BMW K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL

BMW's all-new touring machine, the K 1600 GT, is now on the home stretch ahead of its world premiere, with the company releasing another wad of information on the ride-by-wire in-line six-cylinder.

In fact, it's not just the K 1600 GT we're talking about now, as there will be a second bike called the K 1600 GTL with a higher level of deluxe appointments.  

First, the centrepiece - the 1649cc engine, where BMW already has over seven decades of pedigree in its car division.

The engine weights 102.6kg and is just 560mm wide. BMW claims it will produce 160hp (118kW) at 7500rpm, with maximum torque of 175Nm at 5000rpm.

Over 70 per cent of maximum torque will be available from 1500rpm, and there will be three riding modes to choose from: Rain, Road or Dynamic.

According to BMW, the engine is approximately 100mm narrower than all previous production six-cylinder in-line engines used in motorcycle construction. The compact construction and reduced width has been achieved by means of an undersquare 67.5mm to 72mm bore and stroke ratio. The effective distance between the cylinder sleeves is 5mm.

Partially integrated ABS will be standard, and optional extra will include traction control, electronic suspension adjustment and an adaptive headlight - which BMW claims is a world first on motorcycles. See below for a video on the feature.

With adaptive headlights, there's no guessing game. The lights turn their beams around each bend in the road, giving you a better view of what's ahead. For a touring bike, that makes complete sense.

The adaptive headlight features a stepper motor which turns the standard static reflector mirror into a movable mirror. In relation to the banking angle the mirror is then turned on an axis and compensates for the roll angle. In addition to pitch compensation, the light of the main headlight is also balanced in relation to the banking angle. This results in significantly improved illumination of the road when cornering and therefore an enormous increase in active riding safety.

Calculation of the vehicle's banking angle is carried out by means of a centrally positioned sensor box as already used by the S 1000 RR. The information is distributed by the CAN bus and used by the traction control system as well as by the ABS. The complex algorithms were developed entirely by BMW Motorrad.

The audio system will have all the bells and whistles (iPod, MP3, USB, Bluetooth), and the GTL will have satellite radio.

Standard features on both E-Gas (ride-by-wire) bikes include a Xenon (HID) headlight, heated grips and seat, cruise control and on-board computer.

The GTL then takes relaxed ergonomics the next level, and the bike also has a top box as standard and range of comfort features for passengers.

There is yet no mention of fuel capacity (we're tipping around 30lt) or overall weight - other than the engine weights as much as your average motocross bike.

BMW is claiming "lightweight construction throughout the entire vehicle", so we can expect lots of magnesium and aluminium.

There is no world of an official release date, but you'd have to think the EICMA show in Milan in November would have to be in the company's final roll-out plans. Of course, pricing is still to be confirmed.