2017 BMW K 1600 GTL
At the EICMA show in
Milan, BMW unveiled an updated version of the K 1600 GTL
luxury tourer. In 2012—the model year in which they were introduced—the K 1600
GT and GTL shared Rider’s Motorcycle of the Year award by virtue of the new
levels of performance and sophistication they brought to the sport touring and
luxury touring segments.
Differing mainly in terms of seating position,
windscreen size/shape and the presence of a top trunk (on the GTL), they share
an inline 6-cylinder engine that churns out a claimed 160 horsepower and 129
lb-ft of torque.
As on the GT and B, new catalytic converters and
updated engine management allow the K 1600 GTL’s engine to be Euro4 compliant
without any loss in claimed output. Three riding modes—Road, Dynamic and
Rain—adapt throttle response to riding conditions and automatically adjust the
Dynamic Traction Control setting accordingly. New for 2017 is Dynamic ESA,
which automatically adjusts suspension damping and offers two modes, Road and
Dynamic.
Standard equipment includes ABS Pro, xenon
headlight, heated grips and seats, Multi-Controller, cruise control and
removable saddlebags and top trunk. New options include Reverse Assist, a
reverse gear that is engaged using a button on the left handlebar and
controlled using the starter button, and Shift Assistant Pro, which allows
clutchless upshifts and downshifts. Other options include the adaptive
headlight, Keyless Ride, Hill Hold Control, central locks, forged wheels and a
full line of accessories.
Styling updates for the K 1600 GTL include new side
trim panels, larger slipstream deflectors, new wind deflectors to protect the
rider’s hands, redesigned mirrors with larger faces and aspherical insets, and
redesigned foot guards and lower storage compartments. New color schemes
include Lightwhite non-metallic, Thundergrey metallic and K 1600 GTL Elegance
(Ebony metallic/Blackstorm metallic).
Availability and pricing for the 2017 BMW K 1600 GTL
are TBD.
