BMW K 1600 Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

In 2016, the German motorcycle manufacturer released the BMW K1600GTL Exclusive, a fully-faired luxury machine that debuted in 2011 alongside the standard K1600GT model. The maker took the standard GTL model to a superior level in the form of the K1600GTL Exclusive.

The 2016 model was a high-class touring machine that took technology and style to the extreme. It was fitted with the same modern technology as the base model but with additional accessories and technology that enhanced its overall versatility.

The bike was fitted with central locking with an alarm system, a heatable seat with a backrest as standard, Electronic Suspension Assistant (ESA II), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), RDC, LED auxiliary lights, adaptive xenon headlights, a second brake light, cornering ABS, and an engine guard.

The bike was dressed in a full fairing with a medium-sized windscreen for better wind protection, a single seat with a backrest, a top case with integrated passenger backrest and armrests, side-mounted panniers, a dual exhaust system, and Y-shaped five-spoke wheels.

Underneath its bodywork, the 2016 BMW K1600GTL Exclusive had installed a 1,649cc four-stroke liquid-cooled six-cylinder engine fed by a fuel injection system, boasting 159 hp with maximum strength at 7,500 rpm and 175 Nm (129 lb-ft) torque at 5,000 rpm.

In the braking department, the bike's wheels were fitted with two 320 mm discs and four-piston calipers on the front and a 320 mm disc with a dual-piston floating caliper on the rear, delivering excellent stopping power.

The BMW K1600GTL was a fully faired luxury tourer presented at the 2010 Intermot Motorcycle Show in Cologne and released into the touring world in 2011. The bike replaced the K1200LT and was intended as a competitor to the Honda Gold Wing.

In addition to the K1600GTL, the maker also made available the K1600GT, which was a more sport-touring-oriented machine similar to the K1300GT and previous K1200GT models. Also, in 2016, both models were joined by the BMW K1600B.

In 2015, the German motorcycle manufacturer launched the BMW K1600GTL, a luxury machine with ergonomics designed for long touring hauls, with a pulled-back handlebar for a more relaxed riding position and a sizeable seating area for the passenger.

In the visual department, the bike was fitted with standard features, such as a full fairing with a mid-sized windscreen for better protection, a two-piece dual seat with passenger grab rails, a top case with an integrated passenger backrest, side-mounted panniers for more storage, and a dual exhaust system with a large muffler on each side.

As for power, the 2015 BMW K1600GTL had its soul brought to life by a 1,649cc four-stroke liquid-cooled six-cylinder engine managed by an electronically-controlled fuel injection system, boasting 159 hp with a peak force at 7,500 rpm and 175 Nm (129 lb-ft) torque at 5,000 rpm.

In the braking department, the bike's Y-shaped five-spoke wheels were fitted with two 320 mm discs with four-piston calipers on the front and a 320 mm disc with a dual-piston caliper on the rear, offering excellent stopping power.

The BMW K1600GT was a sport-tourer motorcycle announced in July 2010 at the Intermot Motorcycle Show in Cologne and released into production in 2011. The K1600GT was a sport tourer-oriented machine similar to the K1300GT and previous K1200GT models.

The bike was also available in K1600GTL and K1600B versions. The GTL model was a more luxurious machine dressed in full bodywork, replacing the K1200LT. It was intended as a competitor to the Honda Gold Wing. The BMW K1600B was released in 2016.

In 2015, the German motorcycle manufacturer launched the BMW K1600GT, the standard model in the series, powered by a straight-six engine initially used on the Concept 6 presented at the 2009 EICMA Motor Show in Milan. BMW claimed that the engine was the narrowest in-line six-cylinder unit ever built.

In the visual department, the bike packed standard features, such as a full fairing with a windscreen, two dual iconic headlights with angel-eyes, a two-piece double seat, side-mounted panniers, a side stand, a stainless steel exhaust system, and Y-shaped five-spoke lightweight wheels.

