BMW K1600GT & GTL

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Now that I've seen and touched this thing at the Toronto bike show, IMHO, it is a bit big and too heavy, and is more like a replacement for the LT..... they should keep the K13GT as it really competes in a slightly different segment.
I found once I sat on it it didn't seem big. Standing beside the hard bags looked BIG. And yes... way to heavy.

After sitting on it, I sat on the 1300 and felt right. Did love the dash layout of the 1600 though.

 
Now that I've seen and touched this thing at the Toronto bike show, IMHO, it is a bit big and too heavy, and is more like a replacement for the LT..... they should keep the K13GT as it really competes in a slightly different segment.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_CBX I hear you loud and clear, Ray; but I do have to admit I am crazy about six cylinder motorcycles, even though I've never personally owned one. A Pipefitter Buddy up in Marin County, CA lent me his Honda CBX for a week and he rode my 1986 BMW R80RT on up to Oregon.

The sound and feel of the CBX 1000 six was like nothing else on Earth; and, I have never been a big fan of Honda. My Best Beemer Buddy Brian Boles, current President of AZ Beemers (I'm past Prez) has a standing order for the K1600GTL with Victory BMW in Chandler. I cannot wait to try it out!!!
There is lots to like on the K16, and you'll think that CBX was a washing machine.... I just think they were trying to hit two markets with this, luxury touring (e.g., Goldwings and Spyder RT's) and top end of the sport tourers. Economics of ownership come into play big time, and with an LT size and weight, that will exclude many. But, I can tell you all of us would enjoy that first test ride!

 
Rider's Manuals -- GT and GTL

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you're interested in reading the manuals for the GT and GTL, check out these (available on the BMW Motorrad Canada website):

https://www.bmw-motorrad.ca/pdfs/riders/K1600GT.pdf

https://www.bmw-motorrad.ca/pdfs/riders/K1600GTL.pdf

Interestingly, they're actually using some fuses in these bikes and a gel battery. Per GT manual, 319 kg=703 lbs laden with fuel.

On Tuesday morning 2/8/11, my illegitimate ******* Son SkooterG and his Papa Chuy are going to BMW of Scottsdale. I'm going to find out once and for all what the BMW K1600GT is going for out the door, "El Burrito Ballerina" is being drawn to this six banger Motorraden like a moth to the flame or ShinyPartsUp to a young goat!

 
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Ride West BMW in Seattle have just published the prices on their Facebook Wall

 

K1600GT Base $20,900

K1600GT Fully Loaded(*) $24,540

 

 

K1600GTL Base $23,200

K1600GTL Fully Loaded(*) $25845

 

Base includes Xenon Headlight,heated grips,heated seat,cruise,ABS,Power Windshield and LED turn signals

Fully loaded in the context of these bikes includes above plus Bluetooth Audio,GPS,ESA,TPM,Adaptive Headlight,alarm,Fog Lights etc

 

All information from thier facebook wall

 

Lower than I thought it would be, looks like that puts it firmly in goldwing territory

Let the games begin.....

 

DB

 
Ride West BMW in Seattle have just published the prices on their Facebook Wall

 

K1600GT Base $20,900

K1600GT Fully Loaded(*) $24,540

 

 

K1600GTL Base $23,200

K1600GTL Fully Loaded(*) $25845

 

Base includes Xenon Headlight,heated grips,heated seat,cruise,ABS,Power Windshield and LED turn signals

Fully loaded in the context of these bikes includes above plus Bluetooth Audio,GPS,ESA,TPM,Adaptive Headlight,alarm,Fog Lights etc

 

All information from thier facebook wall

 

Lower than I thought it would be, looks like that puts it firmly in goldwing territory

Let the games begin.....

 

DB
Muchas Gracias, DABRIT! My check book is burning a hole in my pocket after reading this! Would have to sell a BMW and my H-D, but damn do I want the Base GT!!!

 
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Don glad I can help you spend your money.

We had discounted these models just because we thought the pricing would be far in excess of this, but like the s1000rr BMW seemed to have been quite aggressive with their pricing. I know they are still expensive bikes but they are in line with their competitors ie Goldwing in this case.

 

Looking forward to demo'ing one of these fine beasts in the near future, now is going to be a GSA and the adventure scene or GTL touring, mmm the boss says GTL and looks like she has gone off the Goldwing.

 

Off to walk the dog then to the BMW dealer to sample some kool-aide, hope they have strawberry.

