As promised the new BMW’s sport an ultra high-tech Inline Six engine that showcases the German’s company’s engineering know-how. For more technical information about the engine and sub-systems make sure to check out our 2011 BMW K1600GT First Look and BMW Unveils K1600GT at INTERMOT posts. For this article we’ll feature some of the other specifications that haven’t yet been discussed.
The K1600 GT has been engineered specifically for solo riding. It still offers a passenger seat but it was designed first and foremost to whisk the rider to his destination as quickly and comfortably as possible. The ergonomics are designed to deliver a sportier ride and the seat is more firm which in turn delivers more feedback to what’s happening at the business end of the tires.
Where the GT is designed more for sport riding, the GTL is engineered for cross-country touring where comfort is paramount. Seat height has been reduced to 29.5 inches, is much wider and has extra padding. The arrangement of the handlebar and footpegs has been modified to make the bike comfortable to operate for extended periods of time. Other ergonomic improvement including a larger electronically adjustable windscreen and more forgiving rear suspension damping settings.
Both motorcycles share a host of standard features including: xenon headlights (inspired from its car line-up), heated seats/grips, cruise control, 5.7 inch color LCD display, ABS, color-matched and removable side bags, luggage rack, adjustable engine power modes and full LED lighting. Furthermore the GTL adds an advanced, automotive-derived Bluetooth and iPhone compatible audio and communication system (includes SIRIUS Satellite Radio w/ a one year subscription). This is also available as an option on the GT model.
Both bikes are claimed to weigh just over 700 pounds ready to ride. The GT makes use of a 6.3-gallon capacity fuel tank where the more touring-oriented GTL gets an extra 0.7-gallon capacity. Despite its weight and increased engine size, BMW claims that both bikes actually deliver greater fuel efficiency than the K1300s. Pricing hasn’t’ been announced on either model, but BMW says that they will begin arriving in dealerships in the U.S. during the spring of 2011. BMW dealers will begin taking orders for the new bikes in January through a pre-sales campaign which allows buyers to “reserve” their machine so they can ride it home as soon as it hits the dealership.
