BMW K1600B test

Menus

• Six cylinders in line, 1649 cm3, 160 hp at 7,750 rpm, 175 Nm at 5,250 rpm, 336 kilos, from 23,250 €
• A stylish “Kalt” way of cruising made in Germany
• Discovery
• In the saddle
• Engine and transmission
• In the city
• On motorways and main roads
• On departmental
• Cycle part
• Braking
• Comfort and duo
• Consumption & autonomy
• Conclusion

Six cylinders in line, 1649 cm3, 160 hp at 7,750 rpm, 175 Nm at 5,250 rpm, 336 kilos, from 23,250 €

A stylish “Kalt” way of cruising made in Germany

How do you say “cool” in German? Kuul? Well no, not at all: here then, (we attack hard!) The first moment "learn lots of things while having fun with the Biker Den and Master Capello": imagine, guys, that in German , cool says to himself "Kalt". Remember this word, it will be used to understand in great detail this motorcycle monument that is the K1600B, a new machine from the Munich manufacturer.

On the other hand, no translation worries for "Bagger": in German as in other languages, to benefit from the name bagger, it is necessary to meet precise specifications: on the basis of a touring machine, you need both a low screen, a stylish and refined line, smaller side bags and a lowered rear. Then and only in this case, the device enters the Baggers family.

The K1600B is therefore a new variation of the K1600 family, after the GT and its Sport version, as well as the GTL and its Exclusive version. To find out if "Kalt" can be cruised with 160 horsepower and more electronics than in an airliner, read on !

BMW K1600B review

Discovery

The K1600B has one thing in common with the Ford T: it is only available in black. And, the opinion is subjective, but we must admit that it suits him rather well, even if, the motorcycle journalist being by nature never happy, we say to ourselves that a second shade, in the bagger spirit too ( well, a matte metallic blue or a deep dark plum) could have done the trick too.

In the meantime, she is there, in front of us. Long, wide, low: beautiful piece. And we have to admit that BMW did not miss its point. Remember the Concept 101 presented by BMW in 2015, during the Concours d’Elegance of the Villa d´Este, designed by the ubiquitous Roland Sands who eats every bowl, but as he does with talent, we forgive him.

Concept 101

Well, we are not far from the spirit, except for the slightly lower front, the 21 wheel which has disappeared and the different exhausts. Otherwise, the big stylistic blow of the K1600B, it is also, undoubtedly, the rear lights in "flash" integrated in the side cases. This gives it a pretty exceptional posture on the road..

Otherwise, like all the K1600s of 2017, the B also has, among a plethora of equipment, the optional reverse gear. As an option, it can also receive an "SOS on call" system, capable of calling for help in the event of an accident.

The K1600 adopts a Bagger style

Note that in a good BMW, the K1600B can receive equipment packs and our test machine had them all: touring pack (€ 1925): MP3 Bluetooth radio, GPS preparation, reverse gear. ; safety pack (1020 €): adaptive cornering lights, LED daytime running lights, Hill Start control, ground floor; comfort pack (€ 1,510): keyless start, pro shifter, central locking of suitcases, additional lights, alarm…. And on that, there is still additional equipment, such as the running boards (190 €, but you have to take the side protections at 205 €) or the forged wheels. More surprising: the central stand is also optional (145 €). There is also a tinted screen, which was fitted to our test machines.

In the saddle

Two saddle heights are possible on this machine. Originally it’s 780mm, but optionally it can go down to 750mm, take advantage, it’s a free option. This was the case on our test machine and this detail is not, as it affects the protection of the bubble. Anyway, even with the saddle low, my tall build felt comfortable on this machine. On the other hand, small riders will prefer the low saddle, because the saddle is wide, even very wide and at 780 mm, we only put the end of the two feet on the ground, which associated with the overall weight is really not the ideal in town and when maneuvering at low speed.

The BMW K1600B

Then, given the wealth of equipment and controls, it takes a little time to take everything in hand and configure your machine as desired: between the electric bubble, the three engine maps and the two ESA suspension settings ( each with variations depending on the load), it takes a little getting used to.