 

DB

 
Ride West BMW in Seattle have just published the prices on their Facebook Wall

 

K1600GT Base $20,900

K1600GT Fully Loaded(*) $24,540

 

 

K1600GTL Base $23,200

K1600GTL Fully Loaded(*) $25845

 

Base includes Xenon Headlight,heated grips,heated seat,cruise,ABS,Power Windshield and LED turn signals

Fully loaded in the context of these bikes includes above plus Bluetooth Audio,GPS,ESA,TPM,Adaptive Headlight,alarm,Fog Lights etc

 

All information from thier facebook wall

 

Lower than I thought it would be, looks like that puts it firmly in goldwing territory

Let the games begin.....

 

DB
Muchas Gracias, DABRIT! My check book is burning a hole in my pocket after reading this! Would have to sell a BMW and my H-D, but damn do I want the Base GT!!!
That would make a great "step down" bike to the super tenere when you want to go slumming :rolleyes: !!

doctorj

 
Have a red GT on pre order, BMW called and want to know what seat height I wanted. They said with the 1000rr they delivered all at once (dealers demos and pre orders) so thinking the same for K1600. Will also take long demo ride with Dawn, wish my GS was not so perfect and able to do so much.
Congratulations mi Sobrino Enrique! I also want one, but I want to test ride one first. The K1600GT is so freaking sweet!

https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/pressclub/p/pcgl/tvFootageDetail.html?docNo=PF0002989 I love this BMW GT video!!!

 
14.02.2011 19:59BMW Motorrad USA Announces Pricing for 2012 Model Year K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL

Woodcliff Lake' date=' NJ – February 14, 2011…BMW Motorrad USA has announced pricing for the highly anticipated 2012 model year K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL tourers. The K 1600 GT will have a base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $20,900; while the K 1600 GTL will have a base MSRP of $23,200. (Additional destination charge of $495 is not included in MSRP). Both new models will be available for purchase through authorized BMW Motorrad USA dealers this Spring.

https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/pressclub/p/us/pressDetail.html?outputChannelId=9&id=T0097556EN_US&left_menu_item=node__5857

Both Base models come equipped with:

* Xenon headlight with dynamic leveling

* Heated seat

* Heated grips

* Cruise control

* Multifunction display, on-board computer and multi-controller

* Integral ABS

* Luggage rack

* E-Gas throttle with three power modes

* White LED turn signals

* Power adjustable windshield

The Base Model K 1600 GTL also includes:

* Bluetooth

* Audio system with tuner, Sirius satellite radio with one-year complimentary subscription, iPod/USB integration, 3.5mm Aux input, GPS preparation

* Top case in body color

* Comfort backrest for top case

* Third stop light for top case

* Comfort windshield

* Comfort footrests

* Chrome body kit

The Standard Package – only offered on the K 1600 GT – will have a MSRP of $23,045 and will include:

* Preparation for GPS

* ESA II (Electronic suspension adjustment II)

* Safety package (Xenon adaptive headlight, dynamic traction control, tire pressure monitor)

The Premium Package – available on both models – will be offered at an MSRP of $24,540 for the K 1600 GT and $25,845 for the K 1600 GTL.

Premium package equipment for the K 1600 GT includes:

* Audio system with tuner, Sirius satellite radio with one-year complimentary subscription, iPod/USB integration, 3.5mm Aux input, GPS preparation

* Safety package (Xenon adaptive headlight, dynamic traction control, tire pressure monitor)

* GT Luxury Package – ESA II, power central locking system, anti-theft alarm

Premium package equipment for the K 1600 GTL includes:

* Safety package (Xenon adaptive headlight, dynamic traction control, tire pressure monitor)

* GTL Luxury Package – LED fog lights, ESA II, power central locking system, anti-theft alarm

Color options for the K 1600 GT are light grey metallic and vermillion red metallic. Color options for the K 1600 GTL are royal blue metallic and mineral silver metallic.

Color options for the K 1600 GT are light grey metallic and vermillion red metallic. Color options for the K 1600 GTL are royal blue metallic and mineral silver metallic.

New Benchmarks for Grand Touring Motorcycles

The 2012 BMW K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL have set a new benchmark for grand touring motorcycles by offering the world’s most advanced technology available on two wheels. These innovations include:

* The world’s lightest and most compact six-cylinder engine on a production motorcycle. At 226 lbs (including clutch, gearbox and alternator) and less than 22 inches wide, the six-cylinder engine in the K 1600 models is comparable in size to four-cylinder power plants.

