BMW
Media
Release
2010Page 12018/10/12
For Immediate Release
October
The new BMW K 1600 GT.
The new BMW K 1600 GTL.
Table of contents.
1. Overall concept...... 02
2. Powertrain...... 09
3. Chassis...... 20
4. Electrical system and electronics...... 27
5. Body and design...... 34
6. Equipment program...... 39
7. Paint finishes...... 42
8. Engine output and torque...... 43
9. Technical Specifications...... 44
1.Overall concept.
BMW K 1600 GT and BMW K 1600 GTL – fascination with sixcylinders.
Ever since BMW Motorrad presented the concept study Concept 6 in autumn2009, the new 6-cylinder in-line engine installed in it has caught theimagination of many motorcycle fans. For over seven decades now, 6-cylinderin-line engines have stood for fascinating engine technology in automobiles atBMW more than with any other brand. With the new K 1600 GT andK 1600 GTL, BMW motorcycles are now available for the first time with a 6-cylinder in-line power unit developed in-house. The two touring motorcycleshave a supreme, impressive and equally distinctive appearance, creating a
desire to travel at first sight.
Riding dynamics, long-distance suitability and comfort.
For decades, 6-cylinder in-line engines have exercised a special fascination.In addition to their perfect running smoothness they also offer supremeoutput and torque, giving the rider powerful emotional impressions.
In addition to safety, equipment and comfort, prestige and dynamicperformance are the key criteria for a supreme touring bike. With the mostcompact in-line 6-cylinder engine in serial motorcycle production to date, theK 1600 GT and the K 1600 GTL penetrate a whole new dimension in termsof riding properties, long-distance suitability and comfort. They combinemaximum agility and riding dynamics with a luxurious overall package. With anengine output of 118 kW (160 bhp) and a maximum torque of 175 Newton
metres, their 6-cylinder engine provides superb propulsion in all conditions.
Lightest and most compact serial production 6-cylinder in-line
engine in a motorcycle > 1000 cc.
Previously, the in-line arrangement of six cylinders resulted in either very longor very wide constructions, depending on the installation position, which ledto drawbacks in terms of chassis geometry, weight distribution and centre ofgravity. This is where the K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL break new ground.
Weighing 102.6 kilograms, the engine is by far the lightest serially produced6-cylinder in-line engine for motorcycles in the class > 1000 cc.
What is more,the engine is significantly narrower in construction width than all other 6-cylinder in-line motorcycles in serial production to date. This extremelycompactconstruction and reduced width was achieved in particular by meansof a cylinder bore of 72 millimetres in conjunction with a spacing of just5 millimetres between the cylinder the cylinder sleeves.
Both the low engine weight and the consistent lightweight construction of thevehicle as a whole contribute to the low weight of the vehicle. At 319 kg(K 1600 GT without panniers) and 348 kg (K 1600 GTL with panniers andtopcase) the new touring bikes are in the lower range of the segment.
Three modes to choose from and DTC (Dynamic Traction Control)
for maximum safety when accelerating.
The rider of the K 1600 models has three different engine characteristicsdirectly available at the press of a button at the right-hand end of thehandlebars so as to be able to adapt to different uses such as touring on theroad, riding on wet surfaces and sporty, dynamic motorcycling - the modes"Rain", "Road" and "Dynamic". Available as an option ex works, the tractioncontrol function DTC is combined individually with the different modes, fullyharmonised with them so as to provide maximum riding safety.
E-gas.
The control of the central throttle valve with a diameter of 52 millimetres is effected via an e-gas, also known as a ride-by-wire system. The rider's wishesare registered by means of a sensor in the accelerator twist grip. The enginecontrol then adjusts the position of the throttle valve accordingly.
Chassis with ideal mass concentration for dynamic riding properties.
The essential chassis elements of the BMW K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL arethe light alloy bridge-type frame, and the Duolever and Paralever for wheelcontrol at front and rear. Because of the special requirements of a touring bikewith a 6-cylinder engine, particular attention was paid to balancing themasses.
All in all, the interplay of chassis and engine position, together with the seatingposition of the rider, not only makes for a low overall centre of gravity with avery favourable concentration of masses, it also provides an ideally balancedwheel load distribution for
excellent riding properties. The combination of ridestability, riding dynamics andlightness of handling in all riding and loadconditions sets a new benchmark in the touring bike segment.
