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BMW K Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 9
First production year: 2011
BMW K 1600B photo gallery

In 2018, BMW released the K 1600 B, a motorcycle base on the K 1600 GT and GTL, which was built on the same platform and shared the same compact, lightweight, and narrowest inline-six-cylinder engine ever built by the House of Munich.

The 2018 B model got a new rear section for a lower, more stretched-out look and updated side bags with a deeper body. The B’s spec sheet suggested that the seat was non-adjustable, as it was on the GT, but BMW claimed that the seat height was significantly lower, especially for the passenger.

Based on the GT technology, the 2018 B model featured a linear design with a completely redesigned rear section that not only made the bike look slender and low-lying but thanks to the redesigned rear frame, the passenger seat was reduced in height.

The 2018 Bagger was powered by the same power plant as the GT and GTL with a power output of 160 hp at 7,750 rpm and 175 Nm (129 lb-ft) of torque at 5,250 rpm and equipped with a shaft that filled the gap between the six-speed manual transmission and the rear wheel.

For suspension, the bike was fitted with BMW Motorrad Duolever with a central spring strut on the front and BMW Motorrad Paralever on the rear and rolled on cast aluminum wheels.

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BMW K1600GTL photo gallery

The BMW K 1600 GTL was a motorcycle with smooth riding, a unique sound, and a good amount of power generated by the 1649cc engine that in its form, already provided an unmatched dynamic travel pleasure. With the 2016 model, BMW Motorrad optimized the performance and took it even further.

The visual aspect of the bike was more elegant due to its dynamic lines, and for better wind protection, the side trim panels were redesigned, with the slipstream deflectors drawn backward.

The foot guard and the storage compartment located on the left and right lower area of the engine were also redesigned, and the standard top case fitted with a back pad allowed the passenger to lean back and relax on long-distance rides.

The model was equipped with a reverse assist which simplified the job when the rider wanted to reverse and a shift assistant Pro which allowed changing gears without engaging the clutch.

The 2016 model was available in three color schemes, Light White Non-Metallic, Thunder Grey Metallic, and Ebony Metallic/Blackstorm Metallic.

The bike had its heartbeat set by the 1649cc four-stroke liquid-cooled engine with an output power of 160 hp at 7.750 rpm and 175 Nm (129 lb-ft) of torque at 5,250 rpm. The maximum torque power of the engine was available from just 1,500 rpm. A shaft filled the gap between the six-speed manual transmission and the rear wheel.

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BMW K1600GT photo gallery

With the release of the 2016 K 1600 GT, BMW Motorrad took the concept of the six-cylinder high-performance touring bike further and presented it in an even more sophisticated dynamic, and comfortable form. In terms of performance, the model remained unchanged but was designed to meet the EURO4 emission compliance.

While its predecessor set new standards in the touring segments of riding stability, dynamics, and handling, BMW took the 2016 K 1600 GT one step further with Electronically Controlled Suspension (ESA). With its adjustment modes, Road and Dynamic, the riding experience and handling were enhanced compared to its previous model.

Another great feature presented by the 2016 BMW K 1600 GT as a piece of optional equipment was the reverse assist, activated from the left handlebar panel, which made the bike go backward at the press of the starter button.

In the performance department, the model used the same powerplant as its predecessor, the 1649cc four-stroke liquid-cooled engine with an output power of 160 hp at 7,750 rpm and 175 Nm (129 lb-ft) of torque at 5,250 rpm.

The instrument cluster got newly designed dials with the K 1600 GT inscription on the speedometer.

For better wind and weather protection, BMW Motorrad enlarged the slipstream deflectors and redesigned the side trim parts.

At the time of its release, the model came in three color variants, Mars Red metallic, Blackstorm Metallic, and Lupine Blue metallic / Blackstorm metallic.

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BMW K1600GTL Exclusive photo gallery

When dynamic performance meets luxury, the result is always “exclusive” and sensational. In 2016, BMW Motorrad released the K 1600 GTL Exclusive, a high-class touring motorcycle that took technology and visual styling somewhere far away almost into dreamland.

The 2016 BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive featured as standard options a central locking system with an alarm and a heated seat with a backrest. The top case was upholstered with a soft material and featured comfortable armrests on both sides.

Also found on the standard feature list were the LED auxiliary headlights, adaptive xenon headlight, Tyre Pressure Monitor, additional brake light, LED Daytime Running Light (DRL), floor lighting, an engine protection bar, and for the first time on a BMW motorcycle, Keyless Ride.

The model was powered by the same 1649cc four-stroke liquid-cooled engine as its predecessor, with a power output of 160 hp at 7,750 rpm and 175 Nm (129 lb-ft) of torque at 5,250 rpm.

For travel comfort, the model was included with Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA II), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), auxiliary LED lights, a second brake light, and ground lighting.

The bike rolled on an aluminum bridge-type frame with BMW Duolever and central spring strut suspension on the front and BMW Paralever on the rear that softened the ride on the cast aluminum wheels.

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BMW K1600GT photo gallery

The 2015 K 1600 GT released by BMW successfully combined the power and agility of a big-bore sports bike with the riding position, comfort, and storage capacity of most touring machines. This made it a favorite among riders who wanted a powerful machine capable of going the extra mile.

The model featured a straight-six engine mounted transversely on the chassis and was the narrowest in-line six-cylinder ever produced. While the engine power reserves are huge, its dimensions were reduced to 555 mm in width, and had a weight of just under 103 kg (227 lbs).

The 2015 BMW K 1600 GT, powered by a 1649cc four-stroke liquid-cooled engine, delivered a power of 160 hp at 7,750 rpm and 175 Nm (129 lb-ft) of torque at 5,250 rpm, but 70 percent of the engine’s maximum torque was available just from 1,500 rpm.

