The BMW K 1600 Grand America carries a number of upgrades worthy of the de facto family ambassador into the '22 model year. Improvements in the lighting, power delivery, and the addition of standard features that were once optional, or not available at all. Next-generation electronic suspension and a high-vis TFT display round out the new goodies.

2022 BMW K 1600 Grand America Design

The Bayerische Motoren Werke set about the business of building a bike that could compete for a piece of the American-style touring action with the Grand America, and at a glance it seems like a job well done. I mean, just look at the thing. It's a K 1600 B with a topcase and a tour-specific equipment package.

The bike pushes a beefy front end for the pilot's protection and comfort over a sportbike-like scoop that leaves it looking like its crouching over its front wheel like a runner at the blocks. Recessed lighting rides behind a large, faceshield-like visor in LED tech for maximum brightness, and standard for this year, adaptive headlights that illuminate the actual curve ahead, not something over in the other lane. It also responds to rotation in the transverse horizontal axis due to acceleration and braking to keep the light where you need it.

Though a minor detail, I'm digging the light rails built into the edges of the scoop for the turn signals. It's neat and clean, though I wonder if the mirrors wouldn't have been an even better place for the blinkers, simply because of their greater height that can, arguably, make the indicators more visible in traffic.

A power-adjustable windscreen can be tweaked by the rider under way, but when you park, the glass automatically retracts to its lowest setting. Hit the release button and the glass moves back up to the top of its range to allow access to the charging storage compartment so you can plug in your mobile device for charging while under way. The charger is a USB-C port with a 1,500 mA rating at 5 V, which should be sufficient for any kind of mobile phone. The port is in a splash-proof pocket just inside the glass, and it comes with forced ventilation to keep the phone cool under use.

Instrumentation, ride-control electronics, and navigation support all come standard, packed in their entirety behind the 10.25-inch color TFT screen that displays and controls all. If you like to share your music with the class, you've got the Audio System 2.0 package that brings the boom for your traveling tunes. Heated grips and seats are standard for cold-weather riders, and the passenger enjoys an uncommonly tall backrest for better support and comfort.

2022 BMW K 1600 Grand America Chassis

A cast-aluminum, bridge-type frame provides the main support, but it doesn't reach its final rigidity until the stressed engine unit is bolted in. The steering head establishes a rake angle of 27.8 degrees from the vertical with 4.2 inches of trail, and this gives the Grand America a handling profile that belies its great size.

Beemer's unique take on suspension brings its Duo-lever system to the front end that consists of “dead” forks. All of the support and damping comes from a single, coil-over strut. This has the effect of separating the steering and suspension forces for greater control-ability in bumpy conditions, even at speed.

Out back, a single-side swingarm and another spring-strut unit finish the suspension hardware, but that's just the half of it. Beemer's Dynamic Electronic Suspension Adjustment delivers no-muss/no-fuss suspension performance, and it rocks an Auto-Leveling feature that automatically adjusts for changes in loads. Suspension travel comes in at 4.5-inches up front ahead of 5.3-inches out back, which is generous for a road machine and is bound to turn in a plush ride, even on poorly-maintained surfaces.

Symmetrical 17-inch, cast-aluminum wheels round out the rolling chassis, lined with a 120/70 and 190/55 on the front and rear respectively. All come in a “Z” speed rating that'll take all you can dish out and more. There's more fandanglery in the anchors with Beemer's own Motorrad Integral ABS Pro that delivers lean-sensitive interventions for maximum brake safety and performance. The hardware consists of three, all-around 320 mm discs with dual, four-bore calipers up front and a paired-piston binder out back. A Hill-Start Control feature finishes the package, so you can put both feet down while stopped on a grade.

2022 BMW K 1600 Grand America Drivetrain

Power comes from a transverse-mount, in-line six-banger engine. It boasts both oil- and water-cooling capabilities for double thermal protection, and that's important given the smokin'-hot 12.2-to-1 compression ratio.

A nearly-square layout has the bore at 72 mm and the stroke just a skosh on the short side at 67.5 mm with a 1,649 cc total displacement. That's a big engine y'all, and it puts up big numbers with 160 horsepower on tap at 6,750 rpm. While this isn't more power than the previous gen, it does top out a full thousand RPM lower in the range for a less-frenetic engine pace.

A whopping 132.7 pound-feet of torque at 5,250 rpm backs up the ponies to pull this beast out of the hole like a sportier machine might do. A new BMS-O engine-management system pairs with a ride-by-wire throttle control and manages a trio of Ride Modes – Rain/Road/Dynamic – with a Dynamic Traction Control feature and Engine Braking system for added safety. A six-speed, helical-gear transmission sends power to the rear wheel through a tough, shaft-type final drive.

2022 BMW K 1600 Grand America Price

The base-model Grand America rolls in Black Storm Metallic for $27,745. The Style Exclusive that includes Manhattan Metallic Matt adds $275 to that price. If your pimp-game is strong, you might spring for the Option 719 “Midnight” finish that boasts a sweet, hand-laid representation of the galaxy to make each unit unique. Gotta' say, the latter is super-sexy, but you'll pay for it through a $30,495 starting price.

2022 BMW K 1600 Grand America Competitors

It's right in the name; the Grand America takes on the American establishment on its own turf for a slice of the pie, so let's see how it stacks up against the tippity-top of the touring totem pole from Harley-Davidson, the CVO Limited.

Harley-Davidson CVO Limited

In the looks department, it comes down to taste, but the American bike exudes an authenticity that reminds us that the Beemer is the out-of-town visitor here. Harley matches BMW nearly point for point in the engine-electronics with its new Reflex Defensive Rider Systems feature that brings the marque into the modern market with ABS, Rain Mode, Traction Control, and a Vehicle Hold Control for takeoffs up or down hill. Add in one of the best infotainment systems in the business, and the CVO Limited holds its own against the K 1600 platform.

Harley starts to slip, not unpredictably, in the power output figures. As a long-stroke V-Twin, it favors torque over horsepower with 125 pounds o' grunt and 105 horsepower against 160/132.7 to leave it at quite a power deficit. Things get worse for Milwaukee at the checkout with its $44,099 starting sticker that leaves a huge gap in the out-the-door price, and this, along with the power, may be enough to overcome some brand loyalty in the U.S.

Read our full review of the Harley-Davidson CVO Limited.

He Said

“Got to appreciate the passion Beemer brings to the table. Superb attention to detail and performance-minded engineering combine to make this a machine that's sure to generate envy wherever it goes. A definite candidate for someone looking to do some serious touring.”

She Said

My wife and fellow motorcycle writer, Allyn Hinton, says, “Yes, it's a nice touring bike, but unless you plan to buy one, don't let your passenger sit in the pillion. It is comfortable. The armrests swing out of the way for mounting and dismounting. The passenger gets her own speakers, and I don't think you could be any more secure in the pillion without a seat belt. And it's comfortable. Did I mention that?”

2022 BMW K 1600 Grand America Specifications

Further Reading

BMW Motorrad

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