The new K1600GT is a very imposing piece of kit 160 bhp, 319kg weight and enough electronics to run a small amusement arcade, but does this actually make a good motorcycle? Well the early press reports are quite conclusive on one point

the K1600GT has no serious competition, apart that is from BMW itself! In recent years the R1200RT and K1300GT have regularly topped reviews for touring motorcycles and if you have an adventure mindset, well it just has to be an R1200GS or GS adventure.

So we set out to answer the most important question, we already know the K1600GT will beat the competition but can it be better than it’s stablemates? In Formula 1 your most serious rival is in the same team and that looks to be the same for the BMW K1600GT. So this test is from the perspective of existing BMW owners, who own the realistic alternatives, and good news for Munich they are all BMWs!

So lets start with a little bit about the test team, there were three intrepid riders, two IAM members and one ex-kart racer so speed should not be a problem. All are experienced long distance riders, continental tourers and all year round riders (those S1000RRs riders just go into hibernation in the autumn!) In terms of current BMWs the test team have most bases covered R1200GSA/K1300S, R1200GSA/R1200RT and R1200GSA/K1300GT we have also ridden K1200LTs but can’t admit to owning that model, not in public anyway.

Rather than a quick blast and a cup of coffee we decided that the test should be better organised so we completed three test rides, over the same route returning to our friendly BMW dealer, Bahnstormer near Alton in Hampshire. The test route was 35 miles long and included some nice fast roads, the A32, A272 together with dual carriageways, town section and winding country road through scenic Hampshire villages. A reasonable reflection of the different types of riding most riders would do on a K1600GT. By repeating the route three times on different bikes you get a much better impression of the capabilities of the K1600GT over the same terrain.

At this point we need a health warning, CHOOSING A NEW MOTORCYCLE IS AN ENTIRELY PERSONAL DECISION AND CAN LEAD TO UNEXPECTED CONSEQUENCES (fun, divorce, more fun, points on the license, wallet shrinkage…). Any road test is just a personal view and experience, valid to the authors and maybe to you, caveat emptor, always try the bike yourself! before buying

Out story starts with the K1600 launch which was supported by BMW Club Oxford and Southern sections at Bahnstormer Motorrad and North Oxford Garage:

The K1600s were going nowhere on launch day, although we did manage to practice with getting them on the centre stand, and this is our first revelation, the K1600GT is EASIER to get on the centre stand than a K1300, not quite as easy as an R12000RT but much much better than the K1300 body building programme. Since motorcycles are all about riding not looking we suggested to Alistair Walker, owner of Bahnstormer, that a BMW Club test was needed urgently where we could find out just how good these K1600s really were. After we have signed Alastair’s 200 page contract (well actually we just had some more of Barnstormer’s excellent coffee) the deal was done and the test arranged. By the way we recruited 20 new members and associates for the BMW Club at Bahnstormer and North Oxford Garage on the K1600 launch day so many thanks to Alistair and Phil for supporting the club.

Having used up a British summer’s worth of good weather for the launch normal weather service was resumed for our test, some rain, quite a lot of wind and a very small amount of sunshine, but at least it was warm enough so we can’t complain. Once we had assembled at Bahnstormer we attended to the most important matter, lunch. Handily enough the Pheasant next door sorted that requirement and we were soon kitted up with a K1600GT in vermilion red and a loan K1300S in blue.

John from Bahnstormer explained the new switchgear and instruments which can look quite daunting at first. To be absolutely honest you either spend time on your test ride playing with the almost endless options or you ride the bike so we just absorbed enough for our needs. The new display is very clear and the needles sweep around at start-up, just like an F800 or S1000RR. Everything is very clear and of note are the new driving modes, RAIN, ROAD or DYNAMIC. These affect the engine settings, as you would expect from the name. The modes are selectable on the move but only come in to play when the clutch is pulled in and the throttle closed so you tend to dial up what you want and then it arrives shortly. The new screen has a clever trick when the ignition is switched off it closes to secure the sat nav, but returns to the last position on start-up, very nice. The new rotary controller on the left hand grip rotates to select items from the menus (a bit like an Apple iPod) it feels a bit odd at first but you get used to it very quickly. Everything else is very much current BMW fare and most owners of recent bikes will feel quite at home.

The new throttle is fly by wire, which does take some getting used to, there is very little resistance and we are all used to a little effort to get the throttle open (or a lot if you have ridden an old K1200RS). Moving off and manoeuvring with this throttle set up was quite different from the normal cable set up. Letting the clutch out gently allowed the ECU to take over and move the bike from a standstill, after that it reacted fairly normally.

