BMW unveil K1600 Bike - Inspector Gadget rejoices

[Darren]

BMW's latest luxury 2-wheeler barge has been unveiled.

The K1600GT and K1600GTL models have more in common with BMW's luxury car range than they do an average motorcycle. And yes, that does mean a 1600cc engine capacity.

Power comes courtesy of BMW's first straight-six engine. Readers of a certain age may recall Honda's CBX 1000 6-cyl motorcycle, a late 70's behemoth that was almost as wide as it was long. BMW claim theirs is the narrowest straight 6 engine ever seen in a motorcycle.

And why is this of interest to PocketGPSWorld reader I hear you all ask? Well in typical BMW fashion, the K1600 is laden with every possible extra known to man. Reverse gear, central locking, adaptive headlights, cruise, iPod compatible stereo, traction control and iDrive. And added to that long list is support for a Garmin Nuvi SatNav.

Nothing particularly unusual in offering navigation of course but BMW have done so in a very neat way. Press a button to extend the windshield and a small hatch opens in the top of the dash to reveal a compartment into which you can dock your Garmin.

Once docked it is fully integrated with the bike, iDrive remote handlebar controls, stereo, power etc. And when installed it is protected from the weather and thieves.

You can see how this works in a YouTube video here, FFWD to 2.40 for the GPS action.

Prices have yet to be revealed but expect this car sized beast to have a car sized price. Only wealthy bikers and Police forces need apply.


_________________
Darren Griffin

[mjbwatson]

I've now had my K1600 GTLE for some 2500 miles and, for a "luxury barge", it's remarkably quick and nimble. I take issue with your description - there is no reverse gear! The BMW Navigator IV integration with the bike is fantastic. The bike has, as an extra, an audio system with built in Bluetooth, so that, with the right Bluetooth helmet, the rider can listen to the radio or MP3 player, as well as get GPS instructions/speed camera warnings, receive mobile phone calls or talk to the pillion with a similarly equipped Bluetooth helmet (and the Pillion can either pair with the bike's audio system, and so listen to the radio or MP3 player, or pair with their own MP3 player and also pair with their own mobile). All in all a great bike and system, although pairing everything up can be a bit of a nightmare.

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