2020 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special 114 vs 2021 BMW K1600 Grand America

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2020 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special 114 2020 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special 114

Touring

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
N/A
2021 BMW K1600 Grand America 2021 BMW K1600 Grand America

Touring

Engine
In-line six, four-stroke
Power
118 kW / 160.5 hp @ 7750 rpm
Top Speed
162.0 km/h / 100.7 mph
Weight
802.5 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Comments-Audio system with Bluetooth. Cruise control. DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment). Seat heating. Topcase. Windscreen high.
Year2019 - 202020 - 21
Make-BMW
Model-K 1600 Grand America
Colours-Black Storm Metallic, Imperial Blue Metallic, Hockenheim Silver Metallic
Make ModelHarley Davidson Road Glide Special 114BMW K1600 Grand America
Dimensions
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)-30.7 inches
Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm)-780 mm
Seat Height-750 mm / 29.5 in.
Wheelbase-1618 mm / 63.7 in.
Height-1440 mm / 56.7 in.
Length-2560 mm / 100.8 in.
Width-1000 mm / 39.4 in (incl. mirrors)
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity-26.5 Litres / 7.0 US gal
Oil Capacity 4.9 Litres / 5.2 US qts-
Wet Weight-364.0 kg / 802.5 lbs
Performance
Top Speed-162.0 km/h / 100.7 mph
Max Power-118 kW / 160.5 hp @ 7750 rpm
Max Torque167 Nm / 122 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm175 Nm / 17.8 kgf-m / 129 lb-ft @ 5250 rpm
Engine
Stroke-67.5 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)-2.8 x 2.7 inches
Displacement (cc)-1649.0 cc
Displacement (ci)-100.62 cubic inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)-72.0 x 67.5 mm
Engine Type-In-line six, four-stroke
CO2-132.2 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Fuel Control-Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Displacement1868 cc / 114 cu in1649 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
Fuel System-Injection. Electronic intake pipe injection
Bore x Stroke102 x 114 mm72 x 67.5 mm
Compression Ratio10.5:112.2:1
Cooling SystemAir cooledLiquid cooled
Emissions-Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-4
Engine Lubrication-Dry sump
ExhaustBlack, 2-1-2 dual exhaust with tapered mufflers-
Fuel Consumption-5.70 litres/100 km (17.5 km/l or 41.27 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
LubricationPressurized, dry-sump with oil cooler-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity-12 V / 19 Ah maintenance free
Drivetrain
Clutch-Multiplate wet clutch, hydraulically activated
Final Drive-Shaft
Gear Ratios-1st 2.23 / 2nd 1.641 / 3rd 1.319 / 4th 1.101 / 5th 0.926 / 6th 0.788
Gearbox-6-speed
Transmission / Drive-Constant-mesh 6-speed gearbox, helical cut
Chassis
Frame Type-Bridge-type frame, cast aluminium, load-bearing engine
Suspension - Front-Dual longitudinal control arm, Dynamic ESA semi-active suspension (road and dynamic modes)
Suspension - Rear-Paralever (single-sided swing arm), central spring strut, rebound/continuously variable, Dynamic ESA semi-active suspension (road and dynamic modes)
Lean Angle32°-
Rake-27.8°
Steering Head Angle-62.2°
Trail-106.4 mm / 4.2 in
Wheel Travel - Front-115 mm / 4.5 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear-125 mm / 4.9 in.
Electronics
Tachometer-Standard
Electrical Systems
Alternator-W 700
Lighting system-Xenon headlight
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front-2 x 320mm discs, 4 piston calipers
Brakes - Rear-Single 320mm disc, 2 piston caliper
ABS-BMW Motorrad ABS (partial integral)
Rims-Cast aluminium
Rims - Front-3.0 x 17
Rims - Rear-6.00 x 17
Tyres - Front-120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear-190/55 ZR17
Wheels-Cast aluminium wheels

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2020 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special 114 and the 2021 BMW K1600 Grand America 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

2020 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special 114 - Advantages

  • 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.

2021 BMW K1600 Grand America - 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.

2020 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special 114 vs 2021 BMW K1600 Grand America - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2020 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special 114 and 2021 BMW K1600 Grand America?
The 2020 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special 114 uses Four stroke, V-Twin, Milwaukee-Eight 114, Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2021 BMW K1600 Grand America is powered by In-line six, four-stroke.
Does the 2020 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special 114 or 2021 BMW K1600 Grand America have ABS?
The 2021 BMW K1600 Grand America is listed with ABS as standard. The 2020 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special 114 does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2020 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special 114 or the 2021 BMW K1600 Grand America?
Both are strong choices. The 2020 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special 114 has the edge in fuel injection and larger displacement, while the 2021 BMW K1600 Grand America 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.