BMW K 1600 GT Sport and BMW R 1200 RT in comparison test

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BMW K 1600 GT Sport and BMW R 1200 RT

BMW Tourer in comparison test

Out and about in the triangle between Weimar, Kassel and Wurzburg. As unmistakable as the three World Heritage sites are, so are the two engines built into BMW’s top tourers, the two-cylinder boxer and the in-line six-cylinder. BMW K 1600 GT Sport and BMW R 1200 RT: who leaves the more lasting impression?

Goethe and Schiller certainly don’t see something like this every day. The bronze double statue of the world-famous couple of poets stands in front of the German National Theater in Weimar, where the German parliament withdrew from Berlin in 1919. One with dignity, the other boldly drawn, they look at two top tourers from BMW : the BMW presented in 2013 K 1600 GT Sport in a duet with the BMW R 1200 RT. Her “hero’s breast”, as BMW internally calls the front of the (water) boxer, almost seems to swell proudly.

BMW K 1600 GT Sport and BMW R 1200 RT

BMW Tourer in comparison test

R 1200 RT for the driver height-adjustable seat with piping and seams in a contrasting color. There are also black rims, red-gray two-tone paint and decorative stripes on the trim and suitcases. The color designations "Blackstorm Metallic", "Sakhirorange" and "Asphaltgrau" customers at Sport vom Lyrischen Talent at BMW.

Tires for the BMW R 1200 RT

The RT is carved from a rougher wood

Weimar’s unique classical ensemble is a worthy setting for the two travel giants. As a traditional tourer, the BMW R 1200 RT can look back on a continuous history since 1978. At that time, the R 100 RT established full fairing and case ex works. The boxer as a design principle looks back on 91 years of BMW heritage, now just water-cooled. The Bavarian six-cylinder engines are also legendary. With cars. Because the K 1600 as the first six-pack on two wheels did not follow until 2011. Come on, let action follow! The six-cylinder wakes up with a wonderful "Wrouumm". Acoustically a hint of the M3 sports coupe.

The engine of the BMW K 1600 GT Sport is a poem with goosebumps guarantee. This idling alone, inimitably stable. One of the six cylinders ignites every 120 degrees of rotation of the crankshaft – completely evenly. And then this velvety-silky engine run. If the individual, central throttle valve is only opened a crack, this appears to be complete weightlessness in terms of vibration. As if the 55.5 centimeter slim, compact powerhouse would run completely smoothly. Microvibrations only show that the engine is running when the engine is released and under load. The six-cylinder boxer in the much less modern Honda Gold Wing is even smoother.

Bilski

Dignified: Top tourers from BMW in front of the baroque residence in Wurzburg.

And the BMW R 1200 RT? Is carved from a rougher wood. The boxer twin sounds quite robust, audibly slurps from the airbox. Above all, it vibrates stronger, pulsates more noticeably. But nice and low-frequency, with a peak at 5000 tours. Even with the Autobahn at full throttle – the journey via Wurzburg and Kassel was long – the hands never go deaf: The crankshaft, which is 950 grams heavier than the previous water boxer GS, and the heavier alternator rotor have a calming effect. The RT starts moving smoothly with its smooth, easy-to-dose clutch. More centrifugal mass finally makes the Flat-Twin “unstoppable”. Like all air / oil-cooled boxers before, it bubbles good-naturedly through the low revs.

At traffic lights, every throttle pushes the boxer noticeably to the right, then around the middle position to the left. Like a Guzzi. A weight of 282 kilograms, a top figure for a maxi tourer, makes handling the BMW R 1200 RT easier. She turns on the palm of the hand, forgives a lot. Its predecessors were so far the most popular police motorcycles in Europe for a reason: representative as an escort, stately at cordoning off intersections, easy to handle in the thick of traffic.

K 1600 GT: More torque for less torque

The BMW K 1600 GT Sport responds to gas commands with a delay when pulling away. Here you can feel the long suction paths in contrast to the RT. This even applies to the “Dynamic” driving mode, which is supposed to make the response more direct and allow traction control to intervene later. The central throttle valve and the long intake paths of the in-line engine are automotive technology. Promote torque yield, make the throttle response soft, but also a little decoupled. When starting off, the interaction between the electric throttle and the clutch of the colossus is not that easy. It only engages over the last millimeter, which is not particularly easy to dose. That takes getting used to.

