2022 BMW K 1600 motorcycle review

BMW K1600 bike review. For 2022, BMW Motorrad has updated its flagship luxury touring motorcycle, the K 1600. Adventure Bike Rider editor James travelled to Spain for the international of the machine that BMW says is the ultimate in long-distance motorcycle travel.
There are four new models of the new bike: the K 1600 GT, K 1600 GTL, K 1600 B, and the K 1600 Grand America. All share the same engine, chassis, and technology, with the GT models having a sports tourer feel, whereas the B and Grand America enjoy a cruiser vibe.
All the K 1600 models offer plenty of power and technology to take you and your pillion passenger across continents in comfort, although James grabbed the keys to the Grand America version which, on paper, looks like the ultimate in two-up luxury touring.
You can read his full review in the May/June 2022 issue of Adventure Bike Rider magazine which you can buy at www.adventureb...

[@Rider_Adv]

Great video, full of amazing information, thank you very much

[@jonathanwright9269]

Awesome set of bikes..bit biased here tho as I own the older K16B and prefer the unique 'owl' look at the front end with the twin halo lights , the new one looks a more generic (boring) design in my opinion albeit the lights are probably better at night, doubt i would swap to the new model anytime soon (even if I had the money) . The K16GT looks the best now, especially in the red white and blue.

[@SeanandEmily]

Awesome Review Guys!

[@ABRmagazine]

Thanks guys, I hope you've got another adventure planned soon.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

So this or Goldwing is the £30,000 question?

[@billthemumper6854]

Where do you get 30k the top of the range Grand America comes in at 25k with all the options

[@ABRmagazine]

It certainly is. Both great bikes. The BMW feels a bit more sports tourer (in a luxurious way) where as the Goldwing is more of a dedicated touring bike. You can't go wrong with either. Sounds like a good discussion over a pint at the festival!

[@maxflight777]

If the bikes were the same price, I agree, it would be impossible to choose. But the BM (imho) is a lot more affordable and cheaper to run too.

[@johnoneill7962]

Either or both are great bikes.

[@SQTierHog]

I don't know the conversion, here in California, I visited the dealer yesterday regarding a 2022, and their sticker price was $31k, USD. So not to include tax license, blah blah blah. I did not start the negotiation process, so I don't know if they would have went lower or stuck firm.

[@pcofranc]

K1600 is inferior to the K1200 LT - the best designed touring bike I have ever driven. Perfect balance from 20 mph to whatever speed. Awesome linear car-like power delivery. The K12 was as good as it gets except for horribly costly maintenance as the bike ages. My friend had his clutch replaced at BMW for $4300. The owner of my local BMW dealer can have any bike he wants but still drives the K12 not the K16. The K16 did not need an over-powered 6 cylinder. Motorcycles have tried in line 6 but always abandoned the pointless design.

[@SQTierHog]

Clutch replacement at 4300 bucks? OMG. I could not justify paying $4,300. Thank you very much for making your comment and letting us know about that!

[@petermccormick5994]

Great video what a lovely job you have. Just a couple of questions with regard to the 2022 model. I've been looking for some time for a bike to replace my FJR1300 . I've tried both the old model GT and the Bagger liked both apart from the gearbox on both which is the worst gearbox I've ever experienced in over 40 years of riding! I'm told by my local BMW dealer that they've had numerous complaints about this and the 2022 model was going to sort this out. What were your thoughts on the gearbox of the bike you rode ? Also they were rumours of a serious weave on the old model Grand America when riding at high speed. Did you experience any thing like that ? Cheers keep up the good work.

[@pcofranc]

The grass might look greener on the other side but it isn't. Keep riding and add some upgrades to freshen up you your FJR.

[@ABRmagazine]

Hi Peter, casting my mind back, the gear change did feel more like a mechanical clunk than a lightweight snick, but I didn't experience any problems with it during the ride. And I didn't experience any weave at high speeds. We did hit some blustery cross winds at one point (which I didn't get on camera) when the steering needed some more input than usual, but generally the K 1600 felt composed on the highway.

[@billthemumper6854]

If I can remember the top speed on the Grand America is limited to 90 mph I have the GT at the moment the best bike I have had no problems with the gears thinking of changing to a 22 baggar can’t find a dealer that’s got one also I think the screen is to low for a tall rider

[@maxflight777]

Peter the FJR was a superb bike … but things have moved on . The Japanese seemed to be “asleep at the wheel “ Zero development

[@nickdolan8068]

Peter, I've had 2 K1600's in the past and they are truly awesome machines. 2022 improves on the old models in lots of ways, yes the gearbox clunks in 1st/2ns and has been a commonly reported issue, but honestly, it never bothered me and I would not let that hold you back. the FJ is also great bike, but time has moved on. the handling on the K16 is also one of the best, I use to have a Goldwing 1500 for 20 years and traded it for a k16, better engine, and brakes

[@billthemumper6854]

Great review I’ve got the 19 gt model brilliant love to try the 22 models but no dealer has them

[@ABRmagazine]

Thanks Bill, I hope you manage to get a test ride soon.