Electronic Suspension Adjustment ESA II for optimum adaptation toall uses and load states.
The new 6-cylinder touring bikes also benefit from the innovative ElectronicSuspension Adjustment II (ESA II), which is offered as a special equipmentfeature ex works.
With this system, globally unique on the motorcycle market, the rider canconveniently press a button to electronically adapt not only the rebounddamping properties of the front and rear spring strut but also the spring rest("spring preload") of the rear spring strut as well as the latter's spring rate andtherefore the "hardness" of the suspension. This makes for outstandingstability and impressive responsiveness in all load states.
The additional adaptation of the spring rate allows the damping settings"Sport, Normal, Comfort" to be spread widely in ESA II, giving them clearlyperceptible characteristics during riding. So in "Sport" mode, the K 1600 GTand K 1600 GTL are even more dynamic and precise and in "Comfort" modethey are more comfortable - while still retaining excellent stability.
Adaptive headlight - a world first for increased safety at night.
With the new BMW Motorrad touring bikes, the first ever "AdaptiveHeadlight" option is available ex works in the motorcycle sector as asupplement to the standard xenon headlamp. In addition to standard pitchcompensation, the light of the main headlamp is also balanced in relation tobanking angle. This produces significantly improved illumination of the roadwhen cornering and therefore an enormous increase in active riding safety.
Integrated operating concept with Multi-Controller, TFT colourscreen and menu guidance.
The instrument panel of the K 1600 models comprises two classic circularinstruments for the speedometer and tachometer and a 5.7-inch TFT colourdisplay. The design of the information display is also completely new in themotorcycle field. Among other things, it enables the attractive presentation oftext and graphics over several lines.
Another world first is the Multi-Controller as part of an integrated operatingconcept, first introduced in the BMW R 1200 RT at the end of 2009. Inaddition to audio system control, the K 1600 models also have a menu foroperating the comfort functions and on-board computer.
Innovative design with outstanding wind and weather protection.
Particular attention was paid during development to the combination ofinnovative design, optimum wind and weather protection and the very highestlevel of functionality. A very good example of this is the electrically adjustablewindshield with memory function.
The bike's aerodynamic qualities in terms of reduced air swirl - especially inthe pillion passenger area - were developed in sophisticated wind tunneltests. But the windshield not only protects the rider and pillion passenger: itautomatically returns to the starting position when the ignition is switched off,acting as an anti-theft system for the optionally available navigation system.
BMW K 1600 GT with active riding ergonomics for proactive touring.
The design of the ergonomic triangle from the position of the footrests, seattop and handlebars makes for a highly proactive seating position in theK 1600 GT, while still retaining a high level of long-distance comfort. The riderand pillion passenger enjoy a comfortable knee angle but the seating positionis geared towards the front wheel for a dynamic riding style. The seat isheight-adjustable in the rider area so that it can be adapted to individualneeds.
The K 1600 GT is has a very extensive range of standard features ex worksconsisting of xenon headlamps, heated grips and seat, cruise control and onboardcomputer. In conjunction with the supreme riding qualities of the newBMW Motorrad 6-cylinder engine, this motorcycle leaves nothing to bedesired as far as the proactive touring rider is concerned.
BMW K 1600 GTL with very comfortable, relaxed ergonomics set-upfor long trips with pillion passenger.
The luxurious touring bike BMW K 1600 GTL meets the very highest demands. Rider and pillion passenger benefit from the very relaxed, uprightseating position as is
especially appreciated over long distances. Theergonomic design is geared towards maximum comfort and derives from asingle-section, dual level seat in conjunction with rider footrests which arefurther forward and lower, as well as handlebars which reach furtherbackwards. The standard topcase rounds off the range of comfort features for
the pillion passenger.
Like the K 1600 GT, the K 1600 GTL has a very extensive range of standardfeatures consisting of xenon headlamps, heated grips and seat, cruise controland on-board computer. The overall impression of the fascinating 6-cylindermotorcycle in combination with a carefully conceived storage concept, astandard audio system and numerous design elements make the BMWK 1600 GTL the flagship model among the BMW Motorrad touring bikes.
