BMW details K 1600 GT and GTL, introduces headlight that peeks around corners

[BMW News]

Filed under: Performance, BMW, Motorcycle, Luxury

BMW K 1600 sketch - Click above for high-res image gallery

Late last year at the EICMA Show in Milan, BMW showed off a unique concept motorcycle powered by a six cylinder engine. At the time, the German company indicated that we could expect to see a production machine using a similar straight-six powerplant. Today, BMW has finally released a bunch of information on two upcoming production machines, which will be known as the K 1600 GT and GTL.

First and foremost, it's the engine that most intrigues us about this luxury touring motorcycle. According to BMW, its 1649cc mill pushes out 160 horsepower at 7,500 rpm and 129 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. Torque lovers needn't be worried that the engine is too high strung either, with 70 percent of maximum twist available at just 1,500 revs. The big chunk of metal nestled within the K 1600's frame rails will weigh 226 pounds and will be 22 inches across.

All kinds of electronics goodies will be available, as you would expect, including ride-by-wire throttle control with three modes: Rain, Road and Dynamic. There will also be traction control and ABS brakes, along with BMW's impressive ESA II electronically adjustable suspension. Perhaps the coolest bit of tech, though, is the headlight. Allow us to explain.

BMW has created a new headlight that can actually level itself, regardless of how much load is on the bike (rider, passenger, luggage). This is a first in the motorcycle marketplace. There is also an optional system that can follow the road ahead, even when the bike is leaned over heavily in the corners.

As mentioned before, two models will be available sporting this powerplant and chassis. The first is the GT, which is a kind of heavyweight sport touring bike that comes with panniers but no top box. Think of the larger, more fully equipped GTL as a Honda Goldwing competitor, as it will feature supersized seating surfaces, a more relaxed riding position and a full set of luggage.

No official on-sale date has been announced, and neither has a price. That said, we expect the K 1600 to hit the market as a 2011 model for a price that will surely be over $20,000. See more details in the press release after the break.


Gallery: BMW K 1600 GT teasers



Gallery: BMW Motorcycle adaptive headlight



[Source: BMW]Continue reading BMW details K 1600 GT and GTL, introduces headlight that peeks around corners

BMW details K 1600 GT and GTL, introduces headlight that peeks around corners originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 18:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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