Royal Military Police on BMW K 1600 GT
Two specially prepared examples of the BMW K 1600 GT-p were recently presented to the Royal Military Police at BMW Motorrad Netherlands in Rijswijk. Both prototypes will be subjected to an extensive testing protocol in the coming period for further fine-tuning as part of the request for tender for delivery of c.185 patrol motorcycles. The Royal Military Police will use them for escort and control tasks.
Why BMW K 1600 GT?
This entire process was preceded by a selection based on a program of requirements from the Ministry of Defense. This concluded that only motorcycles from BMW Motorrad can meet the technical requirements. Moreover, only the BMW K 1600 GT-p proved suitable for performing the main tasks of the Royal Military Police.
Cardan
The return to BMW will no doubt be prompted by the production halt of the Yamaha FJR 1300. At the time, almost twenty years ago now, the choice fell on this cardan bike with four-cylinder in-line. It offered more power and more agility than BMW’s boxer engines, such as the R 1200 RT widely used by the government at the time. The K 1600 GT with its six-cylinder in-line did not exist at that time. However, that one is at least as smooth and powerful and also with cardan shaft. Police have been driving it for years for patrols on Dutch roads.
Guidance and checks
For guidance and control in particular, high top speed and fast acceleration are essential. With a maximum torque of 180 Nm at just 5,250 rpm, the BMW K 1600 GT-p ensures a very alert response to the throttle, even at low revs. The 1,649 cm3 6-cylinder in-line engine also excels in smoothness throughout the rev range. Maximum power is 118 kW (160 hp) at 6,750 rpm.
Also maintenance included
“We are obviously proud to supply these motorcycles to the Royal Military Police,” said Tom Crooijmans, Head of BMW Motorrad Netherlands. “The mounting and assembly was carefully carried out by our exclusive partner, HSC in Nieuw-Vennep and in close consultation with the professionals of the Royal Military Police. BMW Motorrad and our entire dealer organization are also involved in the maintenance of the motorcycles. I am convinced that the motorcyclists of the Royal Military Police can once again perform their duties in the years to come with confidence and great pleasure.”
