K1600 GT Update

Date: FRIDAY, JULY 02, 2010   |   Credit: BMW MOTORRAD   |   Print

K1600 GT Update
BMW has released some additional info on the upcoming K1600 series of 6-cylinder Grand Touring bikes. No news yet on when they are coming.

BMW K 1600 GT and BMW K 1600 GTL – fascination with six cylinders.

Since BMW Motorrad presented the concept study Concept 6 in autumn 2009, the six-cylinder in-line engine featured in it has captured the imagination of many motorcycle fans. With BMW, six-cylinder in-line engines have stood for fascinating engine technology in automobiles for over seven decades, in a way which is unique among brands. In the near future, BMW motorcycles will also be available with an internally developed six-cylinder in-line engine.

With the BMW K 1600 GT and the BMW K 1600 GTL, BMW Motorrad is penetrating a whole new dimension in the Touring world of experience . Both motorcycles stand for a supreme, impressive and equally distinctive appearance, arousing a desire to travel at first sight.

Riding dynamics, long-distance suitability and comfort.
For decades, six-cylinder in-line engines have offered a special fascination. In addition to their perfect running smoothness they also offer supreme output and torque, giving the rider powerful emotional impressions, too. And of course the sound of a six-cylinder engine is beyond compare.
In addition to safety, equipment and prestige, the key criteria for a supreme touring bike are comfort and dynamics. With the most compact in-line six-cylinder engine in serial motorcycle production to date, the K 1600 GT and the K 1600 GTL penetrate a whole new dimension in terms of riding properties, long-distance suitability and comfort. They combine maximum agility and riding dynamics with a luxurious overall package. With an engine output of 118 kW (160 bhp) and a maximum torque of approx. 175 newton metres, their six-cylinder engine provides superb propulsion in all conditions.

BMW K 1600 GT with active riding ergonomics for proactive touring.
The dynamic touring bike BMW K 1600 GT is characterised by an active seating position which nonetheless offers a high level of long-distance comfort. The reason for this is the favourable set-up of the ergonomics triangle made up of footrests, seat and handlebars. The K 1600 GT has a very extensive range of standard features ex works consisting of xenon (HID) headlight, heated grips and seat, cruise control and on-board computer. These features in conjunction with the supreme riding qualities of the new BMW Motorrad six-cylinder engine leave nothing to be desired for the proactive tour rider.

BMW K 1600 GTL with very comfortable, relaxed ergonomics set-up for long trips with pillion passenger.
The luxurious touring bike BMW K 1600 GTL meets the highest demands. Rider and pillion passenger benefit from the relaxed, upright seating position as is especially appreciated over long distances. The ergonomics design is geared towards even further enhanced comfort and derives from a two-level seat in conjunction with rider footrests which are positioned further forward and lower down, as well as handlebars which reach further back. The standard topcase rounds off the range of comfort features for the pillion passenger. Like the K 1600 GT, the K 1600 GTL has a very extensive range of standard features consisting of xenon headlight, heated grips and seat, cruise control and on-board computer. The overall impression of this fascinating six-cylinder motorcycle with a carefully conceived storage concept, audio system as standard and numerous design elements make the BMW K 1600 GTL the flagship among BMW touring bikes.

The BMW K 1600 GT and the K 1600 GTL - two motorcycles which setnew standards in the touring motorcycle segment in terms of riding properties, long-distance suitability and comfort.Their common basis is the lightest and most compact 6-cylinder in-line engine ever fitted in a serial production motorcycle. It offers a fascinating torque of 175 Nm and an output of 118 kW (160 bhp), making touring a whole new experience.

