Motorcycle specifications BMWK 1600 B 2022 Route 66 and a Strudel!

How do you marry the best of both worlds? Take American-style cruising in the sun on the one hand, and the best of Germany on the other. And here, we're going to talk technology and big engines the way the Germans know how, something as good as the famous German apple cake, the Strudel!

A bagger or nothing

This 2022 iteration takes a lot from the old K 1600 B. You'll even need a very sharp eye to notice the changes, since we're content with a new front fascia featuring the new headlamp common to the entire K 1600 range.

This new Full LED headlamp features a new light signature for the daytime running light, but above all, it offers dynamic lighting. In fact, as standard, the low-beam headlamps swivel to illuminate the bend as the bike tilts. The lights swivel by a maximum of 2 degrees, but that's enough for lighting that now follows your gaze. For those looking for their bike in the dark too, the addition of this new optic also incorporates the "Welcome Light" function, with temporary illumination before the bike is switched on.

The front fairing still features the model's signature short bubble, and behind the bubble is a new 10.25-inch color TFT display. A huge, impressive slab, in keeping with the imposing wing of this vessel. It offers the functions expected of a model in this range, with integrated navigation, route planning and extensive connectivity as standard.

On the other hand, we regret that BMW did not have the good taste to include the 2.0 audio system as standard on the K 1600 B. You'll have to order it as an option. On a machine of this price, that's a shame.

6-cylinder evolution for Euro 5

The six-cylinder engine has been adapted to comply with Euro 5 regulations. The main technical improvements include the use of BMS-O engine control (digital management of engine injection and ignition), two knock sensors and two additional lambda probes.

Combustion correction has not only lowered pollutant emissions, but for once also increased performance. Power output remains unchanged at 118 kW (160 hp), but is achieved 1,000 rpm earlier, from 6,750 rpm. Torque also increases, from 175 Nm to 180 Nm, at 5,250 rpm. The engine's availability is therefore higher, which is good news for German engineers.

This performance is accompanied by Dynamic Engine Brake Control (MSR). Like an anti-dribble device, it prevents the rear wheel from slipping following sudden acceleration or downshifting.

Building on its engine power, the K 1600 B now features a new-generation Dynamic ESA controlled damping system with fully automatic load compensation as standard. Damping is automatically adapted to driving conditions and driving style, and includes fully automatic load compensation as standard. Suspension levels and settings are adjusted automatically. You don't need to be a tuning engineer to ride serenely, just a cool, no-holds-barred system that goes well with the bike.

A "well-placed" price (sic)

Priced at 27,490 euros, you'll need a little piggy bank! But this German bagger is 500 euros less expensive than the Japanese legend, Honda's Miss Goldwing, also in bagger form.

The American Street Glide and Road Glide from Harley or Indian Challenger are even more expensive, but they have the real taste of ketchup! A Cornelian choice in a niche market... In the end, customer loyalty to a particular brand is more important than the quality of the machines. At this level, there are no sausages, just different sensations.

Vincent Beaucousin