Dual longitudinal control arm, Dynamic ESA semi-active
suspension (road and dynamic modes)
Front Wheel Travel
115 mm / 4.9 in
Rear Suspension
Paralever (single-sided swing arm), central spring strut,
rebound/continuously variable, Dynamic ESA semi-active suspension (road and
dynamic modes)
Rear Wheel Travel
135 mm / 5.3 in
Front Brakes
2 x 320mm discs, 4 piston calipers
Rear Brakes
Single 320mm disc, 2 piston caliper
ABS
BMW Motorrad ABS (partial integral)
Front Tyre
120/70 ZR17
Rear Tyre
190/55 ZR17
Front Rim
3.0 x 17
Rear Rim
6.00 x 17
Wheels
Cast aluminium wheels
Castor
108.4 mm / 4.3 in
Steering Head Angle
62.2°
Dimensions
Length: 2324 m / 91.5 in
Width: 1000 mm / 39.4 in (incl. mirrors)
Height: 1465 mm / 57.7 in (excl. mirrors)
Wheelbase
1680 mm / 66.1 in
Seat Height
810 - 830 mm / 31.9 - 32.7" (standard)
780 - 800 mm / 30.7 - 31.5"(optional rider seat)
750 mm / 29.5" (special accessory seat, single-section)
Dry Weight
295 kg / 650 lbs
Wet Weight
319 kg / 703 lbs
Fuel Capacity
26.5 Litres / 7.0 US gal
Reserve
4 Litres / 1.1 US gal
The K1600GT hasn’t avoided the magic wand for 2017,
with the class-defining 1649cc inline-six now being Euro4 compliant, with no
change to its output of 160bhp and 129ftlb of torque.
But the spec and styling have all received some
upgrades. The excellent Dynamic ESA semi-active suspension is now standard
fitment, with both Road and Dynamic modes available – the former offering
the best of all worlds for optimum coverage, while the latter operates
within a tighter range for sportier riding conditions.
It now boasts a reverse assist which is operated by a selector button and by
then pressing the starter motor - a great help for smaller riders as at 319
kg (wet) it is a heavy bike.
Whilst the instrument cluster remains
familiar it has new dials with the logo emplazed on the speedometer. For the
rest the airflow has been improved with small changes to the wind deflectors
and fairing.
Another furst, available as an option,
is the BMW Intelligent Emergency Call system which will alert the company's
response centre if it detects that the bike was in a crach and the rider
cannot be contacted. It will then dispatch emergency services located
close to where the bike is.
An overview of highlights of the new BMW K 1600 GT.
• 6-cylinder in-line engine including new catalytic converters and adapted
data status according to EU4 requirements, with an unchanged output of 118
kW (160 hp) at 7 750 rpm and a maximum torque of 175 Nm at 6 500 rpm.
• Electronic suspension Dynamic ESA with automatic damping adaptation as
standard.
• Reverse assist for even simpler manoeuvrability as an optional equipment
item ex works.
• Shift Assistant Pro for shifting up and down without clutch as an ex-works
option.
• Instruments with newly designed dials. Speedometer with K 1600 GT
inscription.
• Intelligent Emergency Call as an ex works option for rapid assistance in
the event of an accident or in emergency situations.
• Optimised wind and weather protection due to enlarged slipstream
deflectors and newly designed side trim parts.
• Even more dynamic design.
• Three attractive new colour variants: Mars Red metallic, Blackstorm
metallic and Lupine Blue metallic / Blackstorm metallic.
The new K 1600 GT: highly enjoyable performance touring combined with sporty
dynamic flair and excellent comfort.
When BMW Motorrad launched the 6-cylinder models K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL in
autumn 2010, it was tapping into the great BMW tradition of 6-cylinder
engines and applying this in appropriate form to the motorcycle world. After
all, no other brand has embodied the fascination of 6-cylinder in-line
engines for more than 80 years in the automotive sector in the same way as
BMW. The BMW K 1600 GT and the K 1600 GTL successfully combined the supreme
performance and running smoothness of a 6-cylinder in-line engine with an
imposing and distinctive appearance, fascinating riding dynamics and
exceptional travel comfort.
Supreme engine expertise with six cylinders.
With its 6-cylinder in-line engine, the new K 1600 GT
likewise conveys a particular fascination, offering not just perfect running
smoothness but also supreme performance and abundant torque. Still the most
compact 6-cylinder in-line power unit in motorcycle series production, the
engine has an output of 118 kW (160 hp) at 7 750 rpm, generates a maximum
torque of 175 Nm at 6 500 rpm and thus offers supreme forward thrust in all
conditions.