An overview of highlights of the BMW K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL

* Supreme in-line 6-cylinder engine with a high level of pulling power, especially in the lower and medium engine speed range.
* The lightest and most compact 6-cylinder in-line engine in serial motorcycle production weighing just 102.6 kg and measuring 560 mm in width.
* Engine output 118 kW (160 bhp) at approx. 7500 rpm and a maximum torque of approx 175 Nm at approx. 5000 rpm.
* Over 70% of maximum torque available from 1500 rpm.
* Consistent lightweight construction throughout the entire vehicle (magnesium front panel carrier, aluminium rear frame, crankshaft etc.).
* E-Throttle: fully electronic relay between accelerator grip and throttle valve.
* Three drive modes to choose from ("Rain", "Road", "Dynamic") * High active safety due to standard BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part integral).
* Traction control DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) for maximum safety when accelerating (optional extra).
* Chassis with Duolever and Paralever and ideal mass concentration for dynamic riding properties combined with optimum comfort.
* Electronic Suspension Adjustment ESA II for optimum adaptation to all uses and load states (optional extra).
* World premiere for a motorcycle: Adaptive Headlight (optional extra) in conjunction with standard xenon headlamp and lighting rings for increased safety at night.
* Integrated operating concept for the first time with Multi-Controller, TFT colour screen and menu guidance.
* Audio system with preparation for navigation device and controllable interface for iPod, MP3, USB, Bluetooth and satellite radio (only USA and Canada) (standard in the K 1600 GTL).
* Innovative design with outstanding wind and weather protection.
* K 1600 GTL with very comfortable, relaxed ergonomics set-up for long trips with pillion passenger as well as luxury touring features. * Extensive optional equipment and individually tailored accessories at the familiar high level of BMW Motorrad.

Lightest and most compact serial production 6-cylinder in-line engine in a motorcycle.
The new engine of the K 1600 models offers the benefits of a powerful in-line 6-cylinder engine with superior running smoothness and takes up virtually no more space than a comparable 4-cylinder engine. A completely new dimension of riding pleasure without the drawbacks of a normal in-line 6-cylinder engine in terms of chassis geometry, weight distribution and centre of gravity.
The engine of the K 1600 models is about 100 mm narrower than all 6-cylinder in-line engines previously used in serial motorcycle production. This makes the engine not only the most compact but also the lightest 6-cylinder in-line engine for a serial production motorcycle, weighing just 102.6 kg.
This extremely compact construction and reduced width was achieved in particular by means of a just slightly undersquare stroke-bore ratio of 67.5 to 72 millimetres (0.938) with a relatively long stroke and very small cylinder centre distance spacings of 77 millimetres.

Drive comfort.
1649 cc, 118 kW (160 bhp) at approx. 7500 rpm and a maximum torque of approx. 175 Nm at approx. 5000 rpm - the figures sound straightforward enough. But the ride feel is virtually impossible to capture in words. The transversely mounted 6-cylinder in-line engine of the BMW K 1600 models offers outstanding running smoothness and allows gentle gliding as well as supremely athletic travel. 70 per cent of maximum torque is available from just 1500 rpm.

Compact overall design. Intelligent engine design.
With a total width of just 560 mm, the engine is only slightly wider than a current large-volume 4-cylinder in-line engine. In order to keep the width as low as possible, the electrical ancillary units and their drive units were moved behind the crankshaft into the free space above the gearbox. The ideal concentration of masses at the centre of the vehicle makes for an optimum centre of gravity and outstanding handling.

A high degree of efficiency results in low fuel consumption.
Efficient combustion, a low engine speed level, high gas velocities and minimised frictional loss in the 6-cylinder engine result in a high degree of efficiency and therefore a level of fuel consumption which is unsurpassed. In view of its performance potential, the engine achieves top figures at the level of a comparable 4-cylinder motorcycle.

Narrow three-shaft transmission and self-energising clutch with anti-hopping function.
When the rider activates the free-moving clutch lever, torque is transmitted from the crankshaft to a self-energising 10-disc wet clutch with anti-hopping function via a straight-toothed primary drive - so as to ensure that the high level of force is delivered gently.
For optimum use of construction space, the gearbox complete with bevel gear is integrated in the engine casing. In order reduce construction width in the area of the rider footrests in particular, the gearbox is designed as a three-shaft transmission with three gearbox shafts arranged one on top of the other. What is more, the cogwheels are helical-cut so as to achieve a low level of running noise.

