Body & Design
Innovative design which sets the benchmark for touring bikes.
As new high-end products among the BMW Motorrad touring bikes, the new K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL stand for a supreme, impressive and equally distinctive appearance, creating a desire to travel at first sight. Striking lines and surfaces and the visibility of the 6-cylinder engine radiate a powerful sense of dynamic performance, with a perfect finish vouching for premium value and quality.
The front view includes elements of the overarching design line of BMW Motorrad. Although the two new models K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL offer a powerful visual presence from the front, they nonetheless come over as slim-lined with the extremely narrow 6-cylinder engine, thus conveying an agility and dynamism which is very much in keeping with their proactive riding character.
The trim has been deliberately broken down into individual sections so as to create an impression of lightness. This effect is also enhanced by the various colour concepts as described in section 7 "Paint finishes".
The rear view is dominated by the two rear silencers. Their signature feature is the group of three vertically arranged openings which provide a reference to the 6-cylinder engine.
The dynamic design of the K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL includes numerous technical innovations for even greater functionality, comfort and riding fun:
Powerful visual presence with perfect wind and weather protection.
Particular attention was paid during development to the combination of innovative design, excellent wind and weather protection and the very highest level of functionality. A good example of this is the electrically adjustable windshield with memory function.
The aerodynamic qualities in terms of reduced air swirl - especially in the pillion passenger area - were developed by means of sophisticated wind tunnel tests.
The windshield performs an additional function as an anti-theft system for the optional accessory navigation system BMW Motorrad Navigator IV (described in detail in section 4 "Electrical system and electronics"). For reasons of safety it is also fitted with an anti-trap mechanism.
The K 1600 GTL has the slightly higher comfort windshield as standard (available for the K 1600 GT as a special accessory). This provides both rider and passenger with maximum wind protection combined with excellent aero-acoustic properties.
The characteristic BMW Motorrad "split face" divides the fairing top section into two halves when viewed from the front and, in conjunction with the striking headlamp unit, makes for a high level of recognisability. This "split face" motif is also reflected in the "twin tip" engine spoiler and gives the machine a light, dynamic touch in this area.
The K 1600 GTL emphasises the theme of luxury in its visual details, too. For example the type badge is designed as a chrome fin on the fairing side panels, an effect which is continued in a chrome strip on the panniers. Discreet chrome features at the appropriate points perfectly round off the image of modern luxury conveyed by the K 1600 GTL. These range from the windshield mount covers and slipstream deflectors to the handlebar weights, decorative elements on the panniers, the topcase fairing panel and the rear silencers.
Lightweight construction: magnesium front panel carrier.
The upper trim section, headlamp, cockpit and rear mirror are all supported by a highly rigid front panel carrier. With the aim of achieving optimum concentration of masses near the machine's centre of gravity, this dual section front panel carrier, weighing less than 2 kilograms, is made of a very light but highly rigid magnesium alloy. 6
Optimum storage concept and central locking.
In keeping with their dynamic aspirations in terms of touring capabilities, both K 1600 models have standard panniers which are designed to be removable but still fit in the vehicle line seamlessly as design elements. With the aim of achieving maximum lightness, both panniers are single-shell but without any compromise in terms of rigidity, endurance strength or waterproofness.
The aerodynamic fine-tuning of the K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL is also reflected in the fin integrated in the outer pannier shell which creates a backflow air stream and improves the aerodynamic quality of the vehicle as a whole. It also ensures reduced soiling of the vehicle rear when riding in the rain.
Additional storage space is provided by two waterproof compartments integrated in the side of the interior trim. The panniers, the 49-litre topcase and the storage compartments can all be opened and closed not only by using the mechanical locking system but also via the central locking system (optional ex works). This system is activated either by remote control or by pressing a button on the vehicle itself.
