News and EventsK1600 Bike Launch and Riding ImpressionsApril 27, 2011 Mike Meissner journals the BMW K1600GT and GTL Dealer LaunchEarlier this week, I was fortunate to attend the K1600GT and GTL Dealer launch at Barnsley Gardens Resort in North Georgia for CALmoto and Tri-Valley Moto. Our day starts with the threat of thunderstorms and an orientation on the interactive rider communications systems of the new K1600GT and GTL. We have all heard about what this bike will do in terms of the interactive rider display, but even for a seasoned BMW dealer there is a lot to absorb. We learn the basics about the system and then get about 10-15 minutes to get familiar with how to move between the menus. The backlit LCD display is visible in even bright sun light and once you understand the menu tree it is easy to navigate between the audio system, navigation, on board computer, Electronic suspension, Dynamic engine/traction control, heated seats and grips as well as the revolutionary Bluetooth system. 
BMW has arranged a fantastic ride loop for us, almost 300 miles through northeast Georgia on some of the best motorcycle roads in the country. The pavement is flawless, there is little traffic and the scenery is breathtaking. The purpose of this is, of course, to showcase the bike's capabilities. We are going to spend the day with the K1600 (a BIG Gran Turismo bike) on roads you would typically choose to put a sport bike through its paces. Halfway through the loop we will swap bikes so we can get some good seat time on both bikes. Ergonomics:The first thing the rider notices is how narrow the bike is. A very pleasant surprise considering this is a 6 cylinder motor and you kind of except to be a much wider bike. The bike is narrower than an RT for the rider and visually, to the rider, the bike's fairing is not overly large. A very nice package overall. Both bikes are supremely comfortable and have been "tweaked" accordingly for their individual purpose. K1600GT: The GT has a slightly forward handlebar position and slightly rearward footpegs without being overly aggressive. It gives the bike a sporting feel that you would expect for a bike like this. The rider has just enough forward lean to "get into" the bars when you want to pick up the pace. The GT features a two piece seat that has adjustable heights similar to the current RT. Standard seat heights are 31.9 and 32.7 inches. A low seat is available at 30.7 inches. A one piece "Comfort Seat" from the GTL can also be fitted at seat heights of either 29.5 or 30.7 inches. Overall the riding position is appropriately sporty without sacrificing comfort. K1600GTL: The GTL's bars sweep back toward the rider a full 2 inches more than the GT and the footpegs are directly under the rider resulting in a classic upright touring position. The seat is a one piece comfort seat with significant back support for the rider. The GTL has the classic "neutral" riding position that distance riders have always favored, and with the standard seat height at 29.5 inches combined with the very narrow chassis this bike will fit most "inseam challenged" riders easily. A one piece high comfort seat is available at 30.7 inches. The GT's 2 piece seat set up can also be retrofitted to the GTL if additional options are needed. There are changes to the GTL's rear subframe that gives the passenger a taller "stadium" style rear seat that offers the passenger a full 2 inches more seat room. This gives the passenger an excellent roomy perch from which to get comfortable and enjoy the scenery! Engine/Transmission:This is the soul of this motorcycle: An inline six that is less than 22 inches wide and weighs less than 230 pounds including transmission, alternator and clutch assembly! Both bikes have a six cylinder snarl to them with the GT getting an exhaust that is tuned to give the bike an appropriate "rasp". The raw numbers are 160 hp with 129 ft lbs of torque but the real story is that 70% of that torque is available at 1500 rpm's! This motor is silky smooth and very tractable. The standard 10 disc, wet slipper clutch is flawless and the transmission shifts easily and precisely. Downshifts happen easily with very good engine braking making you feel really connected to the bike. The motor pulls strongly in every gear at any rpm. I am used to riding twins, motors with a lot of torque. If there is one thing that took me by surprise is the combination of torque and "reviness" . It makes sense that this motor wants to rev; It's a six cylinder. It should want to rev, but it took me a little while to reconcile all of that torque with the motors desire to spin up so freely. Some motors complain when you ask them to spin but not this one, it begs you to spin it up. The whole package is extremely entertaining and will keep you giggling inside your helmet every time you hear that willing six cylinder snarl as you twist the throttle. Speaking of the throttle, it is "drive by wire". The throttle bodies