Reader Mike Gray reveals what it’s been like living with his K1600GT for a year
Iguess I’m a typical born again biker,” says Mike Gray. “I rode when I was young but got married and had kids so gave it up. About 15 years ago I happened to watch a MotoGP race on TV and thought ‘I used to love bikes, why don’t I ride anymore?’ and mentioned it to a mate. He said: ‘Right, we’re going to the next MotoGP.’ So I hopped on the back of his Kawasaki VN1800 and we went to Assen. It was brilliant and I was hooked again.”
But unlike many born-agains, Mike didn’t go for a sports bike and instead opted for a more relaxed sports tourer.
“I bought a Triumph Sprint ST as I knew I wanted to do touring,” he said. “I was in my mid-40s so pure sportsbikes didn’t really appeal. I wanted to go to GPs and cover miles, not just do sunny Sunday rides. But I had a few reliability issues and the dealer was abysmal so I handed the Triumph back and went to my local BMW dealership instead.”
Mike bought a K1300GT, the first of a long list of BMWs he’s owned including an HP4, two S1000XRs, four K1600GTs and last year he bought the latest incarnation. “The K1600GT Sport is a fantastic bike, smooth with tremendous power and lots of protection. And while it’s a big, heavy bike, once you are rolling it’s incredibly agile with great handling.
“I’ve even taken mine on a few trackdays, but it does grind out a bit, which is why I’ve also got an S1000XR as well.”