BMW K1600GT (2017 - on) Review
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £380 |
| Power: | 160 bhp |
| Seat height: | Medium (31.9 in / 810 mm) |
| Weight: | High (759 lbs / 344 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesThere is no smoother or arguably safer way to travel on two wheels than the BMW 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.
This model replaced the 2011-2016 BMW K1600GT.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineFor 2017 BMW have added clever self-levelling next generation ESA. Previous-gen K1600GT owners have to adjust the damping manually to either soft, medium or hard settings, but now it’s all automated. This is done via numerous sensors, including one for lean angle for the first time. Pre-load is electronic but still done manually by the rider when stationary. There’s no getting away from the fact the 1600 is big, but for the first time BMW have made life easier with an optional reverse gear.
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).
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityThe 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 Euro 4 emissions regulations. This means peak power of 160bhp and peak torque of 129ftlb are the same as the previous model. The engine is as smooth as it is powerful.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueRe-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.
We don't currently have any 2017 BMW K1600GT owners' reviews on the site.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentThere’s no getting away from the fact the big K1600 is expesnive, however its build quality is not in doubt.
Equipment
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. Optional Intelligent Emergencey e-Call will also be available in the UK from September onwards.
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.
Specs |
|
| Engine size | 1649cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | In-line six |
| Frame type | Cast front frame with aluminium extruded sections, engine as a stressed member |
| Fuel capacity | 24 litres |
| Seat height | 810mm |
| Bike weight | 344kg |
| Front suspension | Duolever central spring ESA |
| Rear suspension | Paralever single shock, ESA |
| Front brake | 2 x 320mm discs, 4-piston calipers, ABS |
| Rear brake | 320mm disc, twin piston caliper, ABS |
| Front tyre size | 120/70 x 19 |
| Rear tyre size | 190/55 x 17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
|
| Average fuel consumption | 45 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £96 |
| Annual service cost | £380 |
| New price | £20,045 |
| Used price | £12,000 - £18,500 |
| Insurance group |
- How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | Two years |
Top speed & performance |
|
| Max power | 160 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 129 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 155 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | - |
| Tank range | 220 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
- 2011: First-gen BMW K1600GT introduced
- 2017: Replaced
Other versions
- K1600GTL: Comes with topbox, lower and further back handlebars, lower footrests, lower pillion footrests and a more luxurious pillion seat.
Owners' reviews for the BMW K1600GT (2017 - on)
5 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: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £380 |
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Rides brilliantly, can ride everywhere in higher gears
Fantastic 6 cylinder
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
Big service cost at 18,000 miles
Has everything you could possibly want
Buying experience: Through Motorrad dealer - resale value not good but dealer warranty reassuring
Version: SE
Year: 2017
Fabulous engine, great load of menu options/toys - ongoing maintenance high risk/pricey
Hard to beat
6000 annual and 18000 big service (valve clearances and change of spark plugs)
Buying experience: Dealer provides warranty
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.
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.
Sublime performance. 2017 onwards slightly negatively effected by introduction of Euro4 but if you are willing to spend you can get ecu tweaked.
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.
Annual service interval is 6,000 miles and a big one at 18,000 to check valve clearances and change spark plugs.
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.
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)
brilliant smooth linear and bloody quick
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
all teh best bells and whistles
