The New BMW K 1600 Grand America

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – November 17, 2017… BMW 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.  Unveiled November 7 at EICMA in Milan, the BMW K 1600 Grand America is derived from the BMW K 1600 B Bagger.  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 by adding a number of distinctive features. In addition to the dynamically elongated side line that slopes evenly down to the rear, another clearly recognizable 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 mufflers 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 recognizable 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 harmonized 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 Black Storm metallic.

As standard, the new BMW K 1600 Grand America is finished in the powerful, elegant color Black Storm metallic. In addition to the BMW logo, the vehicle trim bears a model designation with reference to the engine type. 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-color paint finish combining Black Storm 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 160 hp/118 kW at 7,750 rpm, generating a maximum torque of 129 lb-ft at 5,250 rpm. In the new BMW Grand America, it offers not just the familiar, apparently inexhaustible power reserves but also distinctive performance characteristics.

Electronic suspension Dynamic ESA and reverse assist as standard.

Aside from the powerful engine, the standard electronically controlled suspension Dynamic ESA also contributes to the supreme riding qualities of the new BMW Grand America, resulting in  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 maneuvering 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 2.8 inches (70 millimeters. 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 as factory installed options includes Shift Assist Pro, the Comfort Package, the Safety Package, various seat heights and forged handlebars. The program of Original BMW Motorrad Accessories enables further customization.

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-color finish in Black Storm metallic / Austin Yellow metallic.

• 6-cylinder in-line engine that meets EU4 requirements with an output of 160 hp/18 kW

  at 7,750 rpm and a maximum torque of 129 lb-ft at 5 250 rpm.

• Electronic suspension Dynamic ESA with damping modes “Road” and “Cruise” as standard.
• Reverse assist for effortless maneuvering as standard.
• Effective weather protection due to particularly high windshield.
• Low rear frame, passenger seat reduced by 2.8 inches (70 millimeters) 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 Assist Pro for shifting up and down without clutch activation as a factory option.
• 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.).

   

  Vehicle Concept and Design

   

  As an ultimate luxury American-style touring motorcycle, the new BMW K 1600 Grand America combines supreme 6-cylinder performance with outstanding ride comfort as well as exclusive features dedicated to relaxed cruising on long highways that stretch out to the horizon. The new model has the potential to offer both rider and passenger a very high level of comfort even when covering lengthier distances. The fascination of long-distance travel and boundless freedom on two wheels is conveyed by the design of the BMW Grand America.

   

  The American way of travelling.

   

  The new model is based stylistically on the BMW K 1600 B and the special design developed for that model's bagger concept. The central feature is the drop-shaped silhouette running from the high windshield to the low side cases. This creates a dynamic, elegantly elongated side line that reflects ergonomics geared towards maximum relaxation and ride comfort cultivated to perfection – enabled by the particularly low rear frame, which was already entirely newly developed for the bagger. This also creates the basis for a passenger seat height that is reduced by 2.8 inches (70 millimeters).

   

  The chrome-plated rear mufflers arranged parallel to the road are harmoniously integrated in the motorcycle's characteristic lines. The mufflers feature additional high-quality trim elements in blasted stainless steel proximal to the catalytic converters.

   

   

  The topcase: individual look, expanded transport capacity, enhanced comfort.

  As a distinctive feature, the BMW K 1600 Grand America is fitted with a topcase complete with integrated passenger backrest. In addition to expanding transport capacity, this offers enhanced travel comfort and is also an instantly recognizable indication of a vehicle concept developed specifically for extended touring. 

   

  The side cases are bolted permanently to the rear frame and exhibit an optimised geometry: a particularly deep body and a flat lid make for convenient and effective loading with travel luggage. The topcase is fitted with a singled-handed operation system. After being lowered, the lid remains in position and can then be conveniently closed.

   

  Integrated rear lights in American style.

   

  The design of the BMW K 1600 Grand America is inspired by US custom bikes, and this is also reflected in other design details at the rear. The rear light units consisting of rear light and turn indicators are integrated in the side cases in typical American style.

   

   

   

   

   

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  A brake light integrated in the topcase gives the rear view an enhanced presence, as well as harmonizing visually with the lights integrated in the side cases. All lighting components feature LED technology. In addition to their high-quality appearance, they also offer a high level of energy efficiency and durability.

   

   

   

  High windshield, harmoniously integrated mirrors.

   

  In addition, the hallmark appearance of the new the BMW K 1600 Grand America is especially characterized by its high windshield. In conjunction with side trim that reaches a long way to the rear, the latter provides optimum protection from wind and other adverse weather conditions for both rider and passenger. The two mirrors also blend in harmoniously with the overall look of the new BMW Grand America. They offer large mirror surfaces with an aspherical section to ensure an optimized view to the rear.

   

   

   

   

   

  Maximum exclusivity: Style Package with two-color paint finish.

