Used test: 2017 BMW K1600GT SE ENRICHING EXPERIENCE

Okay it had been quite a while since BMW had shed its relatively dull and conservative image, and its new reputation for offering a more exciting model range had definitely stepped up many gears when the incredible 2010 S1000RR superbike came along. But even so, just a year later when the K1600GT and GTL arrived, many Bee-Em fans must have shuddered in their slippers. A couple of massively proportioned and very speedy sports touring bikes, powered by a brand new 160bhp inline six-cylinder motor, was so far removed from what the brand was normally associated with it was hard to comprehend.

But any surprise quickly turned to approval and many deposits were put down. The 1600s might well have been bulky and weighty, and at over £15,000 for the GT model, with the GTL version on offer not far short of £17,000, neither were what you’d call affordable. But what they were considered to be was fast, well-equipped machines with, wait for it, remarkably manageable handling.

Both were primarily geared towards comfortable mile-eating, with the GTL being even more relaxed and better equipped for crossing whole countries with ease. As is usual with BMW, a selection of factory fitted options were available to make life more bearable. They included