Reviewed: 2023 BMW K1600B
The BMW Motorrad Demo Days trucks passed through my area last week, and I took several of their bikes out for a spin.
First up is the 2023 BMW K1600B equipped with the Option 719 Midnight package. The Option 719 Midnight package is a $2,395 paint and seat option that includes custom graphics on the fairing and luggage, plus an upgraded seat with quilted seams and seat heating.
The custom paintwork is beautiful and detailed; however, not eye-catching. From a distance, it is unlikely to be noticed.
Under the fancy paint is a standard K 1600 B. As someone who rides an R NineT Scrambler, getting on the K 1600 B is like jumping from an old Jeep Wrangler to a Lincoln Town Car. Everything about this bike screams comfort, especially the premium Option 719 seat. Obviously, that’s by design. This is a bike meant to chew up long highways.
BMW’s 1,649cc water-cooled inline-6 provides 160 silky smooth horsepower at 6,750 rpm and 137.7 lb.-ft of torque at 5,250 rpm. This is an engine that prefers the mid to higher rpm range and I was a little disappointed at the amount of torque available in the lower rpm band compared to my 2-cylinder boxer. Stepping off my R nineT not 30 minutes before I mounted the K 1600, I found myself shifting this bike too early for its liking. Not a problem with the bike per se, as keeping the engine in any rpm is much smoother than the boxer, but I did have to train myself to let it hang out at higher rpm levels than I’m use to. Over 3,000 rpm is where the engine really shines, and the power feels limitless.
This K 1600 B was equipped with a standard 6-speed transmission and BMW’s optional Gear Shift Assist Pro. GSAP allows clutchless shifting once rolling in 1st gear at most engine speeds. I found that the closer to first gear I was, the less I liked it. At highway speeds, clicking between the top three gears without using the clutch is smooth and effortless. When puttering through suburbia, I can shift much smoother than GSAP is able to manage. Rolling the K 1600 through a hilly, country highway without the need of my clutch hand is something I could get used to.
The GSAP option is only available when selecting the $3,120 Bagger Package that also includes compartments or floorboards (your choice), an audio system with radio, a center stand, LED fog lights, anti-theft alarm, and a one-touch central locking system for all top and side cases. This pushes the MSPR for the bike I tested to $28,995.
