the modifications are expensive. The factory seat is terribly uncomfortable and the windscreen isn't large enough for long trips. You have to buy cylinder head protectors for the boxer engine because if the bike falls, it falls on the engine cylinder heads. Once you have the seat, windscreen, and engine protection you like, this bike will easily last over 75K miles. BMW wants you to service it every 6K miles, but the oil changes are easy and many owners service the bike themselves. You will never regret owning a BMW R1200RT. Show less

I have three road bikes in my garage all are ridden thousands of miles a year. The BMW R1200 RT is my go to ride for those long days in the saddle. Fuel milage is controlled at your wrist. I can get 240 miles per tank or 190 miles. it is all about speed This platform has never failed me, i have ridden with HD motorcycles from east coast to west coast and almost north, Niagra Falls to Virginia w/o fail. Also the associated costs ie insurance are reasonable. Show less

Extreme Comfort, great technology, amazing power, surprising cornering, Best motorcycle I've ever owned. Great fuel mileage. With folding armrests for the passenger, I have had them fall asleep with the great suspension which can be electronically adjusted.. Show less

When the BMW S1000R first hit the scene, it was clearly aimed at the street. I first threw a leg over one at the Long Beach Motorcycle Show after trying out its big brother, the RR, at California Superbike School back in 2015. Even then, the S1K stood out as a different kind of machine—built for real-world riding rather than track glory. It launched with features like semi-electronic suspension, dynamic damping control, multiple ride modes, and even lean-sensitive traction control and ABS. That kind of tech was a big deal back then and gave the bike a sense of safety and confidence that really mattered on public roads. I picked up my 2020 model brand new. Before that, I owned a Ducati Multistrada with Skyhook suspension, which was great in its own right—but the S1K felt immediately more planted in the canyons and more stable overall. What surprised me most, though, was how comfortable it was. Compared to the RR or even the XR, the S1K made more sense for both my commute and my weekend rides. For how I ride—spirited canyon runs and everyday commuting—I actually preferred the S1K’s powerband over the RR and XR. It’s just more responsive and usable in the rev range where you live most of the time. You don’t have to wring it out to enjoy it. It’s a smoother, more intuitive experience that suits both aggressive and relaxed riding. At around 440 pounds wet with a 20-liter aluminum tank, the bike strikes a great balance. The electronics suite includes Road and Rain modes, ABS, and basic traction control. The optional Dynamic Package adds Dynamic and Dynamic Pro modes, which let you dial things in further. And switching between settings is easy—just a tap of the suspension button on the bars. Even after more than a decade, the styling still looks sharp. I’ve always loved the aggressive, asymmetrical design—bold, wild, and totally BMW. It’s functional too, not just for show. The bike uses BMW’s low-maintenance Enduro chain, and the engine still sounds and feels modern. It’s not a traditional beauty queen, but what it may lack in curves, it absolutely makes up for in the way it rides. That said, the bike really does still feel modern—like something that could have been released today. It’s quick, polished, and fun. The vibration you get through the handlebars actually encourages a lighter touch, which helps you stay loose and in control. Even with the stock exhaust, the sound is great—and the Akrapovič can delivers some lovely pops when you roll off the throttle. This is a true high-performance naked bike. Some have called it too refined or lacking character, but I’ve found the experience to be uniquely satisfying. The power is strong and steady across the rev range, even if it doesn’t have quite the punch of BMW’s newer ShiftCam engines down low. The ride itself is very user-friendly. The clutch is light, the brakes are strong and progressive, and even the rear brake is surprisingly useful. Rolling on the throttle in any gear gives you a deep, satisfying growl from the airbox. The Akrapovič exhaust adds some drama with tasteful pops on deceleration, and the upgraded Brembo RC 19 master cylinder really brings the stock brakes to life. Braking feel and control are excellent. Since owning the bike, I’ve put it through all kinds of riding—from hard canyon sessions to highway commuting and light touring—and it’s handled all of it with ease. Day-to-day, the S1K is easier to live with than you might expect. Heated grips and cruise control are standard, and the overall noise level is tame enough not to draw unwanted attention. The throttle can be a little sharp over rough pavement, but the chassis remains composed and planted. It’s not the fastest-turning bike, but it’s steady, predictable, and inspires confidence. The power delivery is smooth and linear across all six gears, making it easy to ride fast without surprises. A quick-swap taller windscreen also helps cut down on fatigue—something every naked bike rider will appreciate on longer rides. Even the dashboard, which some may call dated, has its charm. I love the analog white tachometer—it’s cool to watch and way more engaging than many of the overly busy digital displays out there. If you’re someone who really wants more screen real estate, there are CarPlay-enabled add-ons that can give you that, but honestly, they’re not necessary to enjoy this bike to the fullest. The S1000R might not be the flashiest new toy on the market, but it delivers in all the right ways. It’s a well-rounded, real-world performer with just enough edge to keep things exciting—refined, but never boring. Show less

Ultimate sport touring bike. Pros: - Handles like a sport bike with the comfort of a cruiser. - Top quality build and components. - Many features standard (heated grips/seat, adjustable windscreen, cruise control, quick shifter on later models, etc... Cons: - Depreciation is high in first 5 years. - Need a dealer for most maintenance tasks. Show less