   

  As standard, the new BMW K 1600 Grand America is finished in the powerful, elegant color Black Storm metallic. In addition to the BMW logo, the trim also bears a model designation with reference to the engine type. A high-quality badge is also positioned on the fuel tank with the inscription "K 1600 Grand America".

   

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

   

  Technology and Riding Experience

   

  In addition to the 6-cylinder engine's spontaneous dynamic performance and unrivalled running smoothness, the exceptionally sophisticated suspension technology of the new

  BMW K 1600 Grand America also contributes to the model's outstanding status within the segment of luxury touring bikes. What is more, its technology highlights are combined with a sophisticated underlying concept consisting of a bridge-type frame developed specifically by BMW Motorrad for the 6-cylinder touring bike, modern wheel guidance systems, a low center of gravity and a balanced wheel load distribution. This combination gives rise to the kind of supremacy that makes every journey an enthusiastically accepted challenge, no matter what the destination and however great the distance.

   

  Supreme power from six cylinders.

   

  As the epitome of supreme power delivery and outstanding running smoothness, the 6-cylinder engine of the new BMW Grand America is the perfect form of propulsion for comfortable cruising over long distances and with large amounts of luggage. From a capacity of 1,649 cc, the 6-cylinder draws a maximum output of 160 hp/118 kW at 7,750 rpm along with a maximum torque of 129 lb-ft at 5 250 rpm.

   

  What is more, the engine in the new BMW Grand America is by far the lightest and – due to the very reduced cylinder spacing – also the most compact 6-cylinder power unit to be found in a volume production motorcycle in the capacity category over 1000 cc.  These features also contribute to the excellent riding dynamics of the new BMW Grand America. The configuration of drive technology and exhaust gas purification in the new BMW K 1600 Grand America has been geared towards the type test according to the requirements of the EU4 standard. For this reason it has features such as the necessary engine mapping, a fuel system with carbon canister for fuel tank ventilation, and an exhaust system with further developed catalytic converters. The dynamically designed end pieces of the exhaust system feature horizontal ribs that visually underscore the model's distinctive 6-cylinder character.

   

  6-speed gearbox, optionally with Shift Assist Pro.

   

  Power transmission is via a helically toothed 6-speed gearbox, and the drive torque reaches the rear wheel via a traditional universal shaft. Shift Assist Pro is optionally available for the new BMW Grand America: this enables most gearshifts to be carried out without using the clutch. This gives the rider additional convenience, while the shorter shift times also boost dynamic performance.

   

  The throttle valve no longer needs to be closed using the throttle grip during acceleration, and there is virtually no torque interrupt when changing gears. When decelerating and shifting down with the throttle valve closed, the engine speed is automatically adapted by means of double-declutching. Gears are engaged as usual by means of the gear pedal. Shift support is only suspended when the clutch is already activated, when shifting up into coasting mode and during deceleration.

   

  Comfortable maneuvering with reverse assist as standard.

   

  The standard reverse assist facilitates maneuvering of the BMW Grand America. It is activated by pressing a button on the left-hand handlebar panel. This blocks the forward gear and reverse assist is activated. The rider then uses the start button to set the bike in motion. Power is provided conveniently by the electric drive of the starter motor, until the starter button is released and reverse assist is deactivated again.

   

  Three riding modes and DTC for top-level comfort and safety.

   

  The three riding modes "Rain", "Road" and "Dynamic" are available for riders of the new BMW Grand America. They can be selected by pressing a button at the right-hand end of the handlebars. The traction control function DTC is combined individually with each of the different riding modes and is fully harmonized with them so as to ensure maximum riding safety. The new BMW Grand America is fitted as standard with ABS Pro.  Hill Start Control is available as an option in conjunction with the Safety Package: this system prevents the motorcycle from rolling back when starting on a slope by maintaining the deceleration effect of the brake for about three seconds after release.

   

  High-quality suspension technology, harmonious wheel load distribution.

   

  The well-established underlying concept of the BMW Motorrad 6-cylinder touring motorcycles provides the perfect basis for the dynamic, comfortable and also safe riding response of the new BMW K 1600 Grand America. This specifically includes the high-quality light alloy bridge-type frame and the BMW Motorrad systems Duolever and Paralever for the purpose of wheel guidance at the front and rear. The BMW Grand America also benefits from a low overall center of gravity with a very favorable concentration of masses and a balanced wheel load distribution for superior riding properties.

   

  Electronic suspension Dynamic ESA 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 characterized by dynamic performance, comfort and stability. Using various parameters, different riding states, such as acceleration and deceleration are precisely identified so that the damping forces on the front and rear spring strut can be adapted within milliseconds. As a result, excellent damping comfort and a very stable ride response is ensured even in banking position.

