There are four models in BMW’s K 1600 lineup – the K 1600 GT sport-tourer, the K 1600 GTL luxury sport-tourer, the K 1600 B bagger, and the K 1600 Grand America. All are powered by a liquid-cooled, 1,649cc inline-Six that debuted on the 2012 BMW K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL, which shared Rider’s 2012 Motorcycle of the Year award.
All four models have received updates for 2022, starting with revisions to the engine to meet Euro 5 regulations, including updated BMS engine control, two knock sensors, and two additional lambda probes. BMW says the six-cylinder engine still makes 160 peak horsepower, though it now arrives at 6,750 rpm, 1,000 rpm earlier than before. Peak torque has increased to 133 lb-ft, up from 129, at 5,250 rpm.
Standard equipment on all K 1600 models now includes engine drag torque control (MSR), which compares the rotational speeds of the front and rear wheels in the same way as the standard Dynamic Traction Control and thus determines the slip or traction capacity at the rear wheel, with input on lean angle from the new 6-axis IMU. The level of intervention depends on riding mode (Dynamic, Road, or Rain).
Also new on all K 1600 models is BMW Motorrad Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) “Next Generation,” with revised calibration and new automatic load level compensation. The semi-active suspension adjusts damping based on conditions based on input from front and rear sensors and the new IMU.
Also new are “welcome,” “good-bye”, and “follow me home” light functions. When the ignition is switched on, a “welcome” light function is activated. The headlight and taillight remain on for a short time and then fade to the waiting state before the engine starts. After switching off the ignition, the front and rear lights are also automatically activated briefly for the “good-bye” function which illuminates the area around the motorcycle. After switching off the ignition, the “follow me home” function allows the rider to activate the lights by briefly pressing the high-beam headlight button to assist with maneuvering in parking spaces or opening the garage at home.
A new full LED headlight consists of nine LEDs for the low-beam headlight and eight LEDs for the high-beam headlight. The standard “adaptive headlight” function features a low-beam LED headlight which turns into the curve according to the lean angle. The cornering function now operates through a range of ± 35 degrees (up from ± 24 degrees) for better illumination. It also adjusts up or down by 2 degrees during acceleration and braking.
Like the R 18 B and R 18 Transcontinental, the new K 1600 models features a 10.25-inch high-definition TFT color display with integrated map navigation (via the BMW Motorrad Connected app) and Bluetooth connectivity. For protection against the elements, the display is equipped with a hardened glass cover with an anti-reflective and fingerprint-resistant coating. Functions such as “My vehicle,” “Navigation,” “Radio,” “Media,” “Telephone,” and “Settings” menus can be selected via displayed tiles, and features such as cruise control, riding modes, and audio are seamlessly integrated into the display. The Multi-controller wheel is used to manage some functions.
Standard on the K 1600 GTL and K 1600 Grand America and optional on the K 1600 GT and K 1600 B is BMW’s new Audio System 2.0, with antennas now integrated into the bodywork. Whereas the previous audio system was connected to the motorcycle as a primarily independent system, Audio System 2.0 is integrated into the electrical system. Menu control and setting options as well as the unique display screens are said to make the audio experience a seamless listening experience. The system offers more customization functions as well as SiriusXM satellite radio with 1-year subscription.
The new K 1600 GT, GTL, B, and Grand America are available in three color options each: a standard color, a style variant, and Option 719. Option 719 “Midnight” is particularly noteworthy, which is only available for K 1600 B and K 1600 Grand America. The highlight of this variant is the paint finish in Meteoric Dust II Metallic with the “Galaxy” theme depicted using the water transfer printing method.
MSRP pricing begins at $22,545 for the K 1600 B, $23,895 for the K 1600 GT, $26,895 for the K 1600 GTL, and $27,745 for the K 1600 Grand America. Motorcycles will be in dealerships starting in February 2022.
Below is a summary of colors, details, standard equipment, options, and accessories for each model. For more information or to find a BMW dealer near you, visit bmwmotorcycles.com.
