BMW K 1600 2011 Review

Which BMW two-seater costs less than $35,000, will accelerate two seconds faster than an M3 and includes hi-tech such as electronic suspension adjustment and adaptive headlights? It's the K 1600 GT, the Bavarian bike maker's two-wheeled gran turismo machine. This six-cylinder bike comes in GT and GTL versions that convincingly knock off the Honda Gold Wing as the ultimate luxury tourer. 

VALUE

We tested the GT which costs $34,990 and doesn't have some of the extra technology or luggage capacity of the GT-L which is more of a direct comparison for the Gold Wing. The GT is probably more comparable in agility and capacity to the sports tourers.

While it is about $10,000 more than the Honda ST1300, Kawasaki GTR1400 and Yamaha FJR1300 A, it comes with a lot more kit such as radio/CD player, cruise control, electronic suspension, tyre pressure monitors, handlebar and seat warmers, remote lockable luggage, satnav capability, electronically adjustable windscreen, bluetooth and selectable engine mapping to suit the rider and conditions. 

Most of this technology is selectable from the handlebars via an infotainment controller which is not dissimilar to the iDrive controller in a BMW car.

TECHNOLOGY

The K 1600 is powered by one of the most compact six-cylinder engines in the world. Despite being a transverse engine, it looks and feels much slimmer than the Gold Wing and is marginally wider than the sports tourers. 

It is a lusty unit with 175Nm of torque and the ability to pull from as little as 1500rpm. At the top end there is 118kW of trouser-tingling power. The smooth engine is married to a close-ratio six-speed transmission and maintenance-free shaft drive. 

SAFETY

This is one of the safest bikes yet produced. Not only does it have ABS, but also traction control and three engine maps to suit conditions such as wet roads. The rider is also assisted by adaptive headlights that turn into the corner to illuminate where you are going, rather than the other side of the road. 

Another safety device is the tyre pressure monitor which will detect slowly leaking tyres before the rider can feel the effect on handling. 

DESIGN 

The bike looks sleek, although some of the big slabs of fairing and pannier would be better served with two-tone paint. It is highlighted by the daytime running light "Corona" rings from BMW cars and the fit and finish is superb. The remote lockable panniers system is cavernous taking two full-face helmets. It also closes with a confident and effortless "click".

RIDING 

For such a big tourer, this bike feels as agile as something half its size. During this test, I rode two-up with luggage.
Initially it felt like a barge to steer and handle.

However, after I chose the correct suspension setting it transformed into the best handling two-up machine I have ridden. Steering is light and responsive and the bike flicks from side to side through twisty back roads as if there is no one on the back seat. 

It should be noted that the GT has a higher seat than the GTL and when the two-up suspension setting is chosen, it rises even higher, which might rule it out for some people. I'm 185cm tall and am just able to get my heels down on the ground while the bike is stationary. 

Seating is on the firm side and the rider's seat it too wide up front. Comfort seat options are available. The engine is not only smooth and powerful, but also has a slightly grainy feel and a deep exhaust roar. However, the audio system either needs to be more powerful or the mufflers quieter because it is impossible to hear the music at more than 80km/h. 

The shaft drive has a snatchy feel which is only a nuisance when negotiating slow roundabouts or u-turns, requiring the rider to slip the clutch to smooth it out. The close-ratio box is great for quick acceleration. You can go straight to fifth at just 60km/h where it is revving at about 1800rpm yet there is still plenty of oomph for roll-on acceleration without having to change down. 

In sixth at 100km/h it purrs along at 2800rpm which is also just fine for spirited overtaking. 

VERDICT 

This is the best two-up tourer I have ridden.

BMW K 1600 GT

Price: $34,990
Warranty: 2 years/unlimited km
Service: 1000km/10,000km/12months
Engine: 118kW/175Nm, water-cooled, in-line, 1649cc six
Dimensions: 2324-2489mm (L), 1000mm (W), 1440-1465mm (H) 1680mm (WB)
Transmission: 6-speed, shaft drive
Thirst: 4.5L/100km at 90km/h (GT), 26.5-litre tank; 95 RON
Suspension: Duolever front, Paralever rear, electronic adjustment
Tyres: 120/70ZR17; 190/55ZR17BRAKES320mm discs, ABS
Colours: Red and white/grey
Supllied by: Motorline BMW, Daisy Hill