This record-setting BMW K 1600 GT is up for auction in Las Vegas on Australia Day (January 26, 2019) with 20% of the proceeds going to a veterans charity.
The bike belongs to Carl Reese who set records for fastest USA crossing in 38 hours, 49 minutes, in August 2015, and the longest ride in 24 hours, completing 2116.5 miles (3406km) at an average speed of 94mph in February 2017.
The Californian could have ridden even further on his mile-munching K 1600 GT (Read our review here) in the latter record. However, he had to stop after 22 hours and 52 minutes because his team ran out of available tyres. He says he could have ridden the K 1600 GT an extra 150km.
K 1600 GT aids charity
Now the BMW is up for auction with no reserve at the Mecum Auction in Las Vegas on January 26.
Carl is generously donating 20% of the proceeds from the sale of his K 1600 GT to the “Motorcycle Relief Project”.
The nonprofit organisation provides relief to veterans and first responders with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and other injuries. It takes PTSD sufferers on structured and professionally led, multi-day motorcycle adventure tours.
Despite the record distances, the bike only has 39,000km on the clock.
“There have been no mechanical issues to speak of,” Carl told us.
“All maintenance has been done by West Valley Cycle Sales, the oldest motorrad dealer in the USA.
“This bike is set up for anyone that wants to take a shot at any of my records. It’s in perfect working order.
“I have plans to set more records in the near future, and I need to thin out the stable to finance those attempts.”
The K 1600 GT has been upgraded with 30,000 lumens Clearwater Lights, BST Carbonfibere wheels, EarthX Lithium Battery, GPS Insight Global Tracking System, Lidar Cloaking, Russell Daylong Seat, ZTechnik windshield, AltRider Engine guards, auxiliary fuel tank and Worldwide Ceramic bearings.
The winning bidder will also receive a Guinness World Record letter of authenticity, certificate of origin and signed photograph and official BMW Motorrad t-shirt featuring the bike.