* The world’s first Xenon adaptive headlight on a motorcycle. Innovative electronics automatically compensate for the lean angle around corners and ensure the beam of the headlight is always directed at the road ahead.

* The world’s most advanced audio and communications system on a motorcycle. Bluetooth for wireless communication, Sirius satellite radio with a complimentary 12-month subscription, integration for iPod, USB stick and auxiliary input, AM/FM tuner, pre-wired for Navigator 4.

* A multi-controller on the left-hand grip, which allows riders to operate the motorcycle’s systems and adjust its settings without taking their hands off the bars.

Pre-Sale Program to End February 28

Due to extraordinary customer response, the K 1600 GT/GTL pre-sale program will end February 28 to enable BMW Motorrad retailers to fulfill pre-orders in a timely manner.

“The positive response to our pre-sale program speaks volumes about the reputation of our dealers and the strong confidence consumers have in BMW’s technology and quality,” commented Todd Andersen, Marketing Manager, BMW Motorrad USA.

Following are three links to the latest K 1600 GT and BMW K 1600 GTL press material:

1. Complete Press Kit:

https://bmwsuperbikes.com/BMWSB_K1600GT_GTL_EN_US.pdf

2. Additional Photos:

https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/pressclub/p/us/pressDetail.html?outputChannelId=9&id=T0086034EN_US&left_menu_item=node__5857

3. Video With Engine Sound:

https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/pressclub/p/pcgl/tvFootageDetail.html?docNo=PF0002989

Documents for downloading:

* 110214_BMW_K_1600_GTGTL_Pricing_final.docx (DOCX, EN_US , 62.22KB)
 
14.02.2011 19:59BMW Motorrad USA Announces Pricing for 2012 Model Year K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL

Woodcliff Lake' date=' NJ – February 14, 2011…BMW Motorrad USA has announced pricing for the highly anticipated 2012 model year K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL tourers. The K 1600 GT will have a base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $20,900; while the K 1600 GTL will have a base MSRP of $23,200. (Additional destination charge of $495 is not included in MSRP). Both new models will be available for purchase through authorized BMW Motorrad USA dealers this Spring.

https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/pressclub/p/us/pressDetail.html?outputChannelId=9&id=T0097556EN_US&left_menu_item=node__5857

Both Base models come equipped with:

* Xenon headlight with dynamic leveling

* Heated seat

* Heated grips

* Cruise control

* Multifunction display, on-board computer and multi-controller

* Integral ABS

* Luggage rack

* E-Gas throttle with three power modes

* White LED turn signals

* Power adjustable windshield

The Base Model K 1600 GTL also includes:

* Bluetooth

* Audio system with tuner, Sirius satellite radio with one-year complimentary subscription, iPod/USB integration, 3.5mm Aux input, GPS preparation

* Top case in body color

* Comfort backrest for top case

* Third stop light for top case

* Comfort windshield

* Comfort footrests

* Chrome body kit

The Standard Package – only offered on the K 1600 GT – will have a MSRP of $23,045 and will include:

* Preparation for GPS

* ESA II (Electronic suspension adjustment II)

* Safety package (Xenon adaptive headlight, dynamic traction control, tire pressure monitor)

The Premium Package – available on both models – will be offered at an MSRP of $24,540 for the K 1600 GT and $25,845 for the K 1600 GTL.

Premium package equipment for the K 1600 GT includes:

* Audio system with tuner, Sirius satellite radio with one-year complimentary subscription, iPod/USB integration, 3.5mm Aux input, GPS preparation

* Safety package (Xenon adaptive headlight, dynamic traction control, tire pressure monitor)

* GT Luxury Package – ESA II, power central locking system, anti-theft alarm

Premium package equipment for the K 1600 GTL includes:

* Safety package (Xenon adaptive headlight, dynamic traction control, tire pressure monitor)

* GTL Luxury Package – LED fog lights, ESA II, power central locking system, anti-theft alarm

Color options for the K 1600 GT are light grey metallic and vermillion red metallic. Color options for the K 1600 GTL are royal blue metallic and mineral silver metallic.

Color options for the K 1600 GT are light grey metallic and vermillion red metallic. Color options for the K 1600 GTL are royal blue metallic and mineral silver metallic.

New Benchmarks for Grand Touring Motorcycles

The 2012 BMW K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL have set a new benchmark for grand touring motorcycles by offering the world’s most advanced technology available on two wheels. These innovations include:

* The world’s lightest and most compact six-cylinder engine on a production motorcycle. At 226 lbs (including clutch, gearbox and alternator) and less than 22 inches wide, the six-cylinder engine in the K 1600 models is comparable in size to four-cylinder power plants.

