Live from EICMA 2010BMW K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL Production Versions
November 8, 2010 - Not much more I can say about the BMW K 1600 GT and GTL that hasn't been said in our detailed press release and photo coverage of the BMW K 1600 GT published previously on webBikeWorld.
I did, however, finally learn the difference between the K 1600 GT and the K 1600 GTL, which apparently has been a source of confusion and wasn't described exactly in the original press release.
According to a BMW rep I talked to at the show (paraphrasing here), the GT is the "sport" version of the bike. It's less expensive; it has a different riding position that is more of a BMW "RS" (sport touring) riding position, rather than "RT" (touring) position of the GTL.
The GTL includes the stereo radio, the top box and a larger/wider pillion seat. The top box bracket is apparently different (or the top box sits farther back) for the passenger's comfort.
The GTL version also holds 2.5 L more fuel and the bike has a taller windscreen. Some of the extra trim on the GTL is chrome plated and finally, the GTL weighs 29 kg more than the (claimed) 319 kg of the GT. In the U.S.A., the GTL features an XM Sirius radio with free service for the first year and a Bluetooth capability.
The system also includes USB and MP3/iPod connectivity. It's uncertain whether the electric adjustment for windscreen height on the GTL is also available on the GT.
The bike isn't narrow by any means, but it actually looks smaller to me than the BMW K 1200 LT's I've seen and the K 1600 GT appears narrower when viewed from the front or back. I'd sure like to try one; I bet the engine is smooth as silk. BMW says the 6-cylinder engine is "barely" larger than previous 4-cylinder K engines.
They claim the six makes 161 HP and a hefty 129 ft. lbs. of torque at only 1,500 RPM, which is pretty incredible and the reason why you'd want a six anyway. The engine does not need a balance shaft. Should be great for touring with a pillion...
Here is a walk-around video taken at the EICMA show. A walk-around of the display engine is included towards the end of the video, so check it out.
I really like this bike and I think BMW has really gotten its act together lately with design. The K 1600 GT looks solid and very well made and everything fits together...just like a BMW should. It reminds me very much of a BMW car.
By the way, here's a new tool, it's a new type of "Apple friendly" (no JavaScript) Lightbox. Click on one of the thumbnails to start it and the Lightbox will open up and a slide show will start after a few seconds, or you can browse through any photo you'd like:
wBW Lightbox Slide Show: Click on a photo to start the Lightbox slide show.Video: BMW K 1600 GT/GTL and Engine
Publication Date: November 8, 2010
Note: For informational use only. All material and photographs are Copyright ? webWorld International, LLC - 2000-2010. All rights reserved. See the webBikeWorld? Site Info page. NOTE: Product specifications, features and details may change or differ from our descriptions. Always check before purchasing. Read the Terms and Conditions!
No comments:
Post a Comment