As with all the machines from the House of Munich, it had a wide range of optional features and technologies that suited different riding styles and rider needs and ensured optimum performance and stability. One of the unique features offered by the GT was the adapted headlight which came as an optional feature that adjusted the headlight lens to compensate for braking and acceleration variations.

The 2015 model rolled from the manufacturing plant on 17 inches cast aluminum wheels.

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BMW K1600GT photo gallery

Presented at the 2010 Intermot Motorcycle Show in Cologne, the K 1600 GT was a motorcycle manufactured by BMW that featured a straight-six engine mounted transversely on the chassis, which was the narrowest in-line six-cylinder unit ever produced.

In 2014, BMW released a new model of the K 1600 GT, the most powerful touring machine manufactured by the House of Munich.

The 2014 GT six-cylinder engine was a perfect match with the ergonomics of the bike. The model was designed by the House of Munich to be the ultimate European-style performance touring bike. The rider had full control of the machine due to the key “triangle” between the footrest, seat, and handlebar, which offered a high level of comfort when traveling long distances.

The 2014 BMW K 1600 GT was built around a light-alloy bridge-type frame that had at its core the power generator of this machine, a 1649cc four-stroke liquid-cooled engine with an asphalt-wrinkling power of 160 hp at 7,750 rpm and 175 Nm (129 lb-ft) of torque at 5,250 rpm. Not to mention that 70 percent of the maximum torque was delivered by the engine from just 1,500 rpm.

At the time of its release, the bike was available in two-color livery, Sakhir Orange Metalic and Black Storm Metalic, which included décor. It also featured Black gloss-coated wheels, a low windshield, and a seat manufactured in a sporty design.

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BMW K1600GT photo gallery

In 2010, BMW announced the 2011 models of the K 1600 family, which were the K 1600 GT and G 1600 GTL. The GTL was the luxury model that was more alike than different, with the same powerful liquid-cooled, 1,649cc in-line 6-cylinder engine, the same chassis and high-end components, the same sophisticated electronics, and the same sleek, futuristic bodywork.

For sport-touring purposes, the GT had a top trunk, a smaller windshield, sharper exhaust, a more aggressive riding position, less handlebar pullback, higher foot pegs set farther back, and a stiffer seat than the GTL.

In 2013, BMW released the K 1600 GT, designed as a luxury touring machine. The model came with standard features such as heated grips, color-coded pannier cases, an electrically adjustable windshield, a center stand, xenon headlights, seat heating, Cruise Control, E-gas (Ride-By-Wire), and BMW Motorrad Integral ABS.

At the core of the bike was planted a 1649cc four-stroke liquid-cooled engine with a roar of 160 hp at 7,750 rpm and 175 Nm (129 lb-ft) of torque at 5,250 rpm. The model transferred the power to a six-speed manual transmission spinning a shaft linked to the rear wheel.

The 2013 BMW K 1600 GT model packed a twin-spar aluminum frame that used the engine as a stressed member and fitted with a cast aluminum Paralever single-sided swingarm on the rear and Duolever Electronic single shock on the front.

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BMW K1600GT photo gallery

In 2012, BMW released the K1600GT, a fairly priced superbike with increased road performance, listed in the luxury-tour and sport-touring categories. The 2012 model featured sportier ergonomics, upgraded suspension, and an appealing engine sound.

For long-distance adventures, the bike came prepared with a large fuel tank for extended mileage, a comfortable seat, good wind protection for a comfortable ride, and sportier ergonomics. In the front of the bike was located a Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlight, and both rear and front sensors were communicating with the control unit to adjust the lens to compensate for the braking and acceleration variations.

At the center of the K1600GT was a powerful 1,646cc in-line six four-stroke liquid-cooled engine, built from lightweight materials with a claimed weight by BMW of 102 kg (226 lbs). It delivered an impressive 159 hp at 7,500 rpm and a peak torque of 175 Nm (129 lb-ft) at 5,000 rpm.

The 2012 BMW K1600GT came as standard with an electrically adjustable windshield, color-matching side cases, a luggage rack, a heated seat, and grips which improve its long-haul capabilities. Other standard features were technologies like integral ABS, E-Gas (Ride-By-Wire), and Cruise Control. The model was available with three riding modes, Rain, Road, and Dynamic, and presented in two color themes, Royal Blue Metallic and Mineral Silver Metallic.

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BMW K1600GT photo gallery

The BMW K 1600 GT was a motorcycle manufactured by BMW Motorrad and was announced in 2010 at the Intermot Motorcycle Show in Cologne and went on sale in 2011. The model featured a new straight-six engine mounted transversely on the chassis and was the narrowest in-line six-cylinder ever produced.

The K 1600 GT has a lightweight 16 kg (35 lbs) aluminum diecast bridge-type frame with Duolever and Paralever suspension for wheel control at the front and rear. To respect the requirements of a six-cylinder engine, BMW paid the most attention to balancing the masses with a near-perfect weight distribution of 52 percent on the front and 48 percent on the rear.

The 2011 model was powered by a massive 1649cc four-stroke liquid-cooled engine with a six-speed manual gearbox, giving an output of 159 hp at 7.500 rpm and 175 Nm (129 lb-ft) of torque at 5,000 rpm.

The model features three riding modes, Rain, Road, and Dynamic, thanks to the standard technologies such as E-Gas and the Electronic Suspension Adjustment 2 (ESA2).

To improve safety and visibility, the new 2011 K 1600 GT had fitted with an Adaptive Headlight which shows its capabilities when driving at night. The models came as standard, with saddlebags increasing their touring genes without affecting the power output.

full description and technical specifications