Menus
- Luxury cruise missile.
- Discovery
- In the saddle
- In the city
- Motorway and expressways
- Departmental
- Part-cycle
- Braking
- Comfort / Duo
- Consumption
- Conclusion
Luxury cruise missile.
By developing its in-line 4-cylinder engine, as innovative as it is efficient, the German manufacturer had revolutionized a sector dominated by Japanese firms. Available on the K, Roadsters, Sport or GT models, in 1200 then 1300 cm3 as well as on the sulphurous S 1000 RR, this engine has thrilled many bikers..
BMW raised the tone, in 2011, in the GT segment, designing, around an extraordinary 6-cylinder 1600 cm3 facing the road, an exceptional road in terms of dynamics, technology and equipment.
Discovery
Dynamic, even aggressive … Astonishing qualifier to describe, at first glance, a machine designed for long journeys. We think for a moment of a certain Yamaha 1300 FJR, but here, the subject is not the same. Extremely neat, refined, the sleek design of the K 1600 GT quickly sweeps away any reference, sending them back to the past.
Opening its fairings on its large heart stamped with the number 6, the 1600 GT is more attractive than the stealth livery of the old, and now unavailable, K 1300 GT. The new Bavarian Diva is redefining the standards at every level. Angles and curves blend with rare elegance and a perfect fit of the various components of the complex surface fairing. An ultra-light magnesium shell supports the upper part of the fairing and lights. These also greatly contribute to the aesthetics of the "K16".
Taking the circular design of the brand’s sedans, the blue position lights frame a revolutionary optional headlight.
This element called "adaptive directional lighting" comprises a xenon projection module, orientable, with reflecting mirror. Attitude sensors on the front and rear suspension provide the data required to continuously adjust the beam range. We see it initializing on startup. The reflector mirror, static as standard, is joined here by a servomotor transforming it into an orientable mirror. Depending on the angle taken, the reflector rotates around an axis and compensates for the roll angle, registering the beam in the bend … Efficient and unique on the market, this technology, in addition to safety, provides high-tech touch to optics.
The line of the 24-liter tank follows that of the aesthetic perimeter frame in aluminum, cast in the shell and accommodating the new multi-cylinder block. Steeped forward to lower the center of gravity as much as possible and extremely compact, the 6-cylinder is only slightly wider than the previous 4-in-line. Remarkably finished, the aluminum housings in titanium color contrast nicely with the plates and the anthracite frame. Six collectors flow into two long oval-section satin-brushed steel mufflers, the ends of which reveal 3 exhaust outlets each. The Bavarian firm has taken care of the details.
We also admire the leds ramps of the indicators, dominating the Duolever fork dear to BMW..
The full-type ABS braking is entrusted to 4-piston calipers at the front and 2-piston at the rear. The K 1600 GT also features DTC (Dynamic Traction Control), an anti-skid system that compares the speed of rotation of the front wheel and the rear wheel and takes into account the angle of inclination of the motorcycle..
The rear loop in extruded aluminum profiles receives, as standard, two large profiled and waterproof cases, integrating effectively into the line of the machine. A modular integral helmet takes place without worries in each. Their opening is actuated either by the control provided, or on the handlebars, or, more conventionally, by key. Their disassembly / reassembly is very simple.
In the saddle
The crew’s seating, generous but not overdone, is comfortable and invites travel. As standard, the rider saddle adjusts from 810 to 830 mm (optional: 780 to 800 mm or 750 mm to 780 mm). "Of course", it is heated, like that of the passenger and both adjustable on 5 levels independently. The driving position is quite straight but leaves a slight pressure on the handlebars (unlike the GTL) to give more dynamism. The accompanying person is equipped with wide grab handles at the edges, however, still too angular. His footrests would also have deserved to be further away from those of the pilot. Depending on the position of one or the other, discomfort may occur.
A large luggage rack, which can accommodate an optional top case, enhances the available storage space, as do the two waterproof compartments integrated into the fairing. Their opening follows the same rules as that of the luggage room.
Dominating the dashboard and the imposing, angular fairing head, supporting the speakers, the screen is electrically adjustable. It lowers to the low position when the engine is stopped and resumes the value of your last adjustment from the first turns of the wheels.
The design of the forged aluminum handlebars and its finish are remarkable as is the discreet shape of the hydraulic jars.
