2016 BMW K 1600 GT vs 2014 Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2016 BMW K 1600 GT 2016 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
2014 Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback 2014 Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback

Touring

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph
Weight
718.0 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Comments-Lithium Iron Phosphate 48V/20Ah battery, 16.8 kg. Range 60 km. Recharging time: 4 hours. Made in Taiwan.
Year2016-
Colours-Morocco Gold Pearl,Blackened Cayenne Sunglo, Amber Whiskey, Brilliant Silver Pearl, Vivid Black
Make ModelBMW K 1600 GT-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)-4.3 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)-109 mm
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)663 mm / 26.1 in.
Wheelbase1680 mm / 66.1 in1,595 mm / 62.8 in.
Height1465 mm / 57.7 in (excl. mirrors)1,005 mm / 39.6 in.
Length2489m m / 98.0 in2,360 mm / 92.9 in.
Width1000 mm / 39.4 in (incl. mirrors)625 mm / 24.6 in.
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (Quarts)-0.18 quarts
Oil Capacity (l)-2.80 litres
Dry Weight295 kg / 650 lbs315.7 kg / 696.0 lbs
Fuel Capacity26.5 Litres / 7.0 US gal17.79 litres / 4.70 gallons
Wet Weight319 kg / 703 lbs325.7 kg / 718.0 lbs
Performance
Top Speed239.2 km/h / 148.6 mph45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph
Max Power118 kW / 160.5 hp @ 7750 rpm-
Max Torque175 Nm / 17.8 kgf-m / 129 lb-ft @ 5250 rpm135.60 Nm (13.8 kgf-m or 100.0 ft.lbs) @ 3500
Power-to-Weight Ratio-0.0383 HP/kg
Standing Start ¼ Mile11.7 sec-
Engine
Displacement (ci)-103.00 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)-1687.97 cc
CO2-129.9 CO
Bore x Stroke (mm)-98.4 x 111.3 mm
Engine Type-V2, four-stroke
Bore x Stroke (in,)-3.9 x 4.4 inches
Displacement1649 cc / 100.6 cu in.-
Engine DetailFour stroke, transverse six cylinder, 4 valves per cylinderAir-cooled, Twin Cam 103?
Fuel System-Injection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Bore x Stroke72 x 67.5 mm-
Compression Ratio12.2:110.0:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooled-
Emissions-Zero emission
Exhaust-2-into-1 chrome exhaust with straight-cut muffler
Fuel Consumption5.95 L/100 km / 16.8 km/l / 39.5 US mpg5.60 litres/100 km (17.9 km/l or 42.00 mpg)
Fuel Induction52mm Throttle valve diameter, BMS-X-
Fuel Reserve4 Litres / 1.1 US gal-
Fuel TypePremium unleaded (95 RON)-
IgnitionDigital CDI-
StarterElectricElectric
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12 V / 19 Ah maintenance free-
Drivetrain
ClutchMultiplate wet clutch, hydraulically activatedMulti-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath
Final DriveShaftBelt
Gear Ratios1st 2.23 / 2nd 1.641 / 3rd 1.319 / 4th 1.101 / 5th 0.926 / 6th 0.788-
Gearbox-6-speed
Primary Drive-Primary chain, 34/46 ratio
Transmission / Drive6 Speed -
Chassis
Frame TypeChill-cast rear frame: aluminium, extruded sectionsSteel tube
Suspension - FrontDual longitudinal control armDual Hydraulic Shock Absorber
Suspension - RearParalever (single-sided swing arm), central spring strut, rebound/continuously variableSingle Hydraulic Shock Absorber
Rake-29.9°
Steering Head Angle62.2°-
Trail108.4 mm / 4.3 in147 mm / 5.8 in.
Wheel Travel - Front115 mm / 4.8 in-
Wheel Travel - Rear135 mm / 5.3 in-
Electrical Systems
Alternator580 W Alternator-
Instrumentation-Tank-mounted electronic speedometer with odometer, time-of-day clock on odometer, dual tripmeter, RPM/Gear display, fuel gauge with low fuel warning light and countdown feature, low oil pressure indicator light, engine diagnostics readout, LED indicat
Lighting system-High beam, neutral, low oil pressure, engine diagnostics, turn signals, low fuel warning, ABS (optional), low battery, body controller diagnostics
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2 x ∅320mm discs, 4 piston calipersDouble disc. 4-piston fixed
Brakes - RearSingle ∅320mm disc, 2 piston caliperSingle disc. 2-piston torque-free floating
ABSBMW Motorrad ABS (partial integral)-
Rims-Black, 5-Spoke Cast Aluminum
Rims - Front3.0 x 17-
Rims - Rear6.00 x 17-
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17130/70-B18
Tyres - Rear190/55 ZR17160/70-B17
WheelsCast aluminium wheels-

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2016 BMW K 1600 GT and the 2014 Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback 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

2016 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.

2014 Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 663 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.

2016 BMW K 1600 GT vs 2014 Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2016 BMW K 1600 GT and 2014 Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback?
The 2016 BMW K 1600 GT uses Four stroke, transverse six cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2014 Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback is powered by V2, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2016 BMW K 1600 GT or the 2014 Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback?
The 2014 Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback has the lower seat at 663 mm, making it more accessible. The 2016 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 2016 BMW K 1600 GT or 2014 Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback have ABS?
The 2016 BMW K 1600 GT is listed with ABS as standard. The 2014 Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2016 BMW K 1600 GT or the 2014 Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback?
Both are strong choices. The 2016 BMW K 1600 GT has the edge in liquid cooling and standard ABS, while the 2014 Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback 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.