AJ has been hammering out the kilometres on the freeway and twisties on the mighty 2023 BMW K 1600 GT luxo tourer! Check out his review of the Bavarian stunner... Photos: Zane Dobie
BMW’s K 1600 GT epitomizes the true meaning of luxury grand touring. Everything about this motorcycle has been considered with comfort and ease of the rider at forefront of mind, while the performance of the big six-cylinder motor remains class defining.
Andrew has been out on the 2023 BMW K 1600 GT! Check out what he thought of this massive bike!
BMW’s K series has found a home on our roads now for over a decade with constant evolution or revolution depending on the term your prefer, now delivering us this grand touring icon in 2023. On initial impressions alone, the touring machine does come across a little larger than life itself.
From the feature packed cockpit which houses all the rider goodies including the 10.25 inch TFT display, to that bagger profile stance wrapped in instantly recognisable Light White/Racing Blue Metallic/ Racing Red duco – (a special colour variant reserved for the 2023 GT Sport variant only.)
The 2023 K 1600 GT, without rider and without any luggage and approximately a 90 per cent full fuel tank, tips the scales at 343kg.
Let’s address the elephant in the room right away and discuss the weight of the K 1600 GT. According to BMW Motorrad’s website, the 2023 K 1600 GT, without rider and without any luggage and approximately a 90 per cent full fuel tank, tips the scales at 343kg.
“The K 1600 GT did not feel awkward or unmanageable and as we became more acquainted with the bike the weight became less noticeable.”
When we first threw our leg over the BMW K 1600 GT and pulled out from the dealership, our initial perceptions hinted to us that it did indeed feel a tad heavier than that. But, with a reasonable seat height of 810mm, the K 1600 GT did not feel awkward or unmanageable and as we became more acquainted with the bike the weight became less noticeable. This bike illustrates the perfect statement of let momentum be your friend.
In fact, the more time we spent on this bike, the more thoughts that wandered through our mind. If we were to ride around Australia, sealed roads only of course, would this indeed be the best bike to make the trip on considering its refined elegance and superb touring capabilities?
The showstopper of this touring package is, without doubt, the inline six-cylinder four-stroke engine that features four-valves per cylinder. Producing a respectable 118kW@6,750rpm and 180Nm, the K 1600 GT has enough grunt to pull at lower revs and enough power to be exciting higher in the rev range.
That on-tap power is evident when cornering the big K 1600 GT, with more than enough pull in a corner even if you are up a gear too many.
That on-tap power is evident when cornering the big K 1600 GT, with more than enough pull in a corner even if you are up a gear too many. Get the K 1600 GT above 3,000rpm and the big machine starts to boogie and whip up a bit of a frenzy as it works its way to a claimed top speed of well over 200km/h.
“Get the K 1600 GT above 3,000rpm and the big machine starts to boogie and whip up a bit of a frenzy as it works its way to a claimed top speed of well over 200km/h.”
A big improvement this year is that power is now achieved 1000rpm lower, it’s definitely noticeable and a big improvement considering that the BMW K 1600 GT is such a big bike. Engine drag torque control was introduced in the 2022 update, which is a technology that helps avoid unstable riding conditions when coasting or shifting down gears, eliminating excessive slip at the rear wheel.
The 2022 update saw a revised engine and some new electronic systems for the K 1600 range!
Three Rider modes are on hand to ensure you get the most of that BMW six-cylinder goodness. Dynamic mode is where the action is at, delivering full throttle capability and making the most of all of the available torque and horsepower to deliver the rider the most of the available performance.
Road mode enables a less aggressive powerband enabling a more gentle throttle response for the rider, while Rain mode delivers a more docile experience for the rider. All the power is delivered through a six speed gearbox and BMW’s renowned shaft drive while gear changes are handled via the BMW quickshifter.
In the corners the K 1600 GT feels planted even when pushing more enthusiastically and while eating up the miles on the open road, the plush suspension setup eats up the bumps with a minimum of fuss. The suspension setup on the front of the K 1600 GT offers 115mm of travel which is provided by a BMW Motorrad Duolever central spring strut. The rear of the K 1600 GT offers slightly more rear wheel travel with an available 135mm which is provided by a cast aluminium single-sided swingarm with BMW Motorrad Paralever central spring strut.
“In the corners the K 1600 GT feels planted even when pushing more enthusiastically and while eating up the miles on the open road, the plush suspension setup eats up the bumps with a minimum of fuss.”
There is also a whole heap of fancy tech that adjusts the bikes setup and balance electronically that enhance the comfort and handling for the rider without any real rider intervention, which is a nice touch if you are a rider that just likes to hop on and ride.
BMW’s 2023 K 1600 GT utilises a bridge-type frame made from cast aluminium with load-bearing engine. The bike feels stable at all speeds and in all conditions whether that being pushing through a sweeping corner, cruising on the freeway or tight low speed manoeuvring.