The 343 kilograms are instantly remembered. In addition, there is the larger turning circle, six instead of just 5.3 meters for the RT. In the slow driving range, the BMW K 1600 GT Sport always needs more power and concentration than the BMW R 1200 RT, and does not tolerate any negligence. But then! How the engine hisses and rattles – it really starts. Ultimately, the K engine is even tamer and more civilized. Instead, there are smaller, combustion-technically advantageous individual cubic capacities of only 275 cm³ instead of a large 585 cm³. In addition, the six cylinders compress a little less, 12.2 instead of 12.5 to one. And they are designed to be less short-stroke, which brings a lot of power from below. The 1650 cubic engine shifts perception: almost 140 Newton meters already at 2000 tours, that’s simply a stunner.

Shift travel of the K transmission is long

More torque for less torque. A car doesn’t need a V8 either, but it’s still cooler. With a switching speed of 3000 you are damn fast on the way. For 100 km / h in the power-capped sixth gear, 3000 revs are enough, the BMW R 1200 RT then revs 3500. Which roughly corresponds to the open fifth of the BMW K 1600 GT Sport. If you get lost in the second half of the speed, the six-pack turns completely free, goes off like a rocket, dives unleashed forward. What a potent bolide.

At full thrust, the BMW K 1600 GT Sport changes acoustically seductively into a hoarse tone. All of this leads to a wonderfully confident driving experience on board the K-Class luxury liner. That is no longer marred by too much play in the slightly whistling drivetrain: Open the gas, close the gas, open the gas again – the six-cylinder now does this without excessive load change reactions. However, the shift travel of the bony K-gear is quite long; the rare gear changes often cause a noticeable jolt. So it is little consolation that the gear shift of the BMW R 1200 RT turns out to be even greater when the gear is engaged: kalonk.

Tourer

BMW R 1200 RT, Triumph Trophy 1200 SE and Yamaha FJR 1300 AE in the test

Perfect equipment on two wheels

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Both BMWs allow considerable lean angles

The aisles on the BMW R 1200 RT are incredibly easy to step through. Under load and from a certain minimum speed, namely without a clutch. This is ensured by the optional “Pro” gearshift assistant for upshifting and downshifting, a world first in series motorcycle construction. Just like the “Hill Start Control”, which is also subject to a surcharge, as a hill start aid. After pulling the brake lever once, it holds the rear stopper closed while idling. To start you have to pull again or give a little more gas. Like last on the driveway to Wilhelmshohe Palace in Kassel. Hill Start Control will also offer the slightly revised 2015 model of the BMW K 1600 GT at an additional cost.

But the 2014 version is still rolling in the test. It has to do without the keyless “comfort access”, as will be the case with the 2015 R 1200 GS. We can do without. Instead, enjoy driving pleasure. Noticeable: the steering damper on the Telelever front wheel suspension of the BMW R 1200 RT causes minimal wobbling movements at creep speed. In addition, the boxer with loaded suitcases on the autobahn sometimes showed a slight tendency to stir around the steering head at top speed. The BMW K 1600 GT Sport carried us more quietly towards the curve area at Kyffhauser. The RT runs at a speed of 225, while the GT locks electronically at 250 items – more academic values ​​on tour.

Bilski

Great experience to scare away the Brummer.

What is important, however, is that the BMW K 1600 GT Sport is more stable and more precise in its arrows through fast corners. And thus gives an even better, safer feeling than the not exactly bad BMW R 1200 RT. In the exits – off the track, into the fun – both BMWs lay and lie as if dowelled. They allow considerable inclines. When driving behind, it looks like the suitcases need to be rolled. On the 1600s, the silencers, which are laid on both sides, are cut to be lean-friendly. But it scratches its footpegs earlier than the RT with just one exhaust.

