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.
I can't say I agree with your complaints on the k1600. True, peddling the bike at parking lot speeds it feels heavier than my c14, but once moving it handles arguably as good or better. High speed stability is tremendous. I routinely take mine into triple digits, and it is extremely planted. I am completely convinced that the duolever front suspension is the best design for a sport touring bike. The k1600 never exhibits brake dive into corners.
Both bikes have great power, but the k1600 has better roll on power, which is nice for two up riding. My c14 had flies removed and tuned. Noticeably smoother than the c14 as well, especially around 4500 rpm where my c14 would enter a slight buzz phase.
I am nearly two years into owning my 16, and have had no problems.
I liked my c14, and am anxious for kawasaki to redo it. If they give it cruise and esa, revise the horrible linked brakes, I will most likely come back to a c14.
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