1. Overall concept. (Short version).
2. Technology and design.
3. Colours.
4. Equipment range.

1. Overall concept. (Short version).

The new BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive - luxury touring par excellence.

The BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive takes two-wheeled travel to a whole new level thanks to a 118 kW (160 hp) in-line six-cylinder engine that melds superlative power with exemplary refinement, as well as boasting superb standards of equipment and comfort.

Spearheading the BMW Motorrad tourer range, the "Exclusive" model already lays claim to a class-beating specification as standard, including central locking with anti-theft alarm system and ESA II electronic suspension adjustment for an optimum spring/damper setup regardless of load. The Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) boosts safety when accelerating, while the innovative new Hill Start Control feature takes all the hard work out of pulling away uphill, even when carrying a passenger and luggage. Needless to say, the K 1600 GTL Exclusive also comes equipped with BMW Motorrad ABS as standard, like all BMW motorcycles.

The film antenna for the radio that is embedded in the topcase lid is a world first and ensures the best possible reception quality while also enhancing the bike's appearance. Long-distance travel comfort for the pillion passenger is taken to greater heights by a new seat, the heated backrest and comfortable armrests. Also to be found on the list of standard equipment are LED auxiliary headlights, adaptive xenon headlight, Tyre Pressure Monitor, additional brake light, engine protection bar, floor lighting, as well as LED daytime running light and, for the first time on a BMW motorcycle, Keyless Ride.

The styling of the "Exclusive" model likewise spells pure luxury - from the fuel tank's aluminium moulding through the fully chromed exhaust system to the new-look instrumentation.

The colour scheme for the new K 1600 GTL Exclusive adds to the sense of elegance and aesthetic appeal. The bodywork's four-coat paint finish in Mineral white metallic high gloss combines to striking effect with the classy chrome surfaces, the contrasting shade of Magnesium metallic matt and the Glacier silver metallic radiator fins. The colour-coordinated upholstery for the seat cushions, backrest and pillion passenger armrests adds the perfect finishing touch.

The highlights of the new BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive:

  • Superior in-line six-cylinder engine with abundant pulling power, especially at low and medium revs.
  • Output of 118 kW (160 hp) at 7,750 rpm and maximum torque of 175 Nm (129 lb-ft) at 5,250 rpm.
  • Over 70 per cent of maximum torque on tap from just 1,500 rpm.
  • Three selectable riding modes ("Rain", "Road", "Dynamic").
  • High standard of active safety thanks to BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part integral).
  • Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) to maximise safety when accelerating.
  • Chassis featuring duolever and paralever suspension plus ideal concentration of mass for dynamic handling abilities combined with the best possible comfort.
  • Electronic Suspension Adjustment II (ESA II) for optimum adaptation to all operating requirements and vehicle loads.
  • New instrumentation scales and sophisticated chrome surfaces. (New!)
  • Instrument cluster with extended functionality. (New!)
  • Larger seat area, armrests and new heated backrest to offer pillion passengers the best possible comfort. (New!)
  • Liners for cases and topcase (embroidered).
  • Keyless Ride and central locking to maximise ease of use and security. (New!)
  • Hill Start Control enabling pulling away uphill with ease and comfort. (New!)
  • Integral film antenna for optimum radio reception and exclusive styling. (World first!)
  • Adaptive xenon headlight for greater safety on night-time rides.
  • LED daytime running light. (New!)
  • LED auxiliary headlights.
  • Floor lighting.
  • Audio system with preparation for navigation device and controllable interface for iPod, MP3, USB, Bluetooth and satellite radio (satellite radio only available in USA and Canada).
  • Innovative design offering outstanding wind and weather protection.
  • Elaborate, exceptionally high-grade four-coat paint finish. (New!)
  • Extensive equipment and bespoke accessories made to BMW Motorrad's customary high standards.

2. Technology and design.

The new BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive - luxury touring with six-cylinder power and highly impressive specification.

Besides safety, top equipment features and prestige, comfort and dynamism are two further must-have qualities for a touring bike of the highest calibre. BMW Motorrad already redefined standards in this regard with the K 1600 GTL back in 2010. Boasting the most compact in-line six-cylinder unit to be fitted on a standard production bike, it took riding characteristics, long-distance capabilities and comfort into a whole new dimension. At the same time, this concept fuses supreme agility and handling dynamics on the one hand with a luxurious all-round package on the other.

BMW Motorrad is now upping the ante again with the arrival of the new K 1600 GTL Exclusive, which combines the exceptional travel and touring qualities of the K 1600 GTL with equipment features and comfort of the very highest order to position itself at the head of the BMW Motorrad tourer line-up.

