BMW Motorrad Malaysia has officially introduced the new BMW K 1600 GT, a powerful and luxurious tourer that continues the brand’s DNA of “Making Life a Ride”.
Apart from the new upgrades for improved touring capabilities, the K 1600 GT also features more optimised ergonomics for the footrests, seating areas, and handlebar positions – all of which engenders a more active seating position whilst retaining comfort.
Armed with the most compact six-cylinder in-line engine in motorcycle series production to date, the K 1600 GT boasts an impressive output of 160 hp at 7,750 rpm and a 175 Nm of maximum torque at 5,250 rpm, the highest in its class.
At 102.6kg, the six-cylinder engine retains its position as the lightest series-production six-cylinder engine for motorcycles over 1,000 cc. Additionally, its extremely narrow cylinder spacings also makes it significantly slimmer than all other serial production six-cylinder in-line engines.
Designed to meet the requirements of the EU4 pollutant class, the tourer features a new engine mapping, a fuel system with carbon canister for fuel tank ventilation and an exhaust system with altered catalytic converters. Additionally, the end pieces with horizontal ribbing lend even great emphasis to the six-cylinder theme.
The K 1600 GT is equipped with the new Reverse Assist function which can be engaged at the press of a button on the left handlebar panel. When activated, the system instigates the blocking of the forward gear and consequently the activation of the reverse gear. Motion itself is resultant of propulsion via a bendable shaft which is triggered when the rider presses the starter motor button.
As standard, the K 1600 GT offers three riding modes – Rain, Road, and Dynamic – which can be via a button located on the right-hand side of the handlebar. Each mode is individually coupled with the Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), allowing for increased precision in traction control, thus maximizing safety.
Now fitted with the Shift Assistant Pro, the bike enables the rider to shift up and down without engaging the clutch or throttle, significantly reducing shift time as opposed to using the clutch. Also, the throttle valve no longer has to be closed for shifts using the throttle grip during acceleration. Meanwhile, engine speed is automatically adapted through double-declutching when decelerating and shifting down (throttle valve closed).
While the Shift Assistant Pro can support the rider on virtually all shifts, there is no shift support when the clutch is activated, when shifting up with the throttle grip closed or when decelerating.
The K 1600 GT is also equipped with Dynamic Electronic Suspension Adaption (ESA) with Road and Dynamic settings. The former has a fully automated damping adaptation for maximum comfort and traction, while the latter activates a tighter damping set-up.
Riders can now start the K 1600 GT with an ignition button or via a transponder as backup. Through the transponder, the motorcycle can be started or unlocked without the need of placing a key in the ignition for comfort access. Hill Start Control enables easy ascension onto upward slopes. The new feature helps maintain the forward thrust needed to climb upwards even if the rider releases the brake levers.
The new BMW K 1600 GT is available with a selection of new colour schemes. The Black Storm Metallic and Mars Red Metallic accentuate the technical components as well as the agile character of the motorcycle, while the Lupine Blue Metallic finish with a drivetrain finished in black conveys its dynamic. Golden brake callipers and sport windshield round off the tourer’s dynamic image.
The recommended retail price of the K 1600 GT is RM159,900(without on-the-road expenses and inclusive of GST).
