One of the most exciting bikes this year is the BMW K1600 platform offers the first motorcycle engine six cylinder in-line since 1980. The ultra-light plant, the sport itself is highly publicized, but is only part of a bicycle to ride incredibly well designed.
K16 is available in two similar but different. Excessive GTL competes with Honda Gold Wing Luxury-Touring category, but its high level of sports performance and available (Bluetooth, the electrically adjustable windshield, traction control, and more) makes the horrible (but the 100-pound heavy- ) Wing looks a bit 'out of fashion, although the 2012 updates are controlled here.
Regular readers will remember our glowing review of GTL, where we wrote: "The venerable Gold Wing still has a clear superiority in the accommodation of passengers and a small advantage in the treatment of ultra-low speed, but K1600 GTL progress significant contrast in super-Touring category in every other way possible. "
K16 is available in two similar but different. Excessive GTL competes with Honda Gold Wing Luxury-Touring category, but its high level of sports performance and available (Bluetooth, the electrically adjustable windshield, traction control, and more) makes the horrible (but the 100-pound heavy- ) Wing looks a bit 'out of fashion, although the 2012 updates are controlled here.
Regular readers will remember our glowing review of GTL, where we wrote: "The venerable Gold Wing still has a clear superiority in the accommodation of passengers and a small advantage in the treatment of ultra-low speed, but K1600 GTL progress significant contrast in super-Touring category in every other way possible. "
However, GTL is not the only taste of the sexy and technophile K1600 available. Sports riders will be more interested in the GT version, which is basically the same machine, but with a more aggressive ergonomics and without large GTL top box on the back. According to the K1600s BMW Motorrad CEO Hendrik von Kuenheim, "The fundamentals of our market offensive."
Although GTL will be a greater stowage capacity and lower the seat, and more, the GT is a great sport-touring category. Its riding position is sportier than the GTL still very nice
Footpegs are placed 50mm (about 2 cm) diagonally, backwards and upwards, but the handles are 50mm further away from the rider.
Although GTL will be a greater stowage capacity and lower the seat, and more, the GT is a great sport-touring category. Its riding position is sportier than the GTL still very nice
Footpegs are placed 50mm (about 2 cm) diagonally, backwards and upwards, but the handles are 50mm further away from the rider.
Two inches here and there does not seem like much, but the GT sports ergos are much better than driving, the driver a greater sense of connection to the front Duolever, and to provide better ground clearance when leaned. Rates of suspension damping are slightly more strict control solid when ridden briskly.
The GT has the same rake trail and wheelbase as the GTL, but few other differences are apparent. A fuel tank 6.3 liter will not take you as far as 7, GTL 0 gallons, and the lack of LGT trunk and is mounted above the rear gives the GT a paper speed more alive when pitched at the corners.
Another difference is small, but beneficial to an exhaust system a bit noisier than a BMW engineer says that pushes the limit sound restrictions. He used a German word to describe it, Kernig, which means strong, or "a little more." Its resonance is a bit heavier, but moving to a better rider access to the melodious notes escape from all motorcycledom. For an earful delicious, see 55 seconds of our review of the video where a GT GTL 1649cc six cries all the way to its 8400-rpm rev limiter.
The GT has the same rake trail and wheelbase as the GTL, but few other differences are apparent. A fuel tank 6.3 liter will not take you as far as 7, GTL 0 gallons, and the lack of LGT trunk and is mounted above the rear gives the GT a paper speed more alive when pitched at the corners.
Another difference is small, but beneficial to an exhaust system a bit noisier than a BMW engineer says that pushes the limit sound restrictions. He used a German word to describe it, Kernig, which means strong, or "a little more." Its resonance is a bit heavier, but moving to a better rider access to the melodious notes escape from all motorcycledom. For an earful delicious, see 55 seconds of our review of the video where a GT GTL 1649cc six cries all the way to its 8400-rpm rev limiter.
