Engine: Same Inline-Six as the GT and GTL—160 hp, 180 Nm, Bagger Tuning

1,649 cc, inline-six, liquid-cooled, transversely mounted, Euro 5. 118 kW (160 hp) at 6,750 rpm, 180 Nm at 5,250 rpm.

Identical to the GT and GTL—the K 1600 B does not use a different engine or a detuned version. It runs the same six-cylinder BMW developed for a sporty touring environment: massive torque at low rpm, with more than 100 Nm already available at idle. That suits the bagger concept perfectly: sit lower, steer with a relaxed touch, and enjoy the thrust from 3,000 rpm.

The K 1600 B’s six-cylinder sound is an argument in its own right. The lowered rear end and different exhaust layout complement the engine note differently than on the GT or GTL. Riders who want to hear that inline-six will be well served by the B.

Three riding modes come standard: Rain, Road, and Dynamic. MSR engine drag torque control is standard. Shift Assistant Pro is included in the optional Comfort Package. Top speed: 200 km/h.

Chassis: Duolever, Dynamic ESA, 17-Inch Forged Wheels—the Bagger With Real Chassis Engineering

The K 1600 B shares its basic chassis architecture with the GT and GTL.

BMW Duolever up front with a centrally mounted shock and 115 mm of travel. At the rear is a cast-aluminum single-sided swingarm with Paralever and 125 mm of travel.

Dynamic ESA Next Generation comes standard: semi-active suspension control with automatic load detection.

The Duolever principle remains the same as on the touring models—minimal brake dive, no kickback through the handlebar, and stable corner entry. What changes is the K 1600 B’s lowered rear subframe, which noticeably alters the geometry and weight distribution. The motorcycle sits lower, carries its center of gravity differently, and feels more manageable at low speeds than its taller touring siblings.

Seventeen-inch forged wheels come standard. They are lighter than cast wheels, reduce gyroscopic forces, and therefore improve both turn-in and acceleration response.

Visually, they are also one of the defining elements of the bagger design. Optional 719 Classic forged wheels are available with a different spoke pattern.

Braking comes from dual 320 mm front discs with fixed four-piston calipers and a 320 mm rear disc. ABS Pro comes standard.

Adaptive cornering lights are standard. So is the electrically adjustable windscreen.

With its forged wheels and lowered rear end, the K 1600 B has the most distinctive design in the entire K 1600 family.

Ergonomics: 750 mm Seat Height, Bagger Stance, Optional Floorboards—Cruising Position From the Factory

The 750 mm seat height is identical to the GTL and significantly lower than the GT’s 810–830 mm. The lowered rear subframe positions the rider deeper inside the motorcycle. The handlebar is wide and angled slightly back toward the rider’s hands. This is cruiser ergonomics: relaxed shoulders, a slightly reclined posture, and legs positioned somewhat forward.

Floorboards are included in the optional Touring Package; conventional footpegs come standard. Riders who want the complete bagger look will want to add the Touring Package.

Standard equipment includes a 10.25-inch color TFT display with navigation through the BMW Motorrad Connected App, adaptive cornering lights, electrically adjustable windscreen, and heated grips. Audio System 2.0 is part of the optional Touring Package.

The 26.5-liter fuel tank provides a realistic touring range of around 400–450 km.

The tapered saddlebags with their vertically oriented, curved taillights are the K 1600 B’s most distinctive styling feature. No other motorcycle in the K 1600 family looks like this one.

Handling: 344 kg—the Lightest Model in the K 1600 Family

344 kg fully fueled—that is around 14 kg less than the GTL at 358 kg and roughly 4 kg less than the GT at 348 kg. The weight advantage comes from the slimmer overall configuration: no passenger backrest, no top case, and less bodywork.

In real-world riding, that makes only a small difference when maneuvering at walking speed. In corners, however, the forged wheels make the K 1600 B feel noticeably more agile than its heavier touring siblings. The K 1600 B handles surprisingly well considering both its appearance and its weight.

The combination of Duolever, ESA, and a low center of gravity produces cornering behavior far beyond what American baggers of comparable size typically offer.

Riders switching from a Harley-Davidson Street Glide or Road Glide to the K 1600 B will feel as though the handling belongs to an entirely different category.

Equipment: Two Packages Make Sense—Audio System Only With the Touring Package

Standard equipment includes Dynamic ESA Next Generation, ABS Pro, traction control, MSR, adaptive cornering lights, electrically adjustable windscreen, heated grips, 10.25-inch TFT with navigation, 17-inch forged wheels, and Rain/Road/Dynamic riding modes. The optional Comfort Package adds Keyless Ride, central locking, Shift Assistant Pro, and the anti-theft alarm system.

The optional Touring Package adds Audio System 2.0 with DAB+, LED auxiliary lights, engine protection bars, floorboards, or storage compartments.

