BMW K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL, the 6-cylinder superpower

Since BMW Motorrad presented the “Concept 6” in the autumn of 2009, the new straight-six engine has sparked the imagination of many motorcycling enthusiasts. For over seventy years, six-cylinder in-line engines have been a fascinating symbol of automotive engine technology for BMW like no other brand.

With the new BMW K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL, BMW motorcycles will have a six-cylinder in-line engine developed in-house for the first time. The two touring motorcycles have an elegant, charming and very personal look and tickle the desire to travel. For decades, six-cylinder in-line engines have fascinated with their particularity and technical originality: this type of architecture is in fact perfectly balanced and offers smooth operation, combining the best distribution of power and torque, giving the driver strong emotions.

A touring motorcycle must offer, in addition to safety, comfort, prestige and dynamic qualities, adequate equipment. Featuring the world's most compact production straight-six engine, the K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL usher in a new dimension of motorcycling in terms of riding performance, long-distance perfection and comfort. These two new models combine the highest level of agility and driving dynamics with a refined luxury equipment package. The six-cylinder engine delivers an output of 118 kW (160 hp) and a maximum torque of around 175 Newton metres.

The new engine weighs only 102,6 kilograms, and is the lightest six-cylinder series production motorcycle so far built in the over 1000 cm³ class. It is characterized by a much smaller lateral footprint than the six-cylinder in-line engines traditionally mounted in motorcycles. series. The extremely compact construction and limited width are the result of the cylinder bore of 72 millimeters and a distance of only 5 millimeters between the individual barrels.

Both the very low weight of the engine and the use of the "lightweight design" philosophy for the construction of all components of the motorcycle contribute to the low overall weight. With 319 kg (K 1600 GT without cases) and respectively 348 kg (K 1600 GTL with cases and topcase) the new bikes are positioned in the lower weight range of their segment.

Possibility of selecting three different maps corresponding to three different driving modes and a different intervention of the DTC dynamic traction control system for the maximum level of safety during acceleration. To meet all the driving needs of the driver of the K 1600 models, 3 different maps are available, which can be selected by pressing a button on the right semi-handlebar: Road, Rain and Dynamic, each responding, respectively, to the different driving needs:

Road for more touring driving, Rain for driving on wet surfaces and Dynamic for sportier driving on the open road. The DTC traction control available as an option ex works is combined with personal driving modes and calibrated to always guarantee the maximum level of safety.