Efthreeoh's Beemer Update again (last one)...
Yesterday I was able to get the K1600B out for an extended ride and run some errands with it, as one might do. I took a large envelope to the post office to mail my state taxes, which fit in the pannier nicely. I then went to the grocery store and bought some foodstuffs, again all which the panniers handled nicely. The B passed the broken egg test.
I'll be honest here and say I was close to calling it a mistake to buy the new scooter sight unseen and was considering the financial impact of selling it and cut my losses. My first two rides were not stellar. I think a lot has to do with somehow I've aged a bit since
the past when riding was more a significant part of my travels. There are a lot of reasons for that I don't need to delve into. Yesterday, some of the aging issues have subsided, which is leaning more positive for keeping the new scooter.
The windshield sucks for me, as I like to ride with an open-face helmet and I'm just too tall in the seat to find clean air or still air. Research indicates a solution for the windshield is easily and inexpensively solvable. I have some credit card reward money to use towards a need screen, so that is a zero-cost impact to play with buying a screen or two to find the right one.
Ergos: I think I will consider lowering the pegs as
flybigjet recommended. The mirrors I do not really like because they are difficult to position, but I can live with that. I need to get used to the throttle-by-wire system. I noticed it pushes back under some situations with the resistance not linear like on a cable throttle. The seat and bars I find quite comfortable. The controls, which must include interface for the smart phone integration are the best in the business and much better than Honda's solution for the Goldwing.
Drivetrain and Chassis: The engine makes noises in the sub-2500 RPM range that are concerning. Seems this is a common observation about the K1600 in-line 6. It's under warranty for the next 40 months, so if the engine grenades, I'm covered. The transmission at times is one ass clunky mechanism, which I'd expect from a Harley but not a BMW. The K1600 has BMW's shift-assist pro, which lets you shift up and down without the clutch once in motion. I'm not sure why this apparatus is necessary on a street motorcycle and comes across as a complete gimmick to me. BMW says it is to relieve hand fatigue from using the clutch, which I find amusing. If shifting a motorcycle is such a chore to create hand fatigue, then I'll hang up my helmet. For me the system makes the shifter spongey. It can be removed as I understand it. I need to look into that.
But no misunderstanding about it, the engine is a beast and a most excellent sample of a BMW in-line-6.
The chassis is superb. The suspension and steering are excellent, and it rides fantastically. The brakes are excellent as one expects from a BMW, Bimmer or Beemer.
It feels good to ride again; that's the best part of this whole endeavor. Again, thanks for the interest in reading this post.