Just as we predicted, BMW has released a full-sized touring bike based on the K1600 platform.
The BMW K1600 Grand America is very similar to the K1600B bagger that showed up earlier this year, but with a complete factory luggage package and a seat built for long-haul miles.
The K1600 motor is tuned to make 160 hp at 7,750 rpm in this configuration, with 129 lb-ft of torque at 5,250 rpm. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h is 3.2 seconds.
Despite that power, BMW says top speed is limited to 162 km/h, to suit “The American Way of Riding.” Too bad for us Canadians, or Europeans, who might want to go a bit faster … Officially, BMW says the speed restriction is necessary for safety on a fully-loaded bike.
Along with power, the K1600 also has Dynamic ESA, which can be set for varying road surfaces, depending whether the rider wants maximum traction or a nice, plush ride. There are three riding modes—Rain, Road, and Dynamic.
Other functions include a reverse assist function, Dynamic Traction Control, crash bars, heated grips, seat heating, cruise control, and a high windscreen and big bodywork to keep airflow off the rider. There’s also a full onboard audio system, ready for an optional GPS add-on. Lighting is LED, all-around.
The BMW K1600 Grand America has a Duolever front end and Paralever rear suspension; the frame is an alloy bridge-type unit, with the engine as a stressed unit.
The bike has a foot-forward riding position as standard, once again set to fit in the mold of a stereotypical American cruiser riding position.
Should you want to throw money at your bike, you can attach an optional up/down quickshifter, an intelligent emergency call system (only available in some markets), forged handlebars, various seat heights for adjusting floorboards, keyless ignition, adaptive headlights, Hill Start Control, and many other official accessories.
The K1600 Grand America is designed to run on premium fuel.
There are dual 320 mm brake discs up front, with radial four-piston fixed calipers. The single rear 320 mm disc has a two-piston floating caliper. The front wheel is a 3.50 x 17 unit, the rear is a 6.00 x 17. Seat height is 780 mm (750 mm with optional low seat, 810 mm with optional high seat). Curb weight is 364 kg. Fuel capacity is 26.5 litres.
The Grand America will come to Canada in time for next riding season. Pricing has not been announced yet, but the K1600B is priced at $26,100, and this will cost more.
GALLERY
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“The bike has a foot-forward riding position as standard, once again set to fit in the mold of a stereotypical American cruiser riding position.”
The bike actually has footpegs, shifter and brake pedal in what appears to be the ‘under the knees’ riding position and folding highway floor boards. So the real riding position is not so stereotypical unless you’re talking in relation to something like a Goldwing.