The real difference between 14 and 15 model?

[Mick c]

hi all
Coming off a k1200lt as my wife is now on a can am and I can get rid of the "light truck". I'm deciding between an ex demo 14 model optioned up and a new 15 model.  I have googled to get the real differences and am not satisfied I am getting enough info. Hence I turn to the experts here. Ignore the colour, whAt are the real differences between 14 and 15 models? Have they redesigned anything? Fixed and unwanted features, etc. I'm looking to evaluate the differences so any info re the differences will be of great help.


Thanks
Mick

[guest2360]

Only one that I know is the option of keyless ignition  My advice, avoid it like the plague.

[Mick c]

Avoid the 2015?
You are the first one to say that so please tell me more. Thanks
Mick

[guest2360]

Not the bike, the keyless ignition option.  I had it on a K1600 Exclusive. Not worth the money and you still have to press buttons to lock/unlock things.

[Spencert231]

Mick c I have a 2014 fully loaded with exception of audio system and top box. If I had a top box I would say the bike is perfect less of course my own customising. If you can get a good deal on the 2014 snap it up C:-)

[Budman]

There has been a great deal of whining about the keyless ignition here in the states. I am told they only provide one key and that extras are very expensive. I chose the 2014 not just because of the ignition but because I got a great deal on my trade in and cost of the new bike. My 2014 was not a recall bike but came from the factory with the new shock.     

[guest2360]

You get 2 keys/fods in UK but having used it for about 6 months on a K it just annoyed me. Leave a key in your pocket and its sure to get lost so you hang it round your neck obviously under your riding gear. And when you stop and want to lock you pannier or set the alarm you have  start digging around so you can press the necessary buttons.  Its so much easier just to grab the fod attached to the key sat in the ignition.  There are also some security worries about the system as well.

[Levisp]

Hi Mick

To answer your question I believe that there is no difference apart from the additional option of keyless on the 2015 model and colours. So if you like the idea of keyless or the 2015 colours go for a 15 model otherwise look for a good deal on a 14. I also would not be put off by a bike that had the shock recall, the jobs been done so whats not to like. Here in the UK I've seen some really good deals on 14 models which I would of happily gone for, except that I got mine in September having ordered in May when there were no pre-owned bikes about. Hope you find a good one and enjoy it as much as I do. Lets us know how you get on.

[Mick c]

Excellent info, really great stuff. I was secretly hoping that the 2014 was the same. The deal is very good on 2014 models. The keyless is no deal breaker hats for sure. I have a Prius that has that and I end up putting it in the little slot anyway.

Great, thanks heaps guys.

Mick

[Mick c]

A mate here called Grumpy has ordered his 2015 model. In Oz the "standard" and only spec basically has everything on it bar top box and GPS. He told me that his comes standard with alarm and central locking over the 2014. So that's two other differences.
Grumpy...actually a really good bloke...will have his in March and I will be jealous till September.

[richardbd]

...keyless ignition  My advice, avoid it like the plague.

My last bike (not a BMW) had keyless ignition.  Initially I thought it was a waste of time (and money).  Then, when the (also keyless) fuel cap failed, 50 miles from home, I got seriously p****d off.


From then, I never had a problem and now I have a new RT with a key and an alarm fob and, boy, does it feel old fashioned!  I leave the key in the ignition when I go to pay for petrol; on the odd occasion I remember to operate the central locking, I push the wrong button on the fob and even now, after 6 weeks, I can't figure out how the alarm works.


When I sell this bike, I suppose I'll also wish my new one worked the same way as this one...


bebe

[guest2360]

Guess what, alarm function/setting and central locking on keyed or keyless is identical so you cant win. And to add to the fun the keyless fod is the same shape at both ends. 

[richardbd]

Guess what, alarm function/setting and central locking on keyed or keyless is identical so you cant win. And to add to the fun the keyless fod is the same shape at both ends.

Obviously designed by somebody who never uses one!


The most annoying thing about the key/alarm thing for me so far is that the alarm fob is marking the headstock.  Any ideas?

[guest2360]

The solution.  Its an old type but there is a new one.

[Mick c]

You get 2 keys/fods in UK but having used it for about 6 months on a K it just annoyed me. Leave a key in your pocket and its sure to get lost so you hang it round your neck obviously under your riding gear. And when you stop and want to lock you pannier or set the alarm you have  start digging around so you can press the necessary buttons.  Its so much easier just to grab the fod attached to the key sat in the ignition.  There are also some security worries about the system as well.

Ahh that's a good point. My nephew is a tech security guru and he showed me a video of a scanner being used in a car park where the coding of the key was captured when the person locked the car.