It has been a very good year for BMW Motorrad, with highly acclaimed models being released, newer models continuing do well and a host of anniversary celebrations.
BMW finishes the year on a high note with the K 1600 GT and GTL luxury tourers named the best motorcycles of 2011. The six-cylinder machines beat tough contenders from the biggest brands in the business to take the top spot in the annual Supertest World Association award.
The Supertest World Association (SWA) is made up of 14 international motoring magazines. The members used a ranking system to decide the winner, awarding three points to their first choice motorcycle, two to the second and one to the third. The K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL garnered the best scores overall.
Introduced in March this year, BMW’s luxury tourer has already proved a huge hit, with class-leading handling and road-holding qualities, thanks to advanced suspension, excellent weight distribution and clever use of lightweight materials.
Its 1600cc engine is lighter and smaller than the other bikes it was up against in the class – something achieved through the use of materials such as magnesium and aluminum. But its low weight and compact size for an inline ‘Six’, it’s just 22 inches wide, doesn’t mean a compromise on power. It puts out 160hp at 7,500rpm, and has a maximum torque of 129 pounds feet at 5,000rpm. The combination of impressive power delivery and a low center of gravity make it a dynamic and exciting machine to ride.
Conceived for long-distance riding, fully loaded with a passenger, the K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL offer three ride modes. Rain, Road and Dynamic are combined with electronically adjustable suspension and an ABS system which leave no doubt as to why this technologically advanced BMW emerged as the winner.
It also boasts headlight options which automatically adapt to suit conditions and terrain allowing riders to literally see around corners, a feature which uses unique patented BMW technology.
The victory in the vote is the second annual title awarded to the BMW Motorrad brand by the SWA in as many years. In 2010, the unstoppable S 1000 RR made history when it was also named Bike of the Year, the first BMW to receive the honor.
While the RR’s achievement marked the first time a BMW Motorrad machine had ever taken the top title in an SWA vote, the K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL snatching it for a second time cements the brand’s position as a true class leader.––Paul Duchene
