There must have been a fit of megalomania at the origin of the K 1600 GT (the GTL is the same bike with a more relaxed riding position, wind protection and luggage options, but is mechanically identical). As a brand, building a 160 hp strong, 319 kg 1.649 cc six-cylinder engine, while the RT boxer already has one of the better touring motorcycles in the world in your ranks… Apparently it could cost a bit, in terms of time, energy and investment.
The result was a great touring bike that (on the road) managed to hide its weight nicely, with a characterful block that oozes torque (175 Nm to be precise) and sounds like an air-cooled Porsche 911 firmly on its own. a tail is kicked. The separate Hossack front suspension (called Duolever by BMW) and the Paralever rear suspension provide great handling, like a Honda Gold Wing with sneakers on. As far as we are concerned, there is no better mileage eater for those who like a bit of excess. A Gold Wing is more comfortable, but lacks the visceral sensations of the K 1600 GT. The ‘Special K’, as we dare to call it, was not a cheap motorcycle at the time and is therefore still not second-hand. But the least you can say is that you get a lot of motorcycle for your money.
So much for why you should buy a K 1600 GT. Only, it is not a blank page. For example, the first generation (2011-12) liked to drink. Petrol is understandable with such a block, oil on the other hand… Many blocks were replaced under warranty, all the more so because peeling paint on some copies turned out to be ‘a thing’. So be wary of a first-generation model with low mileage. Another known problem: control buttons that refused to work. That was a BMW trait at the time, because we know the story of a BMW employee who had the same problem on another model and was advised to throw a bucket of water over the steering wheel to cool the buttons. If necessary, remember that tip… In addition, there were also known problems with the gearbox and cardan. All reasons why a major update followed in 2013…
We therefore recommend that you go for a post-2013 model, if possible; there are far fewer issues reported. There have been recalls for transmission problems in 2019 for models built between 2016 and 2019, for all K 1600 models. So make sure to check whether the recall has happened. By the way, you can check this perfectly on the BMW website by means of the chassis number under the heading ‘safety check’. Also check whether your communication system works with the BMW, because not all systems are compatible – Garmin GPS devices, for example, are not, even though the BMW navi is a Garmin system.
All that aside, the K 1600 GT press launch sometime in 2013 is one that still regularly crosses our minds; that’s how hard the K 1600 GT blew our socks off with its performance, rideability and overall comfort. His ‘King of the Road’ feeling has hardly any equal in our opinion. And in times when these kinds of excesses on two wheels are increasingly difficult to justify to the public, now might be the right time to bring it into your home…
Liquid-cooled six-cylinder in-line | 1,649cc | 160 hp | 319 kg (roadworthy) | 26.5 l. † € 12,500 • € 25,000
#BMW #2013present #Motokicx