With an engine weight of 102.6 kilograms, the 6-cylinder
engine of the K 1600 GT remains to this day not just the lightest
series-production 6-cylinder engine for motorcycles in the category over
1000 cc: due its very narrow cylinder spacing, it is also significantly
slimmer than all other serial production 6-cylinder in-line engines to date.
Both are major contributing factors in creating the active riding character
of the K 1600 GT.
The new K 1600 GT has been designed to meet the requirements
of the EU4 pollutant class. This involved fitting it with such features as a
new engine mapping, a fuel system with carbon canister for fuel tank
ventilation and an exhaust system with altered catalytic converters as well
as more dynamically designed end pieces whose horizontal ribbing lends even
greater emphasis to the 6-cylinder theme.
Even more manoeuvring convenience due to new reverse assist as an optional
equipment item ex works.
The new 6-cylinder bike now also meets the expectations of a model such as
the K 1600 GT by providing a reverse assist. This is activated conveniently
as required at the press of a button on the left-hand handlebar panel. As a
result of this, the forward gear is blocked and the reverse gear is engaged.
Movement itself is initiated by the rider pressing on the starter motor
button, which establishes propulsion via a bendable shaft.
Three riding modes and Dynamic Traction Control DTC for
maximum safety when accelerating.
As is customary, riders of the new K 1600 GT have the riding modes “Rain”,
“Road” and “Dynamic” directly available to them at the press of a button on
the right-hand side of the handlebars so as to be able to adapt to different
purposes such as road touring, riding on wet surfaces and sporty, dynamic
riding. The traction control function DTC is combined individually with each
of the different modes and is fully harmonised with them so as to ensure
maximum riding safety.
Shift Assistant Pro for shifting up and down without clutch
as an ex-works option.
The Shift Assistant Pro is now also available for the K 1600 GT, enabling
the rider to shift up and down without activating the clutch or throttle
valve in the relevant load and engine speed ranges, which gives the rider
not just greater comfort but also a bonus in terms of dynamic performance.
Most shifting can be carried out using the shift assistant. One exception is
setting off, however.
When accelerating, the throttle valve no longer has to be
closed for shifts using the throttle grip thanks to the Shift Assistant Pro,
so propulsion power is virtually constant without torque interrupt. When
decelerating and shifting down (throttle valve closed), the engine speed is
automatically adapted by means of double-declutching. Gears are engaged as
usual by means of the gear pedal.
Shift time is significantly reduced as compared to a
gearshift using the clutch.
Shift Assistant Pro supports the driver on virtually all shifts. However
there is no shift support when the clutch is activated, when shifting up
with the throttle grip closed (coasting) or when decelerating.
Ideal concentration of masses, proven suspension technology
for dynamic riding properties.
The essential chassis elements of the new BMW K 1600 GT are the familiar
light alloy bridge-type frame and the well-proven Duolever and Paralever
systems for wheel control at front and rear. The new K 1600
GT also benefits from a low overall centre of gravity with a very favourable
concentration of masses and a balanced wheel load distribution for excellent
riding properties.
Electronic suspension adaptation Dynamic ESA with automatic
damping adaptation as standard.
While the predecessor model already set new standards in the touring segment
in terms of riding stability, dynamics and handling in all riding and load
states, the new K 1600 GT goes one step further in terms of the suspension.
With the electronically controlled suspension Dynamic ESA and its adjustment
modes “Road” and “Dynamic”, it has been possible to significantly enhance
both active riding experience and comfort as compared to the predecessor
model.
In the standard setting “Road”, damping adaptation is now
fully automated across the entire range, thereby offering the very highest
level of comfort and traction over virtually all surfaces. This ensures the
optimum damping force in all riding states and regardless of load.
Depending on customer preference, the spring preload can be
adapted to the load state at the press of a button and independently of the
damping. Likewise at the press of a button – conveniently positioned on the
handlebars, so it is even possible during travel – the rider can switch to
the damping characteristics “Dynamic”, thereby selecting a tighter damping
set-up overall.
Using various parameters, the different riding states such
as acceleration and deceleration of the new K 1600 GT are precisely
identified so that the damping forces on the front and rear spring strut can
be adapted within milliseconds. As a result, hitherto unrivalled damping
comfort and a very stable ride response are ensured even in banking
position.
