Difference in riding position for the 2022 BMW K1600GT vs K1600GTL

[Rjmninja3]

Can anyone provide some detail regarding the difference in riding positions for the 2022 BMW K1600GT vs the GTL? I ordered a GTL because the dealer indicated that 70% of the units they sell are the GTL. Could one ride a GT more aggressively because of the seating position or is the difference not that significant? I am currently riding a 2021 BMW R1250RT. I would imagine I cannot ride the K1600GT or GTL as aggressively, but that may be due to my own limitations. Thoughts?

[NinjaBob]

The classic Sport Touring question. Are you a SPORT tourer or a sport Tourer. I have not ridden either one but own an R1200 RT  and a Concours 14. The RT is 100 pounds lighter and well balanced and the Concours is top heavy but I ride the Concours more aggressively.

The best way I can answer your question is to ask you one. When you ride aggressively do  you hang off like a sport rider?  If yes then the comfort seat and footpeg position my hinder you. If not then probably no difference. the following is from a BMW Group website:

The K 1600 GT represents the particularly agile, dynamic variant of the six-cylinder design, while the K 1600 GTL with its more comfortable ergonomics and standard topcase is more for pleasurable riding.

[Rjmninja3]

Much appreciate! Currently, I am a “sport tourer”, not a “SPORT tourer”; but may have a desire to get to be one in the future. I do plan to upgrade the seat either way. I would love to understand, in inches, how different the handlebar and foot pegs positions are between the two models. From what I can tell it is not too too much. The other major plus to the GTL is the low seat height of 29.5”. That in itself may swing my decision. Thanks for input.

[NinjaBob]

check out this website https://cycle-ergo.com/. Unfortunately it covers the K1600 only through 2013 but it is likely BMW has not changed the basic frame designs since then.

[STLTHMSTA]

Not being a smart ass but, have you been to a BMW dealer?? In person would be a better way to evaluate the differences. I fully understand where you are coming from. That is a lot of moola so you want to choose wisely.  Check with the online magazines and look for road tests or compares that have the stats. Read, read, read. Gain all the info you can.  my .02,  TM

[stevegrab]

Not being a smart ass but, have you been to a BMW dealer?? In person would be a better way to evaluate the differences. I fully understand where you are coming from. That is a lot of moola so you want to choose wisely.  Check with the online magazines and look for road tests or compares that have the stats. Read, read, read. Gain all the info you can.  my .02,  TM

I was thinking the same thing. Getting a test ride would be an even better way to evaluate them, but good luck with those.

Also sounds like the person already "ordered the GTL" so not sure what decision they are trying to make.

I've seen people ride all kinds of bikes aggressively, including big heavy touring bikes like a Gold Wing.

A quick online search turned up an online discussion about the two on the K1600 forum, from spring of 2018
https://www.k1600forum.com/threads/2018-gt-vs-gtl.173826/