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BMW K 1600 2012 Review

BMW K 1600 GT with top box option.

Nothing has ever come close to matching the Honda Gold Wing luxury tourer for agility, power and features. Until now.

BMW's new six-cylinder 1600 GTL has more power and torque, more features, less weight, better economy and a cheaper price tag. This is the heavy weight title fight of bikes and the two opponents each pack a wallop, but the new BMW's six-cylinder engine is the killer with fly-me-to-the-moon grunt.

The K 1600 comes in GT form with a higher seat and more aggressive ergonomics and the GTL with a lower seat, fog lights and top box. BMW Motorrad Australia marketing manager Miles Davis says the company has a "strong reputation for touring models".  "But this is a clean slate with no existing platforms," he says. 

VALUE

The tourers arrive at $34,990 for the GT and $36,990 for the GTL with the lot. The GT is about $10,000 more than the Honda ST1300, Kawasaki GTR1400 and Yamaha FJR1300 A, but has a lot more kit. 

The GTL is $1000 less than the standard Gold Wing and $7000 less than the more comparative luxury model, although Honda is doing deals to move stock. It is also $2000 more than the Harley-Davidson Electra Glide but has a lot more kit.

TECHNOLOGY

The heart of the BMW is the extremely compact in-line six-cylinder engine which is only 62mm wider than the K1300 engine. It is a powerhouse with 170Nm of torque and 70 per cent of that from just 1500rpm, plus 118kW of top-end, scalp-tingling power. 

There are three engine management modes for rain (flatter power and torque curve, heavy traction control), road (full power and torque) and dynamic (full power and torque, more sensitive throttle, later traction control). 

Technology abounds with anti-dive Duolever/Paralever suspension, fly-by-wire throttle, traction control, electric screen, iPod/iPhone connectivity, adaptive Xenon headlights, central locking, heated seat, satnav (optional) and Bluetooth. It even has a slipper clutch, something usually only found in sportsbikes. 

These are the first bikes with car technology such as central remote locking for the five luggage compartments, daytime running light "Corona" rings from BMW cars, adaptive headlights and an infotainment controller like BMW's iDrive system.

The headlights not only swivel side to side but up and down with the bike's banking angle to cleverly illuminate the inside of a corner. 

DESIGN 

It is difficult to make a large tourer look good with all those panniers, top boxes and massive barn-door fairings. But the BMW is sleek from all angles, except the rear where the lack of bodywork on the panniers make it look unfinished. 

The aggressive panel angles mirror the S 1000 RR superbike making it look neat and racy even though there is 115 litres of storage capacity (46L top box and 33L each pannier).

SAFETY 

The Gold Wing luxury model may have an airbag, but the K1600 is a tour de force of primary safety technology such as ABS, traction control, tyre pressure control monitor, electronic suspension adjustment, adaptive headlights and rider modes.

RIDING

The bikes were launched on the twisty Tweed and Gold Coast hinterland roads, broken in places by January floods; a punishing test that proved BMW's suspension up to the task with a smooth ride and unshakeable handling. 

The GTL has a relaxed riding position with closer bars, a lower seat height and a bigger pillion seat, although it's not as roomy as the Gold Wing's pillion perch. It comes with a top box standard and a massive electronically adjustable windscreen that almost blocks out the world. This alone should entice Wing riders who have to stop to adjust their windscreen. 

There are also some GTL chrome badges and wide comfort pegs. The GT has a higher seat and slightly further lean to the bars with a slightly lower but just as effective windscreen. A top box and low seat are options. 

While it doesn't have a reverse gear, it is up to 100kg lighter than the Wing so it is easy to manoeuvre with your feet in carparks. Ninety minutes of night riding convinced me to never ride again in the dark without adaptive lights. They are a must for safety. 

Audio systems on bikes are useless against wind noise. Despite the massive windscreen, the BMW's audio system doesn't have enough power or clarity to drown out the wind, road and engine noise. Brakes are strong and safe with the ABS kicking in frequently. 

The smooth and powerful engine is the real winner with instant power, smooth and linear delivery, and even a grainy character compared with the Gold Wing's velvety smooth but soulless flat six mill.

VERDICT

This bike - in GT and GTL form - is the best tourer I have ridden. Compared with the Gold Wing, the GTL has better power, torque, speed, style, economy, range, agility, handling, weight, connectivity, primary safety features, satnav and "creature features". 

However, the Gold Wing has reverse gear and better pillion seat, audio system clarity and the best satnav antiglare screen I have seen. The luxury mode has an airbag.

BMW K 1600 GT and GTL

Prices: $34,990 (GT), $36,990 (GTL)
Warranty: 2-year, unlimited km
Service: 1000/10,000km/12mths
Engine: 118kW/175Nm, water-cooled, in-line, 1649cc six
Transmission: 6-speed, shaft drive
Fuel: 4.5L/100km at 90km/h (GT), 4.6 (GTL); 26.5-litre tank; 95 RON
Suspension: Duolever front, Paralever rear, electronic suspension adjustment
Dimensions: 2324-2489mm (L), 1000mm (W), 1440-1465mm (H) 815-835mm (GT seat), 800-780mm (GT seat option) 750-780mm (GTL seat), 1680mm (WB) 
Tyres: 120/70 ZR 17; 190/55 ZR 17
Brakes: 320mm discs, ABS
Dry weight: 321kg (GT), 306kg (GTL)
Colours: red and white/grey (GT), silver and blue (GTL)

Mark Hinchliffe
Contributing Journalist

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