Well balanced, the BMW K 1600 GT Sport draws its circles with perfect balance. How easily the colossus falls on the wide 190 mm rear tire, how neutral and homogeneous it circles the curves. Wonderfully cheeky and predictable. The extremely flat cylinder bank, inclined by 55 °, lowers the center of gravity. But spreads the wheelbase: to an impressive 1.62 meters, a full 13.3 centimeters more than on the BMW R 1200 RT. In addition, there is a flatter steering head angle and 61 kilos more of the K. Extremely round and nimble, the RT scurries and scurries through the Winkelwerk of the Thuringian Forest. Almost bold and light with its lengthwise crankshaft and the narrower 180.

Equipment packages and extras for around 4500 euros each

On the BMW K 1600 GT Sport, the spring elements could also be called filter elements, that’s how sensitive the Duolever and single-sided swing arm are. The rear of the GT in particular works more sensitively than the counterpart of the BMW R 1200 RT, it simply fishes out more. On the boxer, even the revised shock absorber remains the Achilles’ heel, it doesn’t respond excessively. In every setting of the Dynamic-ESA, it processes small, rapidly successive bumps in the asphalt, sluggishly to trampling. In itself, the semi-active damping of the RT interference pulses should be superior – including braking compensation and position compensation when accelerating. But on bumps at an incline you have the feeling that the rear wheel of the RT moves easily, that it is hobbling. Such a setup moment does not come from the Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT. The author wants to rehabilitate it at this point: a good tire.

The carcass of the Michelin is a mixture of radial and diagonal construction – for handling and resilience. Instead, the question may be asked whether Marzocchi, as a supplier to the BMW R 1200 RT, was ever famous for its super-fine response behavior? "With knowledge, doubts grow", Goethe already knew. Another noticeable feature of the Boxer is the prancing rear wheel when braking hard. The BMW K 1600 GT Sport remains calm, more stable on the track.

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Maneuvering with the BMW R 1200 RT is much easier

Both BMWs always activate all three discs when they reach for the hand lever, shortening the braking distance. The brake pedals, on the other hand, only grip from the rear, good in turns and when turning. When decelerating in bends, the BMW R 1200 RT positions itself more strongly. This, and only this, could be due to the Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT. The boxer collects plus points in terms of wind and weather protection: when put upright (electric, a matter of honor), there is heavenly peace behind the RT window. An insect never hits the helmet visor with only slight suction. But looking through acrylic glass can be irritating when cornering. That cannot happen on the BMW K 1600 GT Sport with its capped windshield. But it is much louder and more drafty behind it.

Maneuvering the much more compact BMW R 1200 RT is much easier. You sit closer to the handlebars, but also a little more slumped on the boxer, more actively on the larger BMW K 1600 GT Sport. It fits stately drivers better, although BMW offers benches with different heights. You could almost miss the faded, four-cylinder K 1300 GT: It didn’t just fit exactly into the gap in terms of the number of cylinders: much lighter than the six-cylinder, but at least as dynamic. Both BMWs have equipment packages and extras on board for around 4500 euros each. There’s a complete, good used motorcycle à la Ducati 916! But the full dressers for 22,000 or 26,000 euros are even competing with mid-range cars. Motorcycles with “bodies” and equipment that makes you dizzy: for example cruise control, audio systems with iPod / MP3 connection and central locking for painted cases, as well as an optional top case and two lockable storage compartments in each of the expansive panels ( see page 23). Plus heated seats, heated grips and daytime running lights. Plus multifunctional on-board computers with colored, high-contrast TFT monitors and operation from the handlebars.

Headlights of the BMW K 1600 GT Sport a fulfillment at night

The headlights of the BMW K 1600 GT Sport are a real fulfillment at night. Two H7 high beams on the left and right. In between is the slightly bluish, bright xenon low-beam headlight (for an extra charge). The first and so far only adaptive headlights in the motorcycle world keep the light on the road thanks to ingenious kinematics, even in the most inclined positions. The oscillating mirror also compensates for changes in inclination when braking or accelerating. But in the end it is the splendid six-cylinder that is so inspiring. Just like BMW’s boxer tradition.

