BMW K 1600: specifications, pros and cons, compatible accessories
Six inline cylinders and over 300 kg: the Munich grand tourer
The largest motorcycle in the BMW range, available in GT, GTL, B and Grand America versions. Here, accessories are not added to do more: they are added to protect the bodywork and improve visibility at night, the two things that matter on a motorcycle that, when loaded, weighs over 350 kilos.
- In briefTargeted catalogue: Eazi-Grip films and grips, DENALI lighting and electrical accessories.
- Do this firstTank film, instrument protection, pannier protection.
- WarningThe part numbers differ between 2017-2021 and from 2022 onward.
- Auxiliary lightsFour different brackets: choose by year and mounting point.
- BrandsEazi-Grip, DENALI.
Who it is recommended for
It is the right bike if
- You travel long distances with a passenger and comfort comes first
- You want a unique engine in the motorcycle world, the inline six-cylinder
- You need car-like load capacity and range
- You have experience and a suitable parking space for over 300 kg
- Factor in grand-tourer running costs
Look elsewhere if
- You would also use it in the city or in tight spaces
- You have no way to manoeuvre it comfortably in a garage or on a slope
- You are looking for low maintenance costs
- You are looking for crash protection: the catalogue covers the bodywork and lights here, but not engine guards
- You travel almost always alone: much of its value lies in the passenger
In two words: it is the most complete grand tourer BMW makes, and it makes sense for anyone who really covers thousands of kilometres with a passenger every year. If that figure is lower, the R 1200 RT offers much of the same comfort with seventy kilos less weight and far lower costs.
Technical specifications
| Engine | Inline six-cylinder, 1,649 cc |
|---|---|
| Power | 160 hp at 6,750 rpm |
| Torque | 180 Nm at 5,250 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed, shaft final drive |
| Chassis | Aluminium bridge frame, front Duolever, rear Paralever |
| Weight | over 340 kg in running order, depending on the version |
| Fuel tank | 26.5 litres |
| Versions | GT, GTL, B, Grand America |
| Production | since 2011, updated in 2017 and 2022 |
Pros and cons
Advantages
- The six-cylinder engine is unique in the motorcycle world
- Unrivalled comfort for rider and passenger in its category
- Car-like range and load capacity
- Shaft drive and robust mechanics for extremely high mileages
- Extremely rich standard equipment in the GTL and Grand America versions
Pros
- Over 300 kg: stationary manoeuvres require care
- High maintenance and component costs
- Size that limits everyday use
- Significant fuel consumption when riding two-up with luggage
- More limited aftermarket accessory catalog than for the GS
What to install, in order of priority
On a motorcycle of this value, an accessory should preserve and illuminate, not transform.
- 1
Protective tank film, from 2022Laser-cut: it protects the paint, which has a significant impact on this motorcycle's resale value. - 2
Instrument protection, 2017-2021The TFT dashboard is large and expensive: the film prevents scratches and reflections. - 3
Side case protection, GT and GTL 2022-2024The cases are painted to match: marks from daily loading and unloading show immediately. - 4
Anti-slip tank decals, from 2022They improve knee grip and protect the sides of the tank from rubbing. - 5
Film for GTL, B and Grand AmericaDifferent part number from the GT: the bodywork on these versions has its own contours. - 6
CANsmart GEN II accessory controllerConnect auxiliary lights and the horn to the electrical system without cutting wires, and control them using the original switches. On a motorcycle with this electronics system, this is the correct way to add loads. - 7
D7 PRO auxiliary light kit with controllerAuxiliary lights, crash bar clamps, and CANsmart in a single part number: the simplest option if you are starting from scratch, without choosing brackets and wiring separately. - 8
Auxiliary light mounts, GT GTL and B from 2018Brackets designed around the mounting points of the later model years. For 2011-2017, you need the previous part number: this is where orders go wrong. - 9
Auxiliary light mounts, GT and GTL 2011-2017The version for the early model years. There are also the lower mounts, for installing the auxiliary lights lower down instead of next to the headlight. - 10
SoundBomb horn mountThe SoundBomb does not fit in place of the original horn: this bracket gives it a place without drilling. With over 300 kg in motion, being heard matters.
Those who already have the original BMW light mount can use the dedicated adapter, which mounts the DENALI lights on the standard bracket without adding a second one.
See all accessories for K 1600Compatibility table
On the K 1600, everything depends on two things: the year and the bodywork version.
| Accessory | Between 2017-2021 and from 2022 onward | Between GT and GTL / Grand America |
|---|---|---|
| Protective films | no | no |
| Instrument-panel protection | no | yes |
| Tank grip stickers | no | often yes |
| Side pannier protection | no | yes, GT and GTL |
| Auxiliary light mounts | no, part number by year range | yes, the B as well from 2018 onward |
| SoundBomb horn mount | yes | yes |
| CANsmart GEN II controller | yes | yes |
Brands with dedicated accessories
Eazi-GripBodywork protectionTank and bodywork films for each version, instrument-panel protection, pannier protection, and non-slip stickers.
DENALILighting and electrical equipmentD7 PRO auxiliary light kit with controller, four separate mounts by year and position, SoundBomb horn, and CANsmart GEN II.
Frequently asked questions
Will the GT films fit the GTL?
No. The GT, GTL, B, and Grand America have bodywork with different profiles, and the films are laser-cut for each one. The part number must be chosen for the exact version.
What changes between the years?
The 2022 facelift changed the tank and instrument panel: films, grip pads, and protections from 2017-2021 do not fit later versions.
Which auxiliary light mount do I need?
It depends on the year and where you want them. For the 2011-2017 GT and GTL, there is one part number; for the GT, GTL, and B from 2018 onward, there is another. There are also lower mounts for installing the auxiliary lights low down instead of next to the headlight, and an adapter for those who already have the original BMW light mount. In all cases, they attach to the bike's existing mounting points, without drilling.
Why protect the side panniers?
Because they are painted to match the bike and are opened and loaded every day while traveling. Paint marks appear quickly and affect resale value.
Do you have crash protection, such as engine guards?
No, they are not listed for the K 1600. What you will find is bodywork protection - films, grip pads, pannier protection - plus all the DENALI lighting and electrical equipment.
Is it manageable with more than 300 kg?
It rides well, surprisingly: the low center of gravity of the six-cylinder helps. The problem is maneuvering from a standstill and inclines, where care and a good stopping area are needed.