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2017–2021 · Tourer · Buyer's Guide
The Bavarian Six-Cylinder Bagger
Six cylinders and a bagger body: that's the K 1600 B in one line. The 1649 cc inline-six makes 160 hp and 129 lb-ft, and BMW wraps it in a long, low machine with a wide fairing, hard saddlebags integrated into a flowing tail and a 29.5 in (750 mm) seat. Underneath is an aluminum perimeter frame with BMW's Duolever front end and Paralever rear, and electronic suspension is standard. So are cornering ABS, traction control, ride modes, cruise control, heated grips and a TFT display. For a tourer, that's a full spec sheet before you touch the options list. Seriously well equipped!
On paper, the brief is long-distance touring with a generous dose of luxury. A 7.0 gal (26.5 L) tank, factory luggage, cruise control and heated grips point to long days on the highway with mountain passes along the way. At 741 lb (336 kg) wet, it's a big machine, and in a tourer that mass is part of the deal. If you want six cylinders, a bagger's low lines and BMW's electronics in one package, the hardware points straight at you. Keyless, a center stand and smartphone connectivity are options, not standard. It's built for distance!
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
| Power | 160 hp (118 kW) |
|---|---|
| Torque | 129 lb-ft (175 Nm) |
| Displacement | 1649 cc |
| Engine | Inline-six |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Front tire | 120/70-17 |
| Rear tire | 190/55-17 |
| Seat height | 29.5 in (750 mm)Motorcycles With a Seat Height Under 30 Inches → |
| Wet weight | 741 lb (336 kg) |
| Fuel capacity | 7.0 gal (26.5 L) |
Equipment check
Chassis
Comfort
Connectivity
Safety
Transmission parts may have insufficient hardness (Recall)
BMW recalled certain 2018-2020 K 1600 B motorcycles because transmission parts may not have been produced to the appropriate hardness level, which could affect function, leading to double engagement of gears and/or damage. The recall remedy is free replacement of the shift forks, the 5th/6th gear selector sleeve and the 6th gear wheel.
Rear suspension link strut may be defective (Recall)
On 2019-2020 models, the link strut connecting the rear suspension to the frame may have insufficient strength due to a supplier quality issue, which could lead to damage and affect riding stability. BMW issued a safety recall (22V-023) to replace the strut.
Reverse gear control unit seal may fail (Recall)
BMW recalled 2017-2025 K 1600 B models because the seal for the reverse gear control unit can deteriorate, allowing moisture ingress and potentially causing the unit to overheat, increasing fire risk. Dealers will replace the unit.
High-speed front-end instability/wobble
Several owners report a disconcerting front-end oscillation or weave at motorway speeds, particularly in crosswinds or when passing large vehicles. A class-action lawsuit was filed concerning 2018–2019 models, and BMW issued a technical campaign for suspension link changes on some VINs.
Overheating due to clogged radiator
The radiator, especially its lower section, can become clogged with road debris, causing overheating. Cleaning is required but not always covered under warranty, and replacement is expensive.
Premature wheel bearing wear
Some owners report that front wheel bearings can fail prematurely, sometimes before 31,000 mi (50,000 km). Regular inspection and pre-emptive replacement around 37,000 mi (60,000 km) is advised.
Front shock oil leak
A few owners have experienced front shock seal failure, resulting in oil leakage and reduced damping performance.
Ignition coil failures
Some owners report that ignition coils can fail, leading to misfires or running issues. Probability increases with age/mileage, though it is not a universal problem.
Where this BMW K 1600 B pulls ahead of — or falls behind — its rivals on the numbers, and the typical bike in its class on character.
Power
Torque
Displacement
Wet weight
Seat height
Forget spec-sheet bragging. Here's who the K 1600 B is actually built for.
You're the best fit here. A 7.0 gal tank, standard luggage, cruise control and heated grips are built for big days and weather swings between Trail Ridge and Going-to-the-Sun.
Made for Beartooth Highway · Blue Ridge Parkway · Going-to-the-Sun Road
The long, low lines and integrated hard bags check the bagger box for your Sturgis run. Just know the soul is a BMW inline-six with a tech-heavy cockpit, not classic cruiser tradition.
Made for Florida State Road A1A · Black Hills · Main Street, Daytona Beach
It can cover your Blue Ridge and Highway 1 days, with cornering ABS and electronic suspension standard. But it's a 741 lb bagger, so if you'd rather stay out of the bagger camp, it's a partial fit.
Made for Black Hills · Blue Ridge Parkway · Cherohala Skyway
If this one isn't quite the fit, these are the bikes worth riding back-to-back against it.
Any price note compares both bikes at the same age — the youngest age both have on the used market — against this BMW K 1600 B. “cheaper/pricier” is what that bike costs second-hand, not how worn it is.
Successor · 2022
Silk-Smooth Six in Bagger Skin
Competitor · 2014
Thunder Stroke Touring Bagger
~$2,000 pricier used than this bike at 5 yr
Competitor · 2022–2023
Big Torque, Serious Electronics
Competitor · 2018–2023
Stability With Harley Soul
~$1,800 pricier used than this bike at 5 yr
Competitor · 2017
Bagger With Factory Swagger
~$6,300 pricier used than this bike at 8 yr
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Six-Cylinder Limousine With Claws
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