Perhaps Unesco will recognize both drive concepts as technical world cultural heritage. Just like the single-cylinder from KTM, the V-Twins from Harley, Ducati and Guzzi or the triples from Triumph. Not to forget the four-cylinder of the Japanese. No matter what, we like to go back anytime. To the Volklinger Hutte, to the Cologne Cathedral and the Zeche Zollverein in Essen, to the Middle Rhine, to the Speyer Cathedral or to the Berlin Museum Island – to cure wanderlust.

Technical data and measured values

Bilski

Water march: confluence of the Werra and Fulda to the Weser in Hannoversch Munden.

engine

  BMW R 1200 RT BMW K 1600 GT Sport
type design Two-cylinder four-stroke-
Boxer engine		 Six-cylinder four-stroke-
In-line engine
injection 2 x Ø 52 mm 6 x Ø 52 mm
coupling Multi-disc oil bath-
clutch (anti-hopping		 Multi-disc oil bath-
coupling
Boron x stroke 101.0 x 73.0 mm 72.0 x 67.5 mm
Displacement 1170 cc 1649 cc
compression 12.5: 1 12.2: 1
power 92.0 kW (125 PS)
at 7750 rpm		 118.0 kW (161 hp)
at 7750 rpm
Torque 125 Nm at 6500 rpm 175 Nm at 5250 rpm

landing gear

  BMW R 1200 RT BMW K 1600 GT Sport
frame Load-bearing engine-
Transmission network		 Bridge frame
aluminum
fork trailing arm
Telescopic fork, Ø 37 mm		 Double trailing arm off
aluminum
Steering damper hydraulically –
Brakes front / rear Ø 320/276 mm Ø 320/320 mm
Systems assistance ABS, traction control    ABS, traction control
bikes 3.50 x 17; 5.50 x 17 3.50 x 17; 6.00 x 17
tires 120/70 ZR 17; 180/55 ZR 17    120/70 ZR 17; 190/55 ZR 17
Tires Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT Metzeler Z 8 Interact, back "C"

Dimensions + weight

  BMW R 1200 RT     BMW K 1600 Sport
wheelbase 1485 mm 1618 mm
Steering head angle 63.6 degrees 62.2 degrees
trailing 116 mm 106 mm
Front / rear suspension travel    120/136 mm 125/135 mm
Seat height¹ 800-820 mm 800-830 mm
Weight with a full tank¹ 282 kg 348 kg
Payload¹ 213 kg 197 kg
Tank capacity / reserve 25.0 / 4.0 liters 24.0 / 4.0 liters
Service intervals 10,000 km 10,000 km
price 17,140 euros 21,120 euros
Price test motorcycle 21,605 euros² 25,766 euros³
Additional costs 390 euros 390 euros

MOTORCYCLE readings

  BMW R 1200 RT     BMW K 1600 GT Sport
Top speed * 225 km / h 250 km / h
acceleration
0-100 km / h 3.4 sec 2.9 sec
0-140 km / h 5.8 sec 5.0 sec
0-200 km / h 13.4 sec 10.0 sec
Draft
60-100 km / h 3.9 sec 3.7 sec
100-140 km / h 4.2 sec 3.9 sec
140-180 km / h 5.4 sec 4.1 sec
Consumption country road / 100 km    4.9 liters 5.3 liters
Reach country road 510 km 453 km

*Manufacturer information; 1 MOTORCYCLE measurements; ²Comfort package (800 euros), Touring package (1270 euros), Dynamics package (320 euros), audio system (1010 euros), navigation system (675 euros), Pro shift assistant (390 euros); ³Safety package (900 euros), comfort package (1690 euros), crash bars (251 euros), navigation system (675 euros), audio system with preparation for navigation system (1130 euros).

Performance measurement

Bilski

Power on the crankshaft. Measurements on the Dynojet roller test stand 250, corrected according to 95/1 / EG, maximum possible deviation ± 5%.

