All Tests – BMW K1600GTL Test: an exceptional K! – The admirable vessel

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BMW K1600GTL test: an exceptional K !

All Tests - BMW K1600GTL Test: an exceptional K! - The admirable vessel

With the new K1600GTL, BMW is shaking up the standards of the luxury road motorcycle category: powered by an incredible in-line six-cylinder, the new German GT also offers surprisingly efficient handling.. First try.

The admirable vessel

While waiting for Anton Dotterbock, the project manager of the "Electronics" part of the K1600s, to come and enlighten us on the use of the many functions listed on the dashboard, the demanding eye of the tester tries to hunt down details annoying finishing.

Without real surprise, the inspection – as uncompromising as it is – turns out to be unsuccessful: apart from the ugly empty space between the saddle and the gas tank, every detail of the K1600GTL offers a quality of workmanship as serious as it is flattering..

In addition to this flawless finish – less harm at € 22,350 per bike! -, the Behème approaches a neat and successful design: the front part in particular, as impressive as it is in its dimensions, benefits from a daring search for dynamism and modernism.

The lines are aesthetically taut and the imposing headlight unit adopts for the first time – arranged on either side of the xenon module – high beam headlights surrounded by luminous rings, as on BMW cars. Placed as close as possible to the engine and tapered forward, the side fairings incorporate the indicators, in the form of modern rows of LEDs.

By letting the gaze wander along the aluminum frame and the large footrest plates with impeccable welds, the lover of beautiful and rigorous parts will continue to be charmed..

Magnesium supports for efficient and folding mirrors, rear light with leds under clear glass, magnificent alloy rims (with inflation valve moved on a stick at the front), quality of the two-tone paint: nothing sticks out or does not mismatch.

Likewise, despite its "Maïtesque" volume, the rigid luggage – removable and lockable by key or remote control with the central locking option – fits harmoniously into the general silhouette. The asymmetry dear to BMW finally finds a small place on the GTL, since a chrome reinforcement passes along the left outer cylinder but not to the right.

Just to remember that the GTL has six cylinders, the inscription "6" is visible under the tank and on the engine, while the two long oval exhausts of 7.5 liters each have three outputs.

Delighted to note that our first impressions seem rather positive, Anton Dotterbock explains all the subtleties of on-board electronics: the German engineer returns in particular to the operation of the excellent ESA II (electronic suspension adjustment) and presents the control to us. DTC traction.

Two comfort and safety equipment with recognized qualities, but whose presence is, unfortunately, optional on the K1600. Discovered on the S1000RR, the Dynamic Traction Control BMW continuously calculates the difference in rotational speed between the front and rear wheel using the ABS crowns.

For more sensitivity in action, this device is also coupled with tilt sensors: some modern hypersports cannot say the same! After a presentation of the GPS – a BMW rebadged Garmin -, Anton shows us how to connect his MP3 or a USB key to the socket placed in the right storage compartment in order to take advantage of the on-board sound system.

Thanks to the multi-controller and the push-buttons placed on the left fairing, browsing its playlist is a snap. Too bad, however, you have to go through the purchase of a specific cable to connect a smartphone: it seems that Apple’s commercial strategy is being emulated !

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