There is only one vehicle that is king of comfort in the world of luxury sports tourers, and that vehicle is the BMW K series. The newest K series from BMW knocks the doors off of everything else out there!
Motorcycle with the word “luxury” are rarely used in the same sentence. I believed that motorcycles aren’t luxurious by nature. With the addition of a ton of new technology and features, the BMW K1600, which has long been the company’s top-of-the-line sports tourer, is now poised to be the best luxury sports tourer you can buy. You can tell right away that the K1600 in B for bagger trim is something remarkable just by looking at it. It’s safe to say that this outperforms even the top-of-the-line R1250 sports tourer that we just examined. Unlike the enormous R18 Transcontinental, the K1600 manages to be a decent sports tourer despite its enormous size. Although both are excellent tourers, the B elevates the situation. The K1600 B is just like the carpetbaggers of old, who were affluent young people who traveled over Europe and were known by the big material luggage they carried inside that contained almost everything they would need outside of a steamer trunk.
Design
For those who are aware, BMW provides a variety of upgrades that alter the design and construction of your K1600. The Manhattan metallic matt painting on our test vehicle, which has received the Option 719 special treatment, gives it the instantly recognized bagger silhouette. The K1600B sports a huge screen that dominates its forward face and a wide front fairing. It also has a revolutionary dynamic lighting system with a full LED headlight that transforms darkness into day. The low-slung hard-mounted, color-coded panniers add to the low-slung aerodynamic design while also providing a convenient place to store your touring equipment. The dual “bazooka”-style exhausts definitely lend to the American tourer feel, though I can’t say I like them. Tech
Despite the bike having a ton of technology, you can’t really see much of it, with the exception of the new 10.25″ infotainment screen—yes, an infotainment system on a bike. Like in their automobiles, the infotainment system includes Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, and audio playback if you select for the optional audio speaker system. It also provides the rider with all the required readouts of the bike’s health. It is incredibly clear and simple to read in all kinds of lighting. Numerous new technologies, including the BMS-O engine control system, new lambda sensors, and knock sensors, are located deep inside the engine. These features keep the engine’s health under control, resulting in a smoother-running machine with significantly improved emissions.
Performance
The K1600 is propelled by a brand-new, EU5 compatible 6-cylinder engine. This engine produces 118kW and 180Nm and sends them to the rear wheels via shaft drive through a slick-shifting 6-speed transmission. I’m particularly interested in the gear shift because the BMW Shift Assist may be one of the best on the market; clutchless changing with the accelerator pinned produces a wonderful roar as the B accelerates into the horizon. Additionally, the K1600 benefits from the latest BMW Dynamic ESA automatically adjusting suspension for a featherweight ride even on Gauteng’s toughest roads.
Let’s Go!
Let’s not fool ourselves: the K1600 is a big, heavy, and bulky motorcycle, even in the basic B standard, and it is not designed for inexperienced riders who have never operated heavy equipment. To help with slow-speed parking maneuvers, BMW smartly incorporated a reverse gear, which is activated via the left handlebar control. However, even this is not much use if you can’t support the bike. But once you’re moving, it’s a different matter since the B moves quickly. This is almost ideal open road traveling in the utmost comfort! With a simple twist of the throttle and no downshift necessary, even the sharpest climbs can be overcome thanks to the ample low-down torque. On the B, the rider’s position is exceptionally comfortable, and the forward floorboards make it easy to extend your legs on particularly long trips. For when the turns arrive, bringing the feet back puts one in a slightly more athletic riding position.
Cons and Benefits
Verdict
This machine has a starting price of slightly under R500,000 for a motorcycle! Many thoroughbred bikers find it difficult to swallow, but looking back, it was totally worth it. The K1600 B or GT siblings start to make a lot of sense when you consider all that is included in the package and the fact that you are traveling in complete luxury. Let’s just say that one would be parked in my garage if I had the money. If you’re interested in purchasing one of these opulent tourers, you must take one out for a test drive—if nothing else, your passenger will appreciate it!
