At the beginning of this month we already reported it, but now it is official: BMW has considerably upgraded the K 1600 family for model year 2022. Besides the fact that the K 1600 GT, K 1600 GTL, K 1600 B and K 1600 Grand America now meet Euro 5, the Germans have also taken electronic gadgets to a higher level.
A block that now meets Euro 5 emission requirements, ‘Next Generation’ Dynamic ESA electronic damping with full load compensation, new full-LED headlamps with smart additional functions, a multifunction instrument panel with 10.25 inch TFT color display with bluetooth connectivity That, in a nutshell, is the upgrades BMW has made to the K 1600 family, much of which we predicted earlier this month.
To start with the first: BMW has adapted the block on Euro 5 by drastically improving the emission values, without sacrificing performance. In fact, the new block performs even better than the old six-in-line.
Top power is still 160 horsepower, but is now released 1,000 rpm earlier at 6,750 rpm. In addition, the changes have increased torque from 175 Nm to 180 Nm, at a constant speed of 5,250 rpm. That has translated into more powerful acceleration.
Perhaps also interesting for the globetrotters among us is that BMW has applied two knock sensors and two extra broadband lambda sensors, so that the engine is now also suitable for fuel of lower quality than RON 95.
The Engine Torque Control System (MSR) is also a new component. This system provides a much better stability of the motorcycle when coasting or downshifting. The degree of system intervention depends on the driving mode. In the Rain and Road riding modes, the MSR ensures maximum stability. In Dynamic mode, the system allows a little more slip.
Then the Dynamic ESA ‘Next Generation’ of the new K 1600 GT, GTL, B and Grand America, which, according to the Germans, provides even more options in terms of driving safety, performance and comfort. The damping is automatically adjusted to the driving conditions and maneuvers. Under all loads, the ride height is automatically compensated.
The application of new sensors provides more data and therefore a more precise adjustment of the motorcycle to the conditions. The damping force is also adjusted on the basis of various other parameters, such as the degree of compression. This is done electronically in milliseconds. In Dynamic riding mode, the suspension is tuned more tightly than in Rain, Cruise and Road riding modes.
BMW already pioneered lighting with the introduction of adaptive lighting with the first K 1600, but with the new generation they have gone one step further. The horizon of the light beam can rotate up to 35°, so that the light beam always remains horizontal even when cornering, in addition, the entire headlight can tilt up to 2° to compensate for movement caused by acceleration and braking.
BMW has now supplemented that with some nice gadgets such as a Welcome function when you switch on the engine, which activates the lighting and then gradually dims until the engine is started. After switching off the ignition, the lighting remains on for a while for the Good bye function, and then slowly switches off completely.
Also new is the Follow me home function. By briefly pressing the high beam button after switching off the ignition, the lighting switches on for a short time. To better orient yourself in the dark, for example when maneuvering in or out of a parking space or garage, without having to switch on the ignition or other functions. There is also optional ground lighting, useful for, for example, folding out the side stand in the dark.
We predicted it, last year on the RT 10.25″ TFT color display for the first time has now also found its way to the K 1600 family. The new display offers the possibility to display a navigation map in the instrument cluster, eliminating the need for an additional screen.For added protection, the display features scratch-resistant tempered glass.A coating that prevents reflections and fingerprints improves readability.
There are full screen and split screen display modes for showing one or more functions at the same time. The speedometer and tachometer, as well as some basic functions and the selection menu, are always visible on the Pure Ride Screen. Optionally, the navigation map can also be displayed via the BMW Motorrad Connected app, with a fully interactive display optimized for motorcycles and controlled via the multi-controller on the left of the handlebar.
A route can be pre-planned in the smartphone app and sent to the motorcycle. Map updates are also done via the app. The BMW Motorrad Connected app is free to download and also offers additional functions such as recording and sharing driven routes.
With the audio system 2.0, the new K 1600 GTL and Grand America offer an even more intensive sound experience as standard. The audio system is available as an ex-works option for the K 1600 GT and K 1600 B. The antennas for the audio system are now out of sight and the system itself is now fully integrated into the electrical system. Some highlights are also DAB+ radio, equalizer profiles with optimization for listening with and without a helmet (eg when stationary) and very flexible sound settings.
The new K 1600 GT, GTL, B and Grand America are each available in attractive color combinations: a basic variant, a Style variant and Option 719. Option 719 Midnight in particular stands out according to the Germans and is only available for the K 1600 B and K 1600 Grand America. The highlight of this equipment variant is the Meteoric Dust II metallic paint, which depicts the Galaxy theme with water transfer prints. This technique allows objects to be coated in whole or in part with a pattern or image. This is done by hand, so each Option 719 Midnight is truly unique.
– Thanks for information from Motorfreaks.