All Tests – BMW K1600GTL Test: an exceptional K! – BMW attacks on all fronts

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BMW K1600GTL test: an exceptional K !

All Tests - BMW K1600GTL Test: an exceptional K! - BMW attacks on all fronts

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.

BMW attacks on all fronts

In just a few years, BMW has gone from being an aging and selective outsider to that of an innovative and ambitious challenger. Honestly, who would have said that a BMW Hypersport would panic – overnight – Japanese references and become the most popular Superbike in the world (10,200 registrations in 2010) ?

Thanks to this expansion of the range and to a more accessible pricing policy (even catchy for the S 1000 RR precisely, but also the F 800), the German brand is on the rise. In fiscal 2010, while many manufacturers continue to suffer from the crisis, BMW sold 98,000 models worldwide, representing growth of + 12% !

However, this enviable success does not call into question the manufacturer’s "Premium" positioning or its primary vocation: the design of high-performance road motorcycles with good driving pleasure. This is why BMW is launching the K1600GT and K1600GTL, two models charged with "redefining sovereign Grand Tourism", explains BMW Motorrad CEO Hendrick Von Kuenheim.

To achieve its ends, the German manufacturer has given itself the means: starting with a propulsion provided by a salivating 1649 cc in-line six-cylinder – the very first "six-legged" from BMW Motorrad – which develops 160, 5 hp at 7750 rpm and some 175 Nm of torque at 5250 rpm (read all the technical details on the following pages) !

With its 24 valves (!), This mechanical cathedral tilted at 55 ° to the front appears much narrower than the (too) rare in-line six-cylinders seen on a two-wheeler: we think in particular of the template at least imposing fire the Honda CBX 1000, Kawasaki Z1300 and other Benelli 750 Sei…

However, if this relative narrowness is surprising, the BMW K1600GTL remains a big creature that imposes itself at a standstill: its measurements (348 kg dry and 2489 mm long!) Require caution when stepping on the saddle without difficulty. of 750 mm and that the kidneys are wedged comfortably along the passenger seat.

The K1600GTL also marks an important change in the philosophy of the German manufacturer: for the first time, a BMW motorcycle is equipped with standard options usually expensive sold in the dealer network..

The Teutonic "super-road" thus comes with a combined ABS as standard, a new 5.7-inch active matrix (TFT) color screen, the multi-controller (wheel placed on the left stalk which allows you to scroll through all the functions offered by the ultra-complete on-board computer: read the "Instrumentation" section of our Technical sheet on the following pages), a 49-liter top-case and suitcases in which a full-face helmet fit.

Not to mention the heated grips and saddle, the easy-to-operate central stand, the particularly powerful audio system, the pre-wiring to install a GPS Navigator IV, the rear preload adjustment wheel, cruise control, the windshield electric with memory function, coded key immobilizer and alarm … Did you say complete ?! Test !

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