BMW K1600GT Sport

So does this spell the end of the K1300S, and the oft-rumored follow-on, the K1400S ? I ride a 2005 K1200S, original blue and white paint scheme, and last year I came close to replacing it with a 2012 K1300S HP limited edition model. Then I came close this year to buying the 30-year K-Bike Anniversary model (red and white beauty). I’m holding out for the K1400S (or better yet, the ultimate K-rumor bike, the K1600S), but now it’s not looking too promising. This K1600GT Sport is just too big. True, my K1200S is a large bike, but it was perfect on a recent ride from San Diego up to and around Yosemite. A great Sport Tourer. There’s a limit though, one where the K1300S is still fine, but the K1600GT Sport appears to have crossed over. And for the tight and twisty stuff, my 1997 Triumph T595 does just fine ! I commute 25 miles 3 days a week on both bikes, and while I have no problem splitting lanes with either, I’m scared even thinking about white-lining with the K1600GT. Of course, I don’t have side bags, so maybe that’s the reason.
I am always on the look out for a replacement for the RS (the gentleman’s sport bike) This bike comes close.
A few years ago I chased a Goldwing up over Bobcat pass in New Mexico. I was awe struck by its ability to accelerate out of the corners. And just how nimble that bike was. Last weekend I lead a K1600GT on a very tight twisty couple of New Mexico roads. I was very impressed with the bike overall quickness. And it’s ability to pull hard. BMWs have always had acceleration under control. That is they tend not to feel like they are accelerating as hard as they are. After enjoying NM 111 and 519 two roads that are more suited to adventure bikes, all I could see in the mirror was a bike with my name on it. And I can get 23 clapped-out Honda Rebels for the price of one BMW Sport. If you don’t appreciate the fit and finish and the technology that goes into the K1600 series, fine, go buy yourself a couple of slightly used VFR1300′s instead. I’d rather have the better bike and pay the difference.