BMW has added a full-dresser version of its inline-six cylinder Bagger called the K 1600 Grand America, adding a top box and integrated passenger backrest to create a convincing rival to Honda’s newly introduced Gold Wing Tour.

Based on the firm’s K 1600 GT platform, both the Bagger and the Grand America feature a different subframe and windshield to create three visually different machines from the same 1600cc six-cylinder platform that’s capable of 118kw of power and 175Nm of torque.

As expected, it’s festooned with technology; there’s a reverse gear, electronic suspension boasting switchable modes, switchable engine modes, ABS, traction control, heated seats and grips and cruise control.

2018 BMW K 1600 Grand America.

Information and technical details contained within the following official press release from BMW

MW Motorrad expands its range in the full dresser touring segment with the addition of a model designed specifically for comfortable travel. The BMW K 1600 Grand America sees its premiere at the world’s biggest motorcycle trade show, the EICMA in Milan (7 – 12 November 2017). Derived from the BMW K 1600 B, the new model combines the supreme performance of its 6- cylinder engine with exclusive equipment features that make long-distance rides both comfortable and fascinating in American highway cruising style, whether solo or with a passenger.

The American way of travelling.

The design of the BMW K 1600 Grand America embraces the passion for relaxed, luxurious travel on two wheels that is especially widespread in the USA. For this purpose, the styling developed for the bagger concept of the BMW K 1600 B has been modified and a number of distinctive features have been added. In addition to the dynamically elongated side line that slopes evenly down to the rear, another clearly recognisable feature is the drop- shaped silhouette created from the visual link between the high-rising windshield and the low positioned side cases.

Chrome-plated rear silencers arranged parallel to the road are harmoniously integrated in the elegant, flowing design. The authentic look of the BMW K 1600 Grand America is rounded off with a topcase complete with integrated passenger backrest. In addition to expanded transport capacity, the BMW Grand America offers significantly enhanced travel suitability due to the additional seating comfort for rider and passenger. The topcase is also an instantly recognisable indication of a vehicle concept developed specifically for extended touring.

American style: additional brake light integrated in the topcase. The design of the BMW K 1600 Grand America is inspired by US custom bikes, and this is also reflected in other details at the rear. An additional brake light integrated in the topcase gives the rear view a distinctive presence. It also visually harmonised with the lights integrated in the side cases, which act as brake lights and turn indicators. All lighting is produced by means of LED units.

Maximum exclusivity: Style Package with paint finish in Austin Yellow metallic and Blackstorm metallic.

As standard, the new BMW K 1600 Grand America is finished in the powerful, elegant colour Blackstorm metallic. In addition to the BMW logo, the vehicle trim also bears a model designation with reference to the engine type. In addition, a high-quality badge is positioned centrally on the fuel tank with the inscription “K 1600 Grand America”.

The Style Package specially created for the BMW Grand America ensures even further enhanced exclusivity. It consists of a two-colour paint finish combining Blackstorm metallic with the highly expressive Austin Yellow metallic, as well as chrome applications on the front wheel trim.

6-cylinder engine with distinctive performance characteristics. Supreme drive power makes travelling long distances on the new BMW K 1600 Grand America a relaxing pleasure. The latest version of the distinctive BMW Motorrad 6-cylinder engine delivers its performance effortlessly in every situation on the road. The most compact 6-cylinder engine of its kind has an output of 118 kW/160 hp at 7750 rpm, generating a maximum torque of 175 Nm at 5250 rpm. In the new BMW Grand America it offers not just the familiar, apparently inexhaustible power reserves but also distinctive performance characteristics. Based on the principle of “The American Way of Riding”, the top speed is limited to 162 km/h or 101 mph. This takes into account the fact that customisation with additional fittings in the rear section – as is popular in this vehicle segment – can impact significantly on wheel load distribution, so in terms of riding dynamics, stability and safety are guaranteed in all situations.

Electronic suspension Dynamic ESA and reverse assist as standard. In addition to the engine, the standard electronically controlled suspension Dynamic ESA also contributes to the supreme riding qualities of the new BMW Grand America characterised by dynamic performance, comfort and stability. In the standard setting “Road” it provides fully automated damper adaptation, ensuring the very highest level of comfort and excellent traction on virtually all surfaces. What is more, “Cruise” mode can be activated for a very soft damper set-up and pronounced comfort.

Reverse assist, also a standard feature, facilitates manoeuvring of the new BMW Grand America. It is activated by pressing a button on the left-hand handlebar panel. The rider then uses the start button to set the bike in motion.

Relaxed “feet forward” position for long-distance travel.

The relaxed seating position available to rider and passenger is a feature that contributes to the incomparably comfortable ride feel offered by the BMW K 1600 Grand America – even over extremely long distances. The model is fitted as standard with footboards, allowing the rider to adopt a convenient “feet forward” posture. The passenger can also enjoy a comfortable seating position thanks to the low rear frame and a seat height that is reduced by 70 millimetres. Footboards are also available for the passenger as an optional extra.

Perfect weather protection due to high windshield.

The standard equipment of the new BMW Grand America also includes high- quality engine protection bars, heated grips, seat heating, cruise control and a model-specific windshield that is especially high. In conjunction with side trim that reaches a long way to the rear, it ensures perfect protection from wind and other adverse weather conditions. The integrated air ducting elements also supply the rider with fresh air as required. An audio system complete with navigation preparation is another feature on board the new BMW K 1600 Grand America as standard.

Meanwhile the selection of optional equipment items available ex works includes Shift Assistant Pro, the eCall system Intelligent Emergency Call available in European markets with ConnectedDrive capability, the Comfort Package, the Safety Package, various seat heights and forged handlebars. The program of Original BMW Motorrad Accessories enables further customisation.

An overview of highlights of the new BMW K 1600 Grand America:

  • Ultimate luxury touring motorcycle in American style.
  • Authentic, harmonious design with dynamically elongated side line that slopes to the rear.
  • Topcase with integrated passenger backrest and additional transport capacity for particularly long trips.
  • Side cases and topcase with integrated lighting units.
  • Optional Style Package with two-colour finish in Blackstorm metallic / Austin Yellow metallic.
  • 6-cylinder in-line engine that meets EU4 requirements with an output of 118 kW/160 hp at 7 750 rpm and a maximum torque of 175 Nm at 5 250 rpm.
  • Top speed limited to 162 km/h or 101 mph.
  • Electronic suspension Dynamic ESA with damping modes “Road” and “Cruise” as standard.
  • Reverse assist for effortless manoeuvring as standard.
  • Effective weather protection due to particularly high windshield.
  • Low rear frame, passenger seat reduced by 70 millimetres and ergonomically adapted footrest position.
  • Footboards for relaxed “feet forward” rider seating position as standard.
  • Footboards available for passenger as Original BMW Motorrad Accessory.
  • Shift Assistant Pro for shifting up and down without clutch activation as an ex works option.
  • Intelligent Emergency Call as an ex works option for rapid assistance in an accident or emergency (only available in European markets with ConnectedDrive capability).
  • Standard equipment also includes engine protection bars, ABS Pro, Dynamic Traction Control DTC, xenon headlight, heated grips, seat heating, Multi-Controller, three riding modes (Rain, Road, Dynamic), cruise control, audio system with navigation preparation.
  • Diverse range of optional equipment items (adaptive turning light, daytime riding light, Keyless Ride, Hill Start Control, central locking etc.).
  • Wide range of Original BMW Motorrad Accessories (forged wheels, chrome-plated mirror caps, navigation system etc.)
2018 BMW K 1600 Grand America.