MotoSpecs

2011 BMW K 1600 GT vs 2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2011 BMW K 1600 GT 2011 BMW K 1600 GT

Touring

Engine
Four stroke, transverse six cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
118 kW / 160.5 hp @ 7750 rpm
Top Speed
239.2 km/h / 148.6 mph
Weight
319 kg / 703 lbs
2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing 2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing

Touring

Engine
Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
895.0 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Year2011-
Colours-Metallic Red, Metallic Black, Pearl Yellow, Metallic Titanium
Make ModelBMW K 1600 GT-
Warranty-1832cc liquid-cooled horizontally opposed six-cylinder
Dimensions
Seat Height810 - 830 mm / 31.9 - 32.7 in (standard) 780 - 800 mm / 30.7 - 31.5 in(optional rider seat) 750 mm / 29.5 in (special accessory seat, single-section)739 mm / 29.1 in.
Wheelbase1680 mm / 66.1 in1,689 mm / 66.5 in.
Height1465 mm / 57.7 in(excl. mirrors)-
Length2489 mm / 98.0 in-
Width1000 mm / 39.4 in (incl. mirrors)-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight295 kg / 650 lbs-
Fuel Capacity26.5 L / 7.0 US gal24.98 litres / 6.60 gallons
Wet Weight319 kg / 703 lbs406.0 kg / 895.0 lbs
Performance
Top Speed239.2 km/h / 148.6 mph-
Max Power118 kW / 160.5 hp @ 7750 rpm-
Max Torque175 Nm / 17.8 kgf-m / 129 lb-ft @ 5250 rpm-
Standing Start ¼ Mile11.7 sec-
Engine
Fuel Control-SOHC
Engine Type-Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Displacement (ci)-111.79 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)-1832.00 cc
Bore x Stroke (mm)-74.0 x 71.0 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)-2.9 x 2.8 inches
CO2-151.5 CO
Displacement1649 cc / 100.6 cu in.-
Engine DetailFour stroke, transverse six cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder-
Fuel System-Injection. Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
Bore x Stroke72 x 67.5 mm-
Compression Ratio12.2:19.8:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooled-
Emissions-Meets current CARB and EPA standards.
Fuel Consumption5.95 L/100 km / 16.8 km/l / 39.5 US mpg6.53 litres/100 km (15.3 km/l or 36.02 mpg)
Fuel Induction∅52mm Throttle valve diameter, BMS-X-
Fuel Reserve4 Litres / 1.1 US gal-
Fuel TypePremium unleaded (95 RON)-
IgnitionDigital CDIComputer-controlled digital with three-dimensional mapping
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-2
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12 V / 19 Ah maintenance free-
Drivetrain
ClutchMultiplate wet clutch, hydraulically activated-
Final DriveShaftShaft drive (cardan)
Gear Ratios1st 2.23 / 2nd 1.641 / 3rd 1.319 / 4th 1.101 / 5th 0.926 / 6th 0.788-
Gearbox-5-speed
Transmission / Drive6 Speed -
Chassis
Frame TypeChill-cast rear frame: aluminium, extruded sections1832cc liquid-cooled horizontally opposed six-cylinder
Suspension - FrontDual longitudinal control arm45mm cartridge fork with anti-dive system.
Suspension - RearParalever (single-sided swing arm), central spring strut, rebound/continuously variablePro-Arm single-side swingarm with Pro-Link single shock with computer-controlled spring-preload adjustment with two memory presets
Rake-29.2°
Steering Head Angle62.2°-
Trail108.4 mm / 4.3 in109 mm / 4.3 in.
Wheel Travel - Front115 mm / 4.8 in140 mm / 5.5 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear135 mm / 5.3 in104 mm / 4.1 in.
Electrical Systems
Alternator580 W Alternator-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-296 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-11.7 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-12.4 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-316 mm
Brakes - Front2 x ∅320mm discs, 4 piston calipersDouble disc. Anti-lock braking
Brakes - RearSingle ∅320mm disc, 2 piston caliperSingle disc
ABSBMW Motorrad ABS (partial integral)-
Rims - Front3.0 x 17-
Rims - Rear6.00 x 17-
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17130/70-R18
Tyres - Rear190/55 ZR17180/60-R16
WheelsCast aluminium wheels-

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2011 BMW K 1600 GT and the 2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2011 BMW K 1600 GT - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
  • More rear wheel travel: 135 mm vs 104 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 739 mm vs 810 - 830 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • More front wheel travel: 140 mm vs 115 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2011 BMW K 1600 GT vs 2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2011 BMW K 1600 GT and 2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing?
The 2011 BMW K 1600 GT uses Four stroke, transverse six cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing is powered by Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2011 BMW K 1600 GT or the 2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing?
The 2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing has the lower seat at 739 mm, making it more accessible. The 2011 BMW K 1600 GT sits higher at 810 - 830 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Does the 2011 BMW K 1600 GT or 2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing have ABS?
The 2011 BMW K 1600 GT is listed with ABS as standard. The 2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2011 BMW K 1600 GT or the 2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing?
Both are strong choices. The 2011 BMW K 1600 GT has the edge in liquid cooling and standard ABS, while the 2011 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing stands out for lower seat height and fuel injection. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.

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