MCN rating 4 out of 5 (4/5)
Owners' rating 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
SpecsOwners' reviewsBikes for saleFor sale
132
Highlights
- Six-cylinder tourer gets more midrange grunt
- New 10.25in colour TFT display
- Self-levelling suspension and adaptive headlights
At a glance
Owners' reliability rating: | 4.3 out of 5 (4.3/5) |
---|---|
Annual servicing cost: | £350 |
Power: | 158 bhp |
Seat height: | Medium (31.9 in / 810 mm) |
Weight: | High (756 lbs / 343 kg) |
Prices
New£20,395
Used£8,500 - £15,500
View bikes for sale
Overall rating
4 out of 5 (4/5)
The BMW K1600GT is pure luxury. There’s no smoother, more refined way to tour on two wheels. Honda’s Gold Wing had previously ruled this category but it doesn’t have the versatility or handling of the K1600.
When the six-cylinder BMW was launched in 2010 it set a new performance benchmark and left every other big tourer in its considerable wake. Now, for 2017, BMW have upped the stakes even further, adding more luxury and innovative ideas while making the sublime 1649cc Euro4-compliant without losing any power, torque or character.
- This model replaced the 2011-2016 BMW K1600GT
This is the engine, remember, that makes 70% of its torque at just 1500rpm. And which, when you open the throttle hard, makes a silky 160bhp.
However, there’s no getting away from the fact the 1600 is big. At 334kg (90% fuelled up) that equates to 52.5 stone in old money, which is a lot of weight to shuffle backwards. But BMW have made life easier with an optional reverse gear for the first time on the 1600, using the starter motor to move the bike backwards.
Once you’ve selected reverse, you press the starter button to slowly move backwards. Speed is limited to 1.2kph, but the 1600 will reverse up gradients of up to 7%.
There is no smoother or arguably safer way to travel than the K1600GT. It consumes miles and is now more comfortable than ever. If you tick all the accessory boxes it becomes the limousine of the bike world - but at a price.
BMW K1600GT updated for 2022
For 2022 the K1600GT gets a host of upgrades. They’re not ground-breaking, but the engine’s extra mid-range grunt is welcome and the big new colour new display adds a further touch of class.
Self-levelling suspension ensures you enjoy the perfect ride, regardless of the load on-board and clever lights will add a dash of safety to night riding.
It’s still cool, comfortable, beautifully made and covers huge swathes of ground as gracefully as it constantly surprises with its unwavering appetite for corners. Its price will be out of reach for many, but for the ultimate in touring decadence with a sporty twist the K1600GT is hard to beat.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: Engine
5 out of 5 (5/5)
Like BMW’s GS range, the 1600 comes with the ‘next generation ESA’, which means damping is automatically adjusted on the move. Current K1600GT owners have to adjust the damping manually to either soft, medium or hard – but now it’s all automated. This is done via numerous sensors, including one for lean angle for the first time.
Pro shift assistant is an optional extra now, too, although the K1600 doesn’t really need too many gear changes - just stick it in top and let that immense torque do the work.
BMW have also increased the size of the bodywork, screen and the two fairing compartments, which can be locked and linked to the central locking. New for 2017 are fairing winglets, which can be opened to increase the wind over the rider for a cooling gentle breeze on summer days.
What are the best tyres for the BMW K1600GT?
When BMW developed the bike they will have worked with Bridgestone and Metzeler to put the rubber through as general type approval for the whole bike.
So you have a choice of Bridgestone 021 and 022s and also Metzeler Roadtec Z8 Interact C (the C refers to the construction, which is stiffer than normal to take account of the bike’s weight andperformance).
BMW K1600GT facelift in 2022
For 2022 electronic suspension still has semi-active damping that self-adjusts on the move – in a soft or hard range, depending on the riding mode you’re in.
Now front and rear preload self-adjusts automatically (it was manual before) to compensate for the weight of the rider, pillion and luggage, taking data from the front and rear shock sensors and IMU.
The system ensures the K1600GT is always stable and balanced, no matter how you load it. There’s still no getting away from its bulk at low speed, but once it gets going the BMW glides beautifully through corners, has lots of ground clearance and powerful, cornering ABS-assisted brakes.
Despite the engine tweaks and shiny new equipment, the 2022 K1600GT isn’t too different to ride than the previous version, so no need for those owners to rush to trade up.
But there wasn’t much wrong with it in the first place and it’s still endlessly impressive, not just because it’s that rarest of beasts: a six-cylinder.
