The BMW K 1600 hit the market in 2010 and since then it has represented the German firm with the flagship seal and a six-cylinder engine that, in 2022, receives an update to comply with Euro5 regulations. In addition, it has been used to add optional equipment and other functional items shared by the four protagonists of the range: the GT, GTL, B or “bagger” and the Grand America.
four of six
Currently there are few models for sale with six-cylinder mechanics and except for BMW with these K 1600s and Honda with their Gold Wings, everything else has four, three, two or a single cylinder. Well, and electric motors. But the Germans have just given us a portion of that in the form of CE-04.
It is clear that at BMW they are going to maintain their product lines for both combustion engines and electric variants, diversifying the risk in case everything changes or remains the same in the near future. And for the most demanding, wealthy and travellers, the K 1600 range is, without a doubt, a great attraction and has been since its appearance. Yes, talking about motorcycles weighing up to almost 400 Kg or such exuberant dimensions is almost anecdotal since, as we have been able to verify during all these years of the model’s life, its dynamism -and relative ease of driving- is more than proven.
The new 2022 generation of the BMW K 1600 receives improvements to comply with the Euro5 regulations as well as expanded optional equipment…
If my memory serves me correctly, I think I have tried all the generations -or rather small evolutions- that the model has undergone during its twelve years of life and I have always had the same feeling about it: how great it is, but how well it looks! travel with her! And that is the objective of a motorcycle like this, to offer the greatest degree of comfort on the longest journeys and, above all, on fast roads.
In order to broaden the range of possible customers, the Germans decided to increase the range a few seasons ago and, to the more “sporty” GT or GTL, they were joined by the more “custom” B and Grand America. All of them receive slight improvements this season both mechanically and in terms of equipment, as we were able to verify during the international presentation held in Malaga.
The 10.25″ color TFT information screen is included as standard equipment on this BMW K 1600 2022
Same power, smoother
The Euro5 regulations put many manufacturers between the ropes and some of them had to resort to increasing the displacement of their models in order not to lose power and performance. This in the case of the K 1600 has not happened, obviously, and although they deliver the same power of 160 CV, now the peak reaches 6,750 rpm, 1,000 before the previous generation. In addition, the torque has increased from 175 to 180 Nm at 5,250 rpm. Data that can give an idea of the delivery and thrust of an engine of great smoothness and with a sound that recalls, from 5,000 rpm, that of a high-performance super sports car.
To achieve these improvements, a new BMS-O engine management has been developed, two detonation sensors have been installed to optimize emission levels and smooth running, in addition to four lambda sensors instead of the previous two. On the other hand, all versions now incorporate brake control or MSR that prevents the rear wheel from locking in strong retentions, the “Next Generation” ESA electronic suspension includes automatic load compensation as standard, the full LED adaptive headlights have been improved with an angle of action that goes from 24º in curves of the previous generation to 35 degrees of this new one -they also tilt +-2 degrees up and down when braking and accelerating-, a new display has been installed 10.25” TFT information -already seen in other brand models such as the new CE-04 electric scooter-, the mobile charging compartment incorporates a USB-C port and the four buttons are kept to save favorite functions.
The BMW K 1600 GTL 2022 is the most bourgeois version and developed from the GT…
Depending on the version the equipment varies. Although the new Audio 2.0 equipment is standard on the Grand America, the others may include it as an option. In addition, for both this version and for version B, you can choose a hydro-printing painting with images of space, called “Galaxy”, a somewhat expensive option and for which you will have to pay just over €2,700.
At the controls of the B
I hadn’t had a chance to try the Bagger and it was the first one I got in this presentation. A B, which stands out for its more “custom” line, with a rear that incorporates a rear shock absorber 10 cm shorter than the GT and a one-piece handlebar that allows a quite comfortable driving position. Although it is a fairly heavy motorcycle when stationary, placing it in a straight position is not at all complicated since the center of gravity is lower and the 6-cylinder is in a very inclined position with respect to the vertical.
The BMW K 1600 GT 2022 can be considered the sportiest in the range…
The day was quite rainy and with a Malaga asphalt that looked like ice, the electronic systems had to keep us safe from any scare. So it was. The six-cylinder is pure smoothness and, now more than ever, allows impeccable metering. You can drive in 6th gear at just over 1,000 rpm, turn the throttle grip and feel all the progressiveness of its impressive mechanics, something that is appreciated on a slippery surface and that at the minimum made the dynamic traction control enter unless you put the Rain driving mode, the one focused on the worst grip conditions.
As it picks up speed, its handling is even more pleasant and, already on highways or motorways, the kilometers pass without you noticing, because at 120 km/h its engine turns at just over 3,000 rpm. It should be noted that the new information screen allows it to be divided into two parts and thus be able to view the browser of our Android or IOS mobile in the right area of it or in large in the center. It also has connectivity via Bluetooth or Wi-fi.
The BMW K 1600B 2022 is the so-called “bagger” and differs from the GT range by its lower rear and forward footrest platforms
The GT, GTL and Grand America
Given the adverse weather and the short time available, I was only able to ride a few kilometers with the rest of the range and where the Grand America is the top in everything, with a base price of €33,000 and an curb weight of 370 Kg for the 344 of the B, 343 of the GT and the 358 of the GTL. Luckily they all have the reverse gear system that works with the starter motor…
When you go from one range to another, the differences in the center of gravity are very noticeable. Especially in the GT, which seems much heavier and clumsier when stationary and feels a little less agile when going into the tightest corners. Something like that happens with the GTL. The latter, by having a lower seat, allows you to have fewer problems when standing but the raised rear suitcase influences when it comes to feeling heavier. However, as with the others, when you gain speed the feeling changes completely. This is in the DNA of the bulkier and heavier BMWs. And if not, ask the owners of the R 1250 GS.
The new BMW K 1600 2022 range debuts the option of hydro-printing paint for the B and Grand America versions
A very complete and… customizable range
No, the BMW K1600 is not a motorcycle for all audiences and although the range wants to expand its range of action more and more, whoever buys it knows what they are looking for. What you will find is all the most customizable style of the brand, with countless elements that can be chosen to be incorporated from the assembly line and that will make each unit a unique motorcycle.
In addition to the welcome lights, they can be ordered with a floor light, a quick-change assistant and a host of other elements within the brand’s exclusive 719 option and where forged wheels are not lacking…
The BMW K 1600 Grand America 2022 is the most expensive in the range with a starting price of more than €33,000
In short, the flagship of BMW is now more than ever, the emblem of the brand if you want to travel long distances on fast roads, in addition to the safest way, since all versions include the SOS emergency call system. Of course, an element that we expected in this 2022 generation was the adaptive speed control and that has not been included in the options. A pity, because it would have already been the auction. Surely the microchip crisis has influenced the matter…
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