BMW K 1600 GT (2017+ inc. GTL, B, Grand America) Maintenance Schedule
This is the maintenance schedule and service intervals for the BMW K 1600 GT, BMW’s most premium sport tourer.
It’s also the same maintenance schedule for the BMW K 1600 GTL, and the BMW K 1600 B (and the Grand America), which are the same basic motorcycle but with different accessory options and slightly altered comfort levels.
The BMW K 1600 bikes are all based around a forward-canted inline six-cylinder engine that makes peak power of 118 kW (160 hp) at 7750 rpm and maximum torque of 175 Nm (129 ft-lb) at 5250 rpm — a crazy high amount of torque. Final drive is via shaft.
The original 2011-2016 BMW K 1600 GT was revamped for the 2017+ BMW K 1600 GT (and GTL etc.) with a new style, many options becoming standard, and Euro 4 compliance, but the power and torque specs stayed the same.
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BMW K 1600 Service Intervals
Overall, the BMW K 1600 has 10000 km / 6000 mile or annual service intervals at which point you should change the engine oil and filter and do a host of checks.
BMW also has an annual inspection checklist that you should follow even if you haven’t done the requisite mileage.
The major valve service for the K 1600 motorcycles comes every 30000 km / 18000 miles. This can be costly as fairings and even the radiator have to come off, but most users say they pay around US$600 for the valve / spark plug service (excluding all the other service items) — though it will vary depending on your location and the hourly rates of mechanics in the area. On the plus side, the shims on the K 1600 rarely need replacing, even at the first service.
As the K 1600 has a shaft final drive, you also need to regularly change the final drive fluid.
What you need to service a BMW K 1600 GT (or B/GTL/Grand America)
To service your BMW K 1600 bike, you need the following consumables and replaceable items — these are per the manual.
Part | BMW K 1600 GT spec |
---|---|
Engine oil | SAE 5W-40 API SL or JASO MA2 engine oil without additives. BMW recommends BMW Motorrad Advantec Ultimate 5W-40 oil. |
Oil filter | Change this when you change the oil. BMW part number for the Mahle oil filter is 11 42 7 673 541, which needs an oil filter wrench. The Hiflofiltro HF164 is a high-quality alternative that fits many BMW motorcycles. |
Spark plug | The standard spark plug type is an NGK LMAR8AI-8. |
Air filter | The BMW part number for the K 1600’s air filter is 13 71 7 712 317. You can also use a K&N BM-1611. |
Front brake pads | Front brake pad part number is 34 11 7 728 945. These are for sintered metal pads. You can also use EBC FA613HH, which are sintered pads. |
Rear brake pads | Rear brake pad part number is 34 21 8 534 821. You can also use EBC FA209/2HH sintered pads. |
Brake fluid | Use BMW DOT 4 brake fluid. |
Transmission oil | BMW recommends Castrol 75W-90 transmission oil. |
Bulbs | High-beam bulb is an H7 55W bulb. Low-beam is a Xenon D1S 12V 35W light. |
Coolant | Use BMW Coolant. |
Maintenance schedule for the BMW K 1600 GT (2017+)
Below is the maintenance schedule for the BMW K 1600 GT and all variants (GTL, B, and so on).
This is the same as in the manual, but formatted to make it easier to read.
Notes on the schedule
- Follow the earlier of the time-based or distance-based service intervals. For example, change the oil every year, regardless of distance.
- Keep following the schedule once you reach the end in the pattern shown.
- The break-in service is omitted as it’s assumed you’ve reached that point (and the dealer usually includes it).
km x 1000 | 10 | 20 | 30 | 40 | 50 | 60 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
mi x 1000 | 6 | 12 | 18 | 24 | 30 | 36 | Every |
Standard BMW Annual service (see below) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
Change engine oil and filter (BMW Motorrad Advantec Ultimate 5W-40, HF164) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Year |
Replace air cleaner insert (BM-1611) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
Check valve clearances | ✓ | ✓ | Note 1 | ||||
Replace all spark plugs (6 x LMAR8AI-8) | ✓ | ✓ | |||||
Check bearing for deflection at rear wheel swinging arm | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 2 years |
Change oil in rear bevel gears (Castrol 75W-90) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 2 years (Note 2) | |||
Change brake fluid in entire system (BMW DOT 4) | After 2 years, then every 2 years |
Notes:
- Note 1: Valve clearances on K 1600 engines rarely need adjusting past the first service. After the first few services, many owners tend to extend out valve clearance service intervals beyond 18000 miles / 30000 km, but this is up to you.
- Note 2: Earlier manuals had a typo where it said “annually or every 20000 km”, contradicting that the table said “2 years”. This was corrected in recent years.)
