Test: BMW K 1600 GT (2017) - rightfully the king of the sports touring motorcycle class
Content
I acknowledge that the arguments set forth in the introduction are, in many respects, justly challengeable. First, success is measured not only by bank statements. Secondly: The BMW K 1600 GT is an exhilarating, very fast bike that can release a lot of adrenaline and comfortably carry two riders at the same time. All this is easy and effortless. Everyone who lives in this style should have it. The other - no, we are talking about different, incompatible characters.
He doesn't have much competition
The six-cylinder BMW is certainly not new. He has been dabbling since 2010, all this time in two versions (GT and GTL premiered in Cape Town). The third, the packer, will join this year. In less than seven years, at least for six-cylinder motorcycles, nothing special has happened. Honda is about to introduce the sixth generation goldwinga, the current model took off the market for a good year, while the long-awaited Horex VR6 several times I tried to get up from the almost completely cooled ash, and yet we have not yet seen it on our roads.
Thus, BMW is the only company currently nurturing the idea of a powerful and prestigious sport touring motorcycle. Moreover, over the next few years, the Bavarian engineers developed a number of improvements and changes that should be enough to make this six-cylinder gem able to compete with the announced Japanese competitors.
The engine remained unchanged, the gearbox received a Quickshifter.
The fact that the six-cylinder engine has enough reserves is evidenced by the fact that, despite the new catalysts (Euro-4), it completely same power and same torque... The Bavarians have just enough engine reserve to easily determine how upset the motorcycle cavalry is. However, since it is quite lively and combined with excellent cycling and semi-active suspension, the GT easily manages various driving modes, the driver was given the option to choose between three engine folders (Road, Dynamics in the rain). As far as the engine goes, it’s nothing new, but it’s more than enough of everything such a motorcycle needs.
New: Electrically driven reverse!
As of the 2017 model year, both GT and GTL versions have also received the option of a reversing assist system. I specifically wrote down the assistance system, since there is no additional reverse gear in the transmission. He takes care of going backwards this way starter motor... BMW is careful not to present it as a big novelty, now they just are. Technically, almost exactly the same system had been introduced by Honda nearly two decades earlier. With the difference that the trip came back with the Japanese much less pompous... BMW arranged it so that the engine ramps up the engine significantly when reversing, which, at least to onlookers, turns out to be very impressive. And BMW too. However, I can praise the fact that the GT can climb backwards even on a rather steep slope.
The gearbox can be equipped for an additional fee on a test engine. reversible Quickshifter... While the gearshifts in both directions are flawless and absolutely creamy without any squeaks, I can't ignore the fact that this system works much better on a boxing RT or GS. It is especially confusing that, especially when you want to shift from second gear to idle, even with the clutch engaged, the quickshifter often decides it's time to shift into first gear. I have no problem admitting that electronics are probably more accurate and faster than my thoughts and reflexes, but he still doesn't know what I was imagining at the moment. Considering the fact that the classic GT gearbox remained in my good memory a few years ago, I would easily have missed the Quickshifter option in the optional equipment list.
Great ride thanks to suspension and engine
Despite its bulky weight, with a maximum payload of more than half a ton, I can say that the K 1600 GT is an agile and light bike. It's not as flexible as RT, for example this is not an uncomfortable motorcycle... The driving pleasure of the GT is almost always top notch, thanks mainly to the engine. Considering the fact that 70 percent of the torque is available from 1.500 rpm, engine flexibility is guaranteed. At lower rpm, the sound of the engine gurgles like a gas turbine, as well as vibrations that are practically absent. But there is no need to fear that the soundstage will be too modest. Here you will come at your own expense to those who have at least once enjoyed the sounds of the M automobile six-cylinder engines of this plant. The more revs, the more it burns the skin, and the motorcycle accelerates to speeds far beyond reasonable and established rules. Slightly higher consumption, in the test of a good seven liters, just comes along.
BMW motorcycles have long been known for being impeccable on the road, cycling and in general. At the moment, no other "sports tourer" can boast such an efficient suspension. Polactinvni Dynamic ESA always one step ahead of the driver and two basic settings are available. I really doubt you'll find an asphalt road that the GT won't be comfortable on. Let the link, testifying to the superiority of the suspension, be as follows: out of my own forgetfulness in the right suitcase through the ruins of the Polkhov Hradec road, I drove home at a rather frantic pace. ten whole fresh eggs. However, in order to fully meet the driving expectations, I just wish I could feel a little more of the road under the first wheel. Wind protection is sufficient, and turbulence around the torso and head is virtually nonexistent, even at highway speeds. 
Comfort and prestige
The GT is a huge bike with a lot of equipment. What suits him is obvious. At first glance, it is also spacious. There is nothing wrong with the form. Everything is harmonious, perfect, many colors and shades of lines evoke a feeling of perfection. It's the same with fabrication. I imagine those with smaller hands might be overwhelmed by the ergonomics of the steering wheel itself, as some of the switches, especially on the left side, are quite far from the handle itself due to the rotary navigation knob. This is the problem of "those babies." The rear view is impeccable, the wind protection is sufficient, both drawers at the bottom of the side are also accessible while driving. Lateral body clamping system in my opinion the best of all. Their spaciousness is beyond question, but I personally would have preferred a little less room and a narrower rear. Wide suitcases largely preclude any maneuverability and flexibility, but this is mostly a problem for those who like to travel the unusual paths between poles and cars.
If we touch the hardware for a moment, here's the thing. The test GT had pretty much everything BMW has to offer. Navigation system, daytime running lights, auto-dimming headlights, cornering lights, central locking, keyless system, center stand, USB and AUX connections, audio system, and heated levers and seats. Speaking of all these technical and luxurious pleasures, it's worth mentioning that we at BMW are used to more powerful audio systems. Otherwise, everything is flawless and excellent, especially when it comes to heated seats and levers.
I have never experienced a stronger warmth in my ass and arms on two wheels. How to sit on a bread oven. Definitely something that I personally would have to choose, and would also be happy to pay extra. Those who are passionate about self-programming their motorcycle may be a little disappointed in this case. When it comes to fine-tuning the suspension, brakes and engine folders, BMW offers fewer options than Ducati, for example. However, for most users, this is more than enough.
King of the GT class
There is no doubt that the BMW K 1600 GT offers everything, but at the same time easily conjures up an unrivaled driving experience. This is a motorcycle that knows how to take care of its owner. A motorcycle that can travel hundreds of miles with ease because of you. With it, every trip will be too short. That is why, without a doubt, and more than any other, it deserves the title of the first GT motorcycle.
Matyaj Tomajic
photo: Sasha Kapetanovich
Basic data
Sales: BMW Motorrad Slovenia
Base model price: 23.380,00 €
Test model cost: 28.380,00 €
Technical information
engine: 1.649 cc, water-cooled in-line six-cylinder engine
Power: 118 kW (160 hp) at 7.750 rpm
Torque: 175 Nm at 5.520 rpm
Energy transfer: 6-speed gearbox, propeller shaft, hydraulic clutch
Frame: light cast iron
brakes: front 2 discs 320 mm, rear 1 disc 30 mm, ABS, anti-slip adjustment
Suspension: front BMW Duallever,
set BMW Paralever, Dynamic ESA,Tires: before 120/70 R17, rear 190/55 R17
Growth: 810 / 830 mm
Fuel tank: 26,5 liters
Weight: 334 kg (ready to ride)
- Test errors: Unmistakable
We praise and reproach
engine,
comfort, equipment, appearance
driving performance, suspension,
production
(too) wide side housings
Incentives from under the first wheel
Distance of some steering wheel switches