are controlled electronically and when you mix that with a gyroscope, suspension height sensors, and wheel speed sensors from the ABS system you get three "engine modes" to chose from: Rain, Road and Dynamic. This system limits the application of torque from the engine by adjusting the throttle body angles. The rain mode softens throttle response allowing the rider to more delicately apply throttle in limited traction conditions and interacts with the traction control to limit wheel slip. Road mode offer more direct throttle response and the full power of the engine but continues to control inputs to minimize wheel slip. Dynamic mode offers direct throttle response suited for dry roads with excellent traction but still interacts with the traction control when wheel slippage occurs. BMW suggested we start our rides in rain mode even though the roads were dry. It was not a bad idea. Riding in rain mode allow me to get used to the prodigious power profile of the bike. As I got used to the bike I rode in both Road and Dynamic modes. Road mode is where you would want to keep the bike most of the time offering plenty of smooth controllable power. Dynamic mode showcases the bikes power and responsiveness but is probably best suited for the track and certain roads where you can use that razor sharp responsiveness. Handling:What can I say? They got it right. Both bikes feel very light and nimble and are capable of ridiculous lean angles. BMW's trademark stability is evident in both bikes thanks largely to the Duolever front suspension and the Paralever rear swingarm. The frames are significantly different from earlier BMW inline bikes. The frame consists of three components. The steering head is magnesium, the mainframe a gravity cast aluminum design that reduces weight and a lightweight welded aluminum rear subframe. All of this helps lower the bike's center of gravity. The bike has an outstanding static wheel load of 52% front and 48% rear. The Duolever "freeway weave" that some have experienced on earlier duolever bikes was nowhere to be found and both bikes had really good front end feedback when pushed. ESA works as advertised and the differences in the sport, normal and comfort settings damp the bike nicely for conditions and loads. I mentioned earlier that these bikes are capable of insane lean angles and that is even more impressive on the GTL. Never once did I feel like the bikes couldn't turn in harder if I asked them to. I kept waiting for my boot to touch down or for the bike to drag a peg (a routine occurrence on the old LT) but it never happened. Two up the bikes are unflappable and confidence inspiring. K1600GT: This bike is improved in every way. It is both a higher performance bike and it is a better sport touring bike than the one it replaces. The first thing you notice about the K1600GT is that it feels much lighter and more nimble than the K1300GT. Steering inputs are more precise and direct than the K1300GT. It doesn't feel "long" like the previous bike yet it doesn't seem to have lost any tracking stability. The ride is firm and sporty and can be adjusted with the ESA to your liking. The bike is very balanced and transitions quickly (thanks to the outstanding front/rear weight balance) with an appropriate amount of counter steering push needed to get the bike moving. Overall the bike feels sharper and sportier than previous GT's. K1600GTL: Wow! The replacement for the LT doesn't disappoint. It feels hundreds of pounds lighter, is narrower and much more manageable at low speeds, and while the LT was no slouch in the twisties, it is nothing like this bike. This bike is capable of all day touring in complete comfort, but what really strikes you when you first ride it is that it gives up very little to the GT in performance. The bike doesn't feel like a luxury touring bike; it has way more performance and capability than any other bike on the market . Compared to the GT the GTL's wheelbase is only .6 inches longer and it weighs only 67 more pounds. A great trade off for the all day comfort and luxury of the bike. The bars sweep back to you, yet there is a really light responsive feel to the bike's steering. Despite the light feel of the bars you get great feedback and can really feel the front end load up and provide great feedback when pushed. After spending a weekend with these bikes I can tell you that they are both game changers, the best in their individual classes. Both bikes can brag about world class communications integration, class leading power and handling, unrivalled technology and engineering. If you would like to talk to me about the two bike or if you have questions, feel free to drop me an e-mail and let me know how to best reach you, and I will be happy to answer any questions or let you know my thoughts! Pre-orders and deposits can be arranged by contacting:sales@calmoto.com for our Mountain View, CA store |
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