   

  In the standard setting "Road", Dynamic ESA provides fully automated damper adaptation to ensure the very highest level of comfort and excellent traction on virtually all surfaces. The "Road" riding mode provides optimum damping force in all riding states and regardless of load. In addition, the spring preload can be adapted to the load at the press of a button regardless of damping. Additionally, "Cruise" mode can be activated for a very soft damper set-up and pronounced comfort.

  Fittings and Accessories

   

  With its extensive and exclusive range of fittings, the new BMW K 1600 Grand America conveys the kind of freedom that can be sensed when no constraints are imposed on the passion for travel on two wheels. The standard features, factory optional equipment and products from the range of Original BMW Motorrad Accessories perfectly match the new model with its design inspired by American custom bikes, as well ideally reflecting the incomparably supreme performance of its engine and suspension. The result is an overall package that makes for a fascinating riding experience – a feeling that sets in instantly and doesn't let up even after hundreds of kilometers.

   

  Relaxed "feet forward" position for long-distance travel.

   

  The seating position is crucial when it comes to luxury and comfort over long distances. The new BMW Grand America is fitted with footboards as standard, allowing the rider to adopt an entirely relaxed "feet forward" posture. Excellent ride comfort for the passenger is ensured by the backrest integrated in the topcase as well as ergonomically positioned grab handles. Footboards and armrests are also available for the passenger seat as Original BMW Motorrad Accessories.

  The passenger also enjoys a comfortable seating position thanks to the low rear frame and a seat height that is reduced by 2.9 inches (70 millimeters).  The seat height can be ordered 1.2 inches (30 millimeters) lower or higher as a factory option.  

   

  Perfect weather protection due to high windshield.

   

  A distinctive feature of the new BMW K 1600 Grand America is the model-specific windshield, which is extra high. In conjunction with side trim extending to the rear with air ducting elements, it ensures perfect protection from wind and other adverse weather conditions.  The new BMW K 1600 Grand America also comes with high-quality engine protection bars, a xenon headlight, heated grips, seat heating, reverse assist and cruise control as standard. An audio system complete with navigation preparation is another feature on board the new BMW K 1600 Grand America as standard.

   

  The choice of factory optional equipment includes Shift Assist Pro, forged handlebars ,the Style Package, Comfort Package and Safety Package. Optional equipment is supplied directly by the factory and is integrated in the production process. Original BMW Motorrad Accessories are installed by the BMW Motorrad dealer: these items can also be retrofitted.

   

  Optional equipment.

  •        Safety Package: Adaptive turning light, daytime riding light, tire pressure control

  RDC, Hill Start Control.

  •        Comfort Package: Shift Assistant Pro, central locking, alarm system, Keyless Ride, additional LED headlight.

  •        Style Package: Two-color paint finish in Austin Yellow metallic / Black Storm metallic, chrome applications on the front wheel trim.

  •        Shift Assist Pro.

  •        Intelligent Emergency Call.

  •        Keyless Ride.

  •        Central locking (only in conjunction with alarm system).

  •        Alarm system (only in conjunction with central locking).

  •        Additional LED headlight.

  •        Seat, low (67.8 inches/750 millimeters)

  •        Seat, extra high (69.7 inches/810 millimeters)

  •        Forged handlebars.

  •        Center stand.

   

  Original BMW Motorrad Accessories.

   

  Storage.

  •        Case liners.

  •        Impact protection for cases.

  •        Fuel tank bag, waterproof.

  •        Vario insert for tank bag.

   

  Design.

  •        Wind deflector, chrome-plated.

  •        Slipstream deflectors, chrome-plated.

  •        Mirror caps, chrome-plated.

  •        Case strips, chrome-plated.

  •        Forged wheels.

   

  Ergonomics and comfort.

  •        Passenger footboards.

  •        Passenger armrest.

  •        Heat protection element.

   

  Navigation and communication.

  •        Navigator VI.

  •        Dual USB charger with cable for 12V socket.

   

  Safety.

  •        Ground lighting (only in conjunction with central locking; only for certain countries (not ECE)).

  •        Alarm system without central locking.

  •        Brake disc lock with integrated alarm system.

  •        BMW Motorrad warning triangle.

  •        First aid set, large.

  •        First aid set, small.

   

  Maintenance and technology.

  •        BMW Motorrad battery charger 230 V.

  •        BMW Motorrad battery charger 110 V.

  •        Multifunction tool.

  •        Mini foot pump.

  •        Repair set for tubeless tires.

BMW Group In America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975.  Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003.  The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; Designworks, a strategic design consultancy based in California; technology offices in Silicon Valley and Chicago, and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group’s global manufacturing network and is the manufacturing plant for all X5 and X3 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 and X4 Sports Activity Coupes.  The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 344 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 153 BMW motorcycle retailers, 127 MINI passenger car dealers, and 36 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers.  BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

Information about BMW products is available to consumers via the Internet at:

www.bmwmotorradusa.com.

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Journalist note: Information about BMW and its products in the USA is available to journalists on-line at https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/usa.

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