2018 BMW K 1600 GT vs 2019 BMW R 1250RT

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2018 BMW K 1600 GT 2018 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
N/A
Weight
319 kg / 703 lbs
2019 BMW R 1250RT 2019 BMW R 1250RT

Touring

Engine
Twin, four-stroke
Power
136 hp / 100 kW @ 7750 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
615.1 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Year2017 - 182019
Colours-Carbon Black Metallic, Mars Red Metallic/Dark Slate Metallic Matte, Alpine White, 719 Blue Planet Metallic, 719 Sparkling Storm Metallic
Make ModelBMW K 1600 GTBMW R 1250RT
Dimensions
Storage-Saddle bags
Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm)-740 mm
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)-29.1 inches
Seat Height810 - 830 mm / 31.9 - 32.7" (standard) 780 - 800 mm / 30.7 - 31.5"(optional rider seat) 750 mm / 29.5" (special accessory seat, single-section)805 mm to 825 mm / 31.6 in to 32.4 in 760 mm to 850 mm / 29.9 in to 33.4 in - optional
Wheelbase1680 mm / 66.1 in1485 mm / 58.4 in
Height1465 mm / 57.7 in (excl. mirrors)1405 mm / 55.3 in.
Length2324 m / 91.5 in985 mm / 38.7 in
Width1000 mm / 39.4 in (incl. mirrors)985 mm / 38.7 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight295 kg / 650 lbs-
Fuel Capacity26.5 Litres / 7.0 US gal25 Litres / 6.6 US gal
Max Load-505 kg / 1113.3 lbs
Wet Weight319 kg / 703 lbs279 kg / 615 lbs
Performance
Max Power118 kW / 160.5 hp @ 7750 rpm136 hp / 100 kW @ 7750 rpm
Max Torque175 Nm / 17.8 kgf-m / 129 lb-ft @ 5250 rpm143 Nm / 105.4 lb-ft @ 6250 rpm
Engine
Fuel Control-Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Engine Type-Twin, four-stroke
CO2-109.0 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Displacement1649 cc / 100.6 cu in.1254 cc / 76.5 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, transverse six cylinder, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, with two overhead, spur gear driven camshafts , a counterbalance shaft and variable intake camshaft control system BMW ShiftCam, 4 valves per cylinder, Intake 40mm, outlet 34 mm
Fuel System-Injection. Digital engine management, electronic intake pipe fuel injection
Bore x Stroke72 x 67.5 mm102.5 x 76 mm
Compression Ratio12.2:112.5:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid / Air cooled
Emissions-Closed-loop three-way catalytic converter, exhaust standard , Euro 4
Engine Lubrication-Wet sump
Engine Management-BMS-O
Fuel Consumption-4.70 litres/100 km (21.3 km/l or 50.05 mpg)
Fuel Induction52mm Throttle valve diameter, BMS-XElectronic intake pipe injection, 52mm Ø throttle valve
Fuel Reserve4 Litres / 1.1 US gal4.00 litres / 1.06 US gallons
Fuel TypePremium unleaded (95 RON)Unleaded super, octane number 95 (RON)
IgnitionDigital CDI-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12 V / 19 Ah maintenance freeV/Ah 12/11.8 12/16
Drivetrain
ClutchMultiplate wet clutch, hydraulically activatedWet clutch with anti-hopping function, hydraulically activated
Final DriveShaftShaft
Gear Ratios1st 2.23 / 2nd 1.641 / 3rd 1.319 / 4th 1.101 / 5th 0.926 / 6th 0.7881st (2.438) 2nd 1.714 3rd. 1.296 4th 1.059 5th 0.943 6th 0.848
Gearbox-6-speed
Primary Drive Ratios-1.650
Secondary Drive Ratio-1.061
Transmission / DriveConstant-mesh 6-speed gearbox, helical cutConstant mesh 6-speed gearbox with helical gearing system
Chassis
Frame TypeBridge-type frame, cast aluminium, load-bearing engineTwo-section frame concept consisting of main frame with bolt-on rear frame, load-bearing engine
Suspension - FrontDual longitudinal control arm, Dynamic ESA semi-active suspension (road and dynamic modes)BMW Motorrad 37mm Telelever, central spring strut
Suspension - RearParalever (single-sided swing arm), central spring strut, rebound/continuously variable, Dynamic ESA semi-active suspension (road and dynamic modes)Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever, WAD spring strut, continuously adjustable spring preload by means of hand wheel, rebound-stage damping adjustable by hand wheel (Option: Dynamic ESA)
Rake-26.4°
Steering Angle-64.1°
Steering Head Angle62.2°-
Trail108.4 mm / 4.3 in116 mm / 4.5 in
Wheel Travel - Front115 mm / 4.9 in120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear135 mm / 5.3 in136 mm / 5.3 in
Electrical Systems
AlternatorW 700-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2 x 320mm discs, 4 piston calipers2x 320mm floating discs, 4-piston radial brake calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 320mm disc, 2 piston caliperSingle 276mm disc, 2-piston floating caliper
ABSBMW Motorrad ABS (partial integral)BMW Motorrad Integral ABS as standard (part integral), disengageable
Rims-Cast aluminium
Rims - Front3.0 x 17-
Rims - Rear6.00 x 17-
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear190/55 ZR17180/55 ZR17
WheelsCast aluminium wheelsDie-cast aluminium wheels
Wheels - Front-3.50 x 17″
Wheels - Rear-5.50 x 17″

Verdict

Winner on specs

2019 BMW R 1250RT

The 2019 BMW R 1250RT edges out the 2018 BMW K 1600 GT thanks to its more peak power, lighter kerb weight and fuel injection. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2018 BMW K 1600 GT - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 175 Nm vs 143 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
  • Larger displacement: 1649 cc vs 1254 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

2019 BMW R 1250RT - Advantages

  • More power: Produces 136 hp vs 118 kW - a meaningful performance advantage.
  • Lighter: 279 kg vs 319 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.

2018 BMW K 1600 GT vs 2019 BMW R 1250RT - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2018 BMW K 1600 GT and 2019 BMW R 1250RT?
The 2018 BMW K 1600 GT uses Four stroke, transverse six cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2019 BMW R 1250RT is powered by Twin, four-stroke.
Which is lighter, the 2018 BMW K 1600 GT or the 2019 BMW R 1250RT?
The 2019 BMW R 1250RT is lighter at 279 kg compared to 319 kg for the 2018 BMW K 1600 GT - a difference of 40 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which has more power, the 2018 BMW K 1600 GT or the 2019 BMW R 1250RT?
The 2019 BMW R 1250RT produces more peak power at 136 hp, compared to 118 kW for the 2018 BMW K 1600 GT.
Which should I buy, the 2018 BMW K 1600 GT or the 2019 BMW R 1250RT?
Both are strong choices. The 2018 BMW K 1600 GT has the edge in higher torque and dual front discs, while the 2019 BMW R 1250RT stands out for more peak power and lighter kerb weight. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.