Individual paint finish concepts adapted to the character of eachbike.
As touring bikes, the new BMW K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL stand for aperfect synthesis of supremacy, dynamic performance and comfort. This isalso reflected in the colouring of the two models.
In the K 1600 GT, the body colours of Light Grey metallic and Vermilion Redmetallic create a fascinating contrast with the frame and wheels in Ostra Greyand the engine in Platinum metallic matt. The colouring especially highlightsthe bike's technical components. The lines are concentrated and give themotorcycle a marked sense of agility.
With its emphasis on comfort and equipment, the K 1600 GTL has a powerfulpresence and elegance with elongated lines. This was achieved by means ofa harmonious interaction between body colours and the colouring of theengine and chassis components. Here, Mineral Silver metallic or Royal Bluemetallic 2 provide a perfect match for the Magnesium metallic matt of thepainted frame and wheels. The engine in Platinum metallic matt ensures anappealing overall impression.
An overview of highlights of the BMW K 1600 GT/ K 1600 GTL:
• Supreme in-line 6-cylinder engine with a high level of pulling power,especially in the
lower and medium engine speed range.
• Engine output 118 kW (160 bhp) at 7 750 rpm and maximum torque175 Nm at 5 250
rpm.
• Over 70 per cent of the maximum torque is already available from1 500 rpm.
• The lightest and most compact 6-cylinder in-line engine in serialmotorcycle production
> 1000 cc weighing just 102.6 kg and measuring555 mm in width.
• Consistent lightweight construction throughout the entire vehicle(magnesium front
panel carrier, aluminium rear frame, crankshaft etc.).
• E-Gas.
• Three modes to choose from ("Rain", "Road", "Dynamic")
• High active safety due to standard BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (partintegral).
• Dynamic traction control DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) for maximumsafety when
accelerating (optional extra).
• Chassis with Duolever and Paralever and ideal mass concentration fordynamic riding
properties combined with optimum comfort.
• Electronic Suspension Adjustment ESA II for optimum adaptation to alluses and load
states (optional extra).
• World premiere in a motorcycle: Adaptive Headlight (optional extra) forincreased safety
at night in conjunction with standard xenon headlamp andfibre optic rings.
• Integrated operating concept with Multi-Controller, TFT colour display andmenu
guidance for the first time.
• Audio system with preparation for navigation device and controllableinterface for iPod,
MP3, USB, Bluetooth and satellite radio (USA andCanada only) (standard in the K 1600
GTL).
• Innovative design with outstanding wind and weather protection.
• K 1600 GT with active riding ergonomics for proactive touring.
• K 1600 GTL with a very comfortable, relaxed ergonomics set-up for longtrips with
pillion passenger as well as luxurious touring equipment.
• Central locking for storage compartments, panniers and topcase (optionalextra).
• Extensive fittings and individually tailored accessories at the familiar highlevel of BMW
Motorrad
2. Powertrain.
Lightest and most compact serial production 6-cylinder in-line
engine in a motorcycle > 1000 cc.
Previously, the in-line arrangement of six cylinders resulted either in very longor very wide constructions, depending on the installation position, which ledto drawbacks in terms of chassis geometry, weight distribution and centre ofgravity. The K 1600 models break new ground here.
The engine is significantly narrower in construction width than all other6-cylinder in-line motorcycles in serial production to date. This extremelycompact construction and reduced width was achieved in particular by meansof a just slightly undersquare stroke-bore ratio of 67.5 to 72 millimetres(0.938) with a relatively long stroke and very small cylinder centre distancespacings of 77 millimetres. The effective distance between the cylindersleeves is thus only 5 millimetres.
What is more, weighing 102.6 kilograms (basic engine including clutch,gearbox and alternator) the engine is by far the lightest serially produced6-cylinder in-line engine for motorcycles in the class > 1000 cc.
Supremacy and ride comfort.
The transversely mounted 6-cylinder inline engine of the BMW K 1600models has a capacity of 1649 cc. Its rated output is 118 kW (160 bhp) at7 750 rpm. The maximum torque of 175 Nm is reached at 5 250 rpm. Over70 per cent of the maximum torque is available from 1 500 rpm. Thedevelopment goals here were highly superior touring characteristics andridability combined with maximum running smoothness.