Sibling blows: four cylinders and 479 cm3 displacement separate the BMW R 1200 RT and BMW K 1600 GT Sport. But when it comes to power and torque, there are worlds between the dissimilar Bavarian-Berlin sisters: with always over 100 Newton meters from 2000 tours, a maximum torque of 124 Nm and a real 128, the boxer is damn strong. But he finds his master in the beefy six-cylinder. The piles up over the entire speed range in the upwardly shifted curve up to 50 Newton meters more. That doesn’t tear out the shorter translation of the RT either, it turns higher in sixth gear at the same speed.

Equipment in detail

Bilski

Eating miles on the track? With this duo with pleasure!

Board computer

  BMW R 1200 RT BMW K 1600 GT Sport
Operation on-board computer Handlebars Handlebars
Average / instantaneous consumption   Series / series Series /-
Speed ​​Ø / travel time Series / series Series / series
second trip odometer series series
Ambient temperature display series series
Engine temperature bar bar
Gear indicator series series
Fuel gauge / timer Series (bars) / Series    Series (bars) / Series
Remaining range series series
On-board voltage in volts series –

Engine / chassis

  BMW R 1200 RT BMW K 1600 GT Sport
Oil level check electronic / sight glass electronic / sight glass
electronically adjustable chassis     (760 euros) ²  (760 euros) ⁵
different engine mappings Series (two / three) Series (three)

ergonomics

  BMW R 1200 RT BMW K 1600 GT Sport
adjustable windshield continuously electric continuously electric
adjustable seat height two-stage two-stage
adjustable handlebar position – –
adjustable brake / clutch lever Series / series Series / series
Touring screen (272 euros) –

Luggage

  BMW R 1200 RT BMW K 1600 GT Sport
Luggage hook – –
Case system including case holder series series
Vehicle width with suitcases 950 mm 960 mm
Weight per case (l./r.) 5.8 / 5.8 kg 5.8 / 5.8 kg
Capacity per case (l./r.) 37/37 liters 37/37 liters
Inner pockets (set) 180 euros 180 euros
Topcase including holder 328/895 euros 860 euros
Inside pocket 65/90 euros 90 euros
Topcase capacity 28/49 liters 49 liters
Tank bag 219 euros (11 liters) 179 euros (12 liters) ⁵
One key system Series (central locking) ¹ Standard (central locking) ⁵
Luggage rack series series
Storage compartment in the panel Series (2) Series (2)

Furnishing

  BMW R 1200 RT BMW K 1600 GT Sport
Heated grips Series (5-stage) Series (5-stage)
Seat heating driver / front passenger 210/223 Euro² Series / series
Cruise control 320 euros² series
Automatic switch 390 euros
navigation system 675 euros
Hand stand series series
Immobilizer series series
Headlight range adjustment with swivel lever    automatically electronic⁴
Board socket Series (second 20 euros) Series (2 x)
Stainless steel exhaust system Chromed series 125 Euro¹ series
Single-sided swing arm series series
Tank volume / reserve 25/4 liters 24/4 liters
Audio system, USB / iPod connection    1010 euros 1130 euros

security

  BMW R 1200 RT BMW K 1600 GT Sport
Hazard warning lights series series
Daytime running lights (285 euros) ³ (285 euros) ⁴
SECTION 1-stage 1-stage
Integral / partially integral braking system series series
Traction control 2 (3) stage (can be switched off)     3-stage (can be switched off)
Electronic tire pressure control    210 euros¹ 210 euros⁴
cranked tire valves series series
Steering damper series –

– = not available
¹In the comfort package R 1200 RT (800 euros): RDC (tire pressure control), chrome-plated silencer, central locking, anti-theft alarm system with remote control, second socket.
² In the Touring package R 1200 RT (1270 euros): Dynamic ESA (electronically adjustable, semi-active chassis), cruise control, preparation for navigation system, seat heating. ³In the Dynamic package R 1200 RT (320 euros): daytime running lights, hill start assist, Headlight Pro, driving mode Pro (two as standard / driving mode Pro three mappings).
⁴ In the K 1600 GT Sport safety package (900 euros): RDC (tire pressure control), hill start assist, adaptive headlights (xenon), daytime running lights.
⁵ In the K 1600 GT Sport comfort package (1690 euros): ESA II (electronically adjustable chassis), keyless comfort access (2015 model), central locking, audio system with preparation for navigation system, anti-theft alarm system.