In the technical department, the bike featured modern technologies, such as Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA II), BMW Motorrad Integral ABS, optional Adaptive Headlight, and three riding modes: Rain, Road, and Dynamic.

Underneath its bodywork, the 2015 BMW K1600GT had installed a 1,649cc four-stroke in-line six-cylinder liquid-cooled engine with a fuel injection system in charge of feeding the pistons, delivering an output power of 160 hp at 7,750 rpm and 175 Nm (129 lb-ft) torque at 5,250 rpm.

The 2015 BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive was addressed to luxury enthusiasts and Beemer fans who wanted the highest level of comfort, as well as long-haul capabilities, in a machine with a power output comparable to a sports bike.

On the K 1600 GT models, BMW introduced the first six-cylinder engine produced by the House of Munich in a sophisticated new chassis. Wrapped in aerodynamic bodywork, the 1600 GT set a new benchmark for presence, competence, comfort, and safety in the touring motorcycles category.

At the time when BMW introduced the first GT model, the engine was the lightest and narrowest in the over-1000cc category with a weight of 102 kg (224 lbs) and a width of 55 that and could push the model to 0-100 kph (0-60 mph) in just 3.2 seconds.

The 2015 GTL model came with luxurious features such as passenger armrests, LED auxiliary lights, adaptive xenon headlight, and second brake light, as well as state-of-the-art technologies such as the Electronic Suspension Adjustment II, Dynamic Traction Control, and RDC.

At the core of the lightweight aluminum bridge-type frame was the famous 1649cc four-stroke liquid-cooled engine with an output power of 160 hp at 7,500 rpm and 175 Nm (129 lb-ft) of torque at 5,000 rpm tightly screwed to a six-speed manual transmission. The engine power was sent through a shaft back to the cast aluminum rear wheel.

For Beemer fans who wanted a comfortable ride and massive amounts of power, the House of Munich launched in the 2015 year the BMW K 1600 GTL, a high-class touring machine powered by the most compact inline-six engine with a weight of 103 kg (227 lbs)the gearbox, clutch, and alternator included and the narrowest with 55 mm width.

The model came as standard with features such as a dual seat with lumbar support for the rider, side panniers, a hard trunk with an integrated passenger backrest, an electrically adjustable windshield, pillion grab rails, as well as heated seats and grips, which significantly increase its long-haul capabilities.

Every detail of the GTL was designed for comfort and maximum riding pleasure. The Duolever suspension on the front with the Paralever suspension on the back along with the lightweight 16 kg (35 lbs) chassis, provided excellent handling. As an option, the Electronic Suspension Adjustment II (ESA II) allowed the damping and suspension to adapt to the road situation and preference with just a press of a button.

The 2015 BMW K 1600 GTL was powered by the same 1649cc four-stroke liquid-cooled engine as its predecessor, with an output of 160 hp at 7,500 rpm and 175 Nm (129 lb-ft) of torque at 5,000 rpm.

The model was for sale in 2022 starting from $13,000.

The K 1600 GTL Exclusive, released by BMW in 2014, came in a more luxurious version as the base GTL. It featured Hill Start Control, passenger armrests, ground lights, crash bars, a second brake light, Dynamic Traction Control, Adaptive Cornering Lights, Electronic Suspension Adjustment, LED auxiliary headlights, central locking with anti-theft alarm, Keyless Ride, Daytime Running Light, and Radio Film Aerial.

The GTL Exclusive was the first model with an in-line engine that featured a Hill Start Control function that effortlessly kept the bike stopped on uphill slopes with the engine running without engaging the brake lever.

The passengers benefited from the most comfortable ride on the GTL Exclusive due to the enlarged seat area and the integrated and heated armrests.

Another premiere for BMW Motorrad was the radio film antenna that replaced the conventional rod antenna without sacrificing reception quality.

As a standard feature, the 2014 GTL Exclusive came equipped with the benefits of the highly sophisticated Electronic Suspension Adjustment II (ESA II) system that allows the rider to adjust rebound damping for the front and rear spring struts and the spring preload of the rear spring strut.

