Author Topic: 2011 - C14 "dethroned" and BMW 1600GT steps in its place  (Read 20918 times)

Offline stevewfl

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2011 - C14 "dethroned" and BMW 1600GT steps in its place
« on: July 28, 2011, 11:12:32 PM »
But the new Kawi 1000cc sport-tourer won Motorcyclist 2011 "Bike of the Year" award!

Best Sportbike: Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC SE
Best Naked Bike: Triumph Speed Triple
Best Sport Touring Bike: BMW K1600GT (honorable 2nd mentioned for Concours14)
Best Adventure Bike: Triumph Tiger 800 XC
Best Dream Bike: Erik Buell Racing 1190RS
Best Bang For The Buck Bike: Honda CBR250R
Best Cruiser Bike: Ducati Diavel
BEst Dirt Bike: KTM 350 SX-F


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Offline IRULE

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Re: 2011 - C14 "dethroned" and BMW 1600GT steps in its place
« Reply #1 on: July 28, 2011, 11:18:03 PM »
BMW 1600GT is about $4000+ more!  We are not comparing apple to apple!  Just imagine putting another $4k into C14...
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Offline ZG

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Re: 2011 - C14 "dethroned" and BMW 1600GT steps in its place
« Reply #2 on: July 28, 2011, 11:22:00 PM »
BMW 1600GT is about $4000+ more!  We are not comparing apple to apple!  Just imagine putting another $4k into C14...

Or $6k...  ;D

Offline Rick Hall

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Re: 2011 - C14 "dethroned" and BMW 1600GT steps in its place
« Reply #3 on: July 28, 2011, 11:26:29 PM »
But the new Kawi 1000cc sport-tourer won Motorcyclist 2011 "Bike of the Year" award!
...

Those of us that [still] ride a C-10 have known this since, umm, well, 1986 ;)

Rick
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Offline stevewfl

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Re: 2011 - C14 "dethroned" and BMW 1600GT steps in its place
« Reply #4 on: July 28, 2011, 11:31:17 PM »
Those of us that [still] ride a C-10 have known this since, umm, well, 1986 ;)

Rick

Had the new 1000 been out, I may be riding one over the C14. Matter of fact, hard not to buy one now! My friend at kawasaki says it accomdates the same panniers as the Versys.



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Offline stevewfl

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Re: 2011 - C14 "dethroned" and BMW 1600GT steps in its place
« Reply #5 on: July 28, 2011, 11:31:59 PM »

Or $6k...  ;D

Yea that was the honorbale mention, the Kawi is cheaper.  But for $6,000 one still could not add a 24 valve straight 6 engine (160 HP with a BRUTAL torque curve), an "adjustable on the fly suspension", adaptive headlight technology that looks into the turns, and a host of other features BMW got right. 

I think they have the winning bike for 2011, and sure it costs more to have more.
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Offline Glenn

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Re: 2011 - C14 "dethroned" and BMW 1600GT steps in its place
« Reply #6 on: July 28, 2011, 11:42:04 PM »
Just checked the MSRP of the K1600GT here in Canada. It is $8100 more than what I paid for my 2011 C14. For $8100 I could probably find a nice 08 or 09 C14 for a backup bike! The only thing it has that I wish my C14 had is cruise control. I don't doubt that its a fine motorcycle but... too much money!
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Offline martin_14

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Re: 2011 - C14 "dethroned" and BMW 1600GT steps in its place
« Reply #7 on: July 29, 2011, 02:18:47 AM »
Just checked the MSRP of the K1600GT here in Canada. It is $8100 more than what I paid for my 2011 C14. For $8100 I could probably find a nice 08 or 09 C14 for a backup bike! The only thing it has that I wish my C14 had is cruise control. I don't doubt that its a fine motorcycle but... too much money!

A K1600 GT costs 20000€ in Germany. The list price of a 1400GTR is 17500€, but nobody is paying that. One can get a Kawa from last year for 15000€. I got my '08 in march '09 (in the worst of the crisis) for 12000€. I looked at the K1300 GT back then and BMW wouldn't give me a cent as a discount.

Steve, I'm not sure you drove this bike. I did, several times, and also the GTL. Yes, the GT is more sporty, but in a touring context. It doesn't have the capabilities of the C14 in the sport area, as I experienced myself last weekend in the Dolomites in the north of Italy. We were 35 bikes, 30 of which were BMW, among which 2 GTs and 1 GTL. They AREN'T sport bikes in any sense of the term. The GT as the pegs some mm higher and the grips and some mm forward. The engine torque makes up for a lot of the extra weight, but it doesn't handle like a Kawasaki 1400GTR. Believe me. Or not. Go try one  ;)

