BMW K1600 GT MY2017, 6 the queen of tourism [ROAD TEST]

Last year we were (unexpectedly) struck by it and we still remember the moment of separation as one of the most "heartfelt" (here is the article with the complete road test). In fact, it manages to combine the charm and sound of the inline 6 with handling qualities and a driving pleasure that you would never expect from a motorbike weighing over 330 kg.

The K1600 GT then takes care of pampering its lucky owners with every type of accessory you could wish for, from the radio to the navigator (optional, but integrated into the dashboard), through to the central locking of the two hard suitcases and also the scattered storage compartments for the hull. There is also no shortage of adaptive Xenon headlights, the Keyless system and much more. Of course, in part these are paid accessories, but by being a little daring during the purchase phase, you take home a motorbike with which the desire to travel, or simply go to the office on the back of the German flagship, will certainly increase. stars.

Seventh gear arrives: rear

As mentioned, last year's road test is still quite fresh (here is the link),
https://moto.motorionline.com/2016/02/19/bmw-k1600-gt-alla-scala-delle-ammiraglie-prova-su-strada/
which is why we want to focus on this year's new features, given that the character and qualities of the bike remain substantially the same. However, these are not trivial interventions, because 2017 brought a wave of important innovations in the two-wheel sector, thanks to the "excuse" of the mandatory transition to Euro 4. For the K1600 the opportunity was useful to add to the already substantial package of technology and equipment of what is in fact the queen of flagships, a good number of interesting options. The "effective" one is reverse. It is an optional and we are all in all happy with it. Because on the one hand it is a great convenience and can help to get out of rather complex situations, on the other hand it could easily be done without it. The Americans teach us, for example, that motorbikes of a certain size, if parked and managed with a little intelligence, can do without aids like this, even when the weight rises to around 3-400 kg. How? For example, if you position the motorbike on the edge of a road, first placing the nose to the left and then approaching the edge or a possible pavement in reverse, you will take advantage of the slope (necessary for rainwater to drain) and you will find yourself ready to set off again. without the slightest effort.

Same thing for a U-turn on an uphill or downhill road, just think about the slopes and use them to slide backwards, instead using the engine to go back up in the right direction. Having said that, sometimes it happens that you make a mistake in your judgment or maneuver in a distracted manner, instead finding yourself with the nose "downstream" and, if the weight of the motorbike is heavy, the matter becomes annoying. This is where that magical “R” on the left block becomes interesting. It costs 980 euros, but it could be worth it, because it works very well. Just put it in neutral, press the R button and then use the ignition button to “accelerate”. The engine speed increases, but not to move the bike, but rather to allow the starter motor to act "in reverse" without excessive voltage loads on the battery. It manages to move the K1600 even on fairly challenging slopes and at a speed that allows you to manage the "walk" backwards without losing your support. Of course, at the beginning you have to get the hang of it, because not having support with one foot could lead to disastrous consequences, but letting the scooter do all the work is a great advantage. Once the maneuver is completed, you need to press the magic button again to reactivate forward travel.

Euro 4 engine

Of course, the impressive innovation is the presence of reverse gear, but the most important one is the adaptation to the more severe Euro 4 directives. Above all the way in which they are implemented, without losses of power and indeed with a new mapping that makes it even more enjoyable. the legendary 6 in line. Its sound remains unique, with that flavor that reminds us, in some cases, of those M3s from the 90s (the 3 Series “E46”), with which it has the architecture in common. The multi-driver can be docile and extremely elastic at low revs, when he can travel in sixth gear even at urban speeds, while at high speeds his voice becomes sharper and more pointed, to the point of shouting. It runs up to around 8 thousand, with the power remaining identical to the "old" K1600, with 160 horsepower delivered at 7.750 rpm. The same goes for torque, with a peak value of 175 Nm at 5.250 rpm, but at 1.500 rpm 70% of this impressive figure is already available. The catalysts are new, modified for the transition to Euro 4, as are the tailpipes, which now have a line made more dynamic by the horizontal fins, without giving up recalling the theme of the six, obviously linked to the number of cylinders.

