K1600 Throttle response

[8ig_steve]

Thinking of changing my K1200GT for a K1600GT. I was disappointed with the throttle response on the K1600, it seemed to need turning a long way before the bike did much and also I could not detect any difference in the driving modes. I also tried an 11 plate K1600GTL (massive screen) and this seemed much better. Does this sound normal? 

Any thoughts/ comments gratefully received

[Phmode]

Accellerating something with the mass of New York is bound to take a while....🙄

[black-k1]

Isn't the K1600 higher geared in every gear compared to the K1200 so that,  even though the K1600 has more torque at the crank for any given RPM, its actually got less thrust at the wheel? Add that to the significanly greater weight and you get much slower acceleration.

[Phmode]

Well, if you want to be left for dead at the lights on a K13, let alone a K16, then pick a fight with a 250 2-stroke  Or, if you can find one, an electric bike.

The bigger the bike, in terms of mass, not 'size', the more work the motor needs to do to shift it. As you say, if it is geared for 'touring' then it will never feel punchy. I think this punchability is one of the really great strengths of the K12/13 and one I shall greatly miss, eventually!

Brian (who picked a fight in his car with a 'sports' car that was dawdling in traffic but which did a 'back to the future' acceleration run on him when he tried to overtake the ....... Tesla 😱)

[Costas]

Do it and you will introduce your self to another world.

[jqworle]

I have a 63 plate GT sport for sale £8500 and it's yours.

[Phmode]

1 very careful owner, never raced or rallied. Now, about those track days....

[Blobby]

Which explains the ground out holes in the bottom of the panniers

[Phmode]

Drain holes for the English summer weather...🤒

[Belco100]

Thinking of changing my K1200GT for a K1600GT. I was disappointed with the throttle response on the K1600, it seemed to need turning a long way before the bike did much and also I could not detect any difference in the driving modes. I also tried an 11 plate K1600GTL (massive screen) and this seemed much better. Does this sound normal? 

Any thoughts/ comments gratefully received

It never feels particularly responsive when blipping at a standstill. If it is a Euro3 model then when you ride on the road you should notice:

Rain mode - the engine feels a little flat and more like a normal bike. Throttle response is slowish and a lot of midrange has gone. It has a pretty straight power curve and feels like a "normal' bike. Maximum traction control and reduces maximum throttle when leaned over.

Road mode - full engine power and very strong midrange and a straight 1:1 throttle. Makes for very easy overtakes etc.

Dynamic mode - similar to Road mode but with a quick action throttle. Really quite aggressive and good for spirited riding. Brings the big bike to life. Reduced traction control.

On the latest Euro4 models they have really taken the edge off of Dynamic mode and made initial throttle openings in all modes quite flat, which is a real shame.

[Phmode]

Time for some serious re-mapping methinks 😎

[Blobby]

Is the K1600 fly by wire throttle?

[jqworle]

yes

[Belco100]

Is the K1600 fly by wire throttle?

It was the first road bike that was totally ride by wire (with no cable to close the throttle).

[Belco100]

I had mine tweaked at Hilltop. I had it done on Wednesday and then went out to Germany/Czech on Saturday for 10 days with my local BMW dealers Euro trip.

It is not sold as a performance upgrade, but it is definitely a lot better. It feels more responsive, quicker pick up and stronger roll on. Unfortunately the Dyno print out stops a little short of max revs and doesn't show the second peak at 8,000rpm. No massive gains, just really broad power and torque - 140hp from 6,500 to 8,000 and in excess of 100lbft of torque evetywhere over 2,000 rpm.

Compared to my first trip, the bike was a lot nicer and it just feels like an old, loose engine. It even span the back up in "Rain Mode" in the wet a few times - could be the very crap tyres now fitted. Managed to beat the S1000XRs and Rs (not RRs) on the Autobahns hitting around 165mph with my top box fitted.

The tune adds some advance and richens it up across the range, but is not a re-map and does not change the throttle ratio response, so Dynamic mode is still not as quick action as previous models.

So, on a 2017 Euro4 model, it does help with pick up and roll on, Rain Mode is now useable, and it no longer feels flat top end, which is exactly what I was after. I will probably send my K13 ECU off over winter.