The K 1600 GTL is one of the finest touring motorcycles on the market and offers so many luxury amenities, even the most discriminating motorcyclist will want for nothing.
BMW may have introduced a whole new motorcycle category with its new K 1600 GTL, the luxury sport tourer. While there are plenty of luxury tourers on the market, the Goldwing, Harley’s Ultra and Screaming Eagle Ultra, and BMW’s recently discontinued K 1200 LT, none of those motorcycles tilted as far towards the sporting end of the segment as the K 1600 GTL. Should anyone require more sport in their luxury tourer, BMW has you covered there as well with the K 1600 GT. The GT has a riding position slanted more towards a sport bike and does away with the tour pack. All other luxury features are still included in that model.
The heart of the BMW is its motor of course and it differs from everything else on the market. The motor is 35 degree slant block transverse inline 6 cylinder with a DOHC four valve head, fed with a single throttle body. This motor puts 131 HP and 110lb. ft. of torque to the rear wheel via shaft drive of course. A buttery smooth six- speed transmission and a wet clutch transmit all that power to the shaft.
The K 1600 uses a fly by wire computer controlled throttle called E-GAS. This system allows for several engine modes or ignition maps that vary power output and throttle response. These modes can be selected on the fly. Depending upon your mood or road conditions, you can choose from rain, road and dynamic. Rain mode doesn’t restrict power but clips 9 lbs. of peak torque and 12 HP from the upper mid-range. Its main purpose is to soften throttle response to resist wheel spin in wet conditions.
I can attest to the fact that this system works as there is a clear and definite difference in throttle response and clutch feel, in the different modes. In the rain mode, the clutch and throttle are much more easily manipulated; making low speed turns a lot easier than the road or dynamic modes. Both clutch and throttle become closer to an on/off switch in the road or dynamic modes. The power difference can be felt as well quite easily as you cycle thru the different modes.
The bike I rode was also equipped with the optional traction control which senses wheel spin and can help prevent a low side under slippery conditions.
According to Motorcycle Consumer News, the K 1600 GTL is capable of 0-60mph in 3.69 seconds. The ¼ mile will rush by in 11.75 seconds at 114 mph. Top speed is 134 mph. That’s seriously fast for a 785 lb. motorcycle.
Whenever you get on the throttle, you’ll hear a wonderfully musical wail from the intake. This inline six is so smooth and powerful and sounds so good you may find yourself not even turning on the radio. Speaking of the radio, you get six months of free satellite and adapter ports to plug in an MP3 player, iPod, or USB stick.
The navigation system resides in the center of the cockpit between the analog speedometer and tach. All the information provided by the NAV system, engine modes, etc. lie on a screen just under the electrically adjustable windshield and can be viewed at a glance. A screen multi controller on the left grip lets you make adjustments without moving your hand from the left grip.
I must say, there is so much information a non-techy like myself would have to spend hours with the manual to figure everything out.
Owners have a choice at the time of purchase of either the standard seat or a lower version. The bike I rode had the lower seat which I found to be very comfortable and supportive and allowed my 30” inseam to flat foot the bike. That’s helpful when backing up since no reverse is available. The riding position is bolt up right. There’s no need to lean forward to reach the bars. All the controls are easily accessible, however figuring them all out will take some time.
The BMW’s ride quality can be adjusted on the fly, from plush to sporting. It even has setting for solo ride, solo with luggage or two-up with luggage. If you can’t find a comfortable setting on this bike, you’re just too damn picky.
So what should a luxury sport tourer promise? I’d say the best combination of sport and luxury. The K 1600 GTL offers all of this in spades. The bike is a real pleasure on winding roads (I never did find its lean limit) with all the power you could ever want or need. The motor is so smooth it’s eerie. No vibration is felt by the rider. The ride quality is whatever you need at the moment. The huge saddlebags and tour pack allow you to carry all your touring needs.
The K 1600 GTL is one of the finest touring motorcycles on the market and offers so many luxury amenities, even the most discriminating motorcyclist will want for nothing. Fully loaded, MSRP is $25,845.00. For a closer look, go to Euro Cycles of Tampa Bay at 8509 Gunn Hwy, Odessa FL 33556 or call 813-926-9937. Tell ‘em Motorman sent ya.
