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Long-awaited BMW bagger officially revealed

BMW K1600 B

Written by Ben Purvis , Date 12:02 PM
06-P90238906_highRes_bmw-k-1600-b-10-2016

We’ve been expecting BMW’s K1600-based bagger for more than two years now but finally the firm has revealed it under the name K1600 B.02-P90238902_highRes_bmw-k-1600-b-10-2016

First seen in spy pictures more than two years ago, the K1600 B has since been leaked in patent images and previewed in last year’s Concept 101 show bike. Now it’s been unveiled in production form in America, which is clearly the bike’s target market.

As predicted, the engine and chassis are straight from the existing K1600 tourers, with the same 160bhp output. The big change is to the styling, particularly at the back where the bike’s tail slopes downwards to give a completely different stance.

03-P90238903_highRes_bmw-k-1600-b-10-2016True to the ‘bagger’ name, the bike’s styling is dominated by the fact it’s got faired-in panniers but no top box. We are expecting a second version with a top case that doubles as a pillion backrest in future. Just such a bike was revealed in patent illustrations earlier this year. It also featured a taller screen and might be given a different name to distinguish it from the K1600 B bagger. K1600 C, perhaps?

The rear mudguard and lights are new, and the whole lot is mounted on a redesigned subframe that’s lower than the K1600 GT’s, dropping the height of the pillion seat. The mudguard itself is designed to fold upwards for maintenance, making it easier to remove the rear wheel than the all-enclosed styling suggests.04-P90238904_highRes_bmw-k-1600-b-10-2016

While key elements of the nose are carried over from the K1600 GT, the B model gets a lower screen, new side panels and belly pan and additional wind-deflectors on the sides of the nose. The mirrors are also new and tubular steel bars replace the cast aluminium ones of the GT. Feet-forward pegs optionally combine with the new bars and seat for a very different riding position compared to the GT model.

Spec-wise, there’s Dynamic ESA as standard with ‘road’ and ‘cruise’ modes, plus the same reverse assist feature that debuted on the 2017 K1600 GT. There’s also the option for BMW’s Intelligent Emergency Call feature, which dials for assistance in the event of an accident.

05-P90238905_highRes_bmw-k-1600-b-10-2016As with other BMWs, further options include Shift Assistant Pro that allows clutchless up and down gearchanges. You can also get removable sat-nav, and the electric screen cleverly retracts whenever the bike is switched off, acting as a security system by making it impossible to remove the navigation system.

Although aimed at America, the bike will also be offered in Europe. Prices and availability are yet to be confirmed.

 

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