The speedometer of the BMW K1600B

Once this work is done, we will concentrate on the radio, the cruise control, or the adjustment of the heated grips and saddle. It comes quickly, even if the position of the adjustment wheel on the left stalk sometimes means that you change the radio station by turning on the indicators.

The selector wheel faithful to BMW motorcycles

Engine and transmission

No major changes here: the B uses the block already seen (and much appreciated on the other K1600s). At the same time, why change. Remember that this is a very generous engine, a beautiful tribute to the historic BMW engine which has been the six-cylinder in-line since (new moment "learn a lot of things thanks to the Repaire des Motards and will then shine in company by wowing your friends at an upcoming barbecue ”) 1933 and the BMW 303; it is then a small 1.2-liter in-line 6, developing 30 horsepower at 4000 rpm. However, BMW had mastered this engine since 1917 with the IIIa, a 19-liter, water-cooled aircraft engine which developed 200 horsepower at 1400 rpm..

The 6-cylinder engine of the K16

So since, line 6, it’s been successful since it’s been just a century since they’ve been making it. In fact, this engine fully participates in the interest and driving pleasure of this machine. Supple, torquey, talkative, powerful, it is appreciated as much by shifting gears to 1500 rpm in ride mode, as by reveling in the symphony of 6 pistons and the large dose of potato which is delivered from 5500 to 8500 rpm.

The 6-speed gearbox and cardan shaft drive were never among the qualities of the K16s. Loud, rough, it offers a cartilaginous and unpleasant feeling. The pro shifter option is definitely recommended, since the shifter is very efficient, even when downshifting. On the other hand, at very low speed or in super cushy mode, we use the clutch and therefore, in these conditions, the transmission feeling can be improved..

Compared to a K1600GT, the Bagger’s exhausts are different. Very bulky, they deliver a more muffled sound, less present and less loud than on the GT.

Finally, reverse gear may be a plus for some: it is activated by the "R" button on the left stalk (engine running and in neutral) and then, we back up in small strokes, pressing the starter motor. . And it’s relatively violent, especially for small sizes when the feet barely touch the ground. In short, in many cases, we will prefer to get by without.

In the city

We never cease to be surprised at the agility of this machine! Despite its weight and size, the front axle allows you to twirl with great ease. The center of gravity is not too crippling and the engine is smooth, able to pick up almost from idle in sixth. So the city is easy … for a 1600cc, but it’s significantly heavier than a 1250 RT. And you have to drive a little faster to be well balanced. When with an RT, it is well at 10 km / h, it is necessary to be at 25 or even 30 km / h to easily tilt the K1600.

BMW K1600B road test

Well, to be honest, the only city we did on this test was Angoulême. The charms of Angoulême are neglected a lot. There is of course the comic book festival, but also countless and charming shopping areas, or from one roundabout to another, we flit from one to another of these delicacies of capitalism that are KFC. and the Hall of Shoes. Suffice to say that the K1600B came out of this ordeal like a boss. But once in Paris, the suitcases are very large and do not facilitate the interface. Associated with the consequent weight, the departures / stops are not an easy task and we will prefer something else (randomly a RT) if we often have urban work to do.

On motorways and main roads

Bagger spirit obliges, the screen is a little lower than on the GT, but with the low saddle, we gain a little bit of additional protection. However, on the motorway, a large pilot (over 1.80m) will have an interest in not neglecting the earplugs, especially since the bubble tends to generate infrasound in the helmet.

The K1600B for ‘Kalt’ cruiser

For the rest, shall we surprise you by saying that it is only happiness. Good big happiness in the bar, even. Because with such an engine, how can you run out of resources? On the autor ‘, the six in line purrs at a good 3,500 rpm in sixth, at legal speed and you therefore have 5,000 rpm left to exploit, which gives you every chance of having your photo in. the newspaper under the heading major delinquency. As for the stability, it is overall impeccable, although ESA’s Cruise mode, which really softens the suspensions, can give a slight feeling of floating in the nose gear..