Dual 320mm discs with four-piston calipers carry out the stopping duties on the front of the big K 1600 GT, while on the rear a 320mm single disc setup features four-piston caliper. Of course, BMW Integral ABS Pro features to further demonstrate how truly refined this motorcycle is.
Riders will need to keep in mind that the K 1600 GT has plenty of surface area, this means wind will have a noticeable impact on it!
As to be expected with such a large motorcycle, there is plenty of surface area to catch wind and although the K 1600 GT holds a line well, like most large objects, it will be subject to the strong gusts which the rider will need to take into consideration.
The upside to all that fairing and windscreen though is the rider cockpit and the plethora of technology that finds a home on the big German tourer. The windscreen is fully electric and adjustable at just the touch of the button.
The 10.25 inch TFT screen is intuitive and easy to operate for the rider and is pretty much the control centre for not only selecting riding modes and settings, but integrates Audio and all smart phone functions including being able to provide navigation.
Getting that 343kg massive touring bike cranked over on the Old Pac!
Audio on the K 1600 GT is good without being outstanding, by no way is it disappointing, it is just with such a bike as the K 1600 GT and all of its rider/creature comforts there is a level of expectation that everything is going to be better than good and in fairness for the most part it is.
Of course on a bike in such a premium price bracket with an expectation of genuine German attention to detail and engineering there are features such as heated grips, heated seats for rider and pillion, cruise control and a reversing aid that are fitted standard.
It’s not a bad looking bike by any standards! We think it looks awesome sailing through the twisties…
One of the really cool features we enjoyed during our time aboard the K 1600 GT was not only that the lighting is all LED but the front LED lights feature adaptive headlights which angle the light beam as you corner which was well appreciated during our night time testing.
Our test bike came fitted with two good sized hard lockable panniers that not only looked the business, but were functional as well with plenty of storage room for overnight trips or weekend getaways. For us if we were planning any big trips we would be looking at adding a fully lockable top box or rack to increase the luggage carrying capability that little bit more.
There are a bevy of genuine BMW accessories available to truly individualise your K 1600 GT including a Dynamic variant and a Stylish Variant package which include a selection of pre chosen accessories.
“This is a lot of bike matched to a substantial price tag, which brings us back to the question – is this the best bike to tour Australia?.. BMW’s 2023 K 1600 GT is definitely a worthy contender.”
The 2023 BMW K 1600 GT is priced from $41,120 plus on road costs and is backed by a five year manufacturers warranty. This is a lot of bike matched to a substantial price tag which brings us back to the question we asked earlier – is this the best bike to tour Australia?
The 2023 BMW K 1600 GT is priced from $41,120 plus on road costs and is backed by a five year warranty.
BMW’s 2023 K 1600 GT is definitely a worthy contender – with every creature comfort and class leading rider aid that you could wish for in a touring bike. The package offers a heap of comfort and room for the rider to be able to put in long stints on the bike in relative comfort.
“Handling and power delivery are good, there is more than enough to keep the most discerning rider engaged, whether that be throwing the K 1600 GT into tight twisty corners or eating up highway kilometres with the tunes blaring.”
Handling and power delivery are good, there is more than enough to keep the most discerning rider engaged, whether that be throwing the K 1600 GT into tight twisty corners or eating up highway kilometres with the tunes blaring. Add to the above pillion and luggage carrying capability and a range of genuine accessories to be able to individualise your bike to your needs and wants and the BMW K 1600 GT makes a very compelling case.
BMW K 1600 GT Tech Talk
Six-cylinder in-line engines are a signature offering from BMW and have been at the heart of the K 1600 models since 2010. The characterful powerplant has been adapted to the current EU-5 regulations while adopting the BMS-O engine control, two knock sensors and two lambda probes.
In addition to improved emission values, there are also noticeable benefits to the engine’s power and torque figures. The nominal capacity is still 118kW (160hp), though it is now achieved at 6750rpm, which is 1000rpm earlier than before. Engine drag torque control (MSR) is another new component. The technology helps avoid unstable riding conditions that can arise in coasting mode or when shifting down gears due to excessive slip at the rear wheel.
In addition, the new technical features provide an increase of the maximum torque from 175Nm to 180Nm at 5250rpm. Even more pulling power and improved acceleration are now on offer.
The BMW Motorrad Dynamic ESA “Next Generation” (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) on the new K 1600 GT enables even higher levels of riding safety, performance and comfort thanks to damping that automatically adapts to the riding conditions and manoeuvres.
This semi-active suspension, which is used for the first time on the new R 1200 GS, detects vertical movement of wheel alignment in each case in terms of distance of speed via one front spring travel sensor and using several rear parameters, adjusting damping automatically to the conditions determined regardless of road conditions and the rider’s manoeuvring. The damping action of spring struts is thus adapted at the front and rear via electrically actuated control valves. With the significantly better contact between road and tyres, Dynamic ESA communicates a whole new feeling of safety while riding, according to BMW. 