One important distinction compared with the GTL: Audio System 2.0 comes standard on the GTL, while on the K 1600 B it is only included with the optional Touring Package. Fully equip the B and its price begins to approach the GTL.

Color options include Mineral Gray Metallic Matte—new and replacing Manhattan Metallic Matte—Ionic Silver Metallic, and Option 719 on request.

The newer gray, introduced for 2025, looks cooler and more contemporary than the previous Manhattan gray and reinforces the clean bagger styling.

Costs: €27,290—Between the K 1600 GT and GTL, Well Below Harley and Indian

The base price is €27,290 plus freight and packaging. The K 1600 GT starts at €27,190—€100 less—while the GTL starts at €29,290, €2,000 more. Its direct American rival, the Harley-Davidson Street Glide, starts at €32,600. The Indian Challenger starts at €32,890.

The K 1600 B is clearly less expensive and significantly more powerful—160 hp versus around 120 hp from the American baggers—more agile thanks to its Duolever chassis, and equipped with a modern TFT display.

Service intervals are every 10,000 km, with costs ranging from €600 to €900. Valve-clearance inspection is required every 10,000 km. Shaft drive keeps routine maintenance to a minimum. Warranty: two years with unlimited mileage.

Verdict

The BMW K 1600 B is the most distinctive motorcycle in the K 1600 family.

No other motorcycle in this lineup looks like it, sits this low, comes standard with 17-inch forged wheels, and at the same time delivers a 160 hp inline-six in a Duolever chassis.

If you want a bagger in Germany and none of the American offerings delivers enough—whether in performance, chassis capability, or precision—the K 1600 B is the answer.

 

Quick Check

+ 160 hp inline-six, identical to the K 1600 GT and GTL

+ 17-inch forged wheels standard—reduced rotating mass, distinctive bagger design

+ Lowered rear subframe and tapered saddlebags—the most focused bagger styling in the family

+ 344 kg fully fueled—the lightest model in the K 1600 family

+ Duolever suspension and Dynamic ESA standard—handling far beyond American baggers

+ 750 mm seat height—low accessibility, genuine cruiser geometry

+ 26.5-liter fuel tank—approx. 400–450 km of range

+ 10.25-inch TFT with navigation standard

+ Stationary noise below 95 dB(A)—no Tyrol riding restriction

 

– Audio System 2.0 not standard—only included in the optional Touring Package (standard on GTL)

– No top case or passenger backrest as standard

– Shift Assistant Pro only included in the Comfort Package

– 344 kg—despite its bagger character, this is a motorcycle that demands experience

– 2-year warranty

 

Technical Specifications: BMW K 1600 B (2026)

Country of manufacture: Germany (Berlin-Spandau)

Engine: Liquid-cooled inline-six four-stroke engine, DOHC, transversely mounted, Euro 5

Displacement: 1,649 cc

Power: 118 kW (160 hp) at 6,750 rpm

Torque: 180 Nm at 5,250 rpm

Transmission: 6-speed; Shift Assistant Pro optional (Comfort Package)

Final drive: Shaft

Frame: Aluminum bridge frame; lowered rear subframe specific to the Bagger

Front suspension: BMW Duolever with centrally mounted shock, 115 mm travel

Rear suspension: Cast-aluminum single-sided swingarm with Paralever, 125 mm travel

Suspension control: Dynamic ESA Next Generation standard: semi-active, automatic load detection

Front brakes: Dual 320 mm discs, fixed four-piston calipers

Rear brake: 320 mm disc, two-piston floating caliper

Rider aids: ABS Pro (lean-angle optimized), traction control, MSR, adaptive cornering lights standard; Rain/Road/Dynamic riding modes

Wheels: 17-inch forged wheels standard (Bagger-specific; GT/GTL: cast wheels)

Front tire: 120/70 ZR17

Rear tire: 190/55 ZR17

Display: 10.25-inch color TFT with navigation through BMW Motorrad Connected App standard; Audio System 2.0 optional (Touring Package)

Standard equipment: Dynamic ESA, ABS Pro, adaptive cornering lights, electrically adjustable windscreen, heated grips, 10.25-inch TFT/navigation, 17-inch forged wheels, tapered Bagger-style saddlebags

Optional Comfort Package: Keyless Ride, central locking, Shift Assistant Pro, anti-theft alarm system

Optional Touring Package: Audio System 2.0 with DAB+, LED auxiliary lights, engine protection bars, floorboards or storage compartments

Weight: 344 kg (lightest model in the K 1600 family)

Seat height: 750 mm

Wheelbase: 1,618 mm

Fuel capacity: 26.5 liters

Price (Germany): from €27,290 plus additional charges

Warranty: 2 years, unlimited mileage