The K 1600 GTL is fitted as standard with a topcase featuring two gas-filled dampers which support opening, as well as interior lighting. The backrest of the topcase is very generous with a markedly comfortable design while the upholstery on the K 1600 GT is sportier in style. Due to the more sumptuous upholstery, the topcase of the K 1600 GTL is positioned 30 millimetres further back and requires a different luggage carrier centre section for attachment. For both types, mounting is reliable, simple and convenient by means of a turning mechanism. As a special accessory the topcase can be fitted with an integrated second brake light.
Aerodynamically optimised, down the last detail.
The two rear mirrors also contribute to the vehicle's visual lightness and dynamism. They are not integrated in the fairing but linked to the magnesium front panel carrier via an aerodynamically designed arm. Here again, importance was attached in formal design to optimum function in conjunction with visual lightness and dynamism. 7
Thanks to the long stabiliser arm they offer an excellent view to the rear and for reasons of space - for example when parking in a garage - they have been designed to be foldable.
Another overarching design feature of many BMW motorcycles which is also to be found in the new 6-cylinder touring bikes are the "floating panels" - fairing side sections finished in body colour. The visual separation of these "floating panels" is combined with a dynamic line which continues on upwards to the rear section. This also supports a much lighter and more dynamic style than is commonly found in touring motorcycles. The aerodynamic qualities and the aspiration to dynamic design are also enhanced by the front direction indicators in LED technology, which are fitted smoothly into the fairing side sections.
Other aerodynamic developments are to be seen in the two slipstream deflectors integrated on the left and right of the fairing top section. If necessary they can be folded outwards, thereby generating a clearly perceptible air stream in hot temperatures, even at low speeds. In the K 1600 GT these are finished in contrasting colours whereas in the K 1600 GTL they are finished as chrome parts.
Innovative cockpit in refined style providing clear readability.
Dynamic performance, functionality and innovative design are also the defining characteristics of the instrument panel in the K 1600 models. The speedometer and tachometer each feature a scale which is designed as a so-called arena and not in the usual flat format. The lighting also creates a solid impression, especially when riding at night, which provides excellent readability since each scale marking is illuminated separately .
The speakers of the audio system and the TFT colour display have been integrated in the design of the cockpit. Accentuations in white aluminium metallic matt around the two tweeters and under the two woofers provide further variation of the surface.
High-quality elements such as the display surround in stainless steel and the contrasting paint finish in Magnesium metallic matt round off the picture. 8
The high-quality impression is underscored by the handlebars in forged aluminium.
Seats and seating positions for supreme, dynamic long-distance comfort.
The new K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL benefit from a very slim-line design in the area of the rider's seat. This has been made possible by the use of a three-shaft gearbox and a very narrow frame configuration. Due to the special design of the gearbox, the clutch has been placed much further inwards, thereby creating space for the rider's foot.
The design of the ergonomic triangle from the position of the footrests, seat top and handlebars makes for a proactive seating position in the K 1600 GT while still retaining a high level of long-distance comfort. The rider and pillion passenger enjoy a comfortable knee angle but the seating position is geared towards the front wheel for a proactive riding style. The two-section seat of the K 1600 GT is height-adjustable in the rider area so that it can be adapted to individual needs.
The K 1600 GTL offers outstanding pillion passenger suitability and ergonomics geared towards an even higher level of comfort. It has a single-section, dual-level seat. In conjunction with rider footrests which are placed further forward and lower down, as well as handlebars which reach further backwards, the seating position is very relaxed - something which is especially appreciated over long distances. The K 1600 GTL also does justice to individual adjustment requirements with an adjustable foot shift lever. The pillion passenger also benefits from a slightly longer and wider seat top on the K 1600 GTL, as well as a more comfortable backrest in the standard topcase. The K 1600 GTL can also be equipped with pillion passenger armrests as a special accessory in order to further enhance safety.
Both for the K 1600 GT and the K 1600 GTL, the BMW Motorrad equipment range offers special comfort seats so as to enhance individual touring enjoyment further still. An exact listing of the various possible seat heights is to be found in section 6 "Equipment program".