K1600

[SteveD]

More here...https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/pressclu ... #phototab1

Video...
https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/pressclu ... =PF0002989

[Major Softie]

Well, I found a couple things interesting.

First, why does BMW keep having to confuse their model nomenclature? The already had a GT, and this is nothing like it. It's basically a K1600RT, or LT; why can't they call it that? Why do they have to give it a designation that conflicts with where they've used the letters before, especially as they were just used?
I know it's not important, but they just keep doing it, with the "new" F650 being the worst example.

Second, I love this quote: "Lightest and most compact serial production 6-cylinder in-line engine in a motorcycle > 1000 cc." Uh, could someone please tell me the list of engines that qualify for: "serial production 6-cylinder in-line engine in a motorcycle > 1000 cc"
I know there was that Kawasaki . . . can't think of another.

Next: 160 hp - 128 ft. lbs. of torque. Now that sounds pretty nice.

And, this: "This extremely compact construction and reduced width was achieved in particular by means of a cylinder bore of 72 millimetres in conjunction with a spacing of just 5 millimetres between the cylinder the cylinder sleeves." Wow. All that HP and torque in an engine with only 5mm between the cylinder walls. It's amazing that they can do that and make the sucker last . . . if they can . . . but I'll bet they actually have.

Then: "Both the low engine weight and the consistent lightweight construction of the vehicle as a whole contribute to the low weight of the vehicle. At 703 lbs. (K 1600 GT without panniers) and 767 lbs. (K 1600 GTL with panniers and topcase)"
What the hell has happened to the motorcycle industry that nearly 800 lbs is trumpeted as being revolutionarily light weight?

And now, the only feature that I think should be on every new motorcycle: "With the new BMW Motorrad touring bikes, the first ever "Adaptive Headlight" in the motorcycle sector is available as a factory option as a supplement to the standard xenon headlamp. In addition to standard pitch compensation, the light of the main headlamp is also balanced in relation to banking angle. This produces significantly improved illumination of the road when cornering and therefore an enormous increase in active riding safety."
If this really works as described, it is a quantum leap in night riding safety. I've always wished headlights did that, especially when you have to keep your low beams on.

[SteveD]

Those adaptive headlights would be "neat" wouldn't they!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRqHmPia ... _embedded#

[ME 109]

An adaptive headlight sure beats the hell outa pointing your driving lights out and up at 45 degrees for night twisties.
I can sorta dig the 1600 in the sports configugration but the battle star Galactica just got bigger.
Wonder if anyones done a stoppy on one yet....

[The Veg]

Second, I love this quote: "Lightest and most compact serial production 6-cylinder in-line engine in a motorcycle > 1000 cc." Uh, could someone please tell me the list of engines that qualify for: "serial production 6-cylinder in-line engine in a motorcycle > 1000 cc"
I know there was that Kawasaki . . . can't think of another.

Wasn't there an inline-six Honda a while back too?

Then: "Both the low engine weight and the consistent lightweight construction of the vehicle as a whole contribute to the low weight of the vehicle. At 703 lbs. (K 1600 GT without panniers) and 767 lbs. (K 1600 GTL with panniers and topcase)"
What the hell has happened to the motorcycle industry that nearly 800 lbs is trumpeted as being revolutionarily light weight?

What does its competition weigh?

But I agree, and it seems like all vehicles are getting really heavy these days and I find this trend worrying. A Honda Civic now weighs within an arm's reach of 3000 lbs, and even Lotus have now seemingly abandoned low weight as their main guiding design philosophy, according to the press I've read about the new models unveiled recently at the Paris motor show (Any bets how many RPM are happening in Colin Chapman's coffin?). I'm in the market for a sports car as a hobby, and I was fairly interested in maybe an old BMW 850ci until I read that it weighs ALMOST TWO TONS!

Getting back to bikes, I was impressed that my GS only weighed 500-ish despite looking like it should weigh more, and that the 1200 is lighter than the 1150. Maybe the GS line will continue to keep weight in check...time will tell...

[The Veg]

http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/video/bmw ... g/1253418/

[Major Softie]

Second, I love this quote: "Lightest and most compact serial production 6-cylinder in-line engine in a motorcycle > 1000 cc." Uh, could someone please tell me the list of engines that qualify for: "serial production 6-cylinder in-line engine in a motorcycle > 1000 cc"
I know there was that Kawasaki . . . can't think of another.

Wasn't there an inline-six Honda a while back too?

I thought the CBX was just under 1000cc, but I've checked, and it was over 1000, so, yes, you would think that it would qualify, but, as it turns out, apparently it does not:

"Weighing 226 pounds, the engine is by far the lightest serially produced 6-cylinder in-line engine for motorcycles in the class > 1000 cc"

Honda CBX engine weight: 180 lbs - 12.46 oz

What the hell has happened to the motorcycle industry that nearly 800 lbs is trumpeted as being revolutionarily light weight?

What does its competition weigh?

Yeah, that's kinda my point: it makes it appear that the whole class has become ridiculously heavy. On the other hand, what IS the "class?"

Dry weights
R1200RT: 504 lbs
K1300GT: 562 lbs
K1200LT: 761 lbs
They are basically saying it's lighter than a Wing, or the heavy touring cruisers, even though it's WAY heavier than some of their own bikes.

[SteveD]

http://www.webbikeworld.com/eicma-2010/bmw-k-1600-gt/

[Zombie Master]

This bike is just a bad idea as far as I'm concerned. Heavy, ugly, and loaded with things to go wrong. Like BMW cars: Just make sure you are within warranty and trade them off on a new one every three years. That is how the system works. That's the way to enjoy the new technology. That's the way to own the new BMWs...IMO

[SteveD]

Mag ride report.

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2011/03/ ... irst-ride/