Flawless build quality and equipment level is everything you’d expect from a 20-grand-plus BMW and it’s endlessly comfortable for rider and pillion-alike.
It’s as capable in corners as it can elegantly crush continents and still every inch the dream tourer to take on that epic once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Engine
Next up: Reliability
5 out of 5 (5/5)
The BMW K1600GT engine is a water-cooled 1649cc, in-line six-cylinder motor that remains unchanged from the previous generation's, but now meets tight Euro4 emissions regulations.
This means peak power of 160bhp and peak torque of 129lb-ft are the same as the previous model. The engine is as smooth as it is powerful.
The K1600 engine is one of the smoothest around with a throttle feel that has to be experienced to be believed. What's more, with all that power available it can really dhift if you want it to - even fully loaded with a passenger and luggage.
Engine updated to Euro5 in 2022
Tweaked to meet Euro 5 regs for 2022 with two knock sensors and four lambda probes instead of two, the BMW’s 1649cc inline six-cylinder still produces 158bhp, but it’s delivered 1000rpm sooner.
Maximum torque is up from 129lb-ft to 133lb-ft, too. Compared to a grunty big-cube twin or triple the K1600’s power delivery has always been more of a crescendo with the hard-hitting metallic roar of a race engine up top, but now it’s more flexible in the midrange.
It’s also as smooth off the throttle as it is on, thanks to a tweaked engine braking control that works with a new IMU. BMW claims 48mpg/280-mile tank range.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: Value
5 out of 5 (5/5)
Re-sale values are high because BMW’s reliability and service are top level. The new K1600GT continues this high level of quality, feels robust and secure. There are very few bikes on the market which have the level of sophistication and quality of the K1600GT.
Our online BMW K1600GT owners’ reviews reveal no major problems, despite its majestic six-cylinder engine and plethora of electronics, but for buying a used example, getting a well looked after and dealer serviced machine is a must.
Find out what the BMW K1600GT is like to live with in this video:
Value vs rivals
Next up: Equipment
4 out of 5 (4/5)
There are still far cheaper ways to go touring and even BMW’s own R1250RT has evolved into such a capable machine it would seem hard to justify the extra for the K1600GT.
But, from its belter of a six-cylinder engine to its standard equipment level and all-round ability, it starts looking more attractive, especially when you can pay around the same for a fully-loaded Ducati Multistrada V4 S or comparable spec Honda Gold Wing.
Equipment
4 out of 5 (4/5)
The K1600GT comes fully loaded with adapative headlights, Dynamic ESA, daytime running lights, ABS Pro, Audio system with GPS preparation, reverse gear (for the first time), Dynamic traction control, hill start control and tyre pressure control. The optional gear shift pro is an extra £375.
For 2017, BMW made an optional Intelligent Emergency e-Call available. In the event of an emergency situation or an accident, the system will call a BMW call centre giving the positon of the bike and alerting the emergency services after being triggered either manually or automatically.
After a ‘low speed’ crash the system will wait 25 seconds before alerting the emergency services, allowing time to override the system manually. The GT has to be moving and running for the system to activate, therefore it won’t react if the bike is knocked over, nor will the system record your speed in the event of the crash. It’s an interesting system and was a two-wheeled first at the time of its launch.
From August 2020, all the K1600 models (that’s GT, GTL and Bagger) come with reverse, cornering lights, tyre pressure monitors and DRLs as standard, which is a very healthy saving for your wallet. There’s new colours all over the shop but the GT is now only available with a black frame and engine, while the ‘Safety’ pack has been ditched for the entire range.
BMW K1600GT spec following 2022 update
First seen on the R1250RT and later the R1800B and Transcontinental, the big K now gets BMW’s excellent 10.25in colour TFT dash with a split-screen, integrated sat nav and Bluetooth connectivity, as pictured below:
It’s a joy to use and makes every other motorcycle display seem like a '70s Casio watch at a stroke. You also get a smartphone compartment with a USB-C charger, four ‘favourite’ buttons that shortcut to the dash functions and cruise control, although strangely it isn’t ‘active’, like the latest R1250RT’s.
Goodies like rider aids, heated grips/seat and an electric screen are standard. Comfort and Tour packs (with an uprated stereo) are also available.
An optional extra on the firm’s cheaper models, BMW’s retina-burning adaptive LED headlights are standard on the K1600.
They swivel from side to side when cornering and up and down, to stay level under acceleration and braking – particularly useful on dark country roads and unlit motorways.