We recently had a GTL in a test to give us an idea of said crankshaft K1600 160 horsepower is lost through its six-speed transmission and shaft drive, and we were a little disappointed with the 121, 6800 put rpm 6, were recorded. It is a power loss of 24%, significantly higher than the loss of 15-20% typical motorcycle engine shaft. The HP World 132.7 recorded in the bank cycle above 1000 rpm is closer than expected. We recorded a maximum torque of 105.1 lb-ft at 4900 rpm, well below the CW bicycle.
According to the GT appears to be big and tall store, but some integrated adaptation is available in terms of seat height. The standard seat 31.9 inches, but can be adjusted up to 32.7 inches for the legs better. Short-distance runners can opt for the low seat option, so that its height of 30.7 inches or 31.5. GTL seat can be mounted on the GT, if more than comfort.
According to the GT appears to be big and tall store, but some integrated adaptation is available in terms of seat height. The standard seat 31.9 inches, but can be adjusted up to 32.7 inches for the legs better. Short-distance runners can opt for the low seat option, so that its height of 30.7 inches or 31.5. GTL seat can be mounted on the GT, if more than comfort.
The standard seat in its lowest position glad my hip, despite our evidence in the press presentation lasted no more than an hour to an hour.
When the pilot can lose voluptuous engine, the GT is surprisingly competent chassis, which deserves the attention of the driver. The turning point in the work is much lighter than expected, corresponding to very quickly even if the GT fully fueled (but without the side bags) 703 pounds of weight.
Some credit must go to the new Z8 Metzeler 190/55-17 rear tire donut instead of the typical squatters and 190/50, which makes the steering heavier. Z8s, review here, also proved to be fairly close to the sport-touring tires, the angles thinner than expected to ship this size. Post-ride reading Platforms showed about half of the wheel was still pressing the start to get scratched wedge.
When the pilot can lose voluptuous engine, the GT is surprisingly competent chassis, which deserves the attention of the driver. The turning point in the work is much lighter than expected, corresponding to very quickly even if the GT fully fueled (but without the side bags) 703 pounds of weight.
Some credit must go to the new Z8 Metzeler 190/55-17 rear tire donut instead of the typical squatters and 190/50, which makes the steering heavier. Z8s, review here, also proved to be fairly close to the sport-touring tires, the angles thinner than expected to ship this size. Post-ride reading Platforms showed about half of the wheel was still pressing the start to get scratched wedge.
The GT is priced at $ 20 900 substantial departure, but even the base model is nicely equipped. Heated grips are always welcome, is the seat of BUN-warming, while cruise control alleviates boredom while crossing Nebraska on the way to the Rocky Mountains. A 5.7-inch multifunctional TFT (Thin Film Transistor) color screen contains an onboard computer operated by a slick and convenient Multi-controller, a wheel that rotates around the left handlebar and can be turned in any direction to select different parameters.
Windscreen adjustable power, narrower and shorter than that of GTL, offers a range that is suitable for a wide range of riders. It was noisy in the lowest position, my 5-foot-8 body, but it was much quieter. Senior pilots, as the 6-foot-4 Roland Brown said that he can not be completely settled with the closure shield to its highest position. When the screen in the upper ranges, the air flow has been pretty quiet for 100 mph do not need earplugs.
The base GT is also equipped with BMW Integral ABS, which is built around a triple-thick disk installation of 320 mm and dual 4-piston calipers in the front. This package has no problem with fast to slow K16 performing smoothly, even under pressure with a firm feel of the lever. More niceties include standard BMW E-Gas throttle with three power modes, a xenon headlights with dynamic leveling, and turnsignals have to use an effective means of self-cancellation of the program.
Windscreen adjustable power, narrower and shorter than that of GTL, offers a range that is suitable for a wide range of riders. It was noisy in the lowest position, my 5-foot-8 body, but it was much quieter. Senior pilots, as the 6-foot-4 Roland Brown said that he can not be completely settled with the closure shield to its highest position. When the screen in the upper ranges, the air flow has been pretty quiet for 100 mph do not need earplugs.
