In 2010, BMW announced the 2011 models of the K 1600 family, which were the K 1600 GT and G 1600 GTL. The GTL was the luxury model that was more alike than different, with the same powerful liquid-cooled, 1,649cc in-line 6-cylinder engine, the same chassis and high-end components, the same sophisticated electronics, and the same sleek, futuristic bodywork.
For sport-touring purposes, the GT had a top trunk, a smaller windshield, sharper exhaust, a more aggressive riding position, less handlebar pullback, higher foot pegs set farther back, and a stiffer seat than the GTL.
In 2013, BMW released the K 1600 GT, designed as a luxury touring machine. The model came with standard features such as heated grips, color-coded pannier cases, an electrically adjustable windshield, a center stand, xenon headlights, seat heating, Cruise Control, E-gas (Ride-By-Wire), and BMW Motorrad Integral ABS.
At the core of the bike was planted a 1649cc four-stroke liquid-cooled engine with a roar of 160 hp at 7,750 rpm and 175 Nm (129 lb-ft) of torque at 5,250 rpm. The model transferred the power to a six-speed manual transmission spinning a shaft linked to the rear wheel.
The 2013 BMW K 1600 GT model packed a twin-spar aluminum frame that used the engine as a stressed member and fitted with a cast aluminum Paralever single-sided swingarm on the rear and Duolever Electronic single shock on the front.