MotoSpecs

2011 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy vs 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2011 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy 2011 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, Twin Cam 96BTM Valves Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters; two valves per cylinder
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
329.0 kg / 725 lbs
2012 BMW K 1600 GTL 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL

Custom / cruiser

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
348 kg / 768 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20112012
Make ModelHarley Davidson FLSTF Fat BoyBMW K 1600 GTL
Dimensions
Seat HeightLaden 635 mm / 25.0 in Unladen 690 mm / 27.1 in810 - 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)
Wheelbase1715 mm / 67.5 in1680 mm / 66.1 in
Height-1465 mm / 57.7 in
Length2445 mm / 96.2 in2489m m / 98.0 in
Width-1000 mm / 39.4 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-321 kg / 708 lbs
Fuel Capacity18.9 Litres / 5.0 gal26.5 Litres / 7.0 US gal
Maximum Load / GVWR526.0 kg / 1160 lbs-
Wet Weight329.0 kg / 725 lbs348 kg / 768 lbs
Performance
Top Speed-239.2 km/h / 148.6 mph
Max Power-118 kW / 160.5 hp @ 7750 rpm
Max Torque124.7 Nm / 92 ft. lbs @ 3000 rpm175 Nm / 17.8 kgf-m / 129 lb-ft @ 5250 rpm
Standing Start ¼ Mile-11.7 sec
Engine
Displacement1584 cc / 96 cu-in1649 cc / 100.6 cu in.
Engine DetailFour stroke, Twin Cam 96BTM Valves Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters; two valves per cylinderFour stroke, transverse six cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke95.25 x 111.25 mm72 x 67.5 mm
Compression Ratio9.2:112.2:1
Cooling SystemAir cooledLiquid cooled
Fuel Consumption-5.95 L/100 km / 16.8 km/l / 39.5 US mpg
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
StarterElectricElectric
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity-12 V / 19 Ah maintenance free
Drivetrain
ClutchMulti-plate, wetMultiplate wet clutch, hydraulically activated
Final DriveBeltShaft
Gear Ratios1st 9.311 / 2nd 6.454 / 3rd 4.793 / 4th 3.882 / 5th 3.307 / 6th 2.7901st 2.23 / 2nd 1.641 / 3rd 1.319 / 4th 1.101 / 5th 0.926 / 6th 0.788
Transmission / Drive6 Speed6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeMild steel, tubular frame; rectangular section backbone; stamped, cast and forged junctions, forged fender supports; MIG weldedChill-cast rear frame, aluminium, extruded sections
Suspension - Front41.3 mm telescopic, chrome dust coversDual longitudinal control arm
Suspension - RearHidden, horizontal-mounted, coil-over shockParalever (single-sided swing arm), central spring strut, rebound/continuously variable
Rake 31.6°-
Steering Head Angle-62.2°
Trail147 mm / 5.7 in108.4 mm / 4.3 in
Wheel Travel - Front-115 mm / 4.8 in
Wheel Travel - Rear-135 mm / 5.3 in
Electrical Systems
Alternator-580 W Alternator
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontSingle 292mm disc 4 piston caliper2 x ∅320mm discs, 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 292mm disc 4 piston caliperSingle ∅320mm disc, 2 piston caliper
ABS-BMW Motorrad ABS (partial integral)
Rims - Front-3.0 x 17
Rims - Rear-6.00 x 17
Tyres - Front140/75R17120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear200/55R17190/55 ZR17
Wheels-Cast aluminium wheels

Verdict

Winner on specs

2012 BMW K 1600 GTL

The 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL edges out the 2011 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy thanks to its liquid cooling, standard ABS and dual front discs. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2011 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: Laden 635 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.

2012 BMW K 1600 GTL - 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.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2011 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy vs 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2011 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy and 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL?
The 2011 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy uses Four stroke, Twin Cam 96BTM Valves Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters; two valves per cylinder, while the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL is powered by Four stroke, transverse six cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2011 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy or the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL?
The 2011 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy has the lower seat at Laden 635 mm, making it more accessible. The 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL 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 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy or 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL have ABS?
The 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL is listed with ABS as standard. The 2011 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2011 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy or the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL?
Both are strong choices. The 2011 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy has the edge in lower seat height and fuel injection, while the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL stands out for liquid cooling and standard ABS. 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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