2026 BMW K 1600 Grand America Specs & Review

BMW’s inline-six bagger is built for riders who want long-haul comfort without giving up premium tech or that unmistakable six-cylinder smoothness. In this BMW K 1600 Grand America review, we unpack the 2026 BMW K 1600 Grand America specs and translate them into real-world touring performance and comfort.

Key Specs at a Glance

• Engine: Oil/water-cooled inline 6-cylinder, 24 valves, DOHC
• Displacement: 1,649 cc
• Power: 160 hp @ 6,750 rpm
• Torque: 180 Nm / 132.7 lb-ft @ 5,250 rpm
• DIN curb weight: 816 lb / 370 kg
• Seat height: 750 mm / 29.5 in

Engine & Performance

The heart of the Grand America is BMW’s 1,649 cc inline-six, a layout chosen for turbine-like smoothness and an effortless wave of torque. With 160 hp at 6,750 rpm and 180 Nm (132.7 lb-ft) at 5,250 rpm, it’s tuned for a deep, accessible midrange that shrugs off traffic and elevation. Overtakes are a one-gear affair; roll on from mid-revs and the six simply surges.

A wet multi-plate clutch and 6-speed helical gearbox keep shifts refined, while the shaft drive (Cardan) delivers nearly maintenance-free touring with a clean final drive feel. Electronic intake pipe injection and BMS-O throttle-by-wire sharpen response without harshness, and EU 5+ emissions with closed-loop 3-way catalytic converters keep it modern and compliant.

Top speed is limited to 100 mph / 162 km/h—appropriate for its low-and-long bagger stance and still plenty for sustained highway travel. The bore x stroke of 72 mm x 67.5 mm and 12.2:1 compression ratio underscore the engine’s lively yet civilized character.

Handling, Comfort & BMW K 1600 Grand America Seat Height

The BMW K 1600 Grand America seat height is 750 mm (29.5 in), a notably approachable number for a full-dress bagger. That low perch helps many riders flat-foot at stops, which is useful given the BMW K 1600 Grand America weight of 816 lb (370 kg). The mass is real, but BMW equips it thoughtfully: Reverse assist eases parking maneuvers and Hill Start Control Pro keeps the bike stable on inclines.

Front-end stability comes from BMW’s Duolever with a central spring strut, while the rear uses the Paralever single-sided swingarm with a central spring strut. Suspension travel measures 115 mm front and 125 mm rear—enough stroke for comfort without wallow. Dynamic ESA is standard, tailoring damping to load and conditions for a composed ride over freeway seams and backroad ripples alike.

Geometry favors rock-solid stability: a 1,618 mm wheelbase, a rake of 27.8 degrees, and 106.4 mm of trail. The tire pairing—120/70 ZR17 front and 190/55 ZR17 rear on 3.50 x 17 in and 6.00 x 17 in wheels—delivers surefooted grip with predictable turn-in. Heated grips and seat, combined with an upright, relaxed posture, make long days easy to stack.

Equipment & Features

Braking is handled by dual 320 mm front discs with 4-piston fixed calipers and a single 320 mm rear disc with a 2-piston caliper. BMW Motorrad Integral ABS Pro is lean-angle optimized, inspiring confidence when trail-braking into corners or stopping on mixed surfaces.

Electronics and comfort features are generous as standard: a 10.25-inch TFT with Connectivity, Full LED lighting with Adaptive Headlight, Dynamic ESA, DTC, MSR, Hill Start Control Pro, reverse assist, cruise control, heated grips and seat, and Audio System 2.0. The aluminum bridge-type frame uses the engine as a load-bearing element for rigidity and predictable handling. A 26.5 L fuel tank (with approximately 4 L reserve) supports serious mileage between stops.

For 2026 in the US, colors include Black Storm Metallic, Style Exclusive Mineral Gray Metallic Matt, and Option 719 Ionic Silver Metallic. The US MSRP note is $24,975 (from Feb 1, 2026 production) plus destination for the base model.

Who Is the 2026 BMW K 1600 Grand America For?

This is a premium touring bagger for experienced riders who value serene highway composure, a low seat, and top-shelf tech. It’s ideal for long-distance travel, two-up comfort, and riders who want the smooth authority of an inline-six with the convenience of shaft drive. Newer riders may find the combination of power and weight daunting for urban commuting, but seasoned tourers will appreciate its long-legged stride and easygoing manners.

Torquepedia Verdict

If you’re comparing big-mile baggers, the Grand America’s six-cylinder smoothness and stout midrange are standout strengths. The chassis tech—Duolever/Paralever with Dynamic ESA—keeps this heavy machine poised, while the electronics suite reads like a wish list made standard. The low 750 mm (29.5 in) seat height broadens accessibility without compromising touring ergonomics.

Downsides? The BMW K 1600 Grand America weight is significant, and the 100 mph (162 km/h) limiter will matter to a small subset of riders. Still, for those prioritizing refinement, torque-rich passing power, and long-haul comfort with premium features, it’s a compelling package at an appropriately premium price point.

FAQ

• Is the 2026 BMW K 1600 Grand America good for beginners? It’s not ideal for beginners due to its 160 hp output and 816 lb (370 kg) DIN curb weight. It suits experienced riders comfortable with large touring machines.

• What is the seat height of the 2026 BMW K 1600 Grand America? 750 mm / 29.5 in.

• How heavy is the 2026 BMW K 1600 Grand America? DIN curb weight is 816 lb / 370 kg.

• What is the top speed of the 2026 BMW K 1600 Grand America? 100 mph / 162 km/h (limited).

• How much does the 2026 BMW K 1600 Grand America cost in the US? $24,975 (from Feb 1, 2026 production) plus destination for the base model.