In my personal experience, the BMW will take you to your hotel in the middle of the Alps in more comfort, but you'll get there and before hitting the curves you'll want another bike. With the Kawasaki, you have both in one. Yes, it's a bit too heavy and not that comfortable, but you loose in one area much, much less than what you get in the other one. For an average driver like me, it can hit the twisties much harder than I can, and it can take me further in a tour than what I'm willing to per day. In Germany, then, to replace the 15000€ Kawasaki, you need a 22000€ BMW GT (the +2k are for the goodies) and a 12000€ Ninja of some sort. And a way to get both and switch back and forth according to your mood. Try that.
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Offline darrell

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Re: 2011 - C14 "dethroned" and BMW 1600GT steps in its place
« Reply #8 on: July 29, 2011, 03:53:38 AM »
The lack of BMW dealer support in my area, along with the higher cost of maintenance pretty much sealed BMW out of my bike selection.

The FJR felt a bit too cramped, the Honda overpriced for a unchanged design, and the Triumph suffered the same dealer support problem of the BMW.

The Concours was my MOTY award winner.

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Re: 2011 - C14 "dethroned" and BMW 1600GT steps in its place
« Reply #9 on: July 29, 2011, 12:39:30 PM »
Yea that was the honorbale mention, the Kawi is cheaper.  But for $6,000 one still could not add a 24 valve straight 6 engine (160 HP with a BRUTAL torque curve), an "adjustable on the fly suspension", adaptive headlight technology that looks into the turns, and a host of other features BMW got right. 

I think they have the winning bike for 2011, and sure it costs more to have more.

Well I have to agree with you, taken literally, the BMW is a 'better' bike.  I suppose.  I guess it's all in what you are looking for, and to be honest, price has to be a consideration at some point, else where would you draw a line?  And it's all perspective too.  $13K vs $20K is a big difference to most, but to some, eh, its 'just' 7 grand.  To me these awards are like awarding who has the best anything.  It's purely a subjective exercise.

BTW, my C14 has been awarded "Best C14 of all the C14's ever built" for all time.  Sorry, it's official guys.

Offline B.D.F.

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Re: 2011 - C14 "dethroned" and BMW 1600GT steps in its place
« Reply #10 on: July 29, 2011, 05:15:23 PM »
$4K ??? $6K ???

Not sure how you folks are doing your math but a brand new C-14 can be had for just under $12.5K with another $600 in dealer fees. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Kawasaki-ZG-1400-CBF-ZG1400-CONCORSE-14-ANTI-LOCK-BRAKES-NEW-2011-KAWASAKI-CONCOURS-14-ABS-ZG1400-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem415bedc178QQitemZ280715182456QQptZUSQ5fmotorcycles#ht_5858wt_1165

A new BMW K1600GT is $25K at Max's BMW and I do not think that is the 'out the door' price including destination charges. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Kawasaki-ZG-1400-CBF-ZG1400-CONCORSE-14-ANTI-LOCK-BRAKES-NEW-2011-KAWASAKI-CONCOURS-14-ABS-ZG1400-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem415bedc178QQitemZ280715182456QQptZUSQ5fmotorcycles#ht_5858wt_1165

But even if that is the <real> end price, it is at least $12,000 more than a new C-14. Just about twice the price of two C-14s. Now that new BMW might be a spiffy bike but it is simply not in the same price catagory as a C-14.

Brian


BMW 1600GT is about $4000+ more!  We are not comparing apple to apple!  Just imagine putting another $4k into C14...


Or $6k...  ;D
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Offline Jeremy Mitchell

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Re: 2011 - C14 "dethroned" and BMW 1600GT steps in its place
« Reply #11 on: July 29, 2011, 06:16:06 PM »
I think the GTL is around $25,000 but isn't the GT closer to $20,000?  Still a big difference in price but I don't think the GT is double the price of a C14.
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Offline ZG

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Re: 2011 - C14 "dethroned" and BMW 1600GT steps in its place
« Reply #12 on: July 29, 2011, 06:21:39 PM »
$4K ??? $6K ???

Not sure how you folks are doing your math but a brand new C-14 can be had for just under $12.5K with another $600 in dealer fees. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Kawasaki-ZG-1400-CBF-ZG1400-CONCORSE-14-ANTI-LOCK-BRAKES-NEW-2011-KAWASAKI-CONCOURS-14-ABS-ZG1400-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem415bedc178QQitemZ280715182456QQptZUSQ5fmotorcycles#ht_5858wt_1165

A new BMW K1600GT is $25K at Max's BMW and I do not think that is the 'out the door' price including destination charges. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Kawasaki-ZG-1400-CBF-ZG1400-CONCORSE-14-ANTI-LOCK-BRAKES-NEW-2011-KAWASAKI-CONCOURS-14-ABS-ZG1400-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem415bedc178QQitemZ280715182456QQptZUSQ5fmotorcycles#ht_5858wt_1165

But even if that is the <real> end price, it is at least $12,000 more than a new C-14. Just about twice the price of two C-14s. Now that new BMW might be a spiffy bike but it is simply not in the same price catagory as a C-14.