In the performance department, the 2014 GTL remained powered by the same 1649cc four-stroke inline-six liquid-cooled engine as its predecessor with the output power of 160 hp at 7,500 rpm and 175 Nm (129 lb-ft) of torque at 5,000 rpm.

The release of the 2014 BMW K 1600 GTL brought to the market a high-class touring motorcycle that featured the most compact, narrowest, and most efficient engine ever installed on a production motorcycle.

The ergonomics of the GTL were designed especially for long hauls with features that generated comfortable riding. The slim design in the seating area and the handlebar stretched toward the rider generated a relaxed upright seating position.

The light alloy bridge-type chassis provided excellent handling with the help of the Duolever suspension on the front and the Paralever suspension on the rear. As an optional feature, the ESA II (Electronic Suspension Adjustment II) ensured that the GTL had a smooth drive with the damping and suspension adapted to any road situation and preference at the press of a button.

Another optional feature available for the GTL was the Adaptive Headlight which ensured a high level of safety by adjusting the lens to the braking and accelerating variations and leaning angle.

In terms of performance, the 2014 BMW K 1600 GTL had its heartbeat set by the 1649 cc four-stroke liquid-cooled engine also used on its predecessors with the power of 160 hp at 7,500 rpm and 175 Nm (129 lb-ft) of torque at 5,000 rpm. The power was sent to the rear wheel through a six-speed manual transmission joined to a shaft.

At the time of its release, the 2013 BMW K 1600 GTL was probably the most powerful touring motorcycle available on the market due to the most compact inline-six-cylinder engine ever fitted on a production motorcycle and the narrowest with 55 mm width.

The model featured every detail designed for maximum riding pleasure with a slim design of the rider seat and handlebars pointed far back, which resulted in a relaxed upright seating position for the rider and passenger.

The 2013 model came standard with technical features such as Cruise Control, E-Gas (Ride by Wire), three riding modes, Rain, Road, Dynamic, and BMW Motorrad integral ABS. It also came with heated grips and seats, an electrically adjustable windshield, matched-color side cases, and a detachable top case with an integrated backrest, comfortable footrest, and Xenon lights.

The adaptive headlight was a special equipment feature available for the first time on a motorcycle that adjusted the lens to compensate for the variations between braking and accelerating.

The most compact and narrowest 1649cc four-stroke liquid-cooled engine ever fitted on a production motorcycle measured the power of 160 hp at 7,500 rpm and 175 Nm (129 lb-ft) of torque at 5,000 rpm sent to the rear wheel through a shaft and a six-speed manual transmission.

The BMW K 1600 GTL set a benchmark for luxury touring motorcycles.

The BMW K1600GTL was a fully-dressed luxurious motorcycle manufactured by BMW since 2011. The bike replaced the K1200LT model and was intended to run against the Honda Gold Wing.

In 2012, the German manufacturer took the standard BMW K1600GTL and sent it to another level by adding more ground-breaking technology never seen on a motorcycle as standard equipment.

The 2012 BMW K1600GTL E Luxury included additional technology, like Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Tire Pressure Control (TPC), and Adaptive headlight. These additions enhanced safety, economy, and the quality of the ride, setting the bike apart from the crowd.

In the appearance department, the BMW K1600GTL E Luxury was dressed in a full fairing with a medium-sized windscreen, a two-piece dual seat, side-mounted panniers, a top case with an integrated passenger backrest, and Y-shaped five-spoke lightweight wheels.

The 2012 BMW K1600GTL E Luxury had installed underneath its bodywork a massive 1,649cc four-stroke in-line six-cylinder liquid-cooled engine with an Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system in charge, delivering 159 hp with a peak force at 7,500 rpm and 175 Nm (129 lb-ft) torque at 5,000 rpm.

The bike was built on a light alloy bridge-type frame with a Duolever suspension on the front and a Paralever suspension on the rear. For braking power, the wheels were fitted with two discs on the front and a single disc on the rear, delivering excellent stopping power.

