Motorcycle specifications BMWK 1600 GTL 2021 High-speed luxury.

After a beautiful redesign a few years ago, the BMW K 1600 GTL allowed itself an extra layer of luxury in 2018. That year marked the opening of the"Spezial" customization department for Touring models. Harley has its CVO, Indian its Elite and Limited, and now BM is also going overboard with adornment. One wonders why Motorrad has waited so long, when the auto division has long been offering a customization service with'Individual'.

But never mind. The most important thing is to be able to further ennoble the K 1600 GTL with more refined paintwork, choice parts and top-of-the-range equipment. And to round things off, parts from the"Spezial " department can be fitted at the factory and benefit from the bike's warranty. Of course, the price will be aligned with your desires, and that can quickly go up. But when you choose a GTL, you know you're in for a treat. The invitation to travel will be all the more pleasurable.

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 also benefits from enhanced riding comfort thanks to a lower one-piece seat (750mm instead of 810/830mm on the GT) and lower, forward footrests. 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 class 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 control was an opportunity for the K 1600 GTL, like the K 1600 GT, to offer itself some new developments in 2017.

In terms of design, the tourer retains its overall lines and hawkish look. 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 fasteners and aerodynamic elements, handlebar weights, trims on the panniers or even a cover on the top case...

in 2016, the flagship and its sovereign in-line six-cylinder had inherited ABS Pro (adapting to the angle of the bike) as well as 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, this GTL phase 2 sees the arrival of ESA Dynamic semi-active suspensions, previously available as an option, which became 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 made its debut as an option on the K 1600 GT and GTL in 2017. A little time has passed, and this equipment is now standard (my2020). How does it work? Thanks to a dedicated button on the left-hand switchgear, it will be possible to activate this reverse gear. Forward gear will then be blocked, and all you have to do is press the start button to move the bike backwards (propulsion via a flexible shaft). Suffice to say, this is no luxury on a machine that weighs 350kg (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 option on offer 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 K 1600 GT 's features (ABS Pro, DTC dynamic traction control, electrically-adjustable bubble with memory function, xenon headlight, TFT display, tire pressure sensor, heated grips and seat for driver and passenger, cruise control, on-board computer) are all there, but will be complemented by a USB/MP3/Bluetooth audio system. And, of course, a plush, luxurious ambience and a level of finish in keeping with Germanic tradition. 2019 adds Hill Start Control Pro to the mix.
2021 adds another layer with adaptive cornering lights and daytime running lights.

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 well above the psychological €28,000 mark.
With this elitist price tag, we regret that certain equipment such as keyless ignition and GPS are not offered as standard on this machine, which is right at the top of the BMW range.

sébastien de Malfin - Manufacturer's photos