Warpdrv, rather than waffling over whether to get a K1600, why not just buy a new candy red FJR1300ES. You will get essentially all the attributes of the BMW at less $$'s, cheaper insurance, lower cost for gas (regular gas), and no harassment form members of this forum. Seems like a no brainer to me!!!
Well this is an easy one,
forget the 50 other options that the K16 has over on the plain jane (but very dependable!) 2014 FJR....
VIBRATION!
...or lack of! None, zero, any speed, anywhere. Smooth as glass. Oh I'm glad the cruise got the castration lifted but BMW never had one at any speed, and that includes even 140 or 15 mph!
If Yamaha redesigns the antiquated 1298cc powerplant, counterbalances or isolates the engine I will add one back into my collection. But not until then. Yes, I'm spoiled, so be it.
Get real, you act like the FJR is a paint can shaker Harley Davidson!!
My 2008 is pretty smooth, just SLIGHT high frequency vibes at some RPM's but NOTHING that causes any problems like hands going numb like I've had with OTHER Japanese inline 4's.
If I wanted to ride a sewing machine maybe then I'd get a BMW, I LIKE to feel the motor a little, but again it's nothing excessive like your large VIBRATION implies.
Redesign the 1298?? Why so they can add 2 or 3 grand to the price like a BMW??
There's nothing wrong with the 1298 now, if it ain't broke, don't fix it!!