BMW buffs up its long-distance touring chops with a freshly updated GTL model built on the K 1600 platform. The engine is cleaner with a tad more torque, plus it boasts a new electronic engine control system and expanded ride controls electronics. A top case and relaxed ergonomic profile complete the package for this American-style touring machine.

2022 BMW K 1600 GTL Design

No way around it, the K 1600 GTL is a rather bulky bike, and hefty, too, with a 789-pound curb weight. The good news is that it all contributes to long-distance comfort through rider protection, chassis stability, and tracking.

New for this year is the all-LED headlight that comes stock with a lean angle-sensitive adaptive headlight feature that automatically illuminates into the curves ahead for much better visibility and confidence once the sun goes down. Plus it comes with the “Welcome,” “Good bye,” and “Follow-me-home” lighting features that respond to changes in the ignition settings, the latter of which also improves safety at night due to its floodlight mode that ensures full visibility to the front.

As before, the vented windshield is electrically operated, and it doubles as a lock for the little smartphone cubby when set at its lowest position, which happens automatically when the ignition is switched off. Inside the cubby is a USB-C port that can deliver up to 1,500 mA at five Volts to power and charge your gadget, and it comes ready to hold a range of device shapes securely in place to keep your electronics from getting jostled at every bump.

All of the instrumentation is crammed into the new 10.25-inch color TFT screen along with all of the controls for the higher electronics. Resolution is razor sharp as well with 1920 x 720 pixels and excellent low-light visibility. You can add to it with optional additional forward-facing lighting and floor lighting that can be had a la carte. Bring the navigation display up under way for real-time guidance via Bluetooth and W-LAN wireless connectivity. Plus you get to rock out with the new Audio System 2.0 as part of the standard equipment package with AM/FM and SAT radio reception in the U.S.

Perhaps the most comforting feature you can get is, at this time, an option. The Intelligent Emergency Call feature, or eCall, that gets the emergency services alerted and en route ASAP, vastly improving your chances of survival after a wreck. Rather than remaining an external feature, the twin radio antennae are now incorporated with the body and out of sight.

A deep-scoop seat cradles the pilot's butt deep down into the bike, but the pillion is well lofted and cradled between beefy J.C. handles and a wrap-around backrest handles and a wrap-around backrest}} incorporated with the touring trunk. It comes stock with a neck support pad and fold-up footboards to complete the comfort package for your passenger.

2022 BMW K 1600 GTL Chassis

In spite of its heft, the factory did take steps to limit the weight of the K 1600 GTL, starting with die-cast aluminum for the main frame structure up front, followed up by extruded aluminum members to finish it off. Beemer's Duolever front end relies on “dead” forks and a central shock absorber for damping and support. This has the wonderful effect of separating steering and suspension forces for improved rider control and feel at the handlebar.

Dual trailing links articulate for the front end with 4.5 inches of travel at the axle, while out back, a cast-aluminum, single-side Paralever swingarm articulates for the rear with a 5.3-inch stroke. Damping and preload are controlled electronically by the next-gen Dynamic Electronic Suspension Adjustment feature that also rocks fully automatic load compensation on the fly for changes in lading.

The GTL comes equipped to handle the great energies that such a heavy and powerful machine produces with dual, four-bore calipers that bite 320 mm discs up front, followed by a third 320 mm disc and twin-pot anchor. Anti-lock protection is provided courtesy of Beemer's own, partially-integral, Motorrad ABS feature that comes with the standard equipment package.

Cast-aluminum wheels round out the rolling chassis with 17-inch hoops in a 120/70 up front and 190/55 out back. The rubber comes with a “Z” rating that will tolerate the 125-plus mph top speed the GTL brings to the table.

2022 BMW K 1600 GTL Drivetrain

The transverse-mount, inline-six engine remains more or less the same, it just comes tuned for EU-5 regulations, and the maximum power comes on a full 1,000 rpm lower in the rev range. This gives it 160 horsepower at 6,750 rpm with 133 pound-feet of torque at 5,250 rpm, plenty o' power to pull this big 'un off the line with authority and ample top end at 125-plus mph for a commanding presence on the superslab.

Power flows through a hydraulic clutch and six-speed transmission before it heads to the rear wheel via via}. Plus, the tranny sports helical gears for the a shaft-type final drive they bring to the table.

The engine runs a 72 mm bore and 67.5 mm stroke for quiet and efficient operation and relatively hot, 12.2-to-1 compression ratio. It retains the two knock sensors from before, but has two extra Lambda probes for a total of four to help meet its emissions obligations. As for electronic support, a a 1,649 cc total displacement feature adds a layer of protection for the rear contact patch, and Dynamic Traction Control backs it up with new for this year, a drag-torque control feature.

All of the above benefit from the six-axis inertial measurement unit that gives it its anti-skid protection on hard downshifts and engine-braking actions and special suspension features. You can switch between dynamic ABS to quickly change the engine's personality to suit the conditions.

2022 BMW K 1600 GTL Price

MSRP on the 2022 K 1600 GTL starts at $26,895 for the Standard package that rolls in Black Storm Metallic paint. Gravity Blue Metallic and Mineral White Metallic are also up for grabs with the Exclusive package and Option 719 package, respectively.

2022 BMW K 1600 GTL Competitors

No doubt about it, this bike is built around the American touring style and the long-distance trips associated with same, but rather than grabbing a U.S. brand, I decided to see how another import in the same category will fare. So with that, I give you the Gold Wing Tour from Honda.

Honda Gold Wing Tour

The Wing follows the same general design with a full front fairing, full set of baggage out back, and full bodywork in between. Infotainment is likewise robust on the Japanese entry. Power drops off a bit with only around 90 ponies from Honda's flat-six plant, yet the Gold Wing retains the handling of a smaller, lighter bike, just without the brute strength lurking under the Beemer's bodywork.

Looks are not likely to factor in much as they both look like imports. However, Honda brings something unique to the table with its Dual Clutch Transmission that delivers twist-and-go operation, effectively an automatic transmission, for which BMW has no answer. Sure, it's niche, but I do count it as a boon for the Wing. The $28,500 sticker on the Honda doesn't do it any favors, though at this price point, the difference is probably negligible.

Read our full review of the Honda Gold Wing Tour.

He Said

“Such power and torque for a tourbike, even a big one, with a top speed well into OMG territory. On the one hand, the Bayerische gets the comfort and storage considerations rights, but there is no Autobahn equivalent here Stateside and 125 mph will get you locked up, killed, or some variation thereof.”

She Said

My wife and fellow motorcycle writer, Allyn Hinton, says, “There is no fiery-eyed peg-dragger in my husband nor is there any desire in him to go stupidfast even in a straight line. One thing you can't ignore is that the K 1600 GTL has plenty of roll-on at speed, which is desirable on the highway. The bike has a really nice power-to-weight ratio, if you're into the pure numbers of it, but that translates into robust performance both in handling and engine capability. The top case holds two full-face helmets and passenger comfort is well covered, though I would like to see a storage compartment accessible to the passenger while under way and with no speaker other than those in the front fairing, bring earbuds for your listening pleasure. This is a really nice tourer. If you have a Gold Wing Tour on your list of considerations, I'd suggest taking the K 1600 GTL out for a test ride before you plunk down your money.”

2022 BMW K 1600 GTL Specifications

Further Reading

BMW Motorrad

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