Can anyone recommend a good dealer

[Taz]

I am considering buying a new (second hand) bike, possibly a K1600 GTSE. My local dealer is known for charging a bit more than the norm, so I would appreciate any feedback on dealers that anyone has recently done good business with.

Thank you.

[tanneman]

Don't know where you are in the UK but Rainbow do some good deals but there is talk of them maybe loosing the BMW dealership. My local is Wollaston who I have dealt with before, reasonable but not the best deals. They have bought North Oxford so have a look there if it is closer. Service from them has been great but I'm on a first name basis with all the lads.

I'm looking at buying one but there is some problems with the early ones. The 2013/4 model onwards is a much better bike. For more info have a look on the K1600 forum or this thread I started on another forum.

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread ... 00-or-what

[Fw190]

+1 on Wollaston, very good follow up and the guys there all pretty good... Steve Nash has always been my contact, top guy...

Ty

[slparry]

I've been pleased with Williams Manchester to be honest

[Steve1200S]

I've had 3 bike from Rainbow, all have had to go back multiple times for warranty work and where ultimately sold due to this.

Techs are good and knowledgeable, but when something goes really wrong on your bike and it has to be referred to BMW uk, I don't think they're the best at fighting your corner and getting it resolved... They like to make every excuse under the sun before finally giving in and sorting the issue.

You get a courtesy bike every time it goes in for repairs though.

[Taz]

Thank you for all the very helpful comments. I had read about the gearbox issues and also that the latest (2013 onwards) was the cure.

I'm torn between the new LC R1200RT and the K1600GT, both of which have pro's and con's.

I don't suppose by chance that anyone has ridden both?

[slparry]

Thank you for all the very helpful comments. I had read about the gearbox issues and also that the latest (2013 onwards) was the cure.

I'm torn between the new LC R1200RT and the K1600GT, both of which have pro's and con's.

I don't suppose by chance that anyone has ridden both?

The 16 is sumptuous but complex, if it were me I'd go for the RT

[tanneman]

Given some time I'll ride the RT. You will have to ride it yourself to make up your mind. The thing with the GT is the power that it has. Overtakes easily and can cruise at 80+ all day long. The RT has the drop on it come fuel range and wind protection but then the WC GSA is better than both in that respect I hear. The noise of that 6 is just the thing and the satnav is locked in and it has plenty of reserve power. By now all BMW tour machines have the same complexity of electronics on them. Servicing is simple enough but expect to pay more when it is fully faired and have more cylinders.

[Steve1200S]

Could try a later, low mileage air cooled 1200RT...
For me I'd avoid the LC until a few years down the line - New model BMWs have a tendency to have teething issues... Which BMW never admit to. The model a few years after always seems to be better.

Its a shame the K1300GT isn't still available new..

[Taz]

Could try a later, low mileage air cooled 1200RT...


Thanks again for all the advice. I think that I am steering towards the RT and possibly (as suggested) a late model, low mileage example.

[Trumpetdude]

Just had dealings with Hunts Honda sth Manchester. Quite accommodating with delivery too.

[rob1170]

Always got my bikes from Charles Hurst in Belfast and Newtownabbey, friendly and knowledgeable people and its a nice run and ferry ride too!

[mrjon]

I went from a single cam RT to the K16GT which I had for 2 years and 12,000 miles, and recently took the RT LC for a test ride.
I didn't think the new RT quite lived up to what I was expecting, still very nice, but it still felt a little squat and heavy at a standstill to me.
The single cam RT I had was a great bike which I really enjoyed, it's only problem was it felt like you were ringing it's neck sometimes to get it to overtake with any enthusiasm. That's where the K16 came in, effortless riding with instant overtakes, they are truly fantastic high performance touring bikes which handle perfectly.If you haven't already a test ride is essential because the ride so much lighter than they look. They're only downside I found was the refinement , they were too refined ! I once rode none stop from Derbyshire to North of Edinburgh and at the end of it I didn't feel as though I'd done anything it was so effortless, it left the itch unscratched if you see what I mean?
What's this about Rainbow losing the franchise?

[slparry]

I went from a single cam RT to the K16GT which I had for 2 years and 12,000 miles, and recently took the RT LC for a test ride.
I didn't think the new RT quite lived up to what I was expecting, still very nice, but it still felt a little squat and heavy at a standstill to me.
The single cam RT I had was a great bike which I really enjoyed, it's only problem was it felt like you were ringing it's neck sometimes to get it to overtake with any enthusiasm. That's where the K16 came in, effortless riding with instant overtakes, they are truly fantastic high performance touring bikes which handle perfectly.If you haven't already a test ride is essential because the ride so much lighter than they look. They're only downside I found was the refinement , they were too refined ! I once rode none stop from Derbyshire to North of Edinburgh and at the end of it I didn't feel as though I'd done anything it was so effortless, it left the itch unscratched if you see what I mean?
What's this about Rainbow losing the franchise?

Have you ever followed PBBoxer

[tanneman]

What's this about Rainbow losing the franchise?

This is just a rumour I heard from another dealer so don't know how true it is. They are undercutting all other dealers and it has been said that BMW doesn't like that. I guess what is meant that when there is a price tag on something then there is only so much discount that you can give or the interest on the finance. What I say all is fair in love and war.

Back on topic. I had a 2nd ride but this time with the missus and a top box. It does make a difference with the aerodynamics but the dynamics is unchanged. A very accomplished bike. The down side is that car park turns and pushing the bike back. Filtering in traffic is a bit daunting because the bike is so wide and the mirrors is just the right hight to hit the SUV mirrors. No such problem on the GSA. A bit heavy but with more time I will probably be able to master that part of riding the beast. It does draw a bit of a crowd especially in Lutterworth next to the Frank Wittle memorial.