-- BMW K 1600 GT is voted "International Bike Of The Year 2011"

The BMW K 1600 GT has won the vote for the "International Bike Of The Year 2011 (IBOTY)" award.

 This was announced at a press conference given by the Belgian motorcycle magazine Motor Wereld at the Brussels Motor Show.

The award for the K 1600 GT comes from an international jury representing motorcycle magazines from 25 individual countries, including Australia. Ducati's Diavel took out the runner-up position, (32 points - nine less than the BMW K 1600 GT), and nine points ahead of Aprilia's third-placed Tuono V4 APRC.

The K 1600 GT convinced the motorcycle journalists with its unique combination of comfort, performance and use of innovative technologies. The powerful in-line 6-cylinder engine was said to offer power, refinement and lots of fun.

The bike's sophisticated technology - in addition to ABS, traction control and navigation system, an adaptive headlight and electronically controlled suspension with various modes increase active riding safety - makes the K 1600 GT an incomparable touring motorcycle.

On the road, the outstanding qualities of the K 1600 GT are its agile chassis and unusually light handling. All this gives the rider a unique riding experience, according to the jury, impressing the most demanding touring and sports motorcyclists.

The K 1600 GTL was rated separately and also convinced the jury, finishing fourth, while the S 1000 RR followed it in fifth place alongside the Kawasaki ZX-10R. With three models in the top five places, BMW Motorrad put in a highly impressive showing overall.

BMW Motorrad also won the highest rating in 2010 with the S 1000 RR.

The results of the IBOTY 2011:

1) BMW K 1600 GT (41 points) - Link to our review
2) Ducati Diavel (32 points)
3) Aprilia Tuono V4 APRC (22 points) - Link to our review
4) BMW K 1600 GTL (18 points) - Link to our review
5) BMW S 1000 RR (Review Link) and Kawasaki ZX 10R (Review Link) (16 points each)