I completely agree with the facts enumerated in the review, just not on the conclusions.
CC? nice, but I have a Go Cruise and I drive at least once a week bikes with CC, and don't miss it one bit. Ever.
Linked brakes? I drive an '08.
The K1600 has more torque? Yes, but it needs it to haul the extra weight. And it's a sweet engine but, sorry... have you driven that whale in the twisties?!!! Sheesh... after you drive it a while you understand that it feels light, but it isn't light. And don't get me started on reliability, or high speed stability (I personally, as engineer, cannot fathom why there are mono-arms in this world), or making a u-turn, or the price, or the throttle lag, or the total disconnection from handlebar to front wheel contact patch, or...
The Trophy cannot follow a C14 even for 2 curves, given the same driver's skills. I don't need more comfort than what the C14 gives me.
I love the Yamaha's engine sound, and the need of a 6th gear is arguable. And it might be able to follow a C14 for 3 curves.
No electronic suspension adjuster? That's a bummer, and I'd be willing to pay BMW price for that (700 USD is the option on a GS, if I remember correctly) but I won't give up everything else. Right now there is no better bike for me. And it's the cheapest.
I spent the weekend riding with a guy with a Yamaha YZF1000 from 1994, another one with a new KTM Super Duke 1290, a BMW R nineT and a Ducati 999s. The Yamaha was the fastest, by far. I came second. Far, far behind was the rest.