The 1649 cc remains a unique unit of its kind, but also the lightest and most compact six-cylinder in-line engine ever in the "over 1000" class. The weight is limited to 102,6 kilograms, with very small distances between the cylinders which make it much narrower than the in-line six cylinders built so far in the motorcycle field. It takes advantage of three types of response, depending on the modes you can choose from: Rain (the only one that reduces power by up to 147 horsepower), Road and Dynamic. They can be set in an instant using the button on the block on the right half handlebar. The traction control, which comes as standard, is included among many functions in the menu, perhaps to induce less temptation for those who drive the "Kappone". The torque involved is such that it is suggested not to remove the electronics reins from the inline 6, to avoid finding yourself leaving black streaks with the rear tyre, or worse. It remains an easy and intuitive motorbike even without controls, but for all intents and purposes doing without it brings no advantages, even for an operation that is very minimally invasive.

Pro electro-assisted gearbox

Another debut on the K1600 GT MY2017 is that of the gearbox with electronic assistance, which allows shifting without a clutch, with the throttle open when moving up, and closed when downshifting. In the first case, a very fast power cut allows the upper gear to enter and waste the least amount of time necessary to complete the operation, to the full advantage of acceleration. When downshifting, however, a double-double is performed which brings the speed to the perfect level for engaging the lower gear. All perfect when driving in a somewhat dynamic way or in an extra-urban context, while in the city the clutch always manages to provide slightly sweeter and smoother gear changes, even if you can still use the assistance without major problems. Also in this case it is a non-standard accessory, but part of a package or can be purchased individually for 440 euros. The advantages are both in terms of shifting times, but also in comfort.

Dynamic Esa suspension

The proven Duolever and Paralever systems are now supported in their operation by the electronic suspension adjustment Dynamic ESA, which comes as standard. A semi-active system that also automatically adjusts the cushioning. If the "old" K1600 had already raised the limit for a touring motorcycle, capable of combining the needs of comfort with those of sportiness and handling, the new one has further raised the bar. The choice between the Road or Dynamic options allows you to calibrate the suspensions according to the type of use you want to make of the motorbike, making it ambivalent. With the first mode, more touring, the suspension adaptation is completely automatic and mainly aimed at maximum comfort, without forgetting traction, on any road surface.

The spring preload is always linked to the load state of the motorcycle, regardless of the damping. By switching to the Dynamic setting instead, the suspension calibration becomes more sustained and aimed at sporty driving. The "brain" of the system processes various data, such as acceleration and deceleration, to best calibrate the front and rear shock absorbers, which are adapted in just a few thousandths of a second. The result is a particularly stable and never uncomfortable driving behavior, always supporting a good dose of comfort. In fact, you never get off the K1600 tired, whether after a long journey or after a sporty walk on a winding road; we traveled about a thousand kilometers this time and we can assure you of it.

The news doesn't stop here

We have told you about the important improvements, all of which however do not distort the character of the K1600 GT, but make it an even more comfortable and dynamic motorbike, depending on the way you want to ride it. However, the innovations of MY2017 do not end here. We find, for example, redesigned instrumentation, but also the optional eCall, through which it is possible to manage the "intelligent" emergency call, for quick assistance in emergency situations. It can be activated automatically or manually, transmitting position data and coordinates of the location of the motorcycle, in order to activate rescue measures via the BMW Call Center. Everything is based on a collision sensor, as well as on the presence of a dedicated button for manual operation.

The shapes of the hull have been partially redesigned, in order to optimize aerodynamic protection, while the electrically adjustable fairing/windshield with memory function is confirmed. It lowers automatically when it is turned off, and then returns to the memorized position when the motorbike is restarted. We start from a list price of 23.200 Euros, to which any options must be added, some of which are "strongly suggested", such as those we told you about among the new features, but not only that. For example, the Safety Package offers Adaptive Light Control, daytime running lights, RDC tire pressure control, Hill Start Control; all for an additional 1.000 euros, while the Comfort Package, with 1.550 euros, includes the Pro electro-assisted gearbox, central locking, anti-theft system, Keyless ride and additional LED headlight. Consumption remains substantially unchanged, with average values ​​of 17-18 km/l, which translate into an important autonomy figure, in the order of 450 km, thanks to the 26.5 liter tank.

Photoshoot: ENGINEER

Tester clothing:
Jacket: Alpinestars Motion Waterproof Jacket
Pants: Alpinestars Denim Pants – Raw Indigo
Gloves: Alpinestars Masai Gloves
Boots: Dainese TR-COURSE OUT AIR
Helmet: Caberg STUNT BLIZZARD