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- 6 cylinders in line, 1649 cm3, 160 hp at 7,750 rpm, 175 Nm at 5,250 rpm, from € 23,250
- The first GT you can buy before you’re old !
- Discovery
- In the saddle
- Engine and transmission
- In the city
- On motorways and main roads
- On departmental
- Part-cycle
- Brakes
- Comfort and duo
- Consumption & autonomy
- Conclusion
6 cylinders in line, 1649 cm3, 160 hp at 7,750 rpm, 175 Nm at 5,250 rpm, from € 23,250
The first GT you can buy before you’re old !
BMW has simply knocked out the competition when it comes to GTs. Speaking of a sledgehammer is just appropriate, when we see that Honda held at arm’s length its 1300 Pan European, which has now disappeared, that the Kawasaki GTR 1400 is no longer in the catalog.. Yamaha has recently updated its FJR 1300 (they even waited fifteen years before realizing that this engine needed a sixth gear), but luckily there are still law enforcement agencies to buy large quantities..
However, BMW’s touring range has six models, if we include the F800 GT and the very recent K 1600 Grand America, built on the platform of the K 1600 Bagger..
The K 1600 GT has evolved for its 2017 vintage on the occasion of the transition to the Euro 4 standard. Nothing that has a lasting impact on the qualities that we already knew about it, but here it is refined in the details.
Discovery
We grant you, it takes a game to play the game of 7 errors to distinguish this 2017 vintage from the K 1600 GT. Unless you come across specific colors, such as Lupine blue, black or bronze, but in red, since it already existed like that at the time of its launch in 2011, it’s more complicated. So you have to look carefully at the optics, the fairing sides or the dashboard, redesigned, just like the exhausts..
Then we end up with an imposing machine. But when we look at this technology, we see all the efforts made by BMW to integrate everything as well as possible. It begins with the imposing six-cylinder which remains a marvel of compactness and mass control, since it weighs "only" 102 kilos. The integration of suitcases is also quite efficient, with a good compromise between carrying capacity and overall width, which can quickly become penalizing on a daily basis..
By resorting to a few options, the K 1600 GT is a tech monster, but to discover everything calmly, it’s best to get on board, machine resting on the center stand, to start enjoying the soft saddle..
In the saddle
Look at these commodos! Before thinking about having additional fingers transplanted, give yourself time to tame them, which finally comes quite quickly, with one detail: indeed, maybe the shape of my hands is messed up (but in at the same time I put on standard gloves without needing to ask for a tailor-made one), but activating the indicators often makes me hit the control wheel on the left stalk, which has the effect of changing the radio station . Let’s be positive by telling ourselves that this allows you to create a little musical mix at each change of boulevard.
Ditto for the dashboard: it takes a little time to understand the amount of information available, especially on the small transverse TFT panel. Between the engine maps and the suspension settings, not to mention the radio and the on-board computer, we get lost a bit at the beginning, but the look ends up getting used to.
It’s because there are so many features that you don’t feel at home in two minutes. A good grip is therefore necessary, before realizing that the ergonomics have been well thought out. So, even while driving, you change radio stations or change the heating without having to take your eyes off the road too much..
Engine and transmission
Passing Euro 4, this engine has not lost in the change, with unchanged values: it is still 160 horsepower and 175 Nm of torque. In absolute terms, these are sufficient values to cut the road and in reality, we quickly see that this engine can become the number 1 argument of this machine. Admittedly, it produces hissing noises at low revs, which can irritate some of them. But the majority of those who enjoy character mechanics quickly get hooked..
It has indeed for him a wide range of qualities: flexible (you can cross the villages in sixth and start again in fourth on the idle speed), elastic, torquey, powerful, talkative, it shows that the six cylinders, even more at motorcycle, it’s really exceptional mechanics.
And all the more so since, for 2017, the new exhausts are much more expressive than on the first version. It’s even surprising to see such a talkative GT. Relatively discreet when you stay on the gas net, it belches and backfires when you put on heavy gas. And the six legs then change a beautiful symphony, with accents of old BMW M3 3.2 atmo at mid-speed. Enough to make you consider tunnel crossings from another angle.
The K 1600 GT can also come with the Shifter Pro option and we can only recommend it to you. First, because the transmission approval has never been the strong point of this engine, with a rough and cartilaginous selection, not pleasant to the touch. Then because the driving feeling is more pleasant with this shifter which works very well and which even gives a little gas when downshifting.
Another novelty: the presence of a reverse gear. In neutral, with the engine running, all you have to do is press the "R" button on the left stalk, then press the starter button to feel the machine slowly back up. This may help in somewhat delicate parking lots.