‘Welcome’, ‘Good-bye’ and ‘Follow me home’ lights are also standard and now floor lighting is available as an option. A staple on posh new cars (beneath their doors when open), lights shine down from under the bike to illuminate the ground, making it easier to find a solid footing for the side and centre stand at night.
Specs | |
Engine size | 1649cc |
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Engine type | Liquid-cooled, 24v, inline six cylinder |
Frame type | Cast aluminium twin spar |
Fuel capacity | 26.5 litres |
Seat height | 810mm |
Bike weight | 343kg |
Front suspension | Duolever with single spring, automatic preload control and semi-active damping. |
Rear suspension | Paralever with single spring, automatic preload control and semi-active damping. |
Front brake | 2 x 320mm front discs with four-piston calipers. Cornering ABS |
Rear brake | 320mm rear disc with twin piston caliper. Cornering ABS. |
Front tyre size | 120/70 x 17 |
Rear tyre size | 190/55 x 17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance | |
Average fuel consumption | 48 mpg |
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Annual road tax | £117 |
Annual service cost | £350 |
New price | £20,395 |
Used price | £8,500 - £15,500 |
Insurance group | - How much to insure? |
Warranty term | Three years |
Top speed & performance | |
Max power | 158 bhp |
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Max torque | 133 ft-lb |
Top speed | 155 mph |
1/4 mile acceleration | - |
Tank range | 280 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
- 2011: First-gen BMW K1600GT introduced
- 2017: Replaced by this current version.
- 2022: Updated K1600GT, featuring Euro5 updates, more grunt, self-levelling suspension and adaptive headlights.
Other versions
- Bagger style K1600 B
- Fully dressed K1600 Grand America bagger
- Full tour K1600 GTL with slightly less sporty riding position
MCN Long term test reports
MCN Fleet: Chasing five figures on the K1600GT through the elements
With the deadline looming for BMW’s monstrous K1600GT to make the pilgrimage back to HQ – and ultimately onwards to find a new owner – I had a couple of goals to hit, and just one day to achieve them. The top one was to fulfil the promise I made to myself when the bike arrived – that I would get…
Read the latest report
Owners' reviewsfor the BMW K1600GT (2017 - on)
10 owners have reviewed their BMW K1600GT (2017 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your BMW K1600GT (2017 - on)
Summary of owners' reviews | |
Overall rating: | 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5) |
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Ride quality & brakes: | 4.7 out of 5 (4.7/5) |
Engine: | 5 out of 5 (5/5) |
Reliability & build quality: | 4.3 out of 5 (4.3/5) |
Value vs rivals: | 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5) |
Equipment: | 4.7 out of 5 (4.7/5) |
Annual servicing cost: | £350 |
5 out of 5
14 January 2022 by George Ross Sharp
Year: 2019
Best bike I have ever ridden power on tap when required good in town and superb on the open road yes it's a heavy bike but on the move you loose it serious mile muncher.
Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
4 out of 5 Fantastic machine but needs warranty
19 November 2021 by Andy S
Version: SE
Year: 2017
Engine sublime, loads of electronic trickery, looks good but can be frustratingly expensive when problems occur; and they will.
Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
A lot of riders want to replace the screen and seat. I replaced the screen for a slightly taller and wider screen and put a cover over the seat.
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Radiator needs to be regularly cleaned. Blockage is not covered by warranty. A number of K1600s have had to have replacement front wheel bearings and replacement tyre pressure sensors at 10,000 miles or under.
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
£1000 every 18,000, covers valve clearance checks and new spark plugs
Equipment 4 out of 5
Lots of quality features I.e. electronically adjustable screen, heated grips, heated seats, power sockets, radio/ music, engine modes, adjustable suspension, hill assist, tyre pressure monitoring etc etc
Buying experience: Buy from a dealer to get 2 or 3 year manufacturer warranty that will be needed. I am on my third K1600GT and have a live hate relationship.
4 out of 5 Love K1600 but it does have issues
29 October 2021 by AndyS
Version: SE
Year: 2017
Unfortunately front wheel bearings, radiator and reverse is not up to the job.
Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
4 out of 5 K1600 is a top machine but has a couple of gremlins
12 September 2021 by Andy
Year: 2017
Annual servicing cost: £250
Fantastic engine and brakes, lots of toys, tyre monitors beneficial - shame about the radiator and wheel bearings.
Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
A lot of bikes have required replacement wheel bearings under10k miles
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Radiator not fit for purpose - easily gets clogged, costs a lot (circa £800) to replace and warranty does not cover blocked radiator - needs regular cleaning. Good fuel consumption.
Equipment 5 out of 5
Buying experience: Dealer preferred as warranty essential
4 out of 5 K1600GT short term ownership review
31 July 2021 by Spencer
Year: 2020
Its big, heavy, reasonably well balanced, has a high quality finish, its well equiped, smooth, quick when you want it to be and a great tourer but not the most confidence inspiring on fast twisty roads. This is when really you begin to notice the weight. The front end feedback isnt great so you have to trust front tyre grip. I have only ridden my bike 1,500 miles and its already going to be exchanged for a lighter RT1250LE. Whilst no doubt the GT a great long distance 2 up motorway tourer, even at my tender age of 69 it is not involving enough for me. I like my bikes to have a bit more character
Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Ride quality is very good on most roads. Soaks up bumps very well. Fairly easy to turn into corners but it does require a bit of a nudge sometimes to avoid understeer. The feeling of weight is always there. The linked brakes are good but not great. The "funny" front end stops a lot of the initial suspension dive you get on most bikes at the expense of front tyre feedback. Seat height allows feet flat to the ground when stationary which is just as well. You would not want to get this bike too far off vertical. Seat comfort is excellent but the knee angle for a bit tight for my 6ft 1 inch frame, although 200 miles without stopping is bearable. I have problems with past shoulder tendon injuries and the handlebar position is perfect for me on long rides.
Engine 5 out of 5
The inline 6 is a gem. Its no sports bike but it will pickup its heals when needs be, helped by the quickshifter which works best when you are giving it some beans through the gears. I seldom used the quickshifter going down the box as it can be a tad harsh if you dont get the judgement perfect. I am mechanically sympathetic so I avoid snatching the cogs. Overall this is a bike that has effortless speed and acceleration without having to work the engine hard. Fuel economy on a mixture of roads returns in the region of 42mpg which I think is quite good.
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Quality of finish is as good as it gets. My bike hasnt done enough miles to really know how reliable it will be over time but so far nothing has gone wrong. The hill start can be intrusive at sometimes, I would turn it off if I knew how.
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Not had the bike long enough to know what servicing will cost.
Equipment 4 out of 5
This bike is very well equipped with everything you really need in the comfort stakes for touring. Accessing all the equipmeny settings is a bit fiddly and requires you to take your eyes off the road too long for my liking. Not to have a simple switch for heated grips is plain nuts. There are 2 small cubby holes up front, one for your phone ( my Samsung didnt fit) and another which just about holds a small bottle of visor cleaner and a cloth. Both are pretty useless which necessitates a screen bag if you require quick access for cards etc at tolls. My bike has the optional 52 litre topbox which helps create enough storage space for long trips. The panniers are a good size and shape so your stuff doesn't fall out everytime you open them. Overall the BMW luggage seems robust and well made. The centre stand requires a huge effort to get this heavyweight on stand. I fitted pannier crash bars that help provide a better leverage but its still a ball busting effort. The OEM Bridgestone T31 tyres grip well in any conditions which is just as well as its not easy to feel whats going on down below. You learn to trust them after a few miles. What I did find on this bike was, in the recent hot weather, the big screen and wrap around front end bodywork denies you most of the available cooling wind blast. Even with the "bat wings" fully out
Buying experience: BMW franchise showrooms are first class and the buying experience was really good. I chopped in my 15 month old Triumph Rocket 2500GT for this 6 month old 600 mile 70 plate K1600GT as I was looking for a better tourer. The dealership gave me a good deal alround so the cash difference to exchange was minimal. Equally on my next purchase the trade against a new RT was pretty good. I can see why BMW retain such a strong brand loyalty. One of my biking buddies is on his 6th BMW in succession.
5 out of 5 Old school still delivers
19 June 2021 by Colin Simpson
Version: K1600GT
Year: 2020
Annual servicing cost: £300
This is the Bentley GT of motorbikes, old school quality and tech, but still cuts it with the very latest bikes. Will it survive Euro 5, a great loss if it goes, a unique world beating 6 cylinder engine, as smooth as anything out there. No other motorcycle experience can compare.
Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Ride quality is excellent as you would hope. Pegs are higher than you might expect but I have found them more comfortable than my previous GS over long motorway way miles. Seat is level so even distribution of weight. Wind protection is better with the Wunderlich marathon screen. Standard screen bisected my vision when set to high. On board music can be listened to with open face helmet at high way speeds . Brakes good in the dry, have noticed a need for increased force for wet weather, still better than my GS 1250 despite the increased weight.
