BMW K 1600 GT / K 1600 GTL with Adaptive Headlight

When BMW unveiled the Concept 6 bike last year, a two-wheeled machine with a straight-six production engine, people were both amazed as well as skeptical. Some were placing their money on the killing of such a controversial project, but the motorcycle arm of the German manufacturer confirmed today that its bikes will also be available with an internally developed six-cylinder in-line engine in the near future.

Specifically, there will be two touring bike models that will incorporate such powerplant, namely the BMW K 1600 GT and the BMW K 1600 GTL. With an engine output of 118 kW (160 bhp) and a maximum torque of about 175 Nm, these two machines are expected to become best-sellers.

Taken separately, the K 1600 GT is a dynamic model, offering an active seating position thanks to the ergonomic set-up of the footrests, seat and handlebars. Standard features will comprise xenon (HID) headlight, heated grips and seat, cruise control and on-board computer.

On the other hand, the best word to describe the K 1600 GTL is "luxurious", mostly recommended for riders with pillion passenger. The upright seating position, available for both of them, is recommended over long distances. Ergonomics is particularly centered around the two-level seat along with the further forward and lower down footrests and further rearward handlebars.

The range of standard features on the K 1600 GTL will include, as its dynamic sibling, xenon headlight, heated grips and seat, cruise control and on-board computer, rounded off by a number of comfort features for the pillion passenger. A newly developed storage concept and audio system also come as standard.

Other features included on both models comprise E-Gas (ride-by-wire) with three riding modes available (Rain, Road and Dynamic), standard BMW Motorrad Integral ABS, DTC and Electronic Suspension Adjustment ESA II (optional extra).

The new touring bikes, likely to have their world premiere this fall, will also include Adaptive Headlight (optional extra) in conjunction with standard xenon headlight and lighting rings for increased safety at night. Both the K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL will become available in 2011.