* The world’s first Xenon adaptive headlight on a motorcycle. Innovative electronics automatically compensate for the lean angle around corners and ensure the beam of the headlight is always directed at the road ahead.

* The world’s most advanced audio and communications system on a motorcycle. Bluetooth for wireless communication, Sirius satellite radio with a complimentary 12-month subscription, integration for iPod, USB stick and auxiliary input, AM/FM tuner, pre-wired for Navigator 4.

* A multi-controller on the left-hand grip, which allows riders to operate the motorcycle’s systems and adjust its settings without taking their hands off the bars.

Pre-Sale Program to End February 28

Due to extraordinary customer response, the K 1600 GT/GTL pre-sale program will end February 28 to enable BMW Motorrad retailers to fulfill pre-orders in a timely manner.

“The positive response to our pre-sale program speaks volumes about the reputation of our dealers and the strong confidence consumers have in BMW’s technology and quality,” commented Todd Andersen, Marketing Manager, BMW Motorrad USA.

Following are three links to the latest K 1600 GT and BMW K 1600 GTL press material:

1. Complete Press Kit:

https://bmwsuperbikes.com/BMWSB_K1600GT_GTL_EN_US.pdf

2. Additional Photos:

https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/pressclub/p/us/pressDetail.html?outputChannelId=9&id=T0086034EN_US&left_menu_item=node__5857

3. Video With Engine Sound:

https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/pressclub/p/pcgl/tvFootageDetail.html?docNo=PF0002989

Documents for downloading:

* 110214_BMW_K_1600_GTGTL_Pricing_final.docx (DOCX, EN_US , 62.22KB)
Thanks Don lots of good stuff to look though there.

 

Well we visited the Koolaid dealer at the weekend, they said that they would have a demo about mid summer but were working on getting one earlier.

 

While we were there we got to sample the GSA mmm now that's going to be hard choice, ADV or Sophisticated Touring.

 

Di likes the idea of both, so the summer looks like test ride time. :yahoo:

 

DB

 
Do my reading ears deceive me? Do I hear Herr Stanley interested in a 'K' bike. I guess cows do jump over the moon :eek:
As a 16 year member of AZ Beemers/PITS everyone has heard Papa Chuy badmouth 'K' bikes, often!!!

But I fully admit I'm revved up over a six cylinder 'K' BMW! I first saw a Benelli Sei on Passo di Stelvio many years ago in the Alps and was blown away. Then a friend and I swapped bikes for a week because he and his girlfriend were going on a M/C camping/touring trip to Oregon: They rode my 1986 BMW R80RT and I rode his 1979 Honda CBX 1000. Absolutely loved that six cylinder motor. Also spent a few days now and then on a Kawasaki KZ1300 owned by a friend from San Luis Obispo, CA.

Guilty as charged, if my test ride confirms how nice I believe this bike is going to be: I am going to sell one Beemer and my H-D in order to afford a BMW K1600GT. I'll name her Gisele!!!

 
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Gisele's a great name! In my distant youth, during Johnson's presidency, our family was in Germany for almost 3 years, Dad's company was working with the Germans and their use of our Sergeant missiles, but I digress. A neighboring family had a daughter named Gisele, became a very good friend of mine and my sisters. (This was pre-teen days, so it wasn't that kind of "good friend.")

 
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Gisele's a great name! In my distant youth, during Johnson's presidency, our family was in Germany for almost 3 years, Dad's company was working with the Germans and their use of our Sergeant missiles, but I digress. A neighboring family had a daughter named Gisele, became a very good friend of mine and my sisters. (This was pre-teen days, so it wasn't that kind of "good friend.")
Walt, it is a small world after all! I spent 1968 to 1974 as a US Army Artilleryman, trained in Howitzers. But, when I was sent to Augsburg, Bavaria, Germany for all of 1969 and 1970 I was assigned to the 5/32nd Artillery Battalion at Reiss Kaserne, firing the Honest John Missiles alongside German troops. Where were you and your family living at?

 
We were near Aachen, lived in Wurselen. (Not even gonna try to find how to do umlauts on this keyboard.) Dad worked somewhere almost to Bonn. Had to do like 60 miles one way on the autobahn in his MGB every day. Tough life.

We were there 1964-66.

And hey, if you're artillery, you've been to Ft. Sill, right? I was born in Lawton, but of course, high-tailed it out at the first opportunity. Been back a few times, still have kin there. Still mostly pawn shops and used car lots.

