BMW have it in the bag
Looking a bit like a Batbike
The K1600 from BMW has the look of a simpler machine finished to a high standard. Details such as the indicators on the front are integrated into the bikes bodywork and keep its smooth lines from being ruined. The black on black reflects the bikes quality.
The panniers and the tail of the bike follow those lines in a way that makes it a work of art. Integrating the stop and tail lights into the bodywork shows a certain genius.
Six cylinders, 1,600cc
The engine is a straight six cylinder affair. As well as 160bhp it also has 180Nm of torque available with a twist of the wrist.
Starting from the front, the headlight is adaptive and ‘looks into the corner’. The ABS is complimented with traction control as well as dynamic engine brake control. That allows the rider to ‘dial in’ as much or as little engine braking as they like. There’s even a reverse gear.
Never underestimate the simple benifits of a mainstand
A hill start assist feature is complimented by an assisted gear selector and electronically adjustable suspension. Fuelling modes can be selected through the switch gear. There’s a tyre pressure control feature.
All of this is read through a TFT screen. This is where all the bikes info including navigation and connection to a comms set live.
As a touring bike cruise control comes as standard.
The forward leaning engine balances the bike perfectly
Once underway the bike is nothing short of sublime to ride. The power delivery is smooth and linear.
Its dynamic performance continued with the bikes cornering ability. Weighing in at 344 kilos, it could be forgiven for not being the most agreeable beast on a mountain road. That’s not the case. The little electronic elves are busy in the bikes system putting all of those riders aids to hard work and making the big K handle like it just shouldn’t!
At 750mm the seat height isn’t what I’d normally like. But after a few kilometres it ‘came together’ quite well. This has a lot to do with the footpegs being conventional and not ‘boards’. While there’s a bit of height in the bars, the wind deflectors that are built into the bodywork make for a much more comfortable ride.
The new Bagger is available in Keareys Motorrad in Cork where a new one starts at €27,800. Talk to Jer or Dee on 0215003600 and we’ll see you on the Stelvio.