Rather than functioning as a self-sufficient system, Dynamic ESA can communicate using the other control systems – BMW Motorrad ABS and Automatic Stability Control ASC. The basic settings of Dynamic ESA are also linked with the riding modes “Rain”, “Road” and “Dynamic” , which can be simply selected by the rider at the push of a button. In every riding mode, the rider is assigned a damper setting as recommended by experts at BMW Motorrad. The rider can adapt coordination between Dynamic ESA, engine control (characteristics), ABS and ASC to the driving situation accordingly by selecting the preferred modes and hence settings. In addition the damping setting can be personalised in all modes according to the rider’s wishes, from “Soft” to “Normal” or “Hard”.
BMW Motorrad Dynamic ESA “Next Generation”
- Rain: In “Rain” mode, the spring elements operate with a soft basic setting. ASC is set in “Rain” mode for particularly early control intervention to ensure the maximum possible safety. ABS is configured to road use.
- Road: If the rider selects the “Road” mode, Dynamic ESA will have a more rigid set-up. ASC ensures optimal traction on dry roads and ABS is also configured for road use here.
- Dynamic: In “Dynamic” mode, BMW Dynamic ESA provides an even more rigid shock absorber setting, which is entirely tailored to sporty riding during road use. With this usage profile, ASC has even more rigid characteristics and even allows for slight oversteering for experienced riders. The ABS setting is also tailored to road use here and greater dynamic throttle response from the engine at the same time.
BMW say the new system also offers automatic riding position compensation in all load states.
The new full LED headlight with LED lens technology and iconic daytime riding light – the latter which is standard on locally-delivered models – illuminates the road with an unrivalled bright, clear light and underlines the premium positioning of the new six-cylinder models. The swivelling adaptive headlight function, a new addition for the 2022 models, points the low-beam LED headlight into the curve according to the heel angle.
The new K 1600 GT, GTL, B and Grand America integrate highly modern LED light units as standard.
By swivelling the entire headlight unit by two degrees, the vehicle dynamic states – including braking and accelerating – are automatically controlled and optimum illumination is ensured at all times. In addition, there are a number of new light functions including the “welcome light” feature.
New 10.25-inch TFT colour display with integrated map navigation, user friendly route planning and comprehensive connectivity as standard.
The new K 1600 GT is fitted as standard with a new 10.25-inch TFT colour display with integrated map navigation and connectivity. The infotainment system offers outstanding readability, clear menu navigation and a highly integrated operating concept. The new colour display allows a navigation map to be displayed on the instrument cluster. All locally delivered BMW K 1600 models are fitted with the new Audio System ECE, providing a more intensive sound experience than ever before.
2023 BMW K 1600 GT Specifications
Price: From $43,845 rideaway
Warranty: Five-years unlimited km
Colours: Black Storm Metallic or Light White/Racing Blue Metallic/Racing Red (Sport)
Claimed Power: 118kW@6750rpm
Claimed Torque: 180Nm@5250rpm
Wet Weight: 343kg
Fuel capacity: 26.5L
Fuel Consumption Claimed: 5.9L/100km
Fuel Consumption (measured): N.A
Engine: Oil/water-cooled, six-cylinder, four-stroke, in-line engine with four valves per cylinder, 72mm x 67.5mm bore x stroke, 1649cc, 12.2:1 compression, Electronic intake pipe injection digital engine management system: BMS-O with throttle-by-wire Gearbox: Six speed Clutch: Wet, multiple disc. Shaft drive
Chassis: Bridge-type frame, cast aluminium, load-bearing engine
Suspension: Dynamic ESA BMW Motorrad Duolever; central spring strut (f) 115mm Travel. Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; central spring strut (r), 135mm Travel
Brakes: Dual disc brake, diameter 320 mm, 4-piston fixed calipers (f), Single disc brake, diameter 320 mm, double-piston caliper (r) BMW Motorrad Integral ABS Pro (part-integral, slant-layer-optimized)
Wheels & Tyres: Cast aluminium wheels, 3.50 x 17 120/70, 6.0 x 17 190/55
Dimensions:
Seat height: 810mm/830mm
Ground clearance: N/A
Overall width: 1000mm
Overall Length: 2324mm
Overall height: 1440mm-1600mm
Wheelbase: N/A
Instruments : 10.25-inch TFT colour display with integrated map navigation and connectivity.
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The Verdict | Review: 2023 BMW K 1600 GT Grand Tourer
Grand!
Andrew has been out, chewing away the KM on the freeway and twisties on-board the giant 2023 BMW K 1600 GT! Check out what he thought of it…
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