At the time of its release, the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL was arguably one of the most powerful and luxurious touring machines available on the market.

The model was released with standard features such as heated grips and seats, an electrically adjustable windshield, color-coded pannier cases, a detachable color-coded top case with an integrated passenger backrest, and comfortable footrests. In addition, it came with Cruise Control, E-gas (ride-by-wire), LED indicators, BMW Motorrad integral ABS, and xenon headlights as standard features.

The 2012 BMW GTL had its heartbeat set by the 1649cc four-stroke-liquid-cooled engine, which was at the time the narrowest and lightest engine in the over-1000cc category, which placed on the table an output power of 160 hp at 7,500 rpm and 175 Nm (129 lb-ft) of torque at 5,000 rpm.

With that said, the engine worked head-to-head with a six-speed transmission and could boost the model to 0-100 kph (0-60 mph) in just 3.4 seconds.

The lightweight aluminum diecast bridge-type frame with a weight of 16 kg (33 lbs) kept in place the familiar Duolever suspension from the front wheel and the Paralever suspension from the rear wheel.

A large deal of attention was paid to the weight distribution, which came out nearly perfect, with 52 percent on the front and 48 percent on the rear.

The 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL was for sale in 2022 starting from $10,000.

The BMW K1600GT, alongside the K1600GTL and K1600B, were motorcycles manufactured by BMW Motorrad. The GT and GTL models were unveiled at the 2010 Intermot Motorcycle Show in Cologne and went on sale in 2011, while the K1600B was announced in 2016.

The K1600GT model was a sport tourer similar to the K1300GT and previous K1200GT models. In contrast, the K1600GTL was a fully-dressed luxury machine that replaced the K1200LT and was intended as a competitor to the Honda Gold Wing.

In 2012, the German motorcycle manufacturer launched the BMW K1600GT Special Edition, a sport tourer motorcycle that packed even more options as standard, such as Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Tire Pressure Control (TPC), and Adaptive Headlight, placing the bike at the top of the motorcycle market for design and innovation.

In the aesthetic department, the bike was fitted with a half-fairing with a medium-sized windscreen, a two-piece dual seat with a passenger grab handle, side-mounted panniers, a stainless steel exhaust system, and Y-shaped five-spoke wheels.

As for the power figures, the 2012 BMW K1600GT Special Edition packed underneath its fuel tank a 1,643cc four-stroke liquid-cooled in-line six-cylinder engine, fed by an electronically-controlled fuel injection system, boasting 159 hp at 7,500 rpm and 175 Nm (129 lb-ft) torque at 5,000 rpm.

The bike's power was handled by a six-speed manual transmission with a wet multi-plate clutch that spun the rear wheel through a final shaft drive.

The 2011 BMW K 1600 GTL shared the same engine and technologies as its GT sibling but came standard with several improvements that made it more comfortable and improved its long-haul capabilities.

The 2011 model was the successor of the BMW K 1200 LT and introduced the first six-cylinder engine produced by BMW in a sophisticated new chassis. Wrapped in aerodynamic bodywork, the 2011 GTL set a new benchmark for presence, competence, comfort, and safety in the touring motorcycles category.

At the time of its release, including the clutch, gearbox, and alternator, the engine was the lightest and narrowest in the over-1000cc category with a weight of 102 kg (224 lbs) and a width of 55 that and could push the model to 0-100 kph (0-60 mph) in just 3.4 seconds.

The bike featured Ride by Wire, complemented by three riding modes (Rain, Road, and Dynamic) that adjusted the power delivery to accommodate different road conditions.

The BMW GT and GTL shared a 16 kg (33 lbs) lightweight aluminum diecast bridge-type frame that housed the familiar Duolever and Paralever suspension on the front and rear. Due to the requirements of a touring bike that carried a six-cylinder engine special attention was paid to the weight distribution, which came out nearly perfect, with 52 percent on the front and 48 percent on the rear.

When the ignition was switched off, the electrically adjustable windshield lowered down in a theft-protection position for the optional navigation system.