A change is as good as a rest, or so the old proverb goes. And as far as I?m aware, that?s a fairly accurate statement. I love a change. In fact a lot of the time, I?d prefer a change over a rest. Variety is the spice of life, and all that. So when I got invited to the launch of a bike that occupies rather a different corner of the motorcycling scene to what I?ve become accustomed to, I was well buzzin?. The 2022 BMW K 1600, with its 160hp, 180nm, 1.6 litre, six cylinder engine was to be launched in Malaga. And I had a ticket to ride.

I?d be lying if I said I?d never ridden a BMW K 1600 before, because I have, but for about a mile. And if I?m being honest, I couldn?t really remember what it was like anyway. So I?m saying that doesn?t really count. This launch was to be my first (proper) ride on a BMW K 1600. And, as luck would have it, there were all four versions of the new K 1600 to try; the GT, the GTL, the Bagger and the Grand America.
Straddle

The first bike I got the chance to straddle was the GTL. At 358kg it was a real heavyweight, and it didn?t take long to realise. In fact just lifting it off the side-stand was a bit of an effort. I?m a big strong boy though so I managed. With the key fob in my pocket (yep, all these models have keyless ignition), I fingered a few buttons and eventually got the thing fired up. After an initial bark from the engine, the sound emanating from the beast beneath me was more akin to that of a motorcar; smooth and monoto...