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If you want a motorcycle with the smooth power of a six-cylinder engine, you don't have many options. But nobody gives you more options than BMW, which has updated its K 1600 models for 2022 to make them Euro emissions-compliant and sprinkled on a few more features.
The four K 1600 models give you a choice of luxury touring in sporting style or mild cruiser style, each with or without a top box. The K 1600 GT starts at $23,895 MSRP in the United States and stepping up to the K 1600 GTL pushes the starting price to $26,895. On the cruiserish models, the K 1600 B is actually the least expensive option, starting at $22,545, and the K 1600 Grand America package is the most expensive, starting at $27,745.
BMW says the mild revisions to the 1,649 cc, inline, six-cylinder engine yield the same 160 peak horsepower but 1,000 rpm lower, at 6,750. Peak torque bumps up from 129 foot-pounds to 133.
BMW added two additional lambda sensors after the catalytic converter and two knock sensors to allow the engine to use a wider range of fuel and to optimize the engine performance to meet tighter emissions standards.
All the K 1600 models come with BMW's version of electronic suspension adjustment, called Dynamic ESA, which constantly adjusts front and rear suspension damping based on the conditions, riding style and the ride mode selected.
More visible than the minor engine upgrades are the new looks. The four models each come in three paint schemes: a standard version, an optional color and what BMW calls its Option 719 versions. These versions mix and match different paint on the bodywork with either black or platinum-colored treatment on the engine and frame. Click on the image gallery at right to see all the different versions.
The most interesting and unique of these is the "Midnight" treatment on the Option 719 versions of the K 1600 B and Grand America. BMW says a water transfer printing method is used to create a graphic on top of the black metallic paint. The graphic is transferred from a film and the body work is then covered with a clear coat. The result is a "Galaxy" motif that's a little like looking at a starry sky on a dark night. Since the process is done by hand, BMW says no two motorcycles are exactly identical.
New features on the K 1600s
A new standard feature for 2022 on the K bikes is "engine drag control," which prevents rear-wheel slip during downshifts. Instead of preventing rear-wheel lockup with a slipper clutch setup, BMW's system makes adjustments in the engine if the sensors detect the rear wheel losing traction. The amount of slip allowed also depends on the riding mode selected.
Another new feature for 2022 is the 10.25-inch TFT display. It can be configured in a single display or a split screen, so you can combine basic functions such as speedometer and tachometer on one side and navigation on the other, using the BMW app, for example. The free BMW app allows you to plan routes on your smartphone, alter them at stops along the way, and follow navigation on the K 1600's screen. You can also record and share routes through the REVER community.
A special ventilated and secure storage space for your smartphone allows you to keep it connected so you don't have to worry about running out of battery. The storage space does not lock, itself, but it is tucked behind the windscreen and can only be accessed when the ignition is switched on. An electric fan keeps your phone from overheating but the storage space is also waterproof.
Another new feature is the LED adaptive headlight module, which uses 13 LEDs for low and high beams and adjusts as the motorcycle corners, to illuminate through the curves. The headlight module also can raise or lower the beam up to two degrees to compensate for brake dive or acceleration.
As always with BMW, there's an array of standalone options and premium packages that combine selected groups of options. These include items such as BMW's quickshifter, called Gear Shift Assist Pro, a new optional audio system, keyless ignition, an anti-theft system and a lot more.
Plus, you'll have to choose whether you want the standard paint, the optional paint or the Option 719 version. Just count on spending some time with your BMW dealer to figure out which options and packages you're going to want and be aware that you probably aren't going to end up buying a K 1600 (or any other BMW) for the starting price, especially if you buy from dealer stock.
| 2022 BMW K 1600 GT, GTL, B and Grand America | |
|---|---|
|
Starting price (MSRP) |
$23,895 (GT) |
| Engine | 1,649 cc, liquid-cooled, 24-valve, inline six-cylinder |
|
Transmission, final drive |
Six-speed, shaft |
| Claimed horsepower | 160 @ 6,750 rpm |
| Claimed torque | 133 foot-pounds @ 5,250 rpm |
| Frame | Aluminum |
| Front suspension | Double trailing arm suspension, electronically adjusted; 4.5 inches of travel |
| Rear suspension | Single shock, electronically adjusted; 5.3 inches of travel |
| Front brake | Dual 320 mm discs with ABS |
| Rear brake | Single 321 mm disc with ABS |
| Rake, trail | 27.8 degrees, 4.2 inches |
| Wheelbase | 63.7 inches |
| Seat height |
31.9 to 32.7 inches (GT) 29.5 (GTL, B and Grand America) |
| Fuel capacity | 7.0 gallons |
| Tires | 120/70ZR17 front, 190/55ZR17 rear |
| Claimed weight |
756 pounds (GT) 789 pounds (GTL) 758 pounds (B) 816 pounds (Grand America) |
| Available | February 2022 |
| Warranty | 36 months or 36,000 miles |
| More info | bmwmotorcycles.com |