Compact overall design and space-saving construction.
In order to achieve this narrow construction, the electrical ancillary units andtheir drive mechanisms were moved behind the crankshaft into the free spaceabove the gearbox.
This also made it possible to create a powertrain with ideal mass concentrationat the centre of the vehicle. The total width of the engine is 555 millimetres.This makes the engine only slightly wider than a current large-volume 4-cylinder engine.
Due to the perfect mass balance created by the construction, the 6-cylinderengine does not require a compensation shaft and the associated driveelements, which results both in weight benefits and increased runningsmoothness.
In its layout, the 6-cylinder in-line engine is based on the familiar 4-cylinder inlineengine of the K 1300 series and, like the latter, has a cylinder axis which istilted forwards by 55 degrees. This not only results in a low centre of gravitybut also a balanced weight distribution. The tilt of the engine likewise createsspace for an aerodynamically optimised intake system directly above theengine, as well as allowing freedom for frame profile design geared towardsoptimum stability and rigidity.
Crankshaft drive and basic engine - narrow and light construction
with six cylinders and a capacity of 1649 cc.
The crankshaft of the K 1600 engine is a single-piece construction forged inheat-treated steel. It has counterweights and inertia-optimised discs as wellas the usual 6-cylinder offset of 120 degrees for even firing intervals.Particular attention was also paid here to the issue of lightweight construction.For example the weight of the crankshaft is only very slightly in excess of acomparable 4-cylinder engine at just 12.9 kilograms The crankshaft is friction bearing.The main bearing journals are 42 millimetres in diameter, while the
connecting rod pin journals have a diameter of 40 millimetres. All mainbearings are supplied directly with pressure oil. The lubrication supply to theconnecting-rod bearing comes from the main bearings.
One of the crankshaft web counterweights acts as a cogwheel for the primarydrive to the clutch. Another cogwheel on the outer crankshaft web is used forengine speed sensing. The other counterweights are aerodynamicallyoptimised.
The drive of the camshafts in the cylinder head is effected by means of atooth-typechain which runs via a compression-moulded toothed chain wheelon the right-hand end of the crankshaft.
The friction-bearing connecting rods are light forged parts made of heat treatedsteel. Measuring 124.45 millimetres in length, they benefit smoothengine running and ensure low lateral forces in the pistons, thereby securinga low level of inner friction in this area. Horizontal partitioning is achieved bymeans of the well-established crack technology: the large connecting-rod eyeis "cracked" in the centre plane by the specific hydraulic application of apowerful traction force. This rupture point enables extremely precise-fittingassembly without further centering.
Lightweight slipper pistons are used with a short piston skirt, two narrowpiston rings optimised for frictional loss and a narrow oil scraper ring. The flatdesign of the combustion chamber means than in spite of the highcompression ratio of 12.2:1 it has been possible to keep the piston head andpiston relief flat. This supportsthermodynamically favourable combustion andenables a weight-optimised piston head shape.
Horizontally separated case in open deck construction.
The dual-section cylinder crankcase is made of highly rigid aluminium alloys.The partition level is at the centre of the crankshaft. The compact uppersection forms a highly rigid composite unit made up of the six cylinders andthe upper bearing pedestal for the crankshaft. The use of the sand casttechnique in the construction permits thin walls.
The cylinder block is designed in an open-deck construction, i.e. the waterjacket is open to the cylinder head. The barrels have a wear-proof, low-frictionnickel-silicon dispersion coating. The die-cast lower section forms thecounterpiece to the main bearing of the crankshaft and supports the 6-speedgearbox.
Cylinder head with barrel camshafts and bucket-type tappets.
The output, characteristics, efficiency and therefore fuel consumption ofengines are largely determined by the cylinder head and valve gear. Thedesign of the chill-cast 4-valve cylinder head in the K 1600 models is gearedtowards optimum channel geometry, compactness, excellentthermodynamics and a reliable heat balance.
With a view to maximising inspection intervals in particular, theBMW Motorrad engine experts have opted for a valve operating system usingbucket tappets. This combines the qualities of rigidity, compact constructionand reliability.