Positioning:
The BMW K1600GT and K1600GTL represent the pinnacle of BMW's touring motorcycle lineup, offering unparalleled luxury, comfort, and performance for long-distance riders. This manual targets owners and independent workshops catering to this premium segment.
Competitors:
Competes with other high-end touring motorcycles such as the Honda Gold Wing, Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited, and Yamaha Star Venture.
Highlights:
Designed for the discerning rider, emphasizing ease of DIY maintenance and repair to preserve the ownership experience and value.
General Coverage:
Complete Workshop Service and Repair Procedures A-Z
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (Detailed procedures imply a significant number of pages, typically 500+ for a complete workshop manual)
Type:
Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual
Format:
Downloadable Digital File (PDF compatible)
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, inspection, repair, timing, lubrication, cooling system
Engine Management:
Fuel injection system, ignition system, emissions control, engine control unit (ECU) diagnostics and programming
Transmission:
Clutch operation and adjustment, gearbox internal inspection and repair, final drive
Chassis And Frame:
Frame inspection, steering head bearing service, suspension component repair and adjustment (front forks, rear shock absorber)
Brakes:
Brake system components (calipers, master cylinders, lines), ABS system, brake fluid service, rotor and pad replacement
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, horn, instrument cluster, wiring diagrams, diagnostic connectors
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel lines, fuel tank service
Exhaust System:
Exhaust pipe and muffler inspection and replacement
Bodywork And Trim:
Fairing removal and installation, seat service, storage compartments, cosmetic component repair
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, chain/belt adjustment (if applicable), general inspection procedures
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common faults, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major and minor components
Disassembly Reassembly:
Detailed instructions for taking apart and putting back together all vehicle systems
Adjustments:
Adjustments for clutch, throttle, suspension, and other tunable components
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance, advanced diagnostics, and full component rebuilds.
Engine Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, four-stroke
Bore X Stroke:
72 mm x 67.5 mm
Compression Ratio:
12.2:1
Horsepower:
160 hp (118 kW) @ 7,750 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
175 Nm (129 lb-ft) @ 5,250 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic fuel injection (EFI) with digital engine management (DME)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded premium gasoline (95 RON recommended)
Oil Type:
BMW Advanced Synthetic SAE 5W-40 (or equivalent API SG/JASO MA)
Oil Capacity With Filter:
Approx. 4.2 liters (4.4 US quarts)
Cooling Type:
Liquid-cooled
Coolant Type:
BMW Motorrad Coolant (blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant
Transmission Type:
6-speed, constant mesh, claw-shifted, electronically assisted clutch (e.g., slipper clutch)
Transmission Options:
While primarily manual, the K1600 series featured advanced clutch assist for smoother operation. No automatic transmission option available in these years.
Clutch Assist:
Electronically assisted clutch for reduced lever effort and smoother engagement.
Final Drive Oil Type:
BMW Gear Oil LS SAE 75W-140 (or equivalent API GL-5)
Length Gt:
Approx. 2,324 mm (91.5 in)
Length Gtl:
Approx. 2,405 mm (94.7 in)
Width Incl Mirrors Gt:
Approx. 900 mm (35.4 in)
Width Incl Mirrors Gtl:
Approx. 1,000 mm (39.4 in)
Height Incl Windscreen Gt:
Approx. 1,430 mm (56.3 in)
Height Incl Windscreen Gtl:
Approx. 1,500 mm (59.1 in)
Dry Weight Gt:
Approx. 319 kg (703 lbs)
Dry Weight Gtl:
Approx. 335 kg (739 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 500 kg (1102 lbs)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
25 liters (6.6 US gallons)
ABS:
Standard (BMW Motorrad ABS integral system)
Traction Control:
Standard (BMW Motorrad ASC - Automatic Stability Control)
Suspension Features:
Optional: Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA II) for rider to select damping and preload settings.
Lighting:
Standard: Xenon headlamp, LED auxiliary lights (GTL), LED rear lights. Optional: Adaptive Xenon Headlight.
Braking System:
Integral ABS braking system, dual front disc brakes with 4-piston calipers, single rear disc brake with 2-piston caliper.
Audio System:
Integrated audio system with speakers, often with radio, CD player, and MP3 connectivity options.
Navigation:
Optional BMW Motorrad Navigator system integration.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Heated Grips Seats:
Standard heated grips. Heated seats available as an option on GTL models.
Auxiliary Power:
12V power socket for accessory charging.
Display:
Multi-function instrument cluster with analog dials and a central LCD display providing extensive vehicle information.
First Service:
Typically at 1,000 km (600 miles) - includes oil change, filter check, and general inspection.
Major Service:
Recommended every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first. This includes checks on all major systems, fluid changes, and component inspections.
Valve Clearance Check:
Typically at 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or as specified in the detailed manual.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (or BMW approved equivalent)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 3.4 liters (3.6 US quarts)
Common Problems:
Potential issues could include ECU software glitches (requiring updates), minor electrical connector issues, and specific wear items. Detailed diagnostics are crucial for accurate identification, covered extensively in this manual.
Oil Filter:
Refer to the manual for specific part numbers, commonly BMW part numbers like 11427721708 or equivalent aftermarket.
Heritage:
BMW Motorrad has a long and storied history in motorcycle manufacturing, renowned for its engineering prowess, durability, and innovation, particularly in touring and sport-touring segments.
K Series Evolution:
The K1600 series, launched in 2010 for the 2011 model year, represented a significant leap in BMW's large-touring motorcycle development, featuring the compact and powerful inline-six engine, which was a first for a production motorcycle. It superseded the K1300GT.
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad Plant)