Review: 2023 BMW K1600B – Power, Prestige, and Pure Riding Bliss The 2023 BMW K1600B is not just a motorcycle—it’s a grand touring experience engineered for those who demand everything. It blends jaw-dropping performance with true long-distance luxury, wrapping it all in a low-slung, menacing silhouette that turns heads before the engine even starts. At its heart lies BMW’s iconic 1,649cc inline-six engine—effortless, smooth, and powerful. With torque available practically off idle, the K1600B launches with authority and cruises with grace. There’s a reason this powerplant has a cult following: it’s mechanical perfection. But the performance is only half the story. What sets the K1600B apart is the way it pampers the rider. Heated grips and seats, an electronically adjustable windscreen, reverse assist, and keyless ride are just the beginning. This bike doesn’t just get you to your destination—it elevates the entire journey. And when it comes to safety, BMW delivers in full. With Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment), Adaptive Headlights that follow the curve of the road, Hill Start Control, ABS Pro, and Dynamic Traction Control, the K1600B is as intelligent as it is powerful. The technology works seamlessly in the background, giving you total confidence in every condition. The massive 10.25” TFT display is crystal-clear and loaded with intuitive controls—navigation, bike status, ride data—all beautifully integrated with BMW’s best-in-class interface. Then there’s the presence. The styling is unmistakable: long, low, and loaded with attitude. The K1600B isn’t flashy—it’s commanding. Since the day I bought it, not once have I ridden it without getting at least one compliment. People literally flag me down at stoplights to say how incredible this bike looks. Once, a couple rolled down their window at an intersection just to shout their admiration—she even leaned across his lap to say it herself. It’s that kind of bike. Simply put, the 2023 BMW K1600B is a rolling masterpiece. It’s what happens when no compromises are made. If you’re looking for a motorcycle that redefines luxury touring while delivering uncompromising performance and safety, this is the one. Show less

Pros: 1. Insane Performance • 212 hp at 14,500 rpm with a 999cc inline-four engine. • Top-tier acceleration and speed (0–60 mph in ~3 seconds). 2. Race-Ready Tech • Carbon fiber wheels, winglets for downforce, titanium exhaust, and lightweight components. • Sophisticated electronics: Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), multiple riding modes, wheelie control, launch control, quickshifter, slide control, etc. 3. Handling Show less

I LIVE TO RIDE. I am at my most comfortable when moving. Bicycles, skateboards, skiis, Motorcycles. Many motorcycles: BMW, Aprilia, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Suzuki, Ducati, Honda. THIS is my last BMW, starting with a 1956 R69 ( I rebuilt one winter of 1970 and subsequently rode x-country twice ), several boxers, 1973 R75/5, 1974 R90S, 1977 R100 RS (2), 1978 R100S, 2103-2015-2017 S1000RR (THE FINEST SPORTBIKE. PERIOD ), but the 2019 S1000XR ( K49 ) is the finest example of BMW ethos; GET FROM HERE TO THERE ON THE BIKE THAT RATCHETS UP YOUR CONFIDENCE TO 11 IN RIDING ANY ROAD, ANY CONDITION, IN ANY WAY YOU CHOOSE. AND ARRIVE NOT WANTING TO GET OFF YOUR RIDE! Boxer engines are the meditative equivalent of the inline 4 cylinder 999cc engine. The water-cooled 4 valve/cylinder two OHCam engine begs to scream, once freed from DOT bureaucratic ecu strangling, the engine provides all its torque at 2500 and will spin to 13,000 rpm! 165 HP = 165 MPH. Not that you need to, it's just so much fun! Want to cover miles? Drop it into 6th, 6000 rpm = ~80mph and 41 mpg. But this is so much more than an interstate traveler, canyon roads are its home, granted you won't attack them as if you're on an RR or a dedicated track machine, but with a 4 inch longer swingarm and >100lbs, you're friends on the RR's won't be waiting for you. Multiple electrical connections, phone mounts ( forget that BMW map BS ) and top case / bag mounts and more. Reliability, ease of Maintenance, Ability to modify and make it your own, set up to be easy to strip down or load it up for your sig other's pleasure and still be relatively light, make this MY choice to ride anytime, anywhere. Why did I give it 4 stars for quality? Remember I've been on BMW's since the 1970's. Back then you got sofa cushions for seats, metal fenders, a COMPLETE tool set, a hand painted and pinstriped bike. I have watched and ridden as the fenders became plastic, the tool kit shrank, the seats lost their cushion, and paint became decals, but BMW hasn't changed their pitiful yellow headlights ( but you CAN replace them with LED's if you're handy ). But the ENGINE, FRAME, SUSPENSION AND BRAKES WORK TOGETHER AS WELL, IF NOT BETTER THAN ANY OTHER BIKE IN THE WORLD! Why did I give it 4 stars for COMFORT? Today's BMW is built for a rider at least 6'2" with a 34-36" inseam and a 34-36" reach and a butt made of steel. If you're say, 5'6" with a 28" inseam and 30" reach, you're standing at lights on one toe, riding bent over trying to reach the bars while laying on the tank. That seat is a carryover from the track focused RR; great for 20 minute sessions but ride out for the day and come back from a 300 mile loop and your butt will be talking to you for quite some time. Easy enough to remedy, but BMW should offer it instead of having to do it on your own ( see QUALITY ) THE FINAL VERDICT IS WE ALL RIDE TO BE AND EXPRESS OURSELVES, THE S1000XR IS ONE OFTHE FINEST PALETTES TO DO THAT WITH. RIDE ON! Show less

This is an amazing motorcyle, best for any day and road. Try it and you will love it. Polyvalent riding in any conditions. Until you drive such a versatile motorcycle, you wont be ready to buy your next 70/30 city/highway motocycle.... Show less