And I know the Honest John; weird bulb-shaped nose, right? I have 8mm home movies of a demonstration firing of one of those at Ft. Sill. Other stuff in that demo was live-fire napalm dropped from Super Sabres. Just a regular air show, right?

 
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We were near Aachen, lived in Wurselen. (Not even gonna try to find how to do umlauts on this keyboard.) Dad worked somewhere almost to Bonn. Had to do like 60 miles one way on the autobahn in his MGB every day. Tough life.

We were there 1964-66.

And hey, if you're artillery, you've been to Ft. Sill, right? I was born in Lawton, but of course, high-tailed it out at the first opportunity. Been back a few times, still have kin there. Still mostly pawn shops and used car lots.

And I know the Honest John; weird bulb-shaped nose, right? I have 8mm home movies of a demonstration firing of one of those at Ft. Sill. Other stuff in that demo was live-fire napalm dropped from Super Sabres. Just a regular air show, right?

wfooshee, check this! Don Carver put these photos of an Honest John up over on his "I've got me an itch..." thread. I still like Oklahoma, cool people like Petey live there!

50.JPG


51.JPG


 
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14.02.2011 19:59BMW Motorrad USA Announces Pricing for 2012 Model Year K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL

Woodcliff Lake' date=' NJ – February 14, 2011…BMW Motorrad USA has announced pricing for the highly anticipated 2012 model year K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL tourers. The K 1600 GT will have a base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $20,900; while the K 1600 GTL will have a base MSRP of $23,200. (Additional destination charge of $495 is not included in MSRP). Both new models will be available for purchase through authorized BMW Motorrad USA dealers this Spring.

https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/pressclub/p/us/pressDetail.html?outputChannelId=9&id=T0097556EN_US&left_menu_item=node__5857

Both Base models come equipped with:

* Xenon headlight with dynamic leveling

* Heated seat

* Heated grips

* Cruise control

* Multifunction display, on-board computer and multi-controller

* Integral ABS

* Luggage rack

* E-Gas throttle with three power modes

* White LED turn signals

* Power adjustable windshield

The Base Model K 1600 GTL also includes:

* Bluetooth

* Audio system with tuner, Sirius satellite radio with one-year complimentary subscription, iPod/USB integration, 3.5mm Aux input, GPS preparation

* Top case in body color

* Comfort backrest for top case

* Third stop light for top case

* Comfort windshield

* Comfort footrests

* Chrome body kit

The Standard Package – only offered on the K 1600 GT – will have a MSRP of $23,045 and will include:

* Preparation for GPS

* ESA II (Electronic suspension adjustment II)

* Safety package (Xenon adaptive headlight, dynamic traction control, tire pressure monitor)

The Premium Package – available on both models – will be offered at an MSRP of $24,540 for the K 1600 GT and $25,845 for the K 1600 GTL.

Premium package equipment for the K 1600 GT includes:

* Audio system with tuner, Sirius satellite radio with one-year complimentary subscription, iPod/USB integration, 3.5mm Aux input, GPS preparation

* Safety package (Xenon adaptive headlight, dynamic traction control, tire pressure monitor)

* GT Luxury Package – ESA II, power central locking system, anti-theft alarm

Premium package equipment for the K 1600 GTL includes:

* Safety package (Xenon adaptive headlight, dynamic traction control, tire pressure monitor)

* GTL Luxury Package – LED fog lights, ESA II, power central locking system, anti-theft alarm

Color options for the K 1600 GT are light grey metallic and vermillion red metallic. Color options for the K 1600 GTL are royal blue metallic and mineral silver metallic.

Color options for the K 1600 GT are light grey metallic and vermillion red metallic. Color options for the K 1600 GTL are royal blue metallic and mineral silver metallic.

New Benchmarks for Grand Touring Motorcycles

The 2012 BMW K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL have set a new benchmark for grand touring motorcycles by offering the world’s most advanced technology available on two wheels. These innovations include:

* The world’s lightest and most compact six-cylinder engine on a production motorcycle. At 226 lbs (including clutch, gearbox and alternator) and less than 22 inches wide, the six-cylinder engine in the K 1600 models is comparable in size to four-cylinder power plants.

* The world’s first Xenon adaptive headlight on a motorcycle. Innovative electronics automatically compensate for the lean angle around corners and ensure the beam of the headlight is always directed at the road ahead.