Brian


Brian,
My $6k number was what I've put into farkles on mine so far. It was in response to Irule's comment regarding putting another $4k into a C14...

Offline B.D.F.

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Re: 2011 - C14 "dethroned" and BMW 1600GT steps in its place
« Reply #13 on: July 29, 2011, 06:54:02 PM »
OK, I didn't get that meaning. I read this:
BMW 1600GT is about $4000+ more!  We are not comparing apple to apple!  Just imagine putting another $4k into C14...
and thought you were responding to the reference to the Bimmer costing about $4K + more.

Brian


Brian,
My $6k number was what I've put into farkles on mine so far. It was in response to Irule's comment regarding putting another $4k into a C14...
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Offline B.D.F.

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Re: 2011 - C14 "dethroned" and BMW 1600GT steps in its place
« Reply #14 on: July 29, 2011, 06:59:09 PM »
Max BMW is selling the GT for just over $25K, and the GTL for just under $26.5K. My local dealer has quoted me a price of just over $27K for a GTL although that was an 'off the cuff' price, not a firm price for a specific bike with specific options.

You can easily take a look at Max's web site which includes prices here: http://www.maxbmwmotorcycles.com/machine/machine.aspx   Max is competitive and a huge BMW motorcycle dealer (going by the number of bikes sold, not the physical size of the dealership).

I do not believe you could purchase a new BMW 1600 for even close to $20,000 unless you brought two wolves and a pistol....  ;)

Brian


I think the GTL is around $25,000 but isn't the GT closer to $20,000?  Still a big difference in price but I don't think the GT is double the price of a C14.
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Offline Jeremy Mitchell

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Re: 2011 - C14 "dethroned" and BMW 1600GT steps in its place
« Reply #15 on: July 29, 2011, 07:09:06 PM »
I stand corrected, I thought the base price for the GT was between 20 and $21,000.  I guess most dealer are probably jacking the price up since people keep buying them.
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Offline B.D.F.

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Re: 2011 - C14 "dethroned" and BMW 1600GT steps in its place
« Reply #16 on: July 29, 2011, 07:13:55 PM »
It isn't the dealers, it is the factory. One method BMW uses to alter the price is to attach a list of options to the bike. This alters the price quite substantially between "list" and actual costs. The K1300GT had a list price of something like $20K but you would not find one for anywhere near that price as all models had at least some options present and some had all options. It is of course common practice on all autos but it is not common on motorcycles outside of BMWs.

It makes it tough to compare prices because while Japanese bikes start at MSRP and work their way down, BMWs start at 'list' price and work their way up.

Brian


I stand corrected, I thought the base price for the GT was between 20 and $21,000.  I guess most dealer are probably jacking the price up since people keep buying them.
Homo Sapiens Sapiens and just a tad of Neanderthal but it usually does not show....  My Private mail is blocked; it is not you, it is me, just like that dating partner said all those years ago. Please send an e-mail if you want to contact me privately.

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Offline tonedeaf

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Re: 2011 - C14 "dethroned" and BMW 1600GT steps in its place
« Reply #17 on: July 29, 2011, 09:56:53 PM »
I do not believe you could purchase a new BMW 1600 for even close to $20,000 unless you brought two wolves and a pistol....  ;)

Brian

Actually, I think all you can do right now is pay a sizable pile of money to stand in line and wait for one.

Offline B.D.F.

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Re: 2011 - C14 "dethroned" and BMW 1600GT steps in its place
« Reply #18 on: July 30, 2011, 09:06:45 AM »
Max's is showing quite a few in stock, in choice of type (GT or GTL). They have them in locations in NH, NY and CT. So you could bring a pile of money in right now and ride one home.... but it would take more than a 'sizable pile', it would take a 'gigantic pile' (technical terms, all in English standard measurement systems).

Brian


Actually, I think all you can do right now is pay a sizable pile of money to stand in line and wait for one.
Homo Sapiens Sapiens and just a tad of Neanderthal but it usually does not show....  My Private mail is blocked; it is not you, it is me, just like that dating partner said all those years ago. Please send an e-mail if you want to contact me privately.

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Offline Jeremy Mitchell

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Re: 2011 - C14 "dethroned" and BMW 1600GT steps in its place
« Reply #19 on: July 30, 2011, 09:10:26 AM »
Max's is showing quite a few in stock, in choice of type (GT or GTL). They have them in locations in NH, NY and CT. So you could bring a pile of money in right now and ride one home.... but it would take more than a 'sizable pile', it would take a 'gigantic pile' (technical terms, all in English standard measurement systems).

Brian

What would that be in the metric world..................... a $h1t ton?
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