[@jansing327]

Is this bike better than the RT 1250?

[@maxflight777]

Good review ! Your commentary is good 👍

[@snakegs4203]

Why were they pulling away from you lol. You gotta twist it

[@bayouboy8644]

How about you show the bikes more at 7;50, not that your not easy to look at. But Im here to see the bikes.

[@peturstefansson]

The Grand America version is restricted to 165 km max speed, not the GTL version.

[@checker3694]

Well thats a first, it does not have the punch you need when on a motorway for overtaking, you sure your not suffering jet lag ,that your 1250 boxer has, I just came back from a 1400 miles solo trip on my K1600gt, its far superior to my R1200rt oil cooled for touring, it will cruise at far higher speeds effortlessly that the boxer wont, and its the only production bike i have ever ridden that you feel Zero buzz through thottle grip is so smooth, not tried the shift cam 1250rt so can't compare it to that, my 1200 I would change down to 4th to get any shove out of it and go over 5000rpm K1600gt roll on in 6th from 3k it got unrelenting pull, it's torque is so strong and smooth it will pull of a wet round about in 6th from 1100rpm, the old one makes 70% of it torque at just 1700rpm my R1200rt would complain at 1900rpm in top. It's only down side is its very juicy 36mpg at 85mph 48mpg at 75mph, my rt never went below 50mpg, and for what's its worth I would never want to do 500 miles in one day, that's not touring that's endurance. If I want to do 500 miles in one day I will take a car and one tank of fuel.

[@ABRmagazine]

Hi Checker, I quite agree. For relaxed touring, it's hard to beat the K 1600. And while it certainly does have the power needed for motorway overtaking, I wanted to convey that its acceleration is smooth and progressive and doesn't have the instant punch found on the likes of a R 1250 GS/RT. I did find myself planning overtakes a little further in advance. It's a great bike, and one I'd highly recommend. I'd certainly take it over a car on a big day!

[@peturstefansson]

The BMW K 1600 GTL comes also in LE version.

[@eyezlikeydrums]

Greetings from Los Angeles, California. Great video!! Great bike! Great Jacket!! What brand is it? Thanks!!

[@ABRmagazine]

Thanks! It's a Segura leather jacket

[@rayfriedman9625]

Nice review. BTW, what leather jacket is that you're wearing?

[@ABRmagazine]

Thanks Ray, it was a Segura leather jacket. I've had it years so I'm afraid I don't recall the name of it though.

[@emak4558]

Perhaps you should run the tach a little bit higher if you want a punch of acceleration ? I mean - the power is in there, it is your job to put the engine into the right spot.

[@ABRmagazine]

That's the point of doing a review E May, to let people know how the bike feels on the road.

[@Rambler358]

Did you experience any instability on the freeway? BMW limits the GA to 100 mph because of its instability at higher speeds.

[@SQTierHog]

Set on a 2022 yesterday. Salesman did inform me that there's a 'clause' in the manual, or elsewhere, that BMW has placed an advisory, not to exceed 100, however, doing so the bike 'may' become unstable. I didn't ask the salesperson to show me that in writing or any of the documentation. The salesman's answer for that was do you really ride over 100 mph? My reply was that I did not however, I'm concerned about a motorcycle manufacturer that it's a limitation on speed.

[@Rambler358]

@@SQTierHog The B and GA models have that issue. Not so with the GT or GTL.

[@SQTierHog]

@@Rambler358 You're absolutely correct, it was a B model. When I was watching a video of a reviewer, even though he didn't say he knew why, about the instability, he did make a comment that this instability did not occur in other models. So I looked at the other models and the only thing I realized was, especially the bagger, was there's no big large empty seat. So I felt that was probably the reason, I don't know, but thank you for your reply. I don't want to spend my hard-earned 31 to 35,000 on something that's not absolutely a dream!

[@Rambler358]

@@SQTierHog I sold my 2018 Grand America for just this issue. I now have a 22 GTL and love it!

