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2012 BMW K1600GT First Ride Photo Gallery

2012 BMW K1600GT First Ride

The new 2012 BMW K1600GT is the next generation Sport Touring motorcycle from Germany. It features an Inline Six-cylinder engine and more technological trinkets than you might expect. Read the full report in our 2012 BMW K1600GT First Ride.

Our test units were also equipped with BMW’s Dynamic Traction Control which monitors engine torque and factors in the bike’s lean angle and wheel spin in an effort to reduce the risk of crashing on rough, dirty or wet roads.

The BMW Grand Tourismo, or K1600GT as you see it here, is intended to be the ultimate sport touring motorcycle.

Power is put to the ground via shaft-driven single-sided Paralever swingarm.

Wind protection on the K1600GT is excellent with its wide, tall & adjustable windscreen shielding the rider from the elements.

2012 BMW K1600GT First Ride

The six-speed transmission retains that distinct BMW ka-thunk on engagement but it never failed to slip into gear. The GT has all the right tools including a slipper-clutch.

Up front the trademark Duolever front end offers a sure-footed ride once again. Although front-end feel is forgone for stability and dive resistance, the Duolever is great for touring bikes.

The K1600GT looks great on the move and standing still. Its saddle bags are well integrated into the overall design and the optional Central Locking Systems allows them to be locked or unlocked with the push of a button.

The GT, with this curious new engine configuration, has added a new element to the battle for class supremacy: An inimitable identity that starts with its Inline Six-Cylinder engine.

Overall throttle response is smooth and once you get a feel for how the bike accelerates and where the meat of the power is, you will never want to leave that sweet spot.

The Inline Six churns out a wonderful amount of power and torque in a silky smooth manner. It has good low- and mid-range power then comes on like gangbusters after that.

The riding position is slightly more aggressive than the GTL with the rider canted forward two inches further than the GTL and the pegs are two inches higher and moved forward about 45-degrees toward the bars for a more aggressive stance.

These type of corners made up a large portion of our Sport Touring ride outside of Franschhoek. Loads of big, sweeping curves and treacherous run-off made the ride very exciting.

On the curvy roads of South Africa, the new K1600GT is a capable sport motorcycle.

The K1600GT is based on the same chassis platform as the 2012 BMW K1600GTL with a few less amenities but the same healthy dose of power from that smooth-running Six.

2012 BMW K1600GT First Ride

You want to go places? Grab a K1600GT.

Indicator lights are large and conspicuous when lit up.

2012 BMW K1600GT First Ride

From the seat you can see the Multi-controller wheels on the left handle bar as well as a detailed information system on the dash. The analog speedometer and tach are big, bold and easy to read at a glance. The controls are very still very busy.

Our GT test units featured the Premium Package that includes the Audio System, GPS Preparation, radio software and the Safety Package which includes the Adaptive Headlight, Dynamic Traction Control and tire pressure monitor.

2012 BMW K1600GT First Ride

The standard seat has a range of adjustability between 31.9-to-32.7 inches. There’s an optional low seat which offers a range from 31.5-to-30.7 inches as well.

2012 BMW K1600GT First Ride