The new K 1600 GTL Exclusive is likewise powered by the sensational six-in-line engine which ensures effortless response under all conditions with its output of 118 kW (160 hp), peak torque of 175 Newton metres (129 lb-ft) and exceptionally refined running.

The new K 1600 GTL Exclusive lives up to the expectations of an outstanding touring motorcycle, offering luxurious comfort with an extensive standard specification including many innovative features. Its top-class appearance, moreover, gives a clear visual indication of its peerless luxury touring credentials.

New instrumentation scales and sophisticated chrome surfaces.

There is a distinctly upmarket feel to the instrument cluster and the area in the driver's immediate field of vision. The cluster's dials now feature brand new scales that take the form of indirectly illuminated light boxes. This novel technology, which BMW Motorrad is the only motorcycle manufacturer to implement to date, is more aesthetically pleasing and also improves legibility on both daytime and night-time rides. The chrome edging around the four loudspeakers lends a sophisticated styling touch to the rider's exclusive workstation.

The chromed finish of other elements, such as the headlight interior, the entire exhaust system with its remodelled plating around the catalytic converter, the mirror surrounds, the brake fluid reservoir and the engine protection bar, adds to the new K 1600 GTL Exclusive's highly refined feel.

Larger seat area, armrests and new heated backrest to offer pillion passengers the best possible comfort.

The pillion passenger is now seated more comfortably than ever on the new BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive. The seat has been widened and lengthened at the rear, and this combines with the standard armrests and a backrest that has been extended up to the lower topcase area and features a heated upper section to offer the rider's travel companion maximum comfort over long distances, meaning undiluted touring pleasure.

Keyless Ride and central locking to maximise ease of use and security.

For the first time on a BMW motorcycle, the conventional ignition/steering lock has been replaced by the Keyless Ride system on the new K 1600 GTL Exclusive, dispensing with the need to use a key in the normal way. Instead, the steering lock, ignition, fuel filler flap and central locking are all released by means of a transponder integrated into the key, allowing the key to remain in the rider's pocket, for example.

As soon as the key is within the vehicle's reception range (distance < 2 metres) and has been successfully authenticated, the steering lock can be released with a brief press of the pushbutton control. The steering is locked again by holding the pushbutton down and turning the handlebar to the full lock position.

The ignition is activated by briefly pressing the pushbutton control or by holding it down after releasing the steering lock. The ignition is switched off by a brief or prolonged press of the pushbutton.

To open the fuel tank, the lever for the fuel filler flap just has to be lifted up, unlocking the fuel filler flap electrically so that it can then be opened. The tank is closed by simply pressing the fuel filler flap into place again.

The anti-theft alarm system is activated automatically with the ignition switched off and the steering locked as soon as the key moves out of range. It is also possible to activate the anti-theft alarm system manually.

The new BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive also comes with a central locking system encompassing cases, storage compartments and the topcase. Unlocking is triggered automatically when the ignition is activated or manually using the key's remote control or the pushbutton on the handlebar. Locking is activated manually in similar fashion with the remote control or the pushbutton.

In addition to the Keyless Ride transponder and the control buttons for the central locking and the anti-theft alarm system, the smartly designed key also includes a fold-out key bit, which allows all locks on the bike to be operated manually in the conventional way if necessary.

Hill Start Control enabling pulling away uphill with ease and comfort.

The K 1600 GTL Exclusive is the first model with an in-line engine from BMW Motorrad to feature the new Hill Start Control function, which allows the rider to effortlessly remain at a stop on uphill slopes with the engine running without having to keep the brake lever pressed. This makes it far easier to perform hill starts and is a particularly valuable aid on a fully laden tourer.

Thanks to the partially integral ABS braking system, the rear brake can be operated individually for this purpose. This allows pressure to be built up in the rear wheel's hydraulic brake unit when the Hill Start Control is activated in order to hold the motorcycle steady on an incline.

The Hill Start Control is purely a convenience feature that is designed to facilitate stopping and starting on a hill and is not to be confused with a parking brake. It is activated by squeezing the hand-operated brake lever tightly, whereupon a stop symbol appears on the display. The system is deactivated by either pressing the brake lever again or pulling away in first or second gear.

Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) to maximise safety when accelerating.

The K 1600 GTL Exclusive is equipped as standard with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC). This is a key factor in the bike's excellent handling dynamics and exemplary riding safety. The DTC traction control proves itself to be a particularly valuable rider aid when dealing with fluctuating operating conditions, road conditions offering poor grip or sudden changes in the surface's friction coefficient.