The new engine is turbine smooth and with a very light throttle it is easy to rev, which brings out one of the K1600’s best features, the noise! Our test bike had the optional Akrapovic exhausts and there is a real rasp, very addictive! You can feel the extra weight over a K1300GT at standstill, but this is offset by the slightly lower seating position which means your legs can get more traction on the ground. If any large modern BMW starts falling over, you can’t hold it up anyway, unless you are the Incredible Hulk, and picking up any bike when it is over needs the right technique or preferably some help.

The panniers are now 50 lites in capacity and look slightly longer and wider than the items fitted to an R1200RT. The GT will take the GTL topbox, with integrated backrest or a standard BMW topbox, small or large on the rack which looks to be the same as that fitted to the RT and R. There is a new central locking function but we did not use this on the test. There are two seat height settings, we rode the bike in the high setting works works fine for those of 6 feet or more. There are low seat options from the GTL that can be fitted if required. The heated grips and seat now have five different level settings, controlled using the wheel on the left hand handlebar. Observations from the rider’s seat suggest that the K1600GT is a little wider than the K1300GT, but is not as enveloping as an RT.

Leaving Bahnstormer on our first circuit the K1600GT felt incredibly smooth and easy to ride, comfort is a big strength of the bike and we all agree this is probably the most comfortable BMW we have ridden. I did not even think about replacement seats at all during the afternoon. Once underway and in the national speed limit the K1600GT has another surprise, it is quick, overtaking manoeuvres are dispatched instantly. Down the A32 the K1600GT had no trouble keeping up with the pair of K1300Ss, how could this be? Well part of the answer comes down to the smoothness and accuracy of the controls, the bike goes quickly with no drama and effort. The second reason is down to the engine, lots of torque, no vibration and a lower rev limit than the K1300 means that you are in the power band more quickly and it is simple to keep the bike on the boil.

Along the fast A roads the K1600GT displays superb handling. The front of this bike is very planted indeed and inspires complete confidence. The balance of the bike is excellent and there is very little effort needed to change direction, it feels more nimble than the K1300S or K1300GT. During right, left, right sharp turns you can just feel the mass transferring occasionally but otherwise the K1600GT handling is excellent.

With the rising price of petrol fuel consumption should be a greater concern in motorcycle tests. Although there was no scientific attempt to measure fuel consumption the initial impressions are encouraging. With spirited riding in dynamic mode the fuel consumption did not drop below 42 mpg and with a little restraint rose to 46 mpg during the test. In normal riding conditions that would suggest average consumption should be around 50 mpg. By comparison a K1300GT averages 45 mpg in mixed riding and an R1200GSA can average as little as 45 mpg two up with panniers and top box, so the K1600GT is probably slightly more economical than the K1300. This is apparently down to the taller gearing and slower reving engine and also to a new engine management system.

As expected the K1600GT is an excellent machine for two people, as our testers demonstrate!

R1200RT Owner’s View

Generally, speaking most of us have preconceived ideas about new cars and bikes. These ideas are usually based on notions only. The K1600GT and my expectations were miles away from the reality. I expected it to feel heavy, cumbersome and slow, compared to the R1200RT. It was in fact well balanced, very nimble for its size, and went like the clappers!

I liked the riding position and the extra leg room compared to the RT but not the action of crashing into the petrol tank under heavy braking or the lightness of the steering at high speeds, which might be overcome with suspension adjustment.

As you would expect the six cylinder engine is turbine smooth compared with the RT and feels more at home in high gears than the twin. I expected the fairing and dash to feel big and intimidating but in fact they weren’t. Presumably it is not much bigger than the RT overall. The handling is never going to be as sharp as the twin, but considering its size it felt very much at home, in the country lanes, with the other bikes.

Would I change? I don’t think so. The K1600GT’s slightly more relaxed high speed cruising is not a big enough advantage over the lighter weight and relative simplicity of the RT for owner maintenance.

K1300S Owner’s View

The K1300S is my toy for day riding. An R1200GS Adventure is my more usual steed especially when touring. I expected the K1600GT to be big and heavy and was surprised at the overall size and balance of the machine. The riding position was a very pleasant surprise matched with armchair comfort. Once on the move, size and weight were quickly forgotten. I was amazed (in dynamic mode) at how nimble and how precise the handling was. This bike turns in better than the K1300S and gave me as much confidence on twisties as my GS Adventure!

