2022 BMW K 1600 GTL vs 2023 Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout 117

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2022 BMW K 1600 GTL 2022 BMW K 1600 GTL

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, transverse six cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
118 kW / 160 hp @ 6750 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
358 kg / 789.2 lbs
2023 Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout 117 2023 Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout 117

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, V-Twin, Milwaukee-Eight 117, pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic self-adjusting lifters, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
310 kg / 683 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20222023
Make ModelBMW K 1600 GTLHarley Davidson Softail Breakout 117
Dimensions
Seat Height750 - 800 mm / 29.5 - 31.4 in (standard)665 mm / 26.2 in
Wheelbase1618 mm / 63.7 in1695 mm / 66.7 in
Ground Clearance-115 mm / 4.5 in
Height1440 mm - 1597 mm / 56.7 in - 62.9 in1085 mm / 42.7 in
Length2489 m / 97.9 in2370 mm / 93.3 in
Seat Height (Laden)-650 mm / 25.6 in
Width1000 mm / 39.4 in950 mm / 37.4 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-296kg / 653 lbs
Fuel Capacity26.5 Litres / 7.0 US gal18.9 Litres / 5 US gal
Wet Weight358 kg / 789.2 lbs310 kg / 683 lbs
Performance
Max Power118 kW / 160 hp @ 6750 rpm-
Max Torque180 Nm / 132.7 lb-ft @ 5250 rpm169 Nm / 124.6 lb-ft @ 3500
Engine
Displacement1649 cc / 100.6 cu-in1923 cc / 117cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, transverse six cylinder, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, V-Twin, Milwaukee-Eight 117, pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic self-adjusting lifters, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke72 x 67.5 mm103.5 x 114 mm
Compression Ratio12.2:110.2:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledAir cooled
EmissionsClosed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-5-
Exhaust-2-into-2 staggered; catalyst in muffler
Fuel Induction-Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Ignition-Single-fire, non-wasted, map-controlled spark ignition
Lubrication-Pressurized, dry-sump with oil cooler
Mixture ControlElectronic intake pipe injection digital engine management system: BMS-O with throttle-by-wire-
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchMultiple-disc clutch in oil bathMechanical, 10 plate wet, assist & conventional
Final DriveShaftBelt, 32/66 ratio
Gear Ratios1st 2.23 / 2nd 1.641 / 3rd 1.319 / 4th 1.101 / 5th 0.926 / 6th 0.7881st 9.311 / 2nd 6.454 / 3rd 4.793 / 4th 3.882 / 5th 3.307 / 6th 2.79
Primary Drive-Chain, 34/46 ratio
Transmission / Drive6-speed gearbox, helical cut6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeBridge-type frame, cast aluminium, load-bearing engineMild steel, tubular frame, rectangular section backbone, stamped, cast, and forged junctions, MIG welded, aluminum forged fender supports
Suspension - FrontBMW Motorrad Duolever; central spring strutDual-bending valve 49 mm telescopic with aluminum fork triple clamps; dual rate spring
Suspension - RearCast aluminum single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; central spring strutHidden, free piston, coil-over monoshock; 43mm stroke; toolless hydraulic preload adjustment
Rake-34°
Steering Head Angle62.2°-
Swingarm-Mild steel, tubular sections, stamped x-member, forged axle junctions, MIG welded, removable belt spacer
Trail105.9 mm / 4.17 in145 mm / 5.7 in
Wheel Travel - Front114.3 mm / 4.5 in130 mm / 5.1 in
Wheel Travel - Rear135 mm / 5.3 in86 mm / 3.4 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2 x 320mm discs, 4 piston calipersSingle 300mm disc, 4 piston fixed caliper
Brakes - RearSingle 320mm disc, 2 piston caliperSingle 292mm disc, 2 piston floating caliper
ABSBMW Motorrad ABS Pro (partial integral, slant-layer-optimized)Standard
Rims - Front3.0 x 17-
Rims - Rear6.00 x 17-
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17130/60B21,63H,BW
Tyres - Rear190/55 ZR17240/40R18,79V,BW
WheelsCast aluminium wheelsGloss black, 26-spoke cast aluminum

Verdict

Winner on specs

2023 Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout 117

The 2023 Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout 117 edges out the 2022 BMW K 1600 GTL thanks to its lighter kerb weight, lower seat height, fuel injection and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2022 BMW K 1600 GTL - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 180 Nm vs 169 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
  • More rear wheel travel: 135 mm vs 86 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2023 Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout 117 - Advantages

  • Lighter: 310 kg vs 358 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Lower seat height: 665 mm vs 750 - 800 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • Larger displacement: 1923 cc vs 1649 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

2022 BMW K 1600 GTL vs 2023 Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout 117 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2022 BMW K 1600 GTL and 2023 Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout 117?
The 2022 BMW K 1600 GTL uses Four stroke, transverse six cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2023 Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout 117 is powered by Four stroke, V-Twin, Milwaukee-Eight 117, pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic self-adjusting lifters, 4 valves per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 2022 BMW K 1600 GTL or the 2023 Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout 117?
The 2023 Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout 117 is lighter at 310 kg compared to 358 kg for the 2022 BMW K 1600 GTL - a difference of 48 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2022 BMW K 1600 GTL or the 2023 Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout 117?
The 2023 Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout 117 has the lower seat at 665 mm, making it more accessible. The 2022 BMW K 1600 GTL sits higher at 750 - 800 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2022 BMW K 1600 GTL or the 2023 Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout 117?
Both are strong choices. The 2022 BMW K 1600 GTL has the edge in higher torque and liquid cooling, while the 2023 Harley-Davidson Softail Breakout 117 stands out for lighter kerb weight and 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.