Recall RT strut

Bilski

Made problems: The Marzocchi shock absorber caused a huge recall for BMW.

R for recall, T for trauma? BMW had to recall its second most important novelty of the year 2014, around 8000 copies worldwide. At the beginning of June, around 5000 freshly baked private owners were asked to leave the new BMW R 1200 RT standing still, even when traveling. What happened? The piston rod of the rear shock absorber was broken on two new RTs with Dynamic ESA. After months of waiting, the conversion campaign started at the end of August with a spring and piston rod reworked.

The supplier is Marzocchi, whose products sit in this form alone in the new RT with Dynamic ESA, the GS has ESA suspension from ZF-Sachs. There were problems with the BMW R 1200 RT before, at least with one of the test machines. In a comparative test (MOTORRAD 7/2014), the RT stood out due to its poor comfort and poor response of the shock absorber. It shook the driver and passenger, so the test machine was swapped. BMW later stated that the calibration of the semi-active damping was “slightly outside the permissible tolerance”.

Tourer

BMW R 1200 RT in the driving report

New water boxer in the touring galaxy

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MOTORCYCLE scoring

Bilski

The tourer drives cheekily. Good to see: high degree of lean angle and cylinders with flow from top to bottom.

engine

  maximum number of points     BMW R 1200 RT     BMW K 1600 GT Sport
Draft 40 29 33
acceleration 40 27 34
Top speed 30th 17th 23
Engine characteristics     30th 25th 29
Responsiveness 20th 14th 12th
Load change 20th 13 11
Smoothness 20th 12th 17th
coupling 10 8th 8th
circuit 20th 16 10
Gear ratio 10 8th 9
Start 10 9 8th
total 250 179 194

Tourer-like? The BMW K 1600 GT Sport accelerates wildly from zero to 100 in 2.9 seconds and to 200 km / h in ten seconds. But in the much more important pull-through in sixth gear, it only leaves the noticeably vibrating boxer above 140 km / h. Annoying about the smooth-running six-cylinder: long shift travel, harder shift shocks and delayed throttle response in the partial load range.

Winner engine: BMW K 1600 GT Sport

landing gear

  maximum number of points   
BMW R 1200 RT    
BMW K 1600 GT Sport
Handiness 40 24 21st
Stability in turns 40 28 30th
Steering behavior 40 28 29
feedback 10 6th 6th
Inclined position 20th 16 15th
Straight-line stability 20th 15th 16
Suspension tuning in front 20th 16 18th
Chassis set-up at the rear 20th 13 17th
Adjustment options undercarriage    10 8th 8th
Suspension comfort 10 7th 8th
Driving behavior with a passenger 20th 17th 17th
total 250 178 185

Good and better. Of course, the BMW R 1200 RT, which is over a hundred pounds lighter and significantly shorter in its wheelbase, is more manageable. The BMW K 1600 GT Sport rolls more precisely, more stable and more comfortably. Important at high speed as well as on rough roads. The renewed strut of the RT could respond better, spring and dampen finer. And there are top tourers with more reserves.

Chassis winner: BMW K 1600 GT Sport

everyday life

  maximum number of points   
BMW R 1200 RT   
BMW K 1600 GT Sport
Ergonomics driver 40 35 37
Ergonomics pillion 20th 18th 17th
Windbreak 20th 18th 16
view 20th 11 13
light 20th 16 19th
Furnishing 30th 30th 30th
Handling / maintenance     30th 21st 18th
Luggage storage 10 9 10
Payload 10 9 6th
Tidy 30th 30th 30th
processing 20th 16 16
total 250 213 212

Both BMWs are real wanderlust armchairs. But on the K the driver sits even more relaxed; The BMW R 1200 RT can be too compact for the big ones. In return, it protects better against the wind – with less consideration in the deeply placed mirrors. The equipment and range are top-notch for both, the payload only on the RT. The adaptive headlights of the BMW K 1600 GT Sport set standards.