Extremely complete and electronic, the dashboard nevertheless incorporates two classic counters: tachometer and engine speed. But the traveler from Munich offers, in a central position, a large TFT screen showing a plethora of information. It would be tedious to list its features in detail. However, the ergonomics are structured as follows: on the left side, one of the three engine mapping modes (dynamic, road and rain), the gear indicator engaged and the temperature and fuel gauges. On the right side, the selected ESA system suspension mode as well as one of the 9 items of information chosen from the Info menu, such as range or tire pressure.
In the center is displayed the chosen audio program, (in this regard, do not forget your iPhone, iPod or USB key that you can plug into the storage box on the right) but also the setting of one of the 4 main menus accessible by pressure of the dedicated button, on the left stalk: Adjustment, Info, ESA, Heating. You can then navigate, using the multidirectional wheel, through the available subdivisions. Thus, the Settings menu, in addition to audio, provides access, when stopped only, to multiple user functions, vehicle, time, date and DTC.
The ESA suspension menu, in addition to its three sport, comfort and normal levels, can be adjusted according to the crew: pilot alone, pilot and suitcases or pilot and passenger.
Finally, the lower part of the screen displays the time, the odometer and one of the two partial. Other windows are reserved for more common pictograms and information (ABS, indicators, etc.). If you can find your way around the most obvious information quickly enough, it is sometimes difficult to navigate the intricacies of the software. The whole, however, offers good readability, day and night, and on a daily basis, and is pleasant to consult. Like the mirrors, large and easily adjustable.
In the city
As soon as the starter is engaged, a lively roar erupted from the vast entrails of the German. The engine speed equilibrates instantly and gently whistles its incomparable melody … suddenly broken by the sharp click of the gearbox! Loud, stiff, the selection is not the strong point of the K 1600 GT. Another delicate point, the electronic throttle control – Ride by Wire – generates a latency between rotation of the handle and engine response. This takes a little getting used to when maneuvering, otherwise you will stall repeatedly.
The 319 kilos in running order vanish, carried away by the vigor of the Bavarian bloc and the unusual balance of the chassis. On board, everything becomes cozy. Provided with almost limitless flexibility, our road, geared to 4th or 5th gear, calmly tackles the demands and turpitudes of everyday urban life. Progress at extreme idle, less than 1000 rpm and 20 km / h, or necessary brisk acceleration, the K 1600 GT impresses with the availability of its 6 cylinders. And no need to monitor the speedometer on the main boulevards, your cruise control, once activated, protects you from unpleasant surprises.
Bubble raised, isolated from eddies and air noise, the car radio is efficient, particularly with an open modular helmet or a semi-jet. The surprising noises emanating from the single-sided gimbal transmission are all the more obvious. In town, the jolts are almost permanent when the gas is cut off and then the go-around. Is this observation inherent in the specific engine? To confirm.
Handy, the size of the GT, substantial but contained for the category, allows it to interface without too many limits. Although quite long, a standard route allows for U-turns without maneuvering or setting foot on the ground. Mistrust, however. When stopped, the laws of physics suddenly seem to come back. Moreover, it is more this contrast that surprises than the reality of a remarkably studied space.
Motorway and expressways
The beautiful Munich woman is more at ease, however, when the horizon widens. It’s time to taste the power of a rare engine. While 70% of the torque is available from 1,500 rpm, the K 1600 GT loosens even more after 3,000 revolutions / minute and reveals its face as a long-distance sportswoman by going through 4,500 rotations / min. Really sucked into the landscape, the crew already find themselves, in a fraction of a second, beyond the maximum legal speed, carried away by a roaring and metallic breath. Signature characteristic of the brand on the propeller.
Screen in high position, the protection is perfect. Nothing vibrates, no sway is felt, even at more than 200 km / h. You can then cruise at a good pace and for a long time, without fatigue, on the handlebars of the German flagship..
Each rotation of the handle is a pleasurable experience of mechanical pleasures in high-end comfort, which, alas, castrates our national specificity. Amputated by nearly a third of its power, the bridle is gradually losing steam in the frightening rise of the hexacylinder block. Placed at 8,500 laps, the French red zone seems to start 2,000 rotations before this regime, forcing a report to take advantage of the Germanic orbiting again. A heartbroken that will perhaps avoid drilling too much into the bank accounts of a few unfortunate gourmets, caught in the act of excessive pleasure. If the best way to resist the temptation is no longer to give in to it, you might as well seek engine approval on the secondary network.