In addition, our machines were equipped with the step option: not bad, because the harpions forward, it is perfect to soak up the spirit of touring, consubstantial with the idea of ​​Bagger. And if I had been head of global product planning at BMW Motorrad (you never know, it can happen), in fact, I would have gone further in the idea: more central footrests, running boards for everyone and advanced controls. Because here, we’re happy to have our feet forward, but as soon as you want to change gear, you have to put your left foot back on the central footrest. Relou

On departmental

With the K1600, BMW puts the Bagger world in another sphere. Downright. Because, this bike is just Jekyll & Hyde … and it’s not just because of the first one going up to 100 km / h and the second one going up to 140 km / h !

The BMW K1600B in a corner

In cushy mode, the smoothness of the six in a row is just magic, the agility is breathtaking, the ease of driving is real and the comfort is impeccable: as the other would say, we are fine, Tintin. Nothing to envy the American references of the genre, philosophy aside, because despite the power and the consequent electronic equipment, we put the bubble in the low position and we take a real pleasure in dragging the biiiip while soaking up the landscape and the present time.

The BMW K1600B on the road

But, unlike its competitors, the K1600B has a second personality: it can get angry. And there, in terms of performance, America is in strawberries and in comparison, the Honda F6B with its 1800cc flat 6 is Helène without the boys against Lara Croft. Even if this is not so much in its vocation, the K1600B has a super healthy chassis that we take pleasure in rushing.

Cycle part

No major difference compared to a K1600GT: geometry and equipment are identical. One nuance, however: the presence of a "cruise" mode in the ESA, which significantly relaxes the suspensions and generates a slight sway at high speed on the motorway. Behavior that disappears when switching from "cruise" mode to "road" mode.

Angle socket with the BMW K1600B

Braking

There too, only good, solid, constant. And what’s more, it’s dosable. The power is never at fault, which, when you come in strong with 160 horsepower and over 330 kilos, does not fail to put a strain on the system..

The brakes of the BMW K1600B

Comfort and duo

In terms of driver comfort, it’s definitely not bad. As we have said, the bubble deserves to be a bit higher, but to be affirmative on this is not to understand the bagger spirit which calls for a low bubble: in any case, it is much better than on a Harley-Davidson Street Glide that swings the flow of the wind through your face. Sitting question, ergonomics, vibrations, saddle comfort: that’s good. We obviously appreciate the standard presence of handles and heated saddles. The pilot’s one is set via the on-board computer, it’s easy; for the passenger, it is a button located on the left suitcase. And the passenger will not complain either with a wide saddle and a comfort allowing stages of 400 kilometers without worry..

The adjustable screen of the K1600B

Speaking of suitcases, these are a little more cramped than those of a K1600GT, without BMW being able to communicate their values ​​to us. You can still fit in a medium travel bag, or a full face helmet.

The passenger benefits from large grab handles

Consumption & autonomy

The 26.5-liter tank allows for good stages, since during our test, we observed an average consumption of 5.5 l / 100 on the departmental (at a fairly cool rate, like the limitations plus the VAT) and the around 6 l / 6.5 l / 100 on the motorway. Consumption even drops to 4 liters in town, but can climb to 8 liters at high speed. In fact, the 400 kilometers of autonomy can be guaranteed, in any case if we respect the speed limits.

Conclusion

Full box for this bagger made in Munich. Stylish, fun to drive on a ride and breathtaking as soon as you hit the gas, the K1600B responds in style to a wide range of uses.

What to blame him? A not very pleasant box that we compensate by using the shifter as much as possible and a surprisingly muffled sound, especially compared to the K1600GT which backfires.

As for the price, it is inevitably high, with the addition of recourse to option packs which quickly make you drop an additional € 5,000 ticket to exceed € 29,000. However, compared to the power and the equipment, this does not put the K1600B in a delicate position against possible competitors.

BMW K1600B

Strong points

• Motor
• Comfort, including duo
• Ultra complete equipment (even if sometimes optional)
• Coiled driving pleasure

Weak points

• Weight
• Box (if not shifter)
• No forward controls on the running boards

The technical sheet of the BMW K1600B

Test conditions

• Route: 500 km between Angoulême and Paris, with a mix of small roads and motorways
• Motorcycle mileage: 2,700 km
• Problem encountered: none

Competition: Harley-Davidson Street Glide 114, Honda F6B

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