BMW K1600GTL - Long-Term Test Update #2

"Why, why, do we have to go to work?" This is the overriding thought that crosses the minds of staffers and contributors alike any time one throws a leg over the K1600GTL, to the point that we were thinking of getting a personalized plate that reads "SICK DAY."

While the GTL makes for a good commuter and feels pretty light when bagless, it’s been used for several multi-day trips loaded to the gills with luggage and a passenger. Nothing beats the electronically adjustable suspension for rapid and easy accommodation of such variations in load.

The stock Metzeler Roadtec Z8 Interact tires held up well, the rear calling it quits at about 5400 miles. Pretty impressive for a 753-pound-dry touring machine with 133 horses and 112 foot-pounds of torque; especially since we try to use all of that juice as much as possible. The front still has life, so we are stretching it.

We blew it on rear brake wear, letting the pads ($93.82) get down to metal and scoring the disc ($369.52). We’re including the pads in the maintenance total but leaving the disc out of the “repair” column, since that was our fault.

Best mod so far? The BMW accessory Akrapovic slip-on silencers. They are wickedly expensive at $2615 but drop several pounds over stock and boost horsepower (plus 3) and torque (plus 2). Plus, the sound of that Six is even sweeter without being intrusive on long rides. Time to call in sick again.