Electronic Suspension Adjustment ESA II for optimum adaptation to all uses and load states (optional extra).
The new BMW K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL benefit from the innovative Electronic Suspension Adjustment II (ESA II). With this system, globally unique on the motorcycle market, riders can conveniently press a button to electronically adapt the chassis of their motorcycle to perfectly suit their driving style, the load of the motorcycle and the surface conditions. In addition to adapting the rebound damping properties of the front and rear spring strut and the spring rest ("spring preload") of the rear spring strut , ESA II also adjusts the latter's spring rate and therefore the "hardness" of the suspension. This means that the settings "Sport", "Normal" and "Comfort" are more clearly differentiated and can be felt more markedly. In "Sport" mode, both motorcycles are more dynamic and precise, in "Comfort" mode they are even more comfortable while retaining excellent stability.

Traction control DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) for maximum safety when accelerating.
Traction control DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) offers maximum safety and dynamic performance when accelerating (optional extra). By comparing the rotational speeds of the front and rear wheel obtained via the ABS sensors, the electronic system detects spin in the rear wheel and cuts back drive torque accordingly by reducing the ignition angle as well as adapting injection via the engine management system. Unlike previous BMW Motorrad ASC systems, the traction control system DTC also takes into account the banking position of the vehicle by means of sophisticated sensors, also allowing for this in its control response. Traction control DTC is adapted to the various modes and thus contributes significantly to a high level of riding dynamics and exemplary riding safety in the new K 1600 models.

The first motorcycles in the world with adaptive xenon headlight. For even greater safety at night.
A world premiere shines in the striking front section of the new K models: the first adaptive xenon headlight for motorcycles. The main headlamp fitted as standard itself consists of a movable xenon projection module with reflector mirror. Due the "pitch compensation" of the permanent beam control function, the headlamp sheds light in the optimum pre-set area, regardless of riding and load conditions.
The special equipment item "Adaptive Headlight" consists of an additional servomotor in the reflector mirror which ensures that the road is illuminated to optimum effect on every bend. The servomotor automatically compensates for the banking angle of the motorcycle while cornering, directing the light cone onto the road at an optimum angle. This significantly improved illumination of the road when cornering results in an enormous increase in active riding safety.

The future is on board: integrated operating concept with Multi-Controller, TFT colour monitor and menu guidance.
The future has already begun in the cockpit of the new K 1600 models. The instrument panel based on digital technology comprises a speedometer and tachometer as well as an information display which takes the form of a powerfully lit 5.7-inch colour monitor. This display enables user-friendly presentation of text and graphics over several lines.
The information unit is operated using the Multi-Controller. As a component of the integrated operating concept it is placed ergonomically favourably on the left handlebar grip. Unlike individual operating keys, this set-up means that the rider does not have to take his eyes off the road.
The functional range of the Multi-Controller has been significantly expanded for use in the new touring motorcycles. In addition to operating the audio system, it is also possible to select numerous other functions with such as the on-board computer, ESA II, the navigation system as well as grip and seat heating. What is more, the set-up menu can be used to configure settings specific to both rider and vehicle such as the adjustment of the Adaptive Headlight to riding on the right-hand or left-hand side of the road. The menu structure and control were specially developed for the specific demands of motorcycling and optimised by means of user tests. Scroll upScroll down

An audio system which lets you hear the difference.
The audio system was completely newly designed and has interfaces for playing MP3s - e.g. on an iPod, USB stick or conventional devices such as a CD player. Whether using playlists or the random play function for the entire music library on the source device - the selected volume level and current title are shown on the TFT colour screen and can be controlled using the Multi-Controller or the audio unit. The external devices can be housed in a lockable, waterproof and ventilated storage compartment in the interior trim on the right where they are excellently protected from the weather.

Navigation system integrated in the vehicle electrical system
If the rider opts for the audio system, the BMW Motorrad Navigator IV available as a special accessory is also integrated in the vehicle electrical system directly ex works. This means that the most important functions such as zoom or voice command repetition can be operated conveniently from the handlebars using the Multi-Controller. Data is also exchanged between the navigation system and the vehicle electrical system. For example, the navigation system automatically relays the date and time to the instrument panel or suggests the nearest filling station after a certain residual range has been covered. The TMC data from the audio system also enables dynamic routing so as to avoid congested traffic, for example.