MotoSpecs

2017 Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide vs 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2017 Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide 2017 Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, V-Twin, Milwaukee-Eight 114, Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
398 kg / 867 lbs
2018 BMW K 1600 GTL 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Inline 6
Power
118 kW / 160.5 hp @ 7750 rpm
Top Speed
220 km/h
Weight
348.0
Full Specifications
General
Year20172017 - 18
Make-BMW
Model-K 1600 GTL
Make ModelHarley Davidson CVO Street GlideBMW K 1600 GTL
Dimensions
Seat HeightUnladen 690 mm / 27.2 in750 mm / 29.5 in If adjustable, lowest setting
Wheelbase1625 mm / 64.0 in1680 mm / 66.1 in
Ground Clearance125 mm / 4.9 in-
Height-1465 mm / 57.7 in
Length2435 mm / 96.7 in2489 mm / 98.0 in
Width-1000 mm / 39.4 in
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity (gal.)-7.0 gal
Fuel Capacity (l)-26.5 l
Dry Weight380 kg / 833 lbs321 kg / 707.7 lbs
Fuel Capacity22.7 Litres / US 6.0 gal26.5 Litres / 7.0 US gal
Oil Capacity4.7 Litres / US 5 qts-
Wet Weight398 kg / 867 lbs348 kg / 767 lbs
Performance
Maximum RPM-8500 RPM
Top Speed (km/h)-220 km/h
Top Speed (mph.)-137 mph
Max Power-118 kW / 160.5 hp @ 7750 rpm
Max Torque165 Nm / 124 ft/lb @ 3250 rpm175 Nm / 17.8 kgf-m / 129 lb-ft @ 5250 rpm
Engine
Fuel Reserve (gal.)-1.1 gal
Fuel Reserve (l)-4.0 l
Fuel Control-DOHC
Engine Type-Inline 6
Displacement (ci)-100.6 cu-in
Bore x Stroke (in,)-2.83 x 2.66 in
Bore x Stroke (mm)-72.0 x 67.5 mm
Stroke-67.5 mm
Displacement (cc)-1649 cc
Displacement1868 cc / 114 cub in.1649 cc / 100.6 cu in.
Engine DetailFour stroke, V-Twin, Milwaukee-Eight 114, Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, transverse six cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke102 x 114.3 mm72 x 67.5 mm
Compression Ratio10.5:112.2:1
Cooling SystemAir cooledLiquid cooled
ExhaustChrome dual exhaust with 4 inch touring mufflers and touring muffler shields-
Fuel InductionElectronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)52mm Throttle valve diameter, BMS-X
Fuel Reserve-4 Litres / 1.1 US gal
Fuel Type-Premium unleaded (95 RON)
IgnitionSingle-fire, non-wasted, map-controlled spark ignitionDigital CDI
LubricationPressurized, dry-sump with oil cooler-
StarterElectricElectric
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity-12 V / 19 Ah maintenance free
Drivetrain
Clutch-Multiplate wet clutch, hydraulically activated
Final DriveBeltShaft
Gear Ratios1st 9.593 2nd 6.65 3rd 4.938 4th 4.0 5th 3.407 6th 2.8751st 2.23 / 2nd 1.641 / 3rd 1.319 / 4th 1.101 / 5th 0.926 / 6th 0.788
Primary DriveChain, 34/46 ratio-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed Constant-mesh 6-speed gearbox, helical cut
Chassis
Frame TypeMild steel, square-section backbone with twin downtubesBridge-type frame, cast aluminium, load-bearing engine
Suspension - Front41.3 mm telescopic, cartridge-style damping,Dual longitudinal control arm, Dynamic ESA semi-active suspension (road and dynamic modes)
Suspension - RearShort, air-adjustable shockParalever (single-sided swing arm), central spring strut, rebound/continuously variable, Dynamic ESA semi-active suspension (road and dynamic modes)
Lean Angle32°-
Rake26° -
Steering Head Angle-62.2°
Trail170 mm / 6.7 in108.4 mm / 4.3 in
Wheel Travel - Front117 mm / 4.6 in115 mm / 4.9 in
Wheel Travel - Rear51 mm / 2.0 in135 mm / 5.3 in
Electronics
Tachometer-Standard
Electrical Systems
Alternator-W 700
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-12.6 in
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-320 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-12.6 in
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-320 mm
Brakes - FrontCaliper Type 32 mm, 4-piston fixed2 x 320mm discs, 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearCaliper Type 32 mm, 4-piston fixedSingle 320mm disc, 2 piston caliper
ABS-BMW Motorrad ABS (partial integral)
Rims - Front-3.0 x 17
Rims - Rear-6.00 x 17
Tyres - Front130/60B19 61H120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear180/65B16 80H190/55 ZR17
Wheels-Cast aluminium wheels
Wheels - FrontMirror Chrome Aggressor Custom Wheel-
Wheels - RearMirror Chrome Aggressor Custom Wheel-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2018 BMW K 1600 GTL

The 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL edges out the 2017 Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide thanks to its higher torque, lighter kerb weight, liquid cooling, standard ABS, dual front discs and higher rear wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2017 Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: Unladen 690 mm vs 750 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • Larger displacement: 1868 cc vs 1649 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

2018 BMW K 1600 GTL - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 175 Nm vs 165 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Lighter: 348 kg vs 398 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • 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.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
  • More rear wheel travel: 135 mm vs 51 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2017 Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide vs 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2017 Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide and 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL?
The 2017 Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide uses Four stroke, V-Twin, Milwaukee-Eight 114, Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL is powered by Inline 6.
Which is lighter, the 2017 Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide or the 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL?
The 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL is lighter at 348 kg compared to 398 kg for the 2017 Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide - a difference of 50 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2017 Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide or the 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL?
The 2017 Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide has the lower seat at Unladen 690 mm, making it more accessible. The 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL sits higher at 750 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Does the 2017 Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide or 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL have ABS?
The 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL is listed with ABS as standard. The 2017 Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2017 Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide or the 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL?
Both are strong choices. The 2017 Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide has the edge in lower seat height and fuel injection, while the 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL stands out for higher torque 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.

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