BMW’s K1600 Grand America is a luxury cruiser, but added extras do cause issues
BMW K1600 Grand America New top box adds comfort at a cost
We first rode BMW’s standard K1600 B (for Bagger) last summer, an overtly American offering that features the same super-smooth and powerful inline six-cylinder engine as BMW’s K1600GT. The standard K1600 B has the ‘streamliner’ design with fixed side cases and integrated lights. Now BMW have gone one step further with this, the K1600 Grand America.
Fully-dressed looks
This fully-dressed bagger is equipped with a large top case, complete with backrest, has integrated indicators and brake lights, while its electronic windscreen has also increased in size. The Grand America also now features footboards as standard. The large top case looks classy (especially at night) and has remote central locking, but some feel it spoils the flowing lines of the stock Bagger.
Speed weave
More importantly, the top case limits safe cruising speeds and affects stability. At 80mph you notice a slight weave. Above that it becomes more apparent, as if there’s is a hinge in the middle of the bike. Up at 90mph things become slightly alarming, never overly worrying but more than noticeable.
The Grand America is limited to just over 100mph, but with the top case loaded the BMW handbook suggests a self-governed speed of 80mph. I know the speed limit is 70mph, and you’re unlikely to buy the Grand America for high speed antics, but with so much power on tap from that inline six-cylinder engine, 80mph and above is easily achieved especially if you are venturing onto the autobahn.
Extra luggage capacity
On a brighter note, the new top case adds extra luggage capacity (two helmets fit comfortably) although the fixed side panniers aren’t as large as they look, and can’t even accommodate a single open face lid.
Pillion luxury
The huge backrest provides extra support and comfort for a pillion, but isn’t removable, while a low Bagger seat makes it easy for your passenger to clamber on board. The large electronically controlled screen is a huge bonus, too. Sitting upright, you’re in a bubble of windless bliss, looking through the screen and not over it. Wearing an open face helmet is perfectly possible without your eyes watering profusely, even at motorway speeds.