Standard BMW annual service (K 1600 GT)
Below is what you need to do as part of the “standard BMW service” every year, regardless of mileage.
Items marked [D] are for a dealer to do.
Standard annual service — BMW K 1600 GT |
---|
[D] Perform the vehicle test using the BMW Motorrad diagnostic system |
Drain the oil condensate hose |
Visually inspect the brake lines, brake hoses, and connections |
Check the front brake pads and brake discs for wear Minimum limit – 1.0 mm / 0.04 in |
Check the front wheel brake fluid level (top up with BMW DOT 4 fluid as necessary) With the motorcycle upright, check the fluid is above the “Min” line. Fluid level drops with pad wear. |
Check the rear brake pads and brake disc for wear |
Check the rear wheel brake fluid level |
Check the clutch system |
Check coolant level is between “Min” and “Max” lines (top up with BMW Coolant) |
Check the tire pressure and tread depth |
Check side stand for ease of movement |
Check center stand for ease of movement |
Check the lighting and signal system |
Check engine starting suppression works |
Final inspection and road safety check |
[D] Set the service date and remaining distance using the BMW Motorrad diagnostic system |
Checking charging state of battery |
[D] Confirm the BMW service in the vehicle literature |
BMW K 1600 Tire Sizes and Pressures
The BMW K 1600 GT is a grand sport touring bike, and thus can run a wide variety of tires and pressures — though people usually opt for “sport touring” tires.
Here are the tire sizes and recommended starting pressures per the manual.
Wheel | Tire size | Tire pressure (cold) |
---|---|---|
Front | 120/70 ZR 17 (Load index: 58) | 2.9 bar / 42 psi / 290 kPa |
Rear | 190/55 ZR 17 (Load index: 75) | 2.9 bar / 42 psi / 290 kPa |
About the BMW K 1600 GT
The BMW K 1600 GT is the full-dress tourer from BMW, a competitor to the Honda Gold Wing.
It’s similar in concept — a bike with no luxury spared, and a six-cylinder engine with huge torque and very high reliability.
The K 1600 GT has always had a very powerful six-cylinder engine that would be at home in a medium-sized car. And since the bike it’s pulling is no lightweight (weighing 319 kg for the GT without panniers, and 348 kg for the GTL with panniers and top case), it’s just as well.
The K 1600 GT is also obviously a very comfortable bike. It’s comfortable not just for the rider but also for the pillion — particularly the GTL, which comes with a top case and backrest.
The K 1600 GTL is the same basic bike as the GT, just with more comfort. The riding position is more upright for the rider, with the handlebars closer, and the rider’s footrests are further forward to press less strain on the knees. In addition, the standard top case also acts as a back rest for the pillion passenger.
From the time it was launched in 2010 for the 2011 model year, the BMW K 1600 GT/GTL has had extremely high technology spec.
Even in 2011, the BMW K 1600 GT and GTL came with full ride-by-wire (then called “E-gas”), power modes, dynamic traction control, and a full TFT display, and with options like electronic suspension adjustment, an adaptive headlight, and cruise control.
In 2016, BMW released a revised K 1600 GT for the 2017 model year. It had the same engine and power and torque specs, but BMW had updated it to make sure it met Euro 4 emissions restrictions.
In addition BMW added to the 2017+ BMW K 1600 GT:
- ABS Pro and Dynamic Traction Control — BMW’s cornering ABS and lean angle-aware traction control technology
- Many things previously options now standard, including heated grips, cruise control, xenon headlamps, and more
- Reverse assist (an option)
- Electronic suspension Dynamic ESA as standard — automatic damping, updated from ESA II (previously an option)
- Intelligent Emergency Call — an option to make a call in case you have an accident
- Newly designed instruments
- Enhanced fairing for more wind and weather protection (revised styling, basically)
- Optional quickshifter (Shift Assistant Pro)
In 2021, BMW announced the 2022+ line of the K 1600 GT, including the revised GT and GTL, plus the K 1600 B (Bagger) and the K 1600 Grand America.
The K 1600 B and Grand America have a foot-forward riding position, akin to a cruiser.
For the 2022+ model year, BMW revised the engine to keep it in line with emissions control but still kept the peak power at 118 kW / 160 hp. However, BMW managed to pull peak power forward to 6750 rpm, with more peak torque.
The new models also get a massive 10.25-inch TFT display, an enhanced audio system, updated suspension, and full LED adaptive headlights.
Manual for the BMW K 1600 GT (and B, GTL)
The above maintenance schedule comes from the user manual and parts fiches for the BMW K 1600 motorcycles.
Unlike many other BMW motorcycle models, even in recent manuals, BMW doesn’t require the standard annual service to be done at the 6000 mile / 10000 km mark.
You can download BMW user manuals from BMW directly.