Motorcycle specifications BMWK 1600 GT 2023 The highest level of dynamic tourism

For the year 2022, BMW has made major changes to its K 1600 range of flagships, in order to prolong the pleasure of 6-cylinder engines before anti-pollution standards force us to run smaller engines with fewer cylinders. The aim of the German engineers? To get the big granny past the Euro 5 standard without losing power.

To achieve this, Teutonic science has put its best technicians to work on the 6-cylinder heart. Remember that the Euro 5 standard requires motorcycles to reduce their pollutant emissions by a third compared to Euro 4. While the architecture and mechanical moving parts remain identical, BMW has changed the entire engine control system. We start with a new engine management unit called BMS-O. Although we have few details on this component, we do know that it has enabled the same 118 kW (160 hp) power to be maintained despite the demanding castrating standard. The new engine management system even has the luxury of delivering peak power 1,000 rpm earlier, at 6,750 rpm (compared with 7,750 rpm for the previous model).

Engine torque (pulling power) is slightly higher, peaking at 180 Nm at 5,250 rpm, compared with 175 Nm previously. Long-distance travelers can now load up their suitcases a little more, and the BM will tow without running out of breath over the high Alpine passes. When it's time to slow down, the rider will be able to concentrate more easily on his trajectories, thanks to the optimized electronic engine brake control (MSR). In difficult conditions, the assistance system will now take care to avoid any untimely blocking with the torque feedback phenomenon, or when freewheeling, it will optimize engine braking.

The K 1600 receives two additional lambda sensors, bringing the total number of sensors on the engine to four. Lambda sensors (before and after the catalytic converter) are very important for analyzing exhaust gases at the engine outlet (regulation sensor) and after the catalytic converter for pollution control (diagnostic sensor). The lambda sensor is often referred to as the oxygen sensor. This enables the engine's electronic control unit (i.e. the air/fuel mixture) to perfectly adjust the injectors for optimized operation, thereby reducing pollution emissions. The mixture entering the combustion chamber is neither too rich nor too lean. The aim is to inject a stoichiometric mixture, the ideal operating value for an engine.

To further optimize its 1,649 cc 6-cylinder engine, BMW now uses two knock sensors. These detect engine noise in the form of frequencies and send analyses to the engine ECU. The latter can then control the engine's ignition time to ensure perfect combustion. A whole mechanical article could be written on the notion of ignition in the engine and the very important role of knocking. To simplify matters, let's just say that this equipment not only reduces combustion pollution, but also ensures that the combustion chamber and piston crown remain "clean" by adjusting to each engine cycle (according to temperature and rotation speed). An internally clean engine is also an engine that performs better and pollutes less.

engine-to-wheel transmission is still entrusted to the 6-speed gearbox and universal joint. And if you're feeling a little sporty, despite weighing in at over 330 kg with full tanks, you can order the Shifter Pro option from the factory, inherited from the S 1000 RR. This allows you to shift gears on the fly (up or down) without touching the clutch.

Chassis-wise, nothing has changed. BMW continues to rely on its aluminum perimeter frame, coupled with traditional Duolever and Paralever suspensions. Rear suspension travel is 135 mm, while front travel is 115 mm. These suspensions are still electronically controlled by BMW's Dynamic ESA system. BMW points out that fully automatic load compensation is standard on this new generation. This means you'll no longer have to worry about whether you're driving solo, as a duo with suitcases and/or with your mother-in-law, as suspension levelling and adjustment will always be perfect. The suspension also reads the road to adapt to the quality of the ground beneath the wheels, so that the feeling of comfort is enhanced or, conversely, the bike's dynamism is adapted to your riding on winding roads.

Increasingly assisted handling

The K 1600 GT is the most dynamic model in the range. The riding position, more "alert" than on the GTL, reflects this. Armored with technology, it can count on a host of driving aids to make the experience as comfortable as possible, and as easy as possible for those who don't yet know how to drive a tank weighing, let's not forget, over 330 kg with full tanks. Three driving modes are available: Rain, Road or Dynamic. Even without a mastery of the language of Shakespeare, you'll easily understand the purpose of each mode: wet, road or dynamic. The 6-cylinder's fiery spirit is also controlled by DTC, also known as traction control anti-slip under acceleration. And if low-speed manoeuvres scare you, BMW has also provided a virtual push hand with a hill-start assistant or a reverse assistant: all that's missing are the wheels!

the upper part of the bike, the cockpit, is radically upgraded on both sides.

The K 1600 GT gets a new LED light and its daytime visual signature is reinforced. The main light is directional, enhancing visibility when cornering. It is also capable of adjusting its position by +/- 2° so as not to lose length during braking or acceleration.

On the rider's side, the 2022 Bavarian vessel receives the TFT screen of its two-cylinder sibling, the Miss R 1250 RT. The new K 1600 GT, GTL, B and Grand America are now equipped as standard with this 10.25-inch TFT color display. In addition to traditional information, this screen is now capable of offering integrated navigation. An additional GPS screen is no longer required. If you're not satisfied with the soundtrack of the 6-cylinder with its mechanical blare, music lovers can count on a new 2.0 audio system (optional).

The cockpit is completed by a USB-C charging compartment (waterproof and ventilated), an emergency call button called E-Call, 4 configurable shortcut keys to avoid getting lost in the menus of all the possibilities, and keyless ignition (since 2023). Those of you who are not too keen on the cold will be delighted to learn that the K 1600 can be fitted with heated grips and seat, among countless other refinements. BMW has also pointed out that the K 1600 GT still comes with luggage for the less observant among you. This gives it 64 liters of luggage space and a "lighter" look than the senatorial 16 GTL and Grand America.

Finally, frequent travelers will always be pleased to know that BMW has kept the mechanical wealth of its flagship intact. More than ever an invitation to travel, the K 1600 bends to your desires with all its formulas.

Vincent Beaucousin - Manufacturer's photos