BMW K1600 GT First Ride Review

It's strange to think that we now live in a world in which a two-wheeler can have twice the number of cylinders as a four-wheeler, and almost just as much power as well. It's even more peculiar to think that torch of BMW's famed naturally aspirated six-cylinder heritage is now carried by its Motorrad division.

And yet, that's precisely where I found myself, riding the new BMW K1600 (expected to be launched in Singapore in the second half of this year) during its international launch that was held concurrently with the 2 Series Active Tourer launch.

Digital life

To be clear, this isn't an all new model, but rather a facelift of the model originally launched in 2011. Visually, the bike still retains its general look and dimensions. What's new are the adaptive LED head lights that illuminates curves as you turn in.

The most obvious change is the introduction of the new digital instrument cluster - which at 10.25-inches - is larger than most cars even today. It runs the same stellar interface as other contemporary BMW bikes, and it really elevates the overall riding experience. Beyond the ability to customise various settings and display a multitude of information, you now also get access to navigation (including a map display) when paired to a smartphone, as well as Bluetooth connectivity.

Sixes high

The K1600 has also receive mechanical improvements. The engine is still a 1.6-litre straight-six, but has been tuned for more torque and improved pulling power lower in the rev range. With 158bhp and 180Nm of torque on tap, there's plenty of grunt when you need it. And while the bike is certainly hefty, once you get rolling it never feels bogged down in any way. The engine has also been revised to meet EU-5 regulations (an impetus for the facelift, no doubt).

And, of course, the defining characteristic of this bike is its smoothness. The engine is a big part of it - the straight-six powerplant delivers power in creamy smooth manner, and wring the engine hard and the accompanying soundtrack is joyful. The K1600's on-road manners is also stellar. This is a touring bike that will effortless eat up mile after mile of tarmac. The quick shifter makes things even easier. The heated seats and grips also proved to be a godsend as the Spanish weather decided to turn on us the one day we needed the sun out.

The K1600 is offered in four variants. The GT that I spent most time riding is the slightly sportier option, with a slightly higher seating position and slightly sharper dynamic behaviour. Through the twisty mountain roads around Malaga, the sharper throttle response and stiffer suspension damping in Sport mode help tighten up the bike's handling, and it's quite surprising how sprightly the bike feels through sweeping downhill corners.

I also spent some time on the GTL variant. The lower seat height and more relaxed riding position makes for better long distance comfort, while the extra rear box adds plenty of hauling practicality (even if cornering agility is dampened slightly).

While stocks last

The K1600 is fundamentally a touring bike, and the updates bring quality of life improvements all around. The added functionality offered by the new digital cluster adds a heavy dose of modernity, convenience and extra comfort to a bike that still exudes a certain old-school appeal.

And, that appeal is exemplified by the six-cylinder engine, one of just two bikes that still uses so many cylinders (the other being the Honda Gold Wing). The engine is buttery smooth, characterful, and sings in a manner that makes you miss the joys of a naturally aspirated powerplant.

The fact that a bike like this - big capacity, opulent comfort, surprising agility - exists at all in 2022 is something of a miracle. With downsizing and electrification prevalent in the car market, and steadily the bike market as well, this K1600 still manages to deliver an undeniably unique experience. Who knows how long this may last? Even the people at BMW don't know (or won't say) if this is the last six-cylinder of its kind (we suspect it will be). Best that we savour it while we still can.