2011 BMW K 1300GT vs 2008 BMW K 1200LT

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2011 BMW K 1300GT 2011 BMW K 1300GT

Touring

Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
634.9 pounds
2008 BMW K 1200LT 2008 BMW K 1200LT

Touring

Engine
In-line four
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
853.2 pounds
Full Specifications
General
CommentsPower Steering-
ColoursRed, beige, blue-
Dimensions
StorageFront Rack Capacity 100 lbs / 45.4 kg. Rear Rack Capacity 50 lbs / 22.7 kg. Towing Capacity 1,050 lbs / 476.3 kg-
Ground Clearance (mm)1,278 mm-
Ground Clearance (in.)50.3 inches-
Seat Height820 mm / 32.3 in.770 mm / 30.3 in.
Wheelbase1,572 mm / 61.9 in.1,627 mm / 64.1 in.
Height1,438 mm / 56.6 in.1,915 mm / 75.4 in.
Length2,318 mm / 91.3 in.2,502 mm / 98.5 in.
Width965 mm / 38.0 in.1,080 mm / 42.5 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight255 kg / 562.2 lbs353.5 kg / 779.3 lbs
Fuel Capacity24.00 litres / 6.34 gallons24.00 litres / 6.34 gallons
Wet Weight288.0 kg / 634.9 lbs387.0 kg / 853.2 lbs
Performance
Max Torque135.00 Nm (13.8 kgf-m or 99.6 ft.lbs) @ 8000120.00
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.6205 HP/kg0.3224 HP/kg
Engine
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.1 x 2.5 inches2.8 x 3.0 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)80.0 x 64.3 mm70.5 x 75.0 mm
CO2116.0 CO-
Stroke-4
Displacement (ci)78.90 cubic inches71.45 cubic inches
Engine TypeIn-line four, four-strokeIn-line four
Fuel ControlDOHC-
Displacement (cc)1293.00 cc1171.00 cc
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic intake pipe injection/digital engine management including knock sensor (BMS-K)Injection. Electronic intake pipe injection/BMW engine management, Motronic MA 2.4 with overrun fuel cut-off
Compression Ratio13.0:110.8:1
EmissionsClosed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3-
Engine LubricationDry sump-
ExhaustClosed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3-
Fuel Consumption5.00 litres/100 km (20.0 km/l or 47.04 mpg)-
Fuel Reserve4.00 litres / 1.06 gallons2.00 litres / 0.53 gallons
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System44
Drivetrain
ClutchMultiple-disc clutch in oil bath, hydraulically operatedSingle dry plate clutch, hydraulically operated
Final DriveShaft drive (cardan)Shaft drive (cardan)
Gearbox6-speed5-speed
Primary DriveAutomatic CVT with EBS, Hi/Lo Range and Reverse. 2/4 WD + Diff Lock-
Chassis
Frame TypeBridge-type frame, cast aluminium, load-bearing engineBridge-type frame, cast aluminium, engine with vibration-decoupled mountings
Suspension - FrontBMW Motorrad DuoleverBMW Motorrad Telelever
Suspension - RearCast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad ParaleverCast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever
Rake29.4°27.0°
SeatRemovable Passenger Seat and Optional 3-in-1 Versatility-
Trail112 mm / 4.4 in.117 mm / 4.6 in.
Wheel Travel - Front115 mm / 4.5 in.102 mm / 4.0 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear254 mm / 10.0 in.130 mm / 5.1 in.
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)294 mm285 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)11.6 inches11.2 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)320 mm320 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.6 inches12.6 inches
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. Anti-Lock BrakesDouble disc. ABS
Brakes - RearSingle discSingle disc. ABS
RimsCast aluminium-
Tyres - Front120/70-ZR17120/70-17
Tyres - Rear180/55-ZR17160/70-17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2011 BMW K 1300GT

The 2011 BMW K 1300GT edges out the 2008 BMW K 1200LT thanks to its higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2011 BMW K 1300GT - Advantages

  • More rear wheel travel: 254 mm vs 130 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 115 mm vs 102 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2008 BMW K 1200LT - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 770 mm vs 820 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2011 BMW K 1300GT vs 2008 BMW K 1200LT - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2011 BMW K 1300GT and 2008 BMW K 1200LT?
The 2011 BMW K 1300GT uses In-line four, four-stroke, while the 2008 BMW K 1200LT is powered by In-line four.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2011 BMW K 1300GT or the 2008 BMW K 1200LT?
The 2008 BMW K 1200LT has the lower seat at 770 mm, making it more accessible. The 2011 BMW K 1300GT sits higher at 820 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2011 BMW K 1300GT or the 2008 BMW K 1200LT?
Both are strong choices. The 2011 BMW K 1300GT has the edge in higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel, while the 2008 BMW K 1200LT stands out for lower seat height. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.