2012 BMW K1600GT Review

The K16 is available in two similar but different. GTL rich in competition with the Honda Gold Wing in the category of luxury and tourism, but his sporting high and the list of available features (Bluetooth connectivity, electrically adjustable windscreen, traction control and more) makes Paladin (100 pounds-but heavy) work of the wing a bit anachronistic, even with its updated 2012 review here.

Regular readers will remember our GTL glowing review where we wrote: "The venerable Gold Wing continues to hold a clear superiority of passenger accommodation and a small advantage of ultra-low speed handling, but the K1600 GTL significantly advances super-class tour in every other way possible. "

 

2012 BMW K1600GT

However, GTL is not the only taste of the sexy and K1600 technophile available. Riders will be more interested in sports the GT version, which is basically the same machine, but with a more aggressive ergonomics and without GTL top box high on the back. According to the K1600s BMW Motorrad Hendrik von Kuenheim director, "the fundamentals of our market offensive."

While GTL pampers with a wider seat and with less capacity and greater storage capacity, the GT falls into the broad category of sport-touring. Its riding position is sportier than the GTL, but still very comfortable
Footpegs are placed 50mm (about 2 cm) diagonally backward and upward, but the handles are 50mm further away from the rider.
Two inches here and there does not seem like much, but the GT sports ergos are much better than driving, the driver a greater sense of connection to the front Duolever, and to provide better ground clearance when bent. Suspension damping rates are slightly firmer tighter control when ridden briskly.

 

2012 BMW K1600GT

GT has the same rake, trail and wheelbase as the GTL, but few other differences that arise. 6.3-liter fuel tank does not take up as much as 7.0 liters GTL, GTL and without the hull mounted high and behind the wheel gives the GT-paced, even when the corners.

Another small but useful distinction is the exhaust system slightly stronger that BMW says the engineer to perform an item-limit restrictions. He used the German word to describe it, kerniger, ie, resistant, or "a little 'more." Its resonance is a bit ', but well burlier, when the pilot with better access to a melodic exhaust notes in all motorcycledom. For a long tirade delicious, check out our 55-second mark of the video review GTL, in which the GT 1649cc six screams to 8400 rpm the rev limiter.

We recently had a GTL on a dyno to give us an idea of ​​how K1600 claimed 160 crank hp is lost through its six speeds and shaft drive, and we were disappointed with 121.6 pones in 6800 rpm we recorded. This is a power loss of 24%, which is considerably more than the loss of 15-20% typical motor shaft bikes. The World 132.7 HP cycle recorded on his Dyno 1000 rpm higher is closer to what is expected. We detected a peak torque of 105.1 lb-ft at 4900 rpm, well below CW bike.

 

2012 BMW K1600GT

GT seems to come in costume Big & Tall stores, but some of the built-in tailoring is available in terms of seat height. Stock seat sits 31.9 inches, but can be set to improve to 32.7 inches of legroom. Drivers will soon select a low seat option, which leads up to a height of 30.7 inches or 31.5 inches. GTL can be installed based on GT if you want more comfort.
Standard seat lower frame his happy my ass, although our pressure test launch last no more than an hour to an hour.
Once a driver is distracted by the chassis engine is surprisingly delicious competent GT deserves the attention of a rider. At the same time the effort is much lighter than expected to respond very quickly despite the GT is fully powered (no bags) Dry Weight 703 lbs.

Some credit must go to new tires 190/55-17 rear Metzeler Z8 donut instead of the typical 190/50 occupants and makes the steering heavier. The Z8s, reviewed here, has also proven to be very adherent to a sport-touring tire, allowing thinner angles than expected for a boat of this size. The post-race reading footrest showed that about half of the bikes in the press release was not yet have the ankles scratched.

 

2012 BMW K1600GT

GT has a price of $ 20.900 substantial departure, but even the base model is very well equipped. Heated grips are always nice, is the seat bun-warmer while the cruise control alleviates boredom while running through Nebraska on their way to the Rockies. A multi-function center 5.7-inch TFT (Thin Film Transistor) color LCD has an onboard computer powered by a smooth and convenient Multi-controller, a wheel that rotates around the handlebar to the left and can be beaten in two directions to select various settings.

 

2012 BMW K1600GT

Power adjustable windscreen, narrower and shorter than the GTL ', offers a range that is suitable for a wide range of riders. It was noisy in the low position in my 5-foot-8 body, but it was quiet, not much taller. Senior drivers, such as 6-foot-4 Brown, Roland said, which can be fully placed with the closure screen in the highest position. When the screen in the upper ranges, the flow of air was quiet enough for 100 mph requires ear plugs.

 

2012 BMW K1600GT

The base GT is also equipped with BMW Integral ABS, which is based on a large 320 mm triple disc configuration and two 4-piston front. This package is a fast deceleration of K16, the embodiment of perfection, even under pressure with a firm feel of the lever. More standard niceties include BMW E-throttle with three power modes, xenon headlights with dynamic leveling and turnsignals LED with an effective means of self-cancellation.

 

2012 BMW K1600GT

An optional upgrade is deceptively called the basic package, at $ 23,045 MSRP stickering. And 'highly desirable to increase the ESA II electronic suspension adjustment, which allows an immediate to adapt to the loads and is particularly suited to you. It also includes a package of $ 2,145 is the traction control, adaptive xenon headlights in innovative hand around corners, and connections of tire pressure monitoring, and pre-wiring for BMW Navigator Garmin IV built on the only available separately for the retailer about $ 850.

ESA is a brilliant feature, providing on-the-fly adjustments that can transform the GT of a sofa to a sport with the push of a button. Sport mode then the railing of a two-lane road at speeds sometimes upwards of 100 mph, the control copy provided that the suspension for a big girl. Adaptation and the lighthouse, which uses a mirror to direct the beam in the corners, is a blessing to walk at night.

 

2012 BMW K1600GT

If your budget allows and you need air to drive the K1600 GT is spec'd with the Premium Package, which retails for U.S. $ 24 540. He added a sound system worthy of a satellite tuner, radio, and iPod / USB integration, all of which can be transmitted via Bluetooth to the helmet. Premium Package also includes a central locking system and alarm.

The verdict

BMW K1600 platform is not remarkable. GTL rivals the venerable Gold Wing in luxury, while providing greater athletic ability and many additional features. Compared for a duet of next week.

GT, in turn, has sufficient capacity to compete in sports with less volume displacement of FJR1300 sport-tourer like the Yamaha and Kawasaki Concours 14 In fact, we are riding Kawi and the K1600GT is a USGP at Laguna Seca this week, so that we can understand how they compare. K1300GT The deceased took the cup of our 2009 Sport Touring Shootout, so it is interesting to see how the new GT corresponds with the C-14.

 

2012 BMW K1600GT

For a single platform that can compete both with a gold wing and a Concours 14 is a stunning success. The K1600 series is nothing short of amazing, offering a full range of features, updated electronics and an enviable six-cylinder mill that will be remembered as one of the engines of most of the motorcycle.Budget-conscious runners make fun of the GT is $ 20K MSRP-Plus. But for those who can pay the entrance fee, BMW store-and-in-charge sport tourer is as pampered and thrills.