2022 BMW K 1600 B First Ride Review

BMW Motorrad offers sport-touring motorcyclists something special with its six-cylinder K 1600 series platform. The K 1600 platform originally debuted in the United States for the 2012 model year. Fast forward to 2016, and BMW has expanded the lineup to include a bagger variation in the K 1600 B. For 2022, BMW Motorrad has modernized the platform. We tested the bagger variation in the BMW K 1600 B ($27,115 as tested).

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As the model name indicates, the K 1600 is powered by BMW’s rowdy liquid-cooled 1,649cc inline six. This bike makes nearly 135 hp at the business end of the 17-inch Bridgestone, these now arriving 1,000 RPM earlier in its powerband. It still makes nearly 116 pound-feet of torque, but the peak arrives at higher RPM versus bikes like Honda’s Gold Wing.

What sets this Beemer apart from others in this premium segment is its flexible powerband. Lug it low and this inline-six offers plenty of torque to get you moving quickly. Short shift through the slick-shifting and electronic quickshifter-equipped (Motorrad calls it Gear Shift Assist Pro) six-speed gearbox and you’re riding a wave of torque to triple digit speeds in no time.

Conversely, if you’re riding in a more sport-oriented fashion or with faster guys and gals on high-performance sportbikes, rev it out and listen to its six cylinders scream. The 1600 B has a borderline ridiculous amount of acceleration force for a heavyweight touring rig. With the throttle pinned, it’s pure F1-like exhilaration, winding out the engine and rowing through the transmission while you're pushed deep into the cozy saddle.

Despite employing older-style axial-mount front calipers, the triple-disc braking package on the K 1600 offers plenty of stopping power; IMU-powered ABS now completes the braking package, boosting stability during brake application over slippery surfaces. We’re especially fond of the sharp, precise front brake compound and hearty brake pedal feel.

As before the engine drinks from a generous seven-gallon fuel tank. We recorded a 32 mpg average during mostly fast paced riding. This extends range to well over 200 miles, a boon for riders that go the distance. Note, though, that with the oddly-engineered OE-fitted floorboards included in the $3,400 Bagger Package, you’ll feel engine heat, especially in your feet.

Suspension-wise it continues to employ BMW’s marvelous Duolever front suspension. This configuration separates steering and damping functions. This is a nearly 800-pound motorcycle, yet steering feel is exceptionally light at any speed and it retains favorable damping quality in a variety of surfaces.

Riding over bumpy surfaces with jarring potholes it delivers a smooth and supple ride. Conversely, when you’re getting after it in the twisties, the suspenders offer a more conventional handling feel versus the Gold Wing, with the traditional front suspension bite of a telescopic fork. We also appreciate the fitment of traditional 17-inch cast alloy wheels fore and aft. Damping is electronically controlled via an IMU— smartphone-type chip that gives the vehicle positional awareness in real-time, based on global riding mode (Rain, Road and Dynamic).

The IMU also powers Motorrad’s new Drag Torque Control (BMW calls it ‘MSR’) which mitigates instability during declaration by raising engine rpm (reduce engine brake effect). In layman’s terms, if you downshift in too low of a gear for vehicle speed, the throttle bodies open to help limit engine back torque and reduce instability on slippery pavement.

In typical BMW form, the K 1600 B is loaded with all the bells and whistles: heated grips, heated seat, cruise control, electronically-adjustable windscreen, LED lighting, electronic suspension and electronic reverse— it’s all standard fare. Our bagger, as noted, was outfitted with the $3,400 Bagger Package, which adds a two-speaker Bluetooth-enabled stereo (it’s a tad quiet for our tastes), center stand, keyless/push-button engine start, electronic storage locks, LED fog/auxiliary, engine crash bars and those questionable floorboards....

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Motorcycle Riding Gear Worn

Helmet: Shoei RF-SR
Jacket: REV’IT! Tornado 3
Pant: REV’IT! Piston
Gloves: REV’IT! Kinetic
Boots: TCX Rush 2 Air

Photography: Jeff Allen
Videography: Bert Beltran, Adam Waheed
Edit: Stephen Potter

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