2012 BMW K1600GT vs. 2011 Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS [Video]

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Conclusion

While it sounds like we’ve been bashing the Concours 14, it really is a fine sport-touring motorcycle, at least until you encounter its unusual heavy-steering handling issue. The Kawasaki is powerful, comfortable, and now with the addition of traction control, a rather high-tech motorcycle. When you consider other machines in its price range, its significance is then better understood. And it’s hard to ignore the cost savings between the Bavarian marque and the Kawasaki.

At the end of the day it would be easy to name the BMW the winner and call it a day — there’s no hiding the fact that it outguns the Kawasaki in many respects, and it’s our favorite sporty tourer by a long shot. But to say that is to overlook the point we’ve repeated in this test: even the base K1600GT is more than $5000 more expensive than a fully kitted Concours 14 ABS, yet the latter is a sufficiently adept sport-tourer.

2012 BMW K1600GT vs. 2011 Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS

While at Laguna, we had a number of race fans come up to us wanting to get a closer look at the K1600GT, which was parked next to the Concours. Among those were two riders proudly wearing their Iron Butt Association pins and associated paraphernalia. As we talked to them and answered their questions, they seemed interested... until they heard the price tag. Then their eyes wandered toward the Concours.

And that basically sums it up. If money is no object, then the BMW is the hands-down winner and should be in your garage. Its six-cylinder engine, competent handling package and array of desirable amenities make it the preferred sport-touring package.

Then again, if you’re considering the K16 in the first place, the Concours might not even be on your radar, and vice versa for Connie shoppers due to the price discrepancy.

“The Concours 14 delivers 90% of the BMW’s qualities at a 25% discount, which makes it a worthy choice for a supersport-tourer,” Kevin notes. “But its less-impressive engine and clumsy handling relegate it to runner-up status in this comparo, all things but price considered.”

That said, BMW has delivered a winner in its first attempt with the K1600GT. Now it’s up to Japan to respond.

By the Numbers
	BMW K1600GT	Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS
Engine Type	Inline-Six	Inline-Four
Displacement	1649cc	1352cc
Bore & Stroke	72 x 67.5mm	84 x 61mm
Compression	12.2:1	10.7:1
HP (BHP or Rear Wheel)	123.4 (rear wheel)	131.8 (rear wheel)
Torque	107.7 (rear wheel)	88.1 (rear wheel)
Frame	Bridge-type cast aluminum	Cast aluminum
Wheelbase	66.1 in	59.8 in
Rake/Trail	27.8 degrees/4.26 inches	26.1 degrees/4.4 inches
Front Suspension	Duolever	43mm inverted, telescopic fork with adjustable rebound damping and spring preload / 4.4 in.
Rear Suspension	Paralever	Tetra-Lever with stepless rebound damping adjustment and remote spring preload adjuster / 5.4 in.
Front/Rear Wheels	Cast aluminum (3.5 x 17 in. front; 6.0 x 17 in. rear)	Cast aluminum (17 in. front and rear)
Front/Rear Tires	120/70 x 17, 190/55 x 17	120/70 x 17, 190/50 x 17
Front Brakes	Dual 4-piston w/320mm rotors, partial integral, ABS	Dual floating 310mm petal discs with four-piston calipers, ABS
Rear Brakes	Single caliper dual-piston w/single 320mm rotor, partial integral, ABS	Single 270mm petal disc, ABS
Seat Height	31.8/32.6 in. standard adjustable, 30.7/31.4 in. optional low adjustable	32.1 in.
Curb Weight	751 lbs	688 lbs