2022 BMW K 1600 GT: Standard
- Black Storm Metallic body color
- Frame in black
- Engine in black
- Seat in black
- Front fender in Black Storm Metallic
- Radiator cowls in Night Black Matte
- Tank center cover in Black Storm Metallic
- Slipstream deflector trim in Black Storm Metallic
- Front brake calipers in black
2022 BMW K 1600 GT: Sport style
- Light White/Racing Blue Metallic/Racing Red body color
- Frame in black
- Engine in black
- Seat in black with gray piping and decorative stitching
- Front part of the front fender in Light White
- Radiator cowls in Night Black Matte
- Tank center cover in Black Storm Metallic
- Slipstream deflector trim in Black Storm Metallic
- Gold-anodized front brake calipers
2022 BMW K 1600 GT: Option 719
- Mineral White Metallic body color with lines
- Frame in black
- Engine in black
- Seat in black (Optional Option 719 seat with diamond top-stitching in saddle brown and cloud print)
- Front part of the front fender in Mineral White Metallic
- Radiator cowls in Night Black Matte
- Tank center cover in Mineral White Metallic
- Chrome slipstream deflector trim
- Front brake calipers in black
- Optional Option 719 classic forged rims
2022 BMW K 1600 GTL: Standard
- Black Storm Metallic body color
- Frame in Monolith Metallic matte
- Engine in platinum
- Seat in black
- Front fender in Black Storm Metallic
- Engine spoiler in Monolith Metallic matte
- Tank center cover in Black Storm Metallic
- Slipstream deflector trim in Black Storm Metallic
2022 BMW K 1600 GTL: Exclusive style
- Gravity Blue Metallic body color
- Frame in Monolith Metallic matte
- Engine in platinum
- Seat in black
- Front fender in Gravity Blue Metallic, rear part in Monolith Metallic matte
- Engine spoiler in Monolith Metallic matte
- Tank center cover in Black Storm Metallic
- Chrome slipstream deflector trim
- Chrome strips on cases
2022 BMW K 1600 GTL: Option 719
- Mineral White Metallic body color with lines
- Frame in Monolith Metallic matte
- Engine in platinum
- Seat in black (Optional Option 719 seat with diamond top-stitching in saddle brown and cloud print)
- Front fender in Mineral White Metallic with chrome bar, rear part in Monolith Metallic Matte
- Engine spoiler in Monolith Metallic Matte
- Tank center cover in Mineral White Metallic
- Chrome slipstream deflector trim
- Chrome strips on cases
- Optional Option 719 classic forged rims
2022 BMW K 1600 B and K 1600 Grand America: Standard
- Black Storm Metallic body color
- Frame in black
- Engine in black
- Seat in black
- Front part of the front fender in Black Storm Metallic
- Engine spoiler in Night Black Matte
- Tank center cover in Black Storm Metallic
- Slipstream deflector trim in Black Storm Metallic
2022 BMW K 1600 B and K 1600 Grand America: Exclusive style
- Manhattan Metallic Matte body color
- Frame in black
- Engine in black
- Seat in black
- Front part of the front fender in Manhattan White Metallic
- Engine spoiler in Night Black Matte
- Tank center cover in Black Storm Metallic
- Slipstream deflector trim in Black Storm Metallic
2022 BMW K 1600 B and K 1600 Grand America: Option 719 “Midnight”
- Meteoric Dust II Metallic body color with water transfer printing method
- Frame in black
- Engine in black
- Option 719 seat in black with diamond top-stitching and model designation
- Front part of the front fender in Meteoric Dust II Metallic
- Engine spoiler in Night Black Matte
- Tank center cover in Meteoric Dust II Metallic
- Slipstream deflector trim in Meteoric Dust II Metallic
- “Midnight” badge
Standard Equipment on 2022 BMW K 1600 GT, GTL, B, and Grand America
- Black Storm Metallic paint
- 10.25-inch TFT screen with BMW Motorrad Connected app navigation
- Audio System 2.0 with fairing speakers (K 1600 GTL)
- Shaft drive
- Slipper clutch
- Reversing aid
- Hill Start Control Pro
- Dynamic Engine Brake Control
- Adjustable windscreen
- Cast aluminum wheels
- Duolever front suspension
- Paralever rear suspension
- Integral ABS with ABS Pro
- Dynamic Traction Control
- Dynamic ESA “Next Generation”
- Steering stabilizer
- Tire pressure monitor
- 12v power socket
- Cooled, mobile device charging compartment
- Electronic immobilizer
- Heated grips and seat
- Adaptive LED headlight, LED turn signals and rear light
- Multi-controller
- Programable function buttons
- Dynamic Cruise Control
- Ride modes
- Luggage rack
- Centerstand
- Comfort footrests
- Integrated side cases in body color
- Top case in body color (K 1600 GTL)
2022 BMW K 1600 GT: Optional equipment and accessories
- Premium Package
- Keyless Ride
- Central locking system
- Gear Shift Assist Pro
- Anti-theft alarm
- Audio System 2.0
- LED fog lights
- Engine protection bar
2022 BMW K 1600 GT: Stand-alone options
- Style: Sport Light White/Racing Blue/Racing Red metallic
- Option 719 Mineral White Metallic
- Option 719 bench seat
- Floor lighting
- Option 719 forged classic wheels
