Motorcycle specifications BMWK 1600 GT 2017 The Bavarian falcon

born in 2011, BMW's flagship continues to evolve smoothly to offer greater comfort and dynamism. No major revolution in 2017 for the K 1600 GT, whose road-holding qualities and the efficiency of its famous 6-cylinder engine are well established. Fans of the Teutonic hypercar will be treated to a slightly reworked design and a few welcome tweaks to make everyday life easier.

First good news: still powered by its ultra-compact 6-cylinder engine, the K 1600 GT passes Euro4 without any loss of power. By modifying the injection mapping and catalytic system, and adding an activated carbon filter, BMW has been able to retain the full scale of its interstellar vessel. The big German still develops 160 hp and 17.8 mkg of torque. Rest assured, there's still plenty of room for the driver, passenger, luggage and, if you're feeling greedy, 4.5 tons of gear! Indeed, the generosity of this engine, the last 6-cylinder in the segment, is enormous, right from the first graduations of the rev counter (70% of torque from 1500 rpm!). But generosity doesn't necessarily mean unbridled opulence. The architecture of the K1600GT's engine block offers a contratrio of smooth, velvety power, giving this frigate dynamic qualities above the rest. All of this is accompanied by the unique vocals of the 6-cylinder engine, which will command the respect of any biker you meet on your long journeys. The K 1600 GT now boasts a 26.5-liter fuel tank, up from 24.

so what's on the 2017 menu?

In terms of design, the roadster retains its overall lines and hawk-like stare. It inherits new fairing sides and larger aerodynamic deflectors to improve rider protection. Nothing obvious at first glance, but there are also a number of minor alterations here and there, such as a redesigned left-hand gearbox cover, redesigned storage compartments and revised muffler tips. The speedometer dials have been reworked and now feature the K 1600 GT signature.

In terms of comfort, the German luxury takes things a step further with the adoption of electronically-controlled ESA Dynamic suspension as standard. Still faithful to its tried-and-tested chassis (aluminum perimeter frame / Duolever front / Paralever single wishbone rear), the K 1600 GT is equipped with a semi-active damping system. This adjusts damping in real time according to various parameters, such as acceleration and deceleration, which are measured in real time. This enables the damping force on the front and rear units to be adjusted in a few thousandths of a second.
The system offers two setting modes: ROAD (for optimum comfort and traction on almost any road surface) and DYNAMIC (offering firmer overall damping). You can switch from one to the other, even while driving. Before the journey, you can also adjust the spring preload at the touch of a button. Already very well equipped in terms of comfort, this tourer promises further progress in this area.

In 2017, this new standard equipment joins the electronic assistance package previously offered by the k 1600 GT, which included 3 riding modes (Rain, Road, Dynamic), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and BMW Motorrad's partially integral ABS.

braking remains in the hands of two 320 mm discs with fixed 4-piston calipers at the front, and a single 320 mm disc with a floating 2-piston caliper at the rear. The ABS module is partially coupled. The brake pedal controls all braking, front and rear.

Requested by many users, a reverse gear makes its arrival on the 2017 K 1600 GT... unfortunately as an option. Thanks to a dedicated button on the left-hand commodo, it will be possible to activate this reverse gear. The forward gear will then be blocked, and all you have to do is press the start button to move the bike backwards (propulsion via a flexible shaft). Suffice to say, this is no luxury on a machine that weighs 319 kg (without suitcases and with 90% of the tank full)! But don't worry, BMW's engineers have already demonstrated the effectiveness of their work on weight balance on its predecessor. With its low center of gravity, this XL weight is easy to forget once underway, guaranteeing outstanding agility for such a large machine.

Another new option is the shifter pro (inherited from the S 1000 RR), which allows you to upshift and downshift without having to use the clutch. In addition to enhanced dynamism, the left hand is sure to appreciate this rest on long journeys.

last but not least, the K 1600 GT can also be fitted with e-Call, an intelligent call system that's just what you need. Equipped in this way, the Bavarian touring car will automatically alert emergency services in the event of an accident, and provide them with your geographical coordinates. Housed on the right-hand side of the handlebars, the e-Call module comprises an SOS button protected by a cover, a microphone and a loudspeaker. An option we're very excited about, but which will unfortunately only be available on the German market at launch... BMW promises, however, that other countries will follow soon.

in terms of standard equipment, the customer will of course be very well off: ABS Pro, DTC dynamic traction control, electrically adjustable bubble with memory function, xenon headlight, TFT display, tire pressure sensor, heated rider and passenger grips and seat, cruise control, on-board computer. All this in a plush, luxurious ambience, with a level of finish that honors the German tradition.

priced at an elitist €22,550, the BMW K 1600 GT boasts an extensive catalog of accessories and options, some of which can be included in two packs: The Safety pack, including adaptive directional lighting, daytime running lights, RDC tire pressure control, hill start assist, and the Comfort pack, which offers a wide range of options.and the much more comprehensive Comfort pack (including shifter pro, reverse gear, intelligent emergency call, keyless ignition...)....). Those who want more can opt for the K 1600 GTL, which, for an additional €2,250, raises the level of luxury and comfort while sacrificing some of the K 1600 GT's 'Sport GT' capabilities.

last but not least, 2017 brings three new colors: Red Metallic, Black Metallic and Blue Metallic/Black Metallic.

what's new in the new BMW K 1600 GT :

*In-line six-cylinder engine with new catalytic converters and mapping adapted to Euro 4 emission standards, unchanged power output of 118 kW (160 hp) at 7,750 rpm, maximum torque 175 Nm at 6,500 rpm.
*ESA dynamic electronically controlled suspension with automatic damping adjustment as standard.
*Reverse assist for easy maneuvering of the bike, factory option.
*Shifter Pro for clutchless upshifting and downshifting, factory option.
*Redesigned dial instruments. Speedometer with K 1600 GT signature.
*Intelligent emergency call system for rapid assistance in accidents and emergencies, factory option.
*Optimized wind and weather protection thanks to enlarged aerodynamic deflectors and redesigned fairing sides.
*Revitalized design.
*Three new colors: Mars red metallic, Black storm metallic and Lupin blue metallic / Black storm metallic.

Optional ex-factory:
*Reverse gear
*Shifter Pro
*Intelligent emergency call

Sébastien de Malfin - Manufacturer's photos