In the city
One meter wide with suitcases, 334 kilos: there is better way to explore the city. And yet, she is doing quite well. The template easily enters the eye and we manage to get out of it overall. The fineness of the gas dosage is good (it was open to criticism at very low speed on the first versions), but the gimbal sometimes generates small jerks during slow crawls. And once again the incredible flexibility of this engine is a real ally. And when needed, Rain Mode reduces horsepower and makes the engine even smoother. As for the turning radius, it is in the good average of the genre.
On motorways and main roads
There, obviously, she is in her element. If only because this six-cylinder, again, is still so formidable. He pushes hard in the second half of the tachometer, but even when riding more smoothly, there’s never too much box play to pass. The rotation speeds are relatively low: it turns at 2500 rpm in sixth at 90 km / h and a little above 3500 to 130. There is therefore room! This is also (almost) a problem, because on its handlebars, excess happens so quickly. Fortunately, the cruise control, as standard, takes care of the grain. For long journeys, we also appreciate the standard heated handles and saddles (including that of the passenger).
On the protection side, the electrically adjustable screen obviously plays its role. I nevertheless felt some turbulence. The rather poor quality of the sound system will not really allow you to listen to it on the highway.
However, the K 1600 GT does not come close to perfection either: it has sporty genes in it and will never offer the fleece of a Pan European, for example. There remains a certain firmness on board. Not of the saddle, but of the functioning of the suspensions. The exhaust sound, very present, can also end up upsetting the spirit of grand touring.
Let it be said: unlike other indolent or tasteless GTs, it is intended for those who like to drive as much as to experience sensations..
On departmental
Sensations which continue on the secondary network, where it will already be necessary to attack to find the limits of the ground clearance; in this case, the crutch, which ends up rubbing. For the rest, this big creature never ceases to amaze with its agility and its ease of improvisation. It is obviously not a trail, but the precise front axle, the beautiful stability and this engine (again!) Make that a lively rhythm is quite possible on a very winding road and preferably well paved, all the same. . And what soundtrack !
At a leisurely pace, the GT can then be easily led, even if there is softer in the category.
Part-cycle
Not only is this machine incredibly balanced, but BMW also equips it with technologies that allow it to sublimate. This is the case with the standard ESA Dynamic suspensions, which offer a separate adjustment between Road and Dynamic, with the possibility of setting the presence of a passenger and luggage. That works ? Yes, but we remain in any case on a fairly firm comfort, "German style": in return, it is the guarantee of a "touch of the road" of the first plan. Here again, BMW favors driving pleasure.
Brakes
Despite the mass and the potato, the device does not suffer in the effort. Large 320mm discs with 4-piston calipers provide a nice bite from the start. With, in addition, mass transfers which have the merit of being contained. The brake light has a "dynamic" function, in the event of emergency braking, it flashes to warn those behind you that it is time to jump on the brakes.
Comfort and duo
Halfway: we are not on the pullman side of a Harley or a GoldWing. But it is also light years away from a sport-GT: space, protection, load volume.
Consumption & autonomy
24 liters in the tank and a consumption that can easily remain under 6 l in ride mode, but climb to more than 8 on the attack. 24 liters? Oh no! With Euro4, the tank is increased to 26.5 liters, which means that, in any case, the autonomy is sufficient.
Conclusion
It stands out in the panorama of the few GTs that remain, this K 1600 GT. And this, at all levels. Impressive power, noble mechanical architecture delivering the beautiful sensations that go with it, dynamism that can never be faulted, it guarantees driving pleasure at all times, while allowing itself to be tamed in the city or on the road..
Obviously, there is a touch of sportiness in its design, which is palpable and which will perhaps put off the most comfortable. The fact remains that the compromise it manages to make between comfort, equipment, technology, performance and sensations is both truly mind-blowing and unique on the market. And just this engine, we can become gaga. Good news: you don’t have to wait until you get old to buy a GT.
Strong points
- Fantastic engine for power and pleasure
- Plethora of equipment (even if options)
- Good protection
- High level handling
- Substantial suitcases
- Very good comfort
- The sound of the 6-cylinder
- Reverse
- The efficient Pro shifter
Weak points
- Unpleasant box selection
- Change the radio when you want to turn on the indicators, because of the dial
- Whistling engine, which can become irritating
- Rather poor audio quality
The technical sheet of the BMW K1600GT
Test conditions
- Itinerary: One week of daily use and a short ride in Chevreuse
- Motorcycle mileage: 3,000 km
- Problem encountered: none
Competition: Kawasaki GTR 1400, Yamaha FJR 1300
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