- Low seat (30.7-inch / 31.5-inch seat height, -1.2 inches)
- 2022 BMW K 1600 GTL: Optional equipment and accessories
- Premium Package
- Keyless Ride
- Central locking system
- Gear Shift Assist Pro
- Anti-theft alarm
- LED fog lights
- Engine protection bar
2022 BMW K 1600 GTL: Stand-alone options
- Style: Exclusive Gravity Blue Metallic
- Option 719 Mineral White Metallic
- Option 719 bench seat
- Floor lighting
- Option 719 forged classic wheels
- High seat (31.5-inch seat height, +2.0 inches)
2022 BMW K 1600 B: Optional equipment and accessories
- Bagger Package
- Keyless Ride
- Central locking system
- Gear Shift Assist Pro
- Anti-theft alarm
- LED fog lights
- Engine protection bar
- Center stand
- Grand America Package
- Grand America styling
- Top case in body color
- Audio System 2.0
- Floorboards
- High windshield
- Keyless Ride
- Central locking system
- Gear Shift Assist Pro
- Anti-theft alarm
- LED fog lights
- Engine protection bar
- Centerstand
2022 BMW K 1600 B: Stand-alone options
- Option 719 bench seat
- Floor lighting
- Forged handlebar
- Option 719 forged classic wheels
- High seat (31.5-inch seat height, +2.0 inches)
Many years ago Porsche decided to take components from their Boxter and use them in their flagship 911, known for being a big mistake which they rectified in the next incarnation. It looks like BMW have done the same with this, it’s basically an RT with a better engine and without active cruise control. They would have been better off putting the K16 engine in the R18. A disappointing refresh, but I guess they can’t get it right all the time.
Hi, I have to say, after 16 years on an RT, a loaded rental RT as a test drive, using the active cruise control…and I hated it! Driving on the autobahn, an easy 75KMPH (120 KMH or so) and some guy slides into the left lane about 200 meters ahead of me, and the bike slowed like I was executing heavy braking into a curve…this was really exciting seeing as there was a car not far behind me that had to really brake hard to avoid me. In a car, this system is nice, really works well. But on a bike, it is something completely different. IMO, paying attention to the surroundings and controlling the situation is a much better solution. Just my two cents.
There’s no substitute for paying attention and being aware and taking over control before the bike does. Adaptive cruise is only a tool. You still have to be ready to take over.
I know this runs counter to the profit motive, but it would be cool if BMW offered a K1600 in a stripped down basic package without all the bells and whistles. Keep some safety items like ABS and traction control, but drop all the heated seats and sound system stuff, and see if they could bring the price down under 20K for us of more modest means.
Big Long-Distance Touring bike(s) needs a dependable GPS Navigator mounting and connecting solution (such as the Garmin Zumo XT). Regretfully BMW only solution is the much less reliable Cellular/Bluetooth base app. With way less features, connectivity issues and an inefficient cumbersome operation. Disappointing.
Interesting you say that…I have had three different Garmin devices, and my Smart phone with google maps is simply much more accurate and so much easier to use. I would be interested to hear other people opinions, but to me, a solid up to date smart phone is hands down easier and more reliable…not to mention so much faster at refreshing the map and up-to-date POI’s.
its not a cellular based NAV…. I own the 2021 RT and it uses the same BMW Motorrad connected app. The only cellular service you ever need is the first day you own the bike and you sit in your living room and download the maps for the country you live in or want to travel too.. Thats it! After that, the maps are on your phone and use the built in GPS sensor in your phone for location tagging….. Some phones had issues early on, but BMW has been able to work out the bugs with FW updates and now it works fine…
I bought a 2013 k1600gt used with every option available for 14,600 US dollars back in 2015 at Bright Power Sports in Lincoln Park, MI. I purchased a service plan for $1200 and had to use it for two coils that failed. My bike had 10400 miles on it and now I have 48000 miles on it. I’m so happy with my k1600gt. I added a top case, back rest, Wunderlich windshield with a vent, and a booster plug. I did have BMW do a 18k maintenance (oil, valve clearance, etc.) and It’s an awesome bike. I’m 66 now so probably my last bike. Ride safe and healthy.
I have a similar scenario with purchasing my 2012 K1600GT.
At your next service have the u-joints on your drive shaft inspected! BMW has no maintenance schedule for this. My drive shaft failed on the Beartooth Highway in Montana and I live in Connecticut. There was only one drive shaft in the country and it took a week to get. My bike had 62,000 miles on it at the time of the drive shaft u-joint failure.