Engine 5 out of 5
This is what this bike is about, an exceptional engine, in sport mode sounds like a formulae 1 engine, even on standard pipes. An incredibly smooth throttle, powered through the Hardknott Pass with ease, still 50 MPG.
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
A recall for the SOS system, a software update, otherwise has the feel and experience of bullet proof reliability. Quality exceptional, even compared to other BMW bikes.
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
No more expensive than most modern motorbikes. There is a high price in the 16000 mile service for valves due to complexity and number of cylinders. The price you pay for 6 cylinders.
Equipment 5 out of 5
Old school dash with integrated TFT, works well and very clear. Enough gadgets to keep you entertained for hours. Standard tyres Bridgestones have been good in the dry but less confident in the wet, maybe due to the BMW suspension, will change for Michelin pilot 4 GT.
Buying experience: Bought new with BMW discounts and low finance, a good experience from the BMW dealer, better than any car dealer.
4 out of 5 Great six cylinder grand tourer
16 April 2021 by Andy Spur
Version: SE
Year: 2017
Annual servicing cost: £300
Engine is key player along with big boy looks, proper looking grand tourer with all the toys
Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Rides brilliantly, can ride everywhere in higher gears
Engine 5 out of 5
Fantastic 6 cylinder
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Been around for ten years but early days had lots of issues Recent recall sorted Bikes great when new but once a few years old quality depends on how well bike has been looked after Still long term problems with radiator and potential rust
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Big service cost at 18,000 miles
Equipment 5 out of 5
Has everything you could possibly want
Buying experience: Through Motorrad dealer - resale value not good but dealer warranty reassuring
4 out of 5 Great(est) touring motorcycle around
05 February 2021 by Andy Spurrell
Version: SE
Year: 2017
Fabulous engine, great load of menu options/toys - ongoing maintenance high risk/pricey
Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Hard to beat
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
6000 annual and 18000 big service (valve clearances and change of spark plugs)
Equipment 5 out of 5
Buying experience: Dealer provides warranty
4 out of 5 The best GT there is
16 January 2021 by Andy S
Year: 2017
It’s expensive so is a waste if not used for touring. It’s great for two up and can carry a lot of luggage. It’s great riding solo, just change the engine and suspension modes at a click of a switch and you are in biking nirvana. It’s a very heavy bike so you need to be fit and strong.
Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Made for touring, you can ride for hours - tank about 225-250 miles depending on how you ride but it’s good to have a break every hundred miles. Engine performance perfect and excellent brakes.
Engine 5 out of 5
Sublime performance. 2017 onwards slightly negatively effected by introduction of Euro4 but if you are willing to spend you can get ecu tweaked.
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Other riders have reported rust on the centre stand. If you get into the habit of using a rust inhibitor after winter washing and garage your bike you should be ok. Radiators can get blocked so look after it and wash out from behind or you will soon need it replaced.
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Annual service interval is 6,000 miles and a big one at 18,000 to check valve clearances and change spark plugs.
Equipment 5 out of 5
There are lots of worthwhile features e.g. electronic screen, heated seats and bars, engine modes, suspension modes, tyre pressure monitoring, oil check, radio/music and power sockets etc etc. Worth adding engine and pannier protection bars as it would be expensive repairs if you dropped it. Always a good idea to add a front mudguard extender to help protect the radiator.
Buying experience: I have always bought from a dealer so you get at least a couple of years warranty. If you buy privately you could get £1500-£2000 cheaper.
4 out of 5 Good but not great
14 May 2020 by bob thomson
Year: 2019
Annual servicing cost: £550
A perfect motorcycle. Almost amd certainly a 4.5 but. there are problems. Weight ..its so bloody heavy - the reverse gear is nice and once your on the move the weight disappears but low speed and simply moving around gravel its a challenge. Radio is garbage, instrumentation very very dated. It also looks really really ordinary ... no one will bother you on this bike no one will ask for their picture next too it ..very anonymous. Apart from that is brilliant. But is it a technological dead end ... no upgrades in sight ..will it be quietly dropped by BMW and go the way of most 6 cyl bikes (bar teh GW)
Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
brilliant smooth linear and bloody quick
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Generally good but dropping it off the side stand is not recommended and bloody expensive - seems daft a £20k bike doesnt have better standard protection
Value vs rivals 3 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
all teh best bells and whistles
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