K1600
Posted: Tue Oct 05, 2010 6:17 pm
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.
