Motorcycle specifications BMWK 1600 GTL 2017 High-speed luxury.

If the K 1600 GT was the queen of the road, the GTL would be its Empress.
Distinguished from its runner-up by a more relaxed driving position and the addition of a top case, the K 1600 GTL also offers enhanced visual presence.
Long-distance trips are a breeze. Straightened by handlebars angled further back than on the GT, the rider benefits from enhanced ride comfort.a lower one-piece seat (750mm instead of the GT's 810/830mm) and lower, forward footrests also enhance riding comfort. The top-case with backrest transforms the passenger seat into a veritable rolling lounge, while the comfort windscreen offers maximum protection from the wind and improved aero-acoustic qualities.

the mythical, ultra-compact in-line 6-cylinder engine that catapults the K 1600 GTL to the top of the Grand Touring category needs no introduction. By modifying the injection mapping, the catalytic system and adding an activated charcoal filter to the tourer, BMW has succeeded in obtaining Euro4 homologation for 2017, with no loss of power or torque. It will still deliver 160hp (118kW at 7,750rpm) and 175Nm (max at 6,500rpm), all with the velvety smoothness so characteristic of this engine architecture. All good stuff!

This Euro 4 emission reduction was an opportunity for the K 1600 GTL, like the K 1600 GT, to offer itself some new developments for 2017.

in terms of design, the roadster retains its overall lines and hawk-like stare. It inherits new fairing sides and larger aerodynamic deflectors to improve rider protection. Nothing obvious at first glance, but there are also a number of minor alterations here and there, such as a redesigned left-hand gearbox cover, redesigned storage compartments and revised muffler tips. The K 1600 GTL also exudes luxury through details absent from the K 1600 GT. For example, the BMW logo on the sides of the fairing takes the form of a chrome blade extended by a chrome strip on the panniers. Discreet chrome accents complete the sumptuous look of the K 1600 GTL: covers for windshield mountings and aerodynamic elements, handlebar weights, trims on the suitcases or even a cover on the top case...

last year, the flagship and its sovereign in-line six-cylinder engine inherited aBS Pro (which adapts to the angle of the bike) and Control Brake Light, which makes the brake light flash more or less quickly depending on the braking force. For 2017, no laser lights like on the K 1600 GTL presented at CES in Las Vegas in early 2016. This motorcycle, equipped with headlamps derived from the technology used on certain BMW Group automobiles (7 Series, i8), will remain (at least for the time being) a technological demonstration.

On the other hand, the new model sees the arrival of the semi-active ESA Dynamic suspension, previously available as an option, which will become standard equipment in 2017. Already renowned for its excellent road-holding abilities, the BMW K 1600 GTL takes comfort up a notch. Remaining true to its tried-and-tested chassis (aluminum perimeter frame / Duolever front / Paralever single wishbone rear), the K 1600 GTL is equipped with a semi-active damping system. This adjusts damping in real time according to various parameters, such as acceleration and deceleration, which are measured in real time. This enables the damping force on the front and rear units to be adjusted in a few thousandths of a second.
The system offers two setting modes: ROAD (for optimum comfort and traction on almost any road surface) and DYNAMIC (offering firmer overall damping). You can switch from one to the other, even while driving. Before the journey, you can also adjust the spring preload at the touch of a button. Already very well equipped in terms of comfort, this touring car promises further progress in this area.

Requested by many users, a reverse gear makes its arrival on the K 1600 GT and GTL in 2017. Offered as an option on the GT, one might have thought that it would be part of the GTL's basic package, but that's not the case... You'll have to spend a few hundred euros more to get it on the K 1600 GTL. What a shame.
How does it work? A dedicated button on the left-hand switchgear allows you to activate the reverse gear. Forward gear is then blocked, and all you have to do is press the start button to move the motorcycle backwards (propulsion via a flexible shaft). This is no mean feat on a machine weighing 348kg (fully loaded / 319kg for the K 1600 GT)! But don't worry, BMW's engineers have demonstrated the effectiveness of their work on weight balance on its predecessor. The very low center of gravity means that this XL weight is easy to forget once underway, guaranteeing surprising agility for such a large machine.

Another new option is the shifter pro (inherited from the S 1000 RR), which allows you to upshift and downshift without having to use the clutch. In addition to enhanced dynamism, the left hand is sure to appreciate this rest on long journeys.

last but not least, the K 1600 GTL can also be fitted with e-Call, an intelligent call system that's just what you need. Equipped in this way, the Bavarian tourer will automatically alert emergency services in the event of an accident, and provide them with your geographical coordinates. Housed on the right-hand side of the handlebars, the e-Call module comprises an SOS button protected by a cover, a microphone and a loudspeaker. An option we're very excited about, but which will unfortunately only be available on the German market at launch... BMW promises, however, that other countries will follow soon.

in terms of standard equipment, the customer will of course be very well off. The attributes of the K 1600 GT (ABS Pro, DTC dynamic traction control, electrically adjustable bubble with memory function, xenon headlamp, TFT screen, pressure sensor, etc.) are all present.tFT screen, tire pressure sensor, heated grips and seat for driver and passenger, cruise control, on-board computer), but also a USB/MP3/Bluetooth audio system. And, of course, a plush, luxurious ambience and a level of finish in keeping with Germanic tradition

in conclusion, the K 1600 GTL improves to remain the standard-bearer of German Grand Touring. More comfortable, more luxurious, but also heavier than the more dynamic K 1600 GT, the K 1600 GTL is priced at €24,800, €2,250 more than the K 1600 GT.
With this elitist price tag, we regret that certain equipment such as reverse gear or adaptive directional lighting is not offered as standard on this machine, which is positioned at the very top of the BMW range.

The new 2017 K 1600 GTL is available in three colors: Light white, Thunder grey metallic and Ebony metallic/Black storm metallic. The latter color, reserved for the K 1600 GTL Elegance, will be complemented by additional chrome accents on the front mudguard and aerodynamic deflectors.

sébastien de Malfin - Manufacturer's photos