Departmental
Intuitive, the K 1600 GT is delivered in a short time to its pilot. A hundred kilometers is enough for an experienced user to perceive the dynamic potential of his new mount. This lends itself to a more sporty driving with happiness. Sitting on the corner with surprising naturalness, the German roadster demonstrates unerring rigor and steadfastness. Its rigidity and chassis balance make it spin from one curve to the next like a big roadster. The ground clearance is a little more measured, but the angles are already substantial with a machine of this size.
Its liveliness amazes even the gendarmes crossed during the test, although the engine still impresses the most. With its 17.5 m / kg of torque at 5,250 rpm, the K 1600 GT is relaunching its crew with a rare amplitude. All the more so if you stay in intermediate gears, riding the crest of the torque line. The Metzeler Roadtec Z8 Interact withstand mechanical wraths without flinching and contribute to the remarkable handling of the GT. On the other hand, their longevity will probably be limited. Full ABS braking offers both power and control, in perfect harmony with the performance and specificities of the machine.
BMW offers to adjust the joy of driving its flagship road according to 3 engine maps. In the Rain position, power and torque are delivered smoothly, following more linear curves, guaranteeing ultimate operating flexibility. In Road mode, the engine is fully expressed and the Dynamic selection allows for even more lively mechanical reactions. Parameter to be associated with the suspension system managed electronically by ESA 2, adjustable according to the 6 values already described. The Comfort mode is particularly flexible, not recommended with a committed piloting. On the other hand, the Road setting is ideal for most situations, offering an effective compromise between finesse of handling and comfort. Approval that the Sport mode logically loses in favor of increased performance.
Part-cycle
As efficient as the revs, the decelerations underline the neutrality of the front axle and its Duolever system, a fork made up of two rigid arms associated with a combined spring / central shock absorber. The same goes for the Paralever single-arm rear axle, made up of the essential universal joint. Only its low-speed operation seems surprisingly loud and dry..
Braking
Neutrality again for the ABS handset. Angle braking, emergency or simple control … the on-board system guarantees transparent, long-lasting and highly efficient operation. Coupled braking makes it possible, by using the rear control alone, to finely manage urban developments.
Comfort / Duo
Dedicated to long journeys, the rider and passenger saddles are real cushions with a pleasant and non-slip coating. The flexion of the legs is studied for a maximum comfort / pleasure of piloting ratio. The accompanying person is at the party. His seat heats up at his command, and his position behind the pilot is ideal: not too high, not too far behind. By adopting the Rain engine mapping, the softened reminders participate in the duo approval. Even more comfort is available on the GTL version, with top case and backrest and extended saddle.
Consumption
Achieving an average of 6.2 l / 100 km while evolving at a good pace and mixed driving, the K 1600 GT is sober. The posted autonomy of more than 450 km, after refueling and driving a few kilometers at a steady speed, is not usurped. The capacity of the 24-liter unleaded container, combined with a low rotation speed of the hexacylinder block, ensures long stages of pleasure..
Conclusion
The new BMW appears to be modeled after the brand’s propeller sedan philosophy. Luxurious and technological, comfortable but also sporty, the K 1600 GT is not a maxi road like the others. It mimics sporting codes more than those of traditional machines dedicated to travel. Engine and chassis complete the resolution of any ambiguity on this subject..
Capable of the best reception services, the GT can just as easily deliver the most dynamic behavior. What sets it apart from a Honda Goldwing 1800 and its smooth flat 6 cylinder engine. If the latter offers incomparable comfort, its performance on the road remains linked to it. On the contrary, the Bavarian knows how to transcend her personality while maintaining a state-of-the-art dynamic pleasure..
The German also gives back nearly € 10,000 to the Japanese. Priced at € 20,400 excluding options, the K 1600 GT is closer, in concept, to the Yamaha FJR 1300 ABS, asking € 17,999. But, again, all the benefits are not the same. The technology offered by the BMW is much superior, as is the approval of its engine..
Without a real rival, Munich‘s new road icon risks attracting maximum votes for years to come. It will undoubtedly convince owners of older K cars, and others, more with the rare mechanical alchemy of the engine block. Excellent at almost every level, it strips the competition of any serious arguments that stand the comparison. Therefore, the future of the K 1600 GT and GTL seems assured.
Strong points
- Engine torque and availability
- Part-cycle
- Technology
- Consumption
- Comfort
- Sound
Weak points
- Dry and sound selection
- Gimbal jerks
The K 1600 GT technical sheet
The opinions in the opinions and tests for the K 1600 GT
Competitors: Honda Golwing 1800, Kawasaki GTR 1400, Yamaha FJR 1300
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