Integral film antenna for optimum radio reception and exclusive styling.

BMW Motorrad is presenting a world first on the new K 1600 GTL Exclusive in the form of the film antenna for the radio. Never before on a motorcycle has the conventional rod antenna been successfully replaced with a film antenna without impairing consistently high quality of reception.

The new film antenna has been installed out of sight between the inner lining of the topcase lid and the painted outer shell, where it ensures reception quality that is on a par with a rod antenna. This is also of great benefit for the visual appearance of the K 1600 GTL Exclusive, as doing away with a rod antenna results in a more uniform look.

LED daytime running light, adaptive xenon headlight, LED auxiliary headlights and floor lighting.

The new K 1600 GTL Exclusive is one of the most advanced motorcycles of its time - and this includes making sure that riders can both see and be seen as clearly as possible.

This is the task of features such as the state-of-the-art LED daytime running light. This is projected in the direction of travel by two fibre-optic light guides running around the high-beam headlights by means of optical prisms. It is either switched on automatically during the daytime via a light sensor or manually instead of the main headlight using the daytime running light switch.

When darkness falls or when entering a tunnel, there is an automatic switchover to the main headlight. The daytime running light allows the motorcycle to stand out more clearly and be differentiated more easily from other road users. What's more, the use of LED technology brings about a substantial reduction in total energy consumption when the daytime running light is activated.

The new K 1600 GTL Exclusive is furthermore equipped with the adaptive xenon headlight. Besides the pitch levelling that takes place during braking and acceleration, this means that the low beam is additionally adjusted to compensate for the angle of tilt. The two compensatory movements combine in such a way as to direct the beam of light into the bend. This results in vastly improved illumination of the road when cornering and thus a major boost to active riding safety.

For even greater light output when riding in adverse weather conditions, the K 1600 GTL Exclusive is fitted with LED auxiliary headlights at the sides below the fairing. The list of equipment highlights also includes the floor lighting that stays on for a certain period when the remote control for the central locking is pressed and after switching off the ignition.

The new K 1600 GTL Exclusive also has an additional brake light integrated into the topcase.

ESA II electronic suspension adjustment for optimum adaptation to all operating requirements and vehicle loads.

The new K 1600 GTL Exclusive already boasts the benefits of the highly sophisticated Electronic Suspension Adjustment II (ESA II) system as part of its standard specification. This system allows the rider to adjust not only the rebound damping for the front and rear spring struts and the spring preload of the rear spring strut, but also the strut's spring rate and therefore the "firmness" of the springs - all carried out electronically with the greatest of ease. The upshot is outstanding stability and impressive response regardless of the load being carried.

Tyre Pressure Monitor (RDC) with gradient monitoring.

The Tyre Pressure Monitor (RDC) employs a remarkably lightweight and compact receiver control unit and special wheel sensors to keep a close eye on the tyre pressure. In addition to the tyre pressure warning threshold, the system is also capable of gradient monitoring. This means, for example, that a sudden loss of pressure will also trigger a warning before the critical threshold is reached, thereby further enhancing safety on this front.

3. Colours.

Exclusive look created by skilful interplay of colours and surfaces.

The new K 1600 GTL Exclusive exudes a stylish, elegant and exclusive air, helped in no small part by the way in which its numerous chrome design details combine beautifully with the various colours.

The Mineral white metallic high gloss paint finish that is applied to the bodywork in four coats is in itself sufficient to lend this motorcycle a tremendous sense of class and depth. The harmonious blend of the main body colour and the subtle contrasting shade of Magnesium metallic matt creates an appearance that is brimming with both poise and elegance.

Together with the Glacier silver metallic radiator fins and the upholstery for the seat cushions, backrest and pillion passenger armrests in Magnesium silver, this lends the K 1600 GTL Exclusive a truly awe-inspiring presence.

4. Equipment range.

Optional equipment and special accessories.

Although the BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive already comes very comprehensively equipped as standard, a range of optional equipment and special accessories is available for further personalisation.

Optional extras are integrated into the production process and supplied ex-works. Special accessories are retrofit items that can be added by BMW Motorrad dealers or customers themselves.

Optional equipment.

  • High seat, one-piece 780 mm.
  • Extra high seat, one-piece 800 mm.

Special accessories. Storage options.

  • Impact protection for cases, 4-piece.
  • Pouch for topcase.

Ergonomics and comfort.

  • High, narrow windscreen.

Technology.

  • Akrapovic sport silencer.
  • BMW Motorrad Navigator V.
  • iPod adapter cable.
  • 3rd on-board power socket.