* The world’s most advanced audio and communications system on a motorcycle. Bluetooth for wireless communication, Sirius satellite radio with a complimentary 12-month subscription, integration for iPod, USB stick and auxiliary input, AM/FM tuner, pre-wired for Navigator 4.

* A multi-controller on the left-hand grip, which allows riders to operate the motorcycle’s systems and adjust its settings without taking their hands off the bars.

Pre-Sale Program to End February 28

Due to extraordinary customer response, the K 1600 GT/GTL pre-sale program will end February 28 to enable BMW Motorrad retailers to fulfill pre-orders in a timely manner.

“The positive response to our pre-sale program speaks volumes about the reputation of our dealers and the strong confidence consumers have in BMW’s technology and quality,” commented Todd Andersen, Marketing Manager, BMW Motorrad USA.

Following are three links to the latest K 1600 GT and BMW K 1600 GTL press material:

1. Complete Press Kit:

https://bmwsuperbikes.com/BMWSB_K1600GT_GTL_EN_US.pdf

2. Additional Photos:

https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/pressclub/p/us/pressDetail.html?outputChannelId=9&id=T0086034EN_US&left_menu_item=node__5857

3. Video With Engine Sound:

https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/pressclub/p/pcgl/tvFootageDetail.html?docNo=PF0002989

Documents for downloading:

* 110214_BMW_K_1600_GTGTL_Pricing_final.docx (DOCX, EN_US , 62.22KB)
Thanks Don lots of good stuff to look though there.

 

Well we visited the Koolaid dealer at the weekend, they said that they would have a demo about mid summer but were working on getting one earlier.

 

While we were there we got to sample the GSA mmm now that's going to be hard choice, ADV or Sophisticated Touring.

 

Di likes the idea of both, so the summer looks like test ride time. :yahoo:

 

DB

One of our dealers here in Denver already has 16 orders for the new 1600. One of my customers just told me that. Pretty good in this economic climate. I think it will be serious competition for the Gold Wing.
 
Does anyone here know if you can do a European delivery?
2006 FJR, You can get a BMW for European Delivery if you join the US Military and are stationed in Europe. Otherwise, and sadly, that program has been dead for almost 18 years now. Here is the article from the October 2008 issue of BMW Owners News:

"Euro Purchase & Delivery

September 16 2008

The BMW corporate-administered program offering European delivery of new USA or CDN-specification BMW motorcycles to civilian customers ended in 1993; its continuation by BMW dealer BMWNY ended in 1998. US citizens are also not allowed to order US-spec BMW motorcycles directly from European BMW dealers for European delivery. The only exception is that US armed forces personnel in Europe may be able to purchase US-spec BMWs for European delivery by special order through the BMW subsidiary of the country where they're stationed, or through specialty agents in Europe such as www.militarysalescenter.comor www.bmw-military-sales.com.

As a general rule, European countries require that a person be a 'resident' to legally purchase/ title/ register & insure a motor vehicle in their own name. US (any country) civilian citizens traveling in Europe as tourists cannot therefore legally buy bikes in Europe (some non-Europeans 'get around' this restriction by having a local citizen/ friend register & insure a bike in the local's name, but this obviously requires a close personal relationship). US civilian citizens in a European country on a student, work or similar 'resident' visa canlegally buy, register & insure a bike in that country.

The exact procedures for vehicle purchase/ title/ registration & insurance vary between Euro countries. In Germany, for example, vehicle registration is a local municipality, not State-level function. If you're legally able to buy & register a bike, insurance must be obtained from an underwriter/ broker in that country (there is no 'reciprocal' underwriting of Euro-registered vehicles by US insurance companies). Because your US driving & insurance record is not available to European insurance companies, it may help obtaining Euro insurance at reasonable rates to get a summary of your US driving and insurance record to show Euro insurance agents.

Some Americans ship & keep/store a US-registered bike in Europe for periodic riding, retaining US home State title/ registration & insurance, and Euro-insuring the bike (only) for the periods during which it's ridden there (using temporary Euro green card insurance described above). This is technically against local Euro registration rules (as it is in the US), but such rules are not 'enforced' so long as the rider has current US registration and temporary Euro insurance documents. Such US-registered bikes very occasionally become available for sale, and the sale transaction is handled just as one would in the US; there is no involvement of local Euro agencies.

If you're legally able to buy a Euro-spec bike in Europe, do not expect or plan to ship/ return that bike with you to the US.

BMW MOA

P.O. Box 3982

Ballwin, MO 63022

509A Old State Rd

Ellisville, MO 63021

ph:(636)394-7277

fx:(636)391-1811"

 
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