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.