Intelligent Emergency Call as an ex works option for swift
assistance in the event of an accident or in emergency situations.
Ensuring the fastest possible assistance in the event of an accident or in
situations of emergency and danger can save people’s lives – something that
particularly affects motorcyclists. For this reason, the new K 1600 GT can
be fitted with the e-call system “Intelligent Emergency Call” as part of an
optional equipment item available ex works.
If an emergency situation or an accident occurs, the
intelligent emergency call is activated automatically or manually, sending
the position data of the motorcycle, and therefore the coordinates of the
accident scene, which in turn sets the rescue chain in motion via the
qualified BMW Call Center. However, the emergency call is not automatically
triggered in situations which are not emergencies such as when the bike
falls over when stationary, after single-vehicle accidents at low speeds, on
impact caused by a pot-hole in the road or when passing over an obstacle.
Sensors on the motorcycle identify what event has occurred.
A crash sensor detects events such as collision with another vehicle or an
impact against an obstacle, while a banking sensor determines high-siders
and low-siders, thereby identifying the motorcycle’s position.
The operating unit of the optional equipment item
“Intelligent Emergency Call” is located on the right-hand side of the
handlebars and is compact and ergonomic in design. In addition to the
cover-protected SOS button for triggering or interrupting the emergency
call, there is also an integrated microphone and speaker. At the market
launch of the new K 1600 GT, the optional equipment item “Intelligent
Emergency Call” is initially only available in Germany. Other countries will
follow.
Instruments with newly designed dials and an integrated
operating concept with multi-controller and TFT screen.
The instrument cluster of the new K 1600 GT has two classic circular
instruments for the speedometer and engine speed display, the dials of which
have been newly designed. The dial of the speedometer now prominently bears
the inscription K 1600 GT. The information display on the 5.7-inch TFT
colour screen allows attractive visualisation of text fields and graphics,
among other things. Elements of the integrated operating concept include the
multi-controller and a menu guidance system for controlling the comfort
functions and the on-board computer.
New, more dynamic design as well as optimised wind and
weather protection.
While the K 1600 GT already featured excellent wind and weather protection
before, its qualities in this area have been further optimised in the new K
1600 GT. The side trim parts are now newly designed from the larger and
therefore efficient slipstream deflectors downwards. The upper side trim
parts have been subjected to a more dynamic styling and are now stretched
further back with a view to further enhanced wind and weather protection.
The new design has also included a revision of the two
storage compartments on the left and right in the lower engine area.
Finally, the carrier for the BMW emblem and the inscription have also been
redesigned, while an additional skid protector in the side area of the
engine and a newly designed gearbox cover on the left-hand side of the
motorcycle round off the changes in terms of the body.
The electrically adjustable windshield with memory function
remains an exemplary feature. It not only protects the rider and pillion
passenger from wind pressure and turbulence but also retracts to base
position when the ignition is switched off, thereby also performing an
anti-theft function for the navigation system which is available as an
Original BMW Motorrad Accessory.
Active riding ergonomics for comfortable yet dynamic touring
and a comprehensive range of standard equipment features.
The ergonomic design of the footrests, seating area and handlebar positions
give the new K 1600 GT a very active seating position while still retaining
a high level of comfort. Even though both rider and pillion passenger enjoy
a relaxed knee angle, the seating position is still oriented towards the
front wheel, therefore supporting dynamic motorcycling. What is more, height
adjustment of the seat in the rider area allows adaptation to individual
needs. The new K 1600 GT has a very extensive range of standard equipment.
This includes heated grips and seat heating (for rider and passenger), a
cruise control and an on-board computer.
Individual colour concepts of very differing character.
The new K 1600 GT reflects a skilful synthesis of supremacy, dynamic
performance and comfort in terms of its colour schemes, too.
The body finishes Mars Red metallic and Blackstorm metallic
provide a fascinating contrast in the K 1600 GT with the frame in Asphalt
Grey metallic matt, black gloss wheels and the engine in Platinum metallic
matt. This colour scheme highlights the technical components, clusters the
lines and gives the motorcycle an appearance that is both refined and agile.
The K 1600 GT Sport conveys its dynamic capabilities in the
colours Lupine Blue metallic / Blackstorm metallic with a drivetrain
finished in black. Golden brake calipers and the smaller “Sport” windshield
round off the image of the more sports-style 6-cylinder touring bike.