2012 BMW K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL

BMW has unveiled today the new K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL. motorcycles that come with a supreme, impressive and equally distinctive appearance, creating a desire to travel at first sight. The two models are powered by a new 6-cylinder in-line engine that develops a total of 160 HP and a maximum torque of 175 NM. The rider of the K 1600 models has three different engine characteristics directly available at the press of a button at the right-hand end of the handlebars so as to be able to adapt to different uses such as touring on the road, riding on wet surfaces and sporty, dynamic motorcycling - the modes "Rain", "Road" and "Dynamic".

The K 1600 GT is has a very extensive range of standard features ex works consisting of xenon headlamps, heated grips and seat, cruise control and on-board computer. In the K 1600 GT, the body colours of Light Grey metallic and Vermilion Red metallic create a fascinating contrast with the frame and wheels in Ostra Grey and the engine in Platinum metallic matte.

UPDATE 02/15/2011: Prices for the BMW K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL have finally been released. The K 1600 GT is priced at $20,900, while the K 1600 GTL will have a base price of $23,200. If you want to further customize your bike, then you can also opt for the Standard Package. This package is only offered on the K 1600 GT and is priced at $23,045. Further customization can be found on the Premium Package which is available on both models and priced at $24,540 for the K 1600 GT and $25,845 for the K 1600 GTL.

Previously, the in-line arrangement of six cylinders resulted in either very long or very wide constructions, depending on the installation position, which led to drawbacks in terms of chassis geometry, weight distribution and centre of gravity. This where the K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL break new ground.

Weighing 102.6 kilograms, the engine is by far the lightest serially produced 6-cylinder in-line engine for motorcycles in the class > 1000 cc. What is more, the engine is significantly narrower in construction width than all other 6-cylinder in-line motorcycles in serial production to date. This extremely compact construction and reduced width was achieved in particular by means of a cylinder bore of 72 millimetres in conjunction with a spacing of just 5 millimetres between the cylinder the cylinder sleeves.

Both the low engine weight and the consistent lightweight construction of the vehicle as a whole contribute to the low weight of the vehicle. At 319 kg (K 1600 GT without panniers) and 348 kg (K 1600 GTL with panniers and topcase) the new touring bikes are in the lower range of the segment.