Automobile club Luxembourg

Two-wheeled comfort

For the 2022 model year, BMW has given the K 1600 a technical and aesthetic makeover. The engine is now Euro 5 compliant; horsepower has remained unchanged at 160 hp, but is now available 1000 rpm earlier, and torque has increased by 5 Nm to 180 Nm.

GT is generally considered to be synonymous with Gran Turismo, and BMW has taken pains to ensure that this power plant’s superiority and the comfort of the driver’s seat are second to none.

The first thing that strikes you when you start the engine is how smooth the in-line six-cylinder engine runs, something that is also pleasantly noticeable when driving. It reacts uncannily to changes in load, and you constantly feel as if you are being pushed by an electric locomotive. The engine provides plenty of power in all situations and is easy to drive in urban areas, even in sixth gear. Once you hit the city limits sign, you can adjust the speed by briefly squeezing the throttle.

The fully automatic ESA chassis offers complete comfort in the BMW tradition and continues to be perfect, whatever the road surface. The long wheelbase allows the K to be driven safely, but it does demand considerable steering input. The riding position is among the most comfortable you’ll ever experience as a rider. After 4 hours of uninterrupted riding, stepping off the bike feels like you’ve just had a wellness massage.

In addition to the standard equipment such as electric windscreen, seat and handlebar heating, cruise control, ABS and traction control, the K offers new features such as LED headlights with dynamic cornering lights (already familiar from the current RT), a 10.25-inch TFT colour display that combines map navigation and connectivity and offers excellent readability, four user-definable favourites buttons and a smartphone compartment with USB C charging function.

When it comes to luxury and comfort, the K is the ultimate travel companion for long, relaxed journeys.

The base price for this comfortable powerhouse starts at EUR 26,200 but can easily rise to EUR 31,000 by ticking a few boxes in the equipment list.
 

Technical data