As BMW had already dropped its R 18-based baggers earlier this year, we knew it wouldn’t
be long before the Bavarian brand threw down an update for the K 1600 B—the sleeker,
less traditional, more European, and more luxury-biased entry in its bagger class, powered
by a silky smooth inline six.
Consider it done—BMW has just announced the K 1600 B and Grand America models for
2022, and while the models are being called “new,” it’s really more of a refinement
to the engine to meet Euro 5 standards.
Of course, it’s not just the K 1600 B getting those tweaks; the engine revisions were made
to all the models in the K 1600 series, including the K 1600 GT and the K 1600 GTL.
But we’ll focus on the two more cruisery bikes here.
It’s also worth noting that the Grand America, once considered its own stand-alone model
in the series, is now what BMW calls “an option package” for the base K 1600 B—which
frankly, we always thought it was anyway—piling a series of comfort and luggage upgrades onto
the base K 1600.
Both bikes retain their signature narrow 1,649cc inline-six engine, but as we mentioned, that
mill gets a few improvements for cleaner operation to meet Euro 5 standards.
Although displacement remains unchanged, the addition of BMS engine control, two knock
sensors, and two additional lambda probes are the main new elements; knock sensors to
optimize ignition timing and the lambda sensors positioned behind the two catalytic converters
to better determine oxygen levels in the exhaust.
The add-ons not only result in fewer emissions, but the engine doesn’t even lose any power
as result; in fact, the claimed 160 hp peak now hits at 6,750 rpm, or 1,000 rpm sooner
than before.
Meanwhile, maximum torque is boosted to 133 pound-feet at 5,250 rpm, which BMW says will
improve acceleration in the 3,000-to-7,000-rpm range.
The engine also gets a new drag torque control system for better control over rear wheel
slip.
And while we can’t point to much commonality between the R 18 B and the K 1600 B in the
engine bay, there is at least some spillover up top.
The first comes in the form of the new, massive 10.25-inch TFT display all the new K 1600s
get, which we also encountered on our First Ride of the 2022 R 18 B. It comes with integrated
navigation so there’s no need for another nav unit, and if you pair it to your phone
with the BMW Connected app, that’s mirrored onto the display offering added features;
there’s even a handy storage compartment for your device onboard, above the TFT display.
There are other electronic niceties to dig into on the K 1600 B as well—ABS Pro, ESA
suspension, and even cruise control, multifunction buttons to control the heated grips and other
settings, all are standard features making a return.
But we’re a bit bummed the new 2022 K 1600 B models don’t see the Active Cruise Control
we saw the R 18 B, at least on the Grand America.
Both new bikes also receive new LED adaptive headlamp as standard equipment, a welcome
safety feature that effectively illuminates more of a shadowy turn and adjusts to the
bike’s lean angle as well its movement during acceleration or braking.
And in the very nice but not crucial category, BMW has also dialed in a bunch of added light
functions that brighten the immediate spaces around you when you’re in darkness, and
the bike isn’t yet switched on.
A “Welcome” light pops on when you start up, and a “Goodbye” light stays on when
you switch it off, presumably for an easier dismount.
Naturally you get more goodies with the premium Grand America package, like BMW’s new Audio
2.0 system.
The main thrust of the 2.0 system is that it’s now integrated into the bike’s electrical
system, rather than being independent as before.
It’s also got several preset profiles, balanced for different scenarios that BMW says offer
a wide range of sound even at highway speeds.
Another cool feature is that the radio antennas are integrated into the bodywork.
To recap, the new features for 2022 K 1600 B and Grand America in addition to the engine
revisions are the 10.25-inch TFT screen, programmable handlebar buttons, the new adaptive LED headlight,
and the improved Dynamic ESA, which offers fully automatic load compensation.
The system adjusts damping forces electronically for the front and rear suspension for a more
comfortable ride, and riders can switch damping characteristics with handlebar buttons.
The new K 1600 B and Grand America option will be available in three color options:
a standard color, a style variant, and/or with Option 719.
The base colors for both are Black Storm Metallic with a black frame, but you can customize
from there.
BMW says new wheels, seats, auxiliary lighting, and a bigger range of other accessories are
ready to go should you want to trick out your rig even more.
The 2022 BMW K 1600 B bagger will retail for $22,545, while its up-spec Grand America counterpart
will start at $27,745.
Both versions will be available in February of 2022.