All bikes are a compromise because there is no such thing as the perfect all round bike. The K1300S is described a sports tourer, but I would find this hard on my knees and back over a long trip. The K1600GT on the other hand seemed ideal. The riding position was very relaxed and the seat should be very comfortable for long distance trips. I got the impression that the K1600GT would eat miles like no other. I would probably still need to stop every couple of hours, but the down time at each stop would be much shorter!

I love the twist and go torque delivery of all the K motors. I have previously owned a K100RT and a K1200RS as well as my current K1300S. All the engines have been very lazy in terms of torque delivery and response compared with the boxer. When it comes to handling, however, the boxer has always won. I surprised both myself and Steve at the speed at which I felt comfortable riding the K1600GT though. I am not naturally a fast rider, but the K1600GT in dynamic mode kept on suggesting oh go on, go on, go on, go on!!! The engine feels turbine smooth with no evidence of any rough spots that previous machines have. The Akrapovic pipes gave a pleasant snarl when winding the throttle and seem to complement the bike perfectly.

When it comes to the technology on board, I’ll freely admit it – I chickened out. I did select dynamic mode whilst on the move, but the thought of playing with the thumbring was a bit daunting. Like most modern ideas, I’m sure I would get used to it, but not on a short test ride. I did like the mounting of the BMW Navigator satnav into the console. This was well positioned in the console display and complemented the normal control displays. A nice touch is that when switching off, the screen folds down automatically to prevent unauthorised access to the satnav.

To conclude, I was very pleasantly surprised with the effortless performance and nimble handling of the K1600GT. Before I bought my R1200GSA I tried an R1200RT and a K1200GT. I was looking for a practical touring solution. I felt that the RT was a bit big for everyday use. The K1200GT performed well but just seemed, well, a bit bland. It did everything well but gave little feedback or grin factor. The GSA however ticked all the boxes except for the smooth torque delivery. The K1600GT gave me the grin factor that was sadly missing from the K1200GT. Would I buy one? Well we’ll have to wait and see…

K1300GT Owner’s View

The K1600GT and K1300GT feel in someways very similar and in other ways quite different. Both bikes have very smooth engines and a seamless flow of power that boxer owners can only dream of! The K1300 has to be reved noticeable more to keep up with the K1600 and this requires a more conscious effort than the K1600 which seems content at any point in it’s rev range. On the test route I was faster on the K1600GT which was the first ride than on the K1300 on the third ride which shows how easy the K1600 is to ride. The increased weight of the K1600 over the K1300 was not noticeable. In summary providing one did not ride the K1600GT too often the K1300 remains an excellent bike! Would I consider a K1600GT? I think the answer has to be yes when I come to think about a change.

R1200GSA Owner’s View

The R1200GSA remains one of the great motorcycles of the early 21st century and is perhaps the ultimate Swiss army knife bike. All three owners were very attached to their R1200GSAs, two for touring and one for having fun. The GS is so different from the K1600GT they are really in different segments of the market neither is better as such they serve different needs.

K1600GT Test Verdict

The days rides were subject to rigorous discussion and analysis, and more Bahnstormer coffee!

Summing up the K1600GT is complex. Certainly the machine is a considerable technical advance over even the K1300GT and sets new standards for smooth touring and comfort whilst at the same time keeping an element of sport-touring, this is certainly no barge! The K1600GT also appears to be a well finished design. On some recent BMW products you get the feeling that the design was a little rushed and not all the aspects have been thought our completely, this is not so on the K1600GT everything appears to be there (note the lack of reverse gear and electric centre stand were not missed from the K1200LT, although like air conditioning once you are used to such artificial aids it may be hard to live without them?).

Perhaps a more difficult question is whether the K1600GT is necessary. BMW have plenty of excellent touring motorcycles in the range and although the K1600GT is excellent on most scores is the advantage over an RT really decisive? For owners new to BMW coming from an FJR/GTR/ST/Goldwing the K1600GT/L is an excellent product that will surely meet every expectation with the traditional; benefits of BMW ownership, including the BMW Club!

For existing K1300GT owners the K1600GT is a better but different motorcycle and for anyone looking to replace their machine it would be a very good choice, but not a necessity. For the boxer riding owner, especially on an RT, the choice will be less clear, some will be attracted by the power and refinement some will prefer the simplicity and feel of the twin. Some will want a K1600GT just for the experience and because it is the first 6 cylinder BMW!

Fortunately we are all different, or every motorcycle would be the same. BMW have a long tradition of innovation in motorcycling and owners should be pleased to see them pushing the boundaries – if they could just make a K1600GT that did 85 mpg then I think the queue of prospective buyers would be quite a big one! Still Bahnstormer appear to be doing a tidy business with the K1600GT, here is a customer bike under preparation in the workshop.