BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive 2016 — Specifications

Imagine 364 kilograms of Grand Touring slicing through the highway at 201 km/h with the serenity of a rolling palace. That's what the 2016 BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive offers, a pinnacle version of a lineage that has consistently pushed the boundaries of the segment since its launch. Facing the Honda Gold Wing or the Kawasaki 1400 GTR, the Bavarian doesn't play the same game: it aims higher, more expensively, and owns up to it without hesitation.

The heart of the machine is this inline six-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1649 cc, developing 161 horsepower at 7750 rpm and, above all, 175 Nm of torque available from 5250 rpm. On the road, this massive torque manifests itself with a frankness that crushes any desire for resistance. Barely 2 mm of throttle twist are enough to feel the 175 Nm pulling on the shaft drive transmission. The announced consumption of 4.6 liters per 100 km seems almost honest for such an engine, and the 26.5-liter tank offers decent range between coffee breaks. The aluminum frame integrates the engine as a structural element, a typically BMW solution that simultaneously lightens and stiffens; the Duolever front suspension and Paralever rear suspension do the rest.

The Exclusive version is the K 1600 GTL with all the boxes ticked as standard. The passenger is the first beneficiary: widened and lengthened seat, armrests fixed to the top case, heated backrest in its lower part. For those looking for a used BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive to share with their regular passenger, this argument carries significant weight. On the electronics front, the standard equipment includes traction control, ESA II pilot suspension, and tire pressure monitoring. Lighting moves to xenon with automatic directional correction, daytime LEDs, and two additional headlights housed in the sides of the fairing; a light sensor itself manages the switching between day and night modes.

The 2016 model year brings a few safety refinements that deserve attention. ABS Pro modulates braking pressure according to the motorcycle's angle, lateral accelerations, and rotation, preventing the front wheel from lifting in a curve if the rider clamps too hard on the front four-piston calipers. The Control Brake Light makes the brake light flash at a frequency proportional to the intensity of emergency braking, and triggers the warning lights when coming to a complete stop. Hill Start Control locks the front brake via ABS to facilitate starts on inclines. This is not a parking brake: if you turn off the ignition on a slope with this system engaged, the motorcycle will regain its freedom without warning. The Keyless Ride system unlocks the steering, ignition, fuel filler cap, and central locking as soon as the key enters a radius of two meters. Practical with 364 kilograms to maneuver in a parking lot.

The price of the 2016 BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive was set at 30,700 euros, deliberately placing it in a category of its own. Those who consult forums or are looking for a used BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive know that these machines resell well and are long-lasting; BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive parts remain available and the network keeps its commitments. The only real drawback is the GPS, still absent from the standard equipment and relegated to the options catalog. On a motorcycle at this price, it's a difficult concession to swallow. For the rest, the K 1600 GTL Exclusive is aimed at the long-distance rider who travels far, often, and refuses to sacrifice the comfort of their passenger to their own Christmas list. This profile is rare, but when it exists, it always returns to Munich.