BMW 1600 GTL

[eng943]

Outsourcing?
I bet most people don't know that many car and trucks (and many other items) built in this country are made from steel produced in plants owned by a Russian company.

Agreed, the outsourcing complaint is an odd bone to pick, and as an example the helicut gears onthe K16, which are sourced from China have not been a problem.

I took that as someone simply having an axe to grind as opposed to any valid reason to not consider the K16.

[TJ]

Outsourcing?
I bet most people don't know that many car and trucks (and many other items) built in this country are made from steel produced in plants owned by a Russian company.

I certaintly do not know. Please enlighten me.

[Pokey]

I really like some of the food culture from China, but that is pretty much where it ends for me. 

[Cholla]

I certaintly do not know. Please enlighten me.

Okay.
The River Rouge steel plant, built by Henry Ford in the early 1900s was sold off to a consotium which ran it for a few years until they sold it to Severstal North America, who invested a ton of cash in it and now operates it at a profit, supplying the Detroit car makers. They built a new plant in Columbus, MS in the mid 2000s and doubled its capacity recently, supplying steel for car factories, lawnmowers and all sorts of companies across the South. They also bought a plant in Wheeling, WV. They are the 4th largest steel company in the US.
Severstal employees get discounts on new cars just like the UAW folks.
Severstal NA is the US division of OAO Severstal based in Russia.

[Strawboss]

Interesting about the Russian company. I guess building steel in the U.S. with U.S. workers by a company owned in Russia is better to me than built in Russia and anything with China on it. For many things, made in China is an absolute deal breaker. Many things though, you have no choice. I'm waiting to see the new twin next year, looks very interesting. The 1600 is out of my league.

[TJ]

It is a global economy. No one really knows who the owners are, and if they did, who are the investors? I really don't care who makes the parts of my cars, trucks, or bikes as long as they work and don't break. Most Japenese and korea cars are now made in the states.
But now I am off topic as well. Be nice to find a couple of more guys who could offer some unbiased opinions about the 16 GTL.

[Strawboss]

You are right, but I should have said also U.S. owned and operated, I do research before buying too. Back to business. The only thing keeping me from buying a BMW is the complexity for no apparent reason and cost of service/ownership. I love the overall concept of the 1600, great bike, great motor, love to have one. Does BMW offer test rides at dealers? 

[Son of Pappy]

Test rides, yes.

[Strawboss]

At all or just participating dealers? Guess I need to check out their website. I'd love to ride one. I'm retiring in a few years and replacing my bike is on the list of things to consider.

[TJ]

I did not even ask the dealer for a test ride. He asked me if I had my "gear" with me. And if I did and could show him a motorcycle endorsement I could take a bike out for an hour. That was impressive in its self. But still, $26K is a lot of money and we have to get settled in our new house first as we just moved to Colorado Springs. I need to be a really good hubbie as I just bought a 2013 Grand Sport Corvette that is in transit. Have to slowly work on the wife:)

[sherob]

They are one of the few brand dealers that practically beg you to take a new bike test ride, while others may offer you their used bikes only.

[Strawboss]

Well, you really have piqued my interest. I'm going to check this out. Thanks.

[Pud]

I picked up a 2013 GTL a couple of weeks ago...
Have a little over 700 miles on it, and it is great!   
Tremendous power, and is just superb in the twisties...and I am averaging a bit over 42mpg!
The BMW dealers welcome test rides, so if you are wondering about a GT or a GTL, go try one out.

Pud