Winner everyday life: BMW R 1200 RT

security

  maximum number of points    
BMW R 1200 RT    
BMW K 1600 GT Sport
Braking effect 40 30th 34
Brake metering 30th 18th 18th
Braking with a passenger / fading 20th 15th 16
Righting moment when braking     10 7th 8th
ABS function 20th 16 15th
Handlebar slapping 20th 18th 18th
Ground clearance 10 9 8th
total 150 113 117

Both dissimilar Bavarian sisters brake brutally. But the BMW K 1600 GT Sport remains more stable on its lane and stands up less. The dosability is only mediocre in both. The BMW R 1200 RT offers plenty of ground clearance.

Safety winner: BMW K 1600 GT Sport

costs

  maximum number of points    
BMW R 1200 RT    
BMW K 1600 GT Sport
guarantee 30th 17th 17th
Consumption (country road)     30th 20th 18th
Inspection costs 20th 18th 18th
Maintenance costs 20th 8th 5
total 100 63 58

Boxer advantage: low consumption meets cheaper maintenance. BMW specifies very low service costs.

Winner costs: BMW R 1200 RT

Overall rating

  maximum number of points    
BMW R 1200 RT   
BMW K 1600 GT Sport
Overall rating 1000 746 766
placement 2. 1.
Price-performance note     1.0 2.7 3.3

MOTORCYCLE test result

Bilski

The BMW K 1600 GT Sport wins the BMW Tourer duel

1. BMW K 1600 GT Sport
The more stable and comfortable chassis is convincing, the sensual six-cylinder turns on. Only under touring aspects does the “Sport” give up a little because of its capped windshield.

2. BMW R 1200 RT
More agile, easier to drive and much lighter: the very active, slightly cheaper water boxer is the most dynamic RT since 1978. Only its rear shock should work better.

Info & Travel tips

Map: MAIRDUMONT / Claudia Werel

Tricity corner.

Tricity corner

Worthwhile: a visit to the Wurzburg Residence World Heritage Site, including the baroque gardens, and a detour to top motorcycle routes in Franconian Switzerland. Cheers: Franconia has the highest density of breweries in the world! Further north are the bend areas of the Rhon and Wasserkuppe. Many motorcyclists come together around the Edersee, for example at the US-style “Zundstoff” motorcycle meeting place. The upside down "great house" in Edertal-Affoldern and Waldeck Castle with a restaurant and a wonderful view of the reservoir are well worth seeing. Furthermore, the half-timbered towns Fritzlar and Naumburg. In Kassel-Bad Wilhelmshohe, the 300 meter high mountain park is Germany’s youngest world heritage. From May 1 to October 3, on Wednesdays, Sundays and public holidays, spectacular water features with 300-year-old technology stretch over around 1.5 kilometers: artificial waterfalls, aqueducts and 50-meter-high end fountains. Accommodation tips: the rustic hotel "Papen Änne" in a historic building and with its own beer garden, as well as the "Pentahotel Kassel-Wilhelmshohe" with underground parking, a chic bar and friendly staff.

Hannoversch Munden is located at the confluence of the Werra and Fulda to the Weser and has 700 half-timbered houses plus a magnificent Renaissance town hall. Gastro tip: "The old inn". Further to the east is the popular mountain (racing) route on the B 85 to Kyffhauser. At the parking lot in front of Germany’s third largest monument, you can get one-a-Thuringian bratwurst for one euro each. Weimar with the Goethe and Schillerhaus is a Mecca for culture lovers. To the south, it is worth taking a detour to the 666-year-old village of Buchfart: the covered, 43-meter-long wooden bridge over the Ilm was built in 1816. The mill shop next to it sells bread with flour from the local water mill and 21 types of mustard, the “Ilmtalstubchen” spoils you with the most delicious Soljanka. The Thuringian Forest offers a great landscape, wonderful curves and the vehicle museum in Suhl including the former factory site of the Simson works. Accommodation tip: the romantic hotel "Goldener Hirsch" in Suhl.

Europe, Alps and long-distance travel with the MOTORRAD action team – book now!

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