[@SQTierHog]

@@Rambler358 Thank you for your prompt replies, I was not looking for this type of bike when I walked into the BMW dealer. I was actually going over to look at the Indians, and thought I'd step into the BMW dealer next door. And of all the bikes in there, this one and it's matte green finish, just stood out to me. And when I sat on it, wow, just like a glove. The salesman made the comment about the hundred mile an hour deal, but I didn't really let it bother me because, other than a burst of speed to reach that limit for fun, mostly, of course, I don't go near that speed. So when I got home to look at KZbin videos and saw the very unbiased reviews of a few people who talked about this instability, I was not pleased. Very much let down. And I would consider myself easily an intermediate rider or experienced if you will, but I don't like the idea of any motorcycle having any instability issues, especially when the manufacturer puts out a precautionary limitation. I didn't mean to write all that, but thought I would leave it in this reply to you, because I think you would understand what a letdown. Thus, you have graciously provided me with another model number that you have, and I'm going to look at that on KZbin right now! Thank you incredibly!

[@theonlyredspecial]

Cracking bike. I’ve my eye on the gt. good channel mate. You will do well. Just don’t sell out and start peddling tat like some of the other big ones.

[@ABRmagazine]

Thanks, I'll beware of tat!

[@roadglide]

Looks fantastic. Not sure why BMW continues to think backlit handlebar switches for night riding is important. Is the smart phone charging port large enough for the popular Ultra size phones? The charging port on the 2021 updated RT does not.

[@SQTierHog]

Sat on one a 2022 at the dealership yesterday. I have a Samsung Note 10, did not fit. Salesman remarked that the phone slot is pretty much for a 'regular' size phone. Whatever that is. The Note is massively produced, It's not an unusual phone. It's not like the older Note phones that were wide. Anyhow, that's the best answer I can give you. My opinion is that with all the space this bike has, they could have made that phone area a couple inches wider and longer, to accommodate everyone. BMW failed here.

[@m.f.m.67]

The pinnacle of luxury that can't exceed 100 mph because it's too unstable! Some pinnacle.

[@rogerelkins1114]

Could you please say where the handle bar go pro mount came from Great review

[@ABRmagazine]

The mount is made by GoPro Roger.

[@pcofranc]

For performance and handling the Honda ST1100 is a way better handling and has more than enough power. Why does a touring bike need 160 HP? A solution in search of a problem that never existed. If I wanted a bloated touring bike I would never choose the K16 over the the Goldwing with automatic transmission and "duo-leaver" forks - best riding bike on the road.

[@maxflight777]

Paul, you ask “Why do you need 160HP ? “ Err to make it more playful /fun! You do know, it only produces 160HP at max power rpm …. ? What makes the difference is the way a 160HP bike produces low and mid -range power !! (Where an ST1100 is probably only delivering 45HP😂 Ever accelerated from 40 to 70mph on a K1600? Go and try it, borrow one from a BMW dealer and you’ll see why the ancient ST1100 isn’t a consideration.

[@maxflight777]

You do know the K1600 has Duolever (no Stu toon or fork dive ) don’t you ? 😂 Your post shows ignorance …

[@m.f.m.67]

First of all, it only produces "160 HP" at the crank. At the rear wheel it's a more modest 130 or so.

[@AlexanderGeorgiev-Marck]

Honda Goldwing or K 1600 or RT?

[@windtherapy99]

K1600 for true cross country highway muncher with lots of power and for someone who has lots of 55+ mph backroads, RT for more sporty touring and living in a city. Goldwing for same reasons as k1600 but it does not make nearly as much power as the k1600 but costs more money. Goldwing also weighs about 100-150 lbs more than k1600.

[@bjrnarthur9272]

If you want to keep your bike after the warranty have expired Goldwing is the obvious choice

[@michelangelo3674]

Missed opportunity to go over the features of the bike. Wasted time repeating yourself with empty talk

[@AK33harr]

Please do your research before buying one of these bikes...they wobble really bad at highway speeds behind cars as well as semi trucks...very unsettling feeling...there is a class action lawsuit against bmw because of this...youll fight to keep a straight line at highway speeds!

[@harleyultra1500]

Very disappointed in no "Apple Car Play" I would buy one if they had this available!

[@harryhowell5644]

I like the new V twin BMW much better. Looks nicer. K1600 is hideous

[@Rambler358]

BMW doesn't make a V-twin. ;-)

[@harryhowell5644]

@@Rambler358 sure do the new r18

[@Rambler358]

@@harryhowell5644 That’s an opposed boxer twin not a v-twin.

[@harryhowell5644]

@@Rambler358 you know you are right!

[@idahorx1]

@@Rambler358 They make a bunch of V-twins. Just happens to be a 180 degree V.