IN
THE
WIND
P38
BMW'S LUXO-TOURER GETS A REVAMP
T
he six-cylinder BMW K 1600 GTL will get
a host of updates for the 2017 model year,
mainly aimed at rider comfort rather than out-
right performance.
The largest engine in BMW's range hasn't
received anything major other than to become
Euro 4 compliant while still pumping out a
respectable 160 horsepower at 7750 rpm and
a whopping 129 lb-ft of torque at 5250 rpm.
BMW has focused its attention on creature
comforts like fitting it with an up-and-down
quickshifter, and increasing the weather pro-
tection via bigger deflectors and trim sections.
It also gets handlebars that are closer to the rider,
and the reverse gear that's now operated by a but-
ton on the left switchblock.
There will also be three new colors: Light white
non-metallic, Thunder grey metallic and Ebony
metallic/Blackstorm metallic. CN
The BMW K 1600 GTL gets a host of updates for 2017.
BMW REVEALS UPDATED R 1200 GS
AND NEW RALLYE
T
he BMW R 1200 GS is the bike that basi-
cally saved BMW Motorrad 35 years ago and
spawned an entirely new motorcycling segment of
large-capacity adventure riding, and the company
isn't letting its number-one seller go out to pasture
just yet.
The '17 GS will get a new Euro 4-compliant
engine (basically consisting of a reworked cata-
lytic convertor) with the same 125 horsepower on
tap and new Electronic Dynamic ESA (electronic
suspension adjustment) that BMW says is now
self-leveling to compensate for all the possible rid-
ing situations you may find yourself in. You'll also
have the Riding Modes Pro as an ex-works option
and the Hill Start Control feature that debuted on
the first generation K 1600 GT grand tourer.
The new GS will be graced with some sporty
new graphics and ergonomics, no doubt bringing
it closer into line with its sister bike for 2017—the
new GS Rallye.
The Rallye takes the standard GS and adds new
colors and graphics, stiffer suspension and a host
of bodywork updates, including a smaller sports-
style screen, radiator and frame guards, enduro
footpegs and cross-spoked wheels.
No price has yet been announced for either of
these new GS models. CN
The new BMW Rallye (right) joins
the updated R 1200 GS.
