BMW announces new K1600B

BMW has today announced an expansion of the K1600 range with the addition of the K1600B - the production version of the ‘Concept 101’ bike shown by BMW at the Villa d’Este concours event by Lake Como in Italy last May.

It’s BMW’s first attempt at a bagger - the kind of ‘Grand American Touring’ bikes favoured by riders in the states. To that end it features the kind of swoopy, dropping lines, and streamlining of a traditional bagger, plus a feet-forward riding position and deep panniers.

It also has integrated rear lights, thanks to a new rear subframe and redesigned rear section, and of course, there’s a bit of chrome too thanks chrome-plated silencers.

Power comes courtesy of 160hp inline six-cylinder engine found in the rest of the K1600 range and features BMW’s new reverse assist feature. It can also be specced with Shift Assistant Pro, which will allow clutchless up and down shifts.

The K1600B also comes with BMW’s Dynamic ESA electronic suspension, which has two modes: ‘Road’ – where damping is automated to provide the best level of traction on and comfort across a wide range of surfaces, and ‘Cruise’– designed to ensure comfort at low speeds.

UK pricing and availability hasn’t been announced yet.