I’ve never done an Ironbutt Ride on a 6 cylinder bike before so this was definitely one to tick off. Thanks to the support of a local dealer, Brisan Motorcycles, I was given the opportunity to have a crack on a 2017 BMW K1600 GT. Strangely, the capacity of this monster is about double the total cc’s of the last three rides I’ve done and it has two more cylinders!
After picking the K1600GT up at Brisan’s I rode it home and attached my SPOT Tracker, quadlock mount for my navigation phone and USB adapter for the powerlet outlet on the bike. Luckily it had a top box so I used that to stow the stuff I’d need during the ride like snacks, a bottle of water, a spare pen and a couple of power bricks to keep my phone and spare Sena Unit charged and ready to go.
The weather looked good for one of my favourite day ride routes so with no more planning than that I was up at 3am and got a start docket at Wallsend at 4.15am. The fuel range at the time was sitting on better than 430kms and I was very keen to see how accurate that might be. I rode south into the night sharing the M1 with a myriad of trucks and an ever increasing volume of traffic towards Sydney.
Continuing south I rode the M2 and M7 punching out onto the Hume Freeway as the sun started to rise. The first stop was Goulburn (343kms) for a familiar photo op, fuel and comfort stop.

After filling the range remained impressive and this tank took me past Gundagai, with a stop for a pic at the Dog on the Tuckerbox.

Soon after that I turned right onto the Sturt Highway, rode through Wagga Wagga to the service centre at Gillenbah (Narrandera) at 696kms. There’s an old rail bridge there that’s worth a look.

I rode further south on the Newell Hwy stopping for food and a corner docket at Jerilderie (800kms) . On that leg crops almost ready to harvest were everywhere. It’s a great time of year to be in the Riverina.

After a bit more time on the Newell I followed the Riverina Hwy to Howlong and Albury where I topped up the tank ready to start the long ride north to the finish (959kms).
I like this route and have taken beginner Ironbutt Riders on it in the past. Riding the freeways at night minimises the chances of animal strikes. During the ride you never really ride into the sun so visibility is always good. The Riverina is very pretty to ride thought with a mix of crops, sheep and interesting things to look at and there’s plenty of places to stop and rest if you need to.

Heading north I stopped in at the Ettamogah Pub for a mandatory photo and also the HMAS Ottway at Holbrook. I continued to marvel at the fuel economy/range on the K1600 cruising along at the speed limit. The range heading north suggest I would make the 479kms from Albury to Pheasant’s Nest.

Despite that I was ready to stop for fuel and a stretch back at Goulburn (1315kms). Soon after I was speaking to Mrs Wom who told me I’d be heading into some rain closer to home. At the time there wasn’t a cloud in the sky but 50kms up the road they were visible, it started to cool off and I stopped at Sally’s Corner for food and a coffee. This would be my last stop until the end of the ride
By the time that was sorted there was a light mist of rain beginning. Between there and Pheasants Nest there were light showers increasing as I rode further towards Hornsby. The Central Coast delivered heavy rain and an impressive lightning show which continued to near Toronto. Extreme care was required, cars and trucks seem to do stupid things in heavy rain and this event was no different.
I arrived at the 7 Eleven at Lambton, filled the tank and got a docket at 22:18 for a 18hr 3 min timeframe for the 1657km ride (ODO) or 1656km (Google Maps). Oh, I didn’t forget the celebratory Cherry Ripe!

The K1600GT was a weapon. It effortlessly munched miles, it was comfortable, the stock lights were good and that 26.5 litre tank and resulting fuel range is awesome for this type of riding or touring. The weather protection offered by the large electric screen and fairing was excellent and well needed during the last part of the ride. That 6 cylinder motor is an absolute gem! I am very grateful Clint and the team at Brisan Motorcycles gave me the opportunity to ride one.
Another fun day out on a bike. I might do it again soon.
