2019 bikesales Bike of the Year: BMW K 1600 Grand America

The BMW K 1600 Grand America holds a special title in the 2019 bikesales Bike of the Year test – it's the only 'returning champion', back this year to defend its title as winner of our Touring category. And for a second consecutive year the BMW K 1600 Grand America has been wowing our judges with its incredibly compelling blend of technological sophistication and sheer riding pleasure.

Launched in 2017, the BMW K 1600 Grand America is the high-spec, top-box-equipped version of the brand's K 1600 B bagger, which in turn is a long-and-low variant of BMW's straight K 1600 GT/GTL tourers.

In short, it's a veritable palace on wheels, but with a wet weight of 364kg and a wheelbase of 1618mm, it's also a lot of hardware to handle – reason why, thankfully, it's equipped with a reverse gear (which utilises the starter motor) to aid maneuvering when parking.

However, it's that bulk that highlights the bike's strengths: for such a big motorcycle, it possesses dynamic ability that simply doesn't seem possible. Yes, it will happily waft along the highway indefinitely, but when the bends swing into view the BMW K 1600 Grand America can charge hard – remarkably so.

The key to its success lies with the pairing of a formidable 1649cc in-line six-cylinder engine with a superb chassis and suspension package. The super-smooth six produces a claimed 160hp but it's the 175Nm of torque that tells the story – it's ample to get this Bavarian behemoth rocking.

With barely a hint of vibration at any engine speed, the BMW K 1600 Grand America lazily lopes along at just 2900rpm in sixth gear. Wind on the throttle, however, and the tacho sweeps through to an indicated 8500rpm redline with improbable haste, the impressive acceleration aided by a slick gearbox with uni-directional quick-shifter (on a tourer!).

Ground clearance is healthy for a luxury tourer but when the clearance runs out, this bike ain't cornering any harder – its bulk demands respect when attacking the bends…

With its light clutch and responsive throttle, the BMW K 1600 Grand America is actually pretty easy to manage at lower speeds. Sure, that weight takes some getting used to, but even tight U-turns don't pose any big issue once you've acclimatised, such is the bike's poise and balance.

To all this impressive dynamic ability add first-class ergonomics and weather protection that see the miles pass in total comfort. The seat height is modest at 780mm, but it's broad and plush, while the raised step to the pillion seat securely holds the rider in place. A 750mm low seat is an option ($928).

The ride position is bolt upright with mid-mount footpegs below and the handlebars a gentle stretch away. The expansive screen has electronic adjustment.

Any pillion, meanwhile, is pampered with a throne-like rear seat, complete with heating and backrest.

However, it's the array of fancy electronics that really denotes the BMW K 1600 Grand America as a cut above the rest. The features include a choice of ride modes and traction settings to heated seats and handlebar grips, keyless starting, central locking (for the integrated panniers and topbox), electronic cruise control, electronic suspension adjustment, stereo system, tyre pressure monitoring, comprehensive trip computer, TFT display – the list goes on.

Most of these features can be accessed or adjusted through the combination of a multi-function collar on the left-hand 'bar and buttons on the smart, logical switch-block layouts.

The general level of specification is extremely high, as you'd hope for a top-dollar machine with a $44,180 (ride away) price tag. That makes it the dearest bike on test by nearly $8300.

Our test bike also sports a number of other accessories, like the highway boards and driving lights. And it features a now unavailable Austin Yellow Metallic paint scheme – current choices span metallic silver, black or blue.

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Curiously (for a touring bike), BMW's Navigator VI GPS system (not fitted to our test bike) isn't standard – it's a $1290 accessory.

Over five days of demanding mountain riding, the big Beemer was perhaps a little out of its element, but it just didn't matter – it simply lapped up the twisting roads around Bright and was never far behind whenever the front-runners pulled up.

Its sheer capability and comfort impressed our judges the most, while its weight was its biggest detractor for some. But hey, it's a luxury tourer, after all… The lack of a front glove compartment is a notable omission, not that bike lacks for luggage space in general.

As for fuel economy, on this test the BMW K 1600 Grand America achieved a comparative figure of 7.4lt/100km. That made it the thirstiest on test, but with a 26.5-litre tank it still spells a safe working range of around 330km. Expect plenty more for pure highway cruising.

For anyone intent on long-distance touring, either solo or two-up, the BMW K 1600 Grand America will convey you in sublime comfort in a manner that really has to be sampled to be believed. Its price and size mean it won't of course suit everyone's budget or needs but, as far as luxury tourers go, the BMW K 1600 Grand America is an engineering marvel on two wheels.

ENGINE
Type: Liquid-cooled, four-valve inline six cylinder
Capacity: 1649cc
Fuel system: Electronic fuel injection

PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: 160hp (118kW) at 7750rpm
Claimed maximum torque: 175Nm at 5250rpm

TRANSMISSION
Type: Six speed
Final drive: Shaft

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Front suspension: BMW Motorrad Duolever; central spring strut, 115mm travel
Rear suspension: BMW Motorrad Paralever 125mm travel
Front brakes: 320mm disc with twin-piston caliper, ABS
Rear brake: 245mm disc with single-piston caliper, ABS
Wheels: Front – 17 x 3.5, rear 17 x 6.0
Tyres: Bridgstone Battlax BT022, front 120/70-ZR17, rear 190/55-ZR17

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Claimed wet weight: 364kg
Rake: 27.8 degrees
Seat height: 780mm (750mm optional)
Wheelbase: 1618mm
Fuel capacity: 26.5 litres
Measured fuel consumption: 7.4lt/100km

OTHER STUFF
Price: From $44,180 ride away
Colour: Blackstorm Metallic or Austin Yellow Metallic
Bike supplied by: BMW Motorrad Australia
Warranty: 24 months unlimited kilometres plus 24 months roadside assist