BMW K 1600 B 2026 — Specifications

How do you marry the best of two worlds? Take, on one side, sun-drenched American cruising and, on the other, the best of Germany. And here, we’re going to talk about technology and big engines, as the Germans know how to do, something as good as the famous German apple cake, I mean the Strudel!

This update (since 2022) retains a great deal from the previous K 1600 B. It will take a very keen eye to notice the changes, as we’re limited to a new front fascia with the new headlight common to the entire K 1600 range.

Thus, this new Full LED projector integrates a new light signature for the daytime running lights but above all offers dynamic lighting. Indeed, as standard, the dipped beam headlights pivot and illuminate the turn based on the motorcycle’s lean angle. The headlights pivot a maximum of 2 degrees, but that’s sufficient for lighting that now follows your gaze. For those who are also looking for their motorcycle in the dark, the addition of this new headlight also integrates the "Welcome Light" function, with temporary lighting before the motorcycle is switched on.

The front fairing still adopts a short screen, a signature of the model, and behind this screen, we now find a new 10.25-inch color TFT screen. A huge, impressive panel, in keeping with the imposing wingspan of this flagship. It offers the expected functions for a model in this range, with integrated navigation, route planning and extended connectivity as standard.

We do regret, however, that BMW did not have the good taste to include the 2.0 audio system as standard on the K 1600 B. You will have to go through the option box when ordering the motorcycle to have it. On a machine of this price, it’s a shame.

The six-cylinder engine has been adapted to the regulations. The main technical improvements are, among other things, the use of a BMS-O engine control unit (digital control of injection and ignition), two knock sensors and two additional lambda probes. In 2025, the necessary work was carried out to reach the next level, namely Euro5+.

Combustion correction has not only made it possible to reduce pollutant emissions, and for once, this also translates into an increase in performance. The power of 118 kW (160 hp) is the same, but it is reached 1,000 rpm earlier, at 6,750 rpm. Torque also increases, from 175 Nm to 180 Nm, at a speed of 5,250 rpm. Engine availability is therefore better, a good move by the German engineers.

These performances are accompanied by dynamic engine braking control (MSR). Like an anti-wheelie, it prevents the rear wheel from slipping following a sudden acceleration or a harsh downshift.

Thanks to its engine capabilities, the K 1600 B can now count on a piloted damping system named Dynamic ESA “new generation” with fully automatic load compensation as standard. The damping is automatically adapted to the driving conditions as well as the riding style and integrates as standard a fully automatic load compensation system. The ride height and suspension settings are automatically adjusted. You don’t need to be a test engineer to ride serenely, a cool and hassle-free thing that goes well with the motorcycle.

Offered at the border of 30,000 euros, you’re going to need a little pig-shaped piggy bank well stocked! This Germanic bagger is very close in price to the Japanese myth, namely Miss Goldwing from Honda in its bagger version as well.

The American Street Glide and Road Glide from Harley or Indian Challenger are even more expensive, but they have the real taste of ketchup! A cruel dilemma on a niche market… Customer loyalty to one brand or another will ultimately be more important than the quality of the machines. At this level, there are no sausages, but different sensations.

Vincent Beaucousin