BMW K1600GT vs. Kawasaki Concours 14 - Motorcycle Consumer ...

ESA, driving modes and grip heat, via the rotation of a single
knob. It takes a little getting used to, but it is very intuitive and
fun to use.
Riding Impression—K1600GT 1st; C14 2nd
With their powerhouse engines, neutral handling, excellent
wind protection and heated grips, the K1600GT and the Concours
14 are excellent platforms from which to view the world in
fast motion. The Concours 14 offers up the more aggressive feel
with its slightly forward seating position and lower handlebars.
But there are two things that make the GT stand out during
long rides. The first is its Multi-Controller, which gives the rider
plenty of options to fiddle with and occupy time while droning
down a desolate stretch of highway. Even better, though, is the
amazingly raspy exhaust note that emanates from the GT’s dual
mufflers. With less baffling than the GTL, the GT’s mufflers
allow the rider to enjoy the BMW six’s exciting exhaust note,
which is more reminiscent of a 12-cylinder Ferrari or Lamborghini
than any German vehicle we’ve ever heard. It makes running
the GT through its gears all the more enjoyable.
The fuel economy delivered by these two is reflective of their
big-block powerplants, and admittedly we aren’t overly confident
that our GT’s fuel mileage is entirely accurate. The problem
lies with the fact that the GT’s fuel filler neck incorporates
a long plastic spigot that extends down into the tank and makes
it difficult to tell when the GT’s 7.0-gal. fuel tank is topped. At
any rate, our GT averaged 42.4 mpg, while the C14 averaged
37.4 mpg. For more perspective, you can compare these
numbers to the 37.9 mpg that we recorded for the GTL in our
September, 2011, touring comparison and to the 43.3 mpg that
the C14 averaged on our long-distance Japanese Sport Touring
Shootout in August, 2010.
Attention to Detail—K1600GT 1st; C14 2nd
If not for two irritating so-called “amenities,” the Kawasaki might
have equaled the BMW in this category. First is Kawasaki’s Intelligent
Proximity Activation Start System (KIPASS), which does away
with the traditional motorcycle key in favor of a remote key fob that
secures the C14 whenever the fob is more than 5.25' from the motorcycle.
We’re all for security, however, this system has severe drawbacks.
First is that you cannot open the fuel cap or remove the
saddlebags without the fob, as it locks the C14’s over-sized ignition
key into the ignition. You can use the accessory key located in the
fob if you should happen to have it with you, but the entire
arrangement is more of a hassle than it’s worth.
The second is the C14’s map case. Kawasaki engineers
relocated it from the fuel tank to the left side of the
fairing for 2010, but the new case door’s latch mechanism
is far from precise, often requiring serious prying
to get it to release. By the same token, the door can also
require several attempts just to close it securely.
On the plus side, the C14’s saddlebags are easy to
open and easy to remove—if you have the key fob—
and its grip heaters offer plenty of warmth for cold riding
days. Also redesigned in 2010, Kawasaki’s lower
fairing does a fantastic job of keeping heat off the rider
on warmer days.
The K1600GT exudes a high degree of fit and finish
without any noticeable glitches, but it isn’t perfect. Its
annoying fuel tank filler neck is a perfect example.
Another is that while its swing-out air scoops do an
excellent job of ventilating the cockpit in warm weather,
there are no detents to allow the rider to incrementally
adjust their airflow. Adding detents would be a small
improvement that could greatly increase rider comfort.
Scott Rousseau
Value—C14 1st; K1600GT 2nd;
If you’ve read any of our recent model comparisons that have
included BMW motorcycles, then you probably know the challenge
in justifying price vs. value of motorcycles in the same
class as a BMW. The GT’s base MSRP of $20,900 is nearly $5000
more than the Kawasaki, but that doesn’t even scratch the surface
of the GT’s available trim packages.
The base K1600GT does include a fixed Xenon headlight with
BMW’s dynamic leveling feature, heated seat and heated grips,
cruise control, the multi-function display, on-board computer
and Multi-Controller, the integral ABS package, the E-Gas throttle
with power modes, the electrically adjustable windscreen and
a luggage rack. BMW’s Standard Package increases the price to
$23,405 and adds the ESA II electronic suspension adjustment,
GPS-ready wiring and a safety package that includes the Xenon
adaptive headlight, dynamic traction control and tire pressure
monitoring system. Stepping up to the Premium Package for
$24,540 includes all of the above plus a full audio system with a
radio, Sirius satellite radio (with a free one-year subscription),
iPod/USB integration, and an auxiliary input and additional security
features in the form of a power locking system and an alarm.
The 2011 Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS, as tested here, costs
$15,599. While it lacks all the rider-pampering features of the
GT, it does include two power modes, ABS, traction control, an
electrically adjustable windshield and heated grips.
Simply put, if price is important to you, then the Kawasaki
Concours 14 wins this category, hands down. If the status appeal
of the BMW plays a big role in your purchasing decision, the
GT may well justify its hefty premium.
Overall—K1600GT 1st; C14 2nd
The Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS is an extremely polished
sport-tourer, with a powerful yet civilized engine, supple suspension
and very good handling character. What it lacks in hightech
gadgetry it makes up for with a purist’s sport-touring ride.
It’s still the best Japanese sport-tourer we’ve ever ridden. The
BMW K1600GT sets a new bar for the category with its sweetrunning
six-cylinder engine, luxurious comfort and its impressive
array of new technology. For most potential buyers, choosing a
winner will come down to cost. The Kawasaki represents the best
value in the over-1000cc sport-touring class today, but the BMW
is simply at the head of the class. If you want the best, you can get
it in the BMW, but it will cost you.
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