The base GT is also equipped with BMW Integral ABS, which is built around a triple-thick disk installation of 320 mm and dual 4-piston calipers in the front. This package has no problem with fast to slow K16 performing smoothly, even under pressure with a firm feel of the lever. More niceties include standard BMW E-Gas throttle with three power modes, a xenon headlights with dynamic leveling, and turnsignals have to use an effective means of self-cancellation of the program.
An update package is optional, misleadingly called standard Stickering a suggested retail price of $ 23 045. Add the highly desirable ESA II Electronic Suspension Adjustment allows instant adaptability to better fit certain positions and roads. Also included in the package of $ 2145 is traction control, an innovative adaptive xenon headlights that can look around corners, a monitor tire pressure and pre-wiring for BMW Navigator IV built Garmin, available only separate the dealer for about $ 850.
ESA is an ingenious feature that provides on-the-fly adjustments that can transform the GT from a couch for a sporting touch of a button. Set to Sport mode, while railing of a two-lane highway with speeds sometimes up to 100 km / h, the suspension control copy provided for such a big girl. And adaptive headlights that use mirrors to direct its beam in the corners, is a boon for night riding.
If your budget allows, and you need the notes when you throw, the K1600 GT is spec'd with the premium package that lists $ 24,540. It adds a good audio system with satellite tuner and iPod / USB integration, which can be transferred wirelessly via Bluetooth, speakers, and a helmet. High-end package also includes a central locking and alarm system.
ESA is an ingenious feature that provides on-the-fly adjustments that can transform the GT from a couch for a sporting touch of a button. Set to Sport mode, while railing of a two-lane highway with speeds sometimes up to 100 km / h, the suspension control copy provided for such a big girl. And adaptive headlights that use mirrors to direct its beam in the corners, is a boon for night riding.
If your budget allows, and you need the notes when you throw, the K1600 GT is spec'd with the premium package that lists $ 24,540. It adds a good audio system with satellite tuner and iPod / USB integration, which can be transferred wirelessly via Bluetooth, speakers, and a helmet. High-end package also includes a central locking and alarm system.
The verdict
BMW K1600 platform is simply outstanding. GTL rivals the venerable Gold Wing in luxury while offering greater athletic ability and many additional features. Looking for a duo compare this next week.
The GT, on the other hand, is imbued with sufficient capacity to compete with sports athletes and hikers low cylinder Kawasaki Concours Yamaha FJR1300 14. In fact, we will be riding the Kawi and the K1600GT USGP at Laguna Seca this week so that we know how they compare. The party won K1300GT honors in the 2009 Sport-Touring Shootout, so it will be interesting to see how the new GT is the C-14.
Having a single platform that can compete with both a Gold Wing and a Concours 14 is a stunning success. The K1600 series is nothing less than astounding, offering a full range of features, updated electronics and an enviable six-cylinder mill that will go down in history as one of the largest motorcycle engines.
Budget-minded drivers flout the GT $ 20K plus the suggested retail price. But for those who can afford the entry fee, the BMW is great, and similarly the Sport Tourer will be so kind and excitement.
BMW K1600 platform is simply outstanding. GTL rivals the venerable Gold Wing in luxury while offering greater athletic ability and many additional features. Looking for a duo compare this next week.
The GT, on the other hand, is imbued with sufficient capacity to compete with sports athletes and hikers low cylinder Kawasaki Concours Yamaha FJR1300 14. In fact, we will be riding the Kawi and the K1600GT USGP at Laguna Seca this week so that we know how they compare. The party won K1300GT honors in the 2009 Sport-Touring Shootout, so it will be interesting to see how the new GT is the C-14.
Having a single platform that can compete with both a Gold Wing and a Concours 14 is a stunning success. The K1600 series is nothing less than astounding, offering a full range of features, updated electronics and an enviable six-cylinder mill that will go down in history as one of the largest motorcycle engines.
Budget-minded drivers flout the GT $ 20K plus the suggested retail price. But for those who can afford the entry fee, the BMW is great, and similarly the Sport Tourer will be so kind and excitement.
