Meet the BMW K 1600 GT.
Wayne Gerdes -
CleanMPG - Jan. 19, 2011
The BMW K 1600 GT – 703 pounds without panniers while offering 52 mpgUS at a steady 56 mph.
The K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL are both aimed at the luxury end of the touring market and while both share a common design concept and basic architecture, the two bikes differ in detail. The GTL is fully loaded with all the touring equipment imaginable, while the GT is lighter and focus’ more on the sport with a different seat and handlebar configuration. Both bikes have a distinctive look that instantly says ‘long-distance touring in comfort’ while providing more dynamic nature than their immediate predecessor, the K 1200 LT.
These include innovations such as the
Adaptive Headlight which ‘sees’ around corners and has a light beam that remains level at all times, regardless of passenger load thanks to a gimble like light housing and control; a multi-controller integrated operating concept that operates all the functions displayed on the large color screen, including the on-board computer, sound system, warning lights, Electronic Suspension Adjustment settings, heated grips and seat heating, and the navigation system; the ‘E-gas’ fly-by-wire throttle control system that adapts to individual riding patterns and changes in road conditions, and is designed to optimize fuel delivery for both power and fuel economy; the new 2010 CAN-bus electrical system which uses even less wire that the previous generation and has 16 control units for all the extra functions.
And on the wards front, the BMW K 1600 GT has won the “International Bike Of The Year 2011 (IBOTY)" award. This was announced at a press conference given by the Belgian motorcycle magazine Motor Wereld at the Brussels Motor Show. The award for the K 1600 GT comes from an international jury representing 25 motorcycle magazines.
The K 1600 GT won over the journalists with its combination of comfort, performance and use of innovative technologies. The powerful I6 engine was said to offer power and refinement while remaining fun to ride. The bike's sophisticated technology - in addition to ABS, traction control and navigation system, included the above highlighted adaptive headlight and electronically controlled suspension with various modes increase active riding safety. All come together to make the K 1600 GT an excellent touring motorcycle. On the road, the qualities of the K 1600 GT include an agile chassis and unusually light handling for such a big bike. All this gives the rider a unique riding experience.
According to BMW Motorrad, the following magazines took part in the IBOTY 2011: Australian Motorcycle News (Australia), Auto By (Japan), Autocar India (India), Bike (Scandinavia), Bike (UK), Cycle World (USA), Der Reitwagen (Austria), Inmoto (Italy), KicXstart (Netherlands), Kiwi Rider (New Zealand), La Moto (Spain), Maximoto (France), Moto Kultur Asia (Malaysia and Singapore), Moto (Greece), Moto Journal (Canada), Moto & Loisirs (Belgium), Moto Mag (Israel), Motoraj (Czech Republic), Motoron (Turkey), MotoSi (Slovenia), MotorWereld (Belgium), PS Magazin (Germany), Revista Moto (Mexico), SuperBike (South Africa), Swiat Motocykli (Poland).
Results of the 2011 IBOTY Voting- BMW K 1600 GT (41 points)
- Ducati Diavel (32 points)
- Aprilia Tuono V4 APRC (22 points)
- BMW K 1600 GTL (18 points)
- BMW S 1000 RR and Kawasaki ZX 10R (16 points each)
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