2025 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy 117 vs 2022 BMW K 1600 GTL

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2025 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy 117 2025 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy 117

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, V-Twin, 2 Milwaukee-Eight 117 custom, Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
77 kW / 104Hp @ 4800 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
315 kg / 694 lbs
2022 BMW K 1600 GTL 2022 BMW K 1600 GTL

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Transverse Inline 6
Power
118 kW / 160 hp @ 6750 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
358 kg / 789.2 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20252022
Make-BMW
Model-K 1600 GTL
Make ModelHarley Davidson Softail Fat Boy 117BMW K 1600 GTL
Dimensions
Seat HeightUnladen 675 mm / 26.6 in Laden 658 mm / 25.9 in750 - 800 mm / 29.5 - 31.4 in (standard)
Wheelbase1650 mm / 65 in1618 mm / 63.7 in
Ground Clearance125 mm / 4.9 in-
Height1120 mm / 44.1 in1440 mm - 1597 mm / 56.7 in - 62.9 in
Length2365 mm / 93.1 in2489 m / 97.9 in
Width965 mm / 40.0 in1000 mm / 39.4 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight (lbs.)-321 kg / 708 lbs
Dry Weight303 kg / 668 lbs-
Fuel Capacity18.9 Litres / US 5.0 gal26.5 Litres / 7.0 US gal
Wet Weight315 kg / 694 lbs358 kg / 789.2 lbs
Performance
Max Power77 kW / 104Hp @ 4800 rpm118 kW / 160 hp @ 6750 rpm
Max Torque171 Nm / 126 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm180 Nm / 132.7 lb-ft @ 5250 rpm
Engine
Displacement (ci)-100.6 cu-in
Displacement (cc)-1649 cc
Engine Type-Transverse Inline 6
Bore x Stroke (mm)-72.0 x 67.5 mm
Stroke-67.5 mm
Fuel Control-DOHC
Bore x Stroke (in,)-2.83 x 2.66 in
Displacement1923 cc / 117 cu in1649 cc / 100.6 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, V-Twin, 2 Milwaukee-Eight 117 custom, Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, transverse six cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke103.5 x 114.3 in72 x 67.5 mm
Compression Ratio10.3:112.2:1
Cooling SystemAir cooledLiquid cooled
Emissions-Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-5
Exhaust2-into-2 staggered, catalyst in muffler-
Fuel InductionElectronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)-
IgnitionSingle-fire, non-wasted, map-controlled spark ignition-
LubricationPressurized, dry-sump with oil cooler-
Mixture Control-Electronic intake pipe injection digital engine management system: BMS-O with throttle-by-wire
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchMechanical, 10 plate wet, assist & conventionalMultiple-disc clutch in oil bath
Final DriveBelt, 32/66 ratioShaft
Gear Ratios1st 9.311 / 2nd 6.454 / 3rd 4.793 / 4th 3.882 / 5th 3.307 / 6th 2.791st 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 6-speed gearbox, helical cut
Chassis
Frame TypeMild steel, tubular frame, rectangular section backbone, stamped, cast, and forged junctions, MIG welded, aluminum forged fender supportsBridge-type frame, cast aluminium, load-bearing engine
Suspension - FrontDual bending valve 49mm telescopic with aluminum fork triple clamps, dual rate spring, "beer can" coversBMW Motorrad Duolever; central spring strut
Suspension - RearHidden, free piston, coil-over monoshock, 43mm stroke, hydraulic preload adjustmentCast aluminum single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; central spring strut
Lean Angle25.6°-
Rake30°-
Steering Head Angle-62.2°
SwingarmMild steel, tubular sections, stamped x-member, forged axle junctions, MIG welded, removable belt spacer-
Trail104 mm / 4.1 in105.9 mm / 4.17 in
Wheel Travel - Front130 mm / 5.1 in114.3 mm / 4.5 in
Wheel Travel - Rear86 mm / 3.4 in135 mm / 5.3 in
Electronics
Tachometer-Standard
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-12.6 in
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-320 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-12.6 in
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-320 mm
Brakes - Front2 x 300mm discs, 4 piston fixed caliper2 x 320mm discs, 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 292mm disc, 2 piston floating caliperSingle 320mm disc, 2 piston caliper
ABSStandardBMW Motorrad ABS Pro (partial integral, slant-layer-optimized)
Rims - Front-3.0 x 17
Rims - Rear-6.00 x 17
Tyres - Front160/60R18,70V,BW120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear240/40R18,79V,BW190/55 ZR17
WheelsMachined, Lakester cast aluminumCast aluminium wheels
Wheels - Front18 x 4,5 in-
Wheels - Rear18 x 8.0 in-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2025 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy 117

The 2025 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy 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

2025 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy 117 - Advantages

  • Lighter: 315 kg vs 358 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Lower seat height: Unladen 675 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 - Advantages

  • More power: Produces 118 kW vs 77 kW - a meaningful performance advantage.
  • Higher torque: 180 Nm vs 171 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • More rear wheel travel: 135 mm vs 86 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2025 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy 117 vs 2022 BMW K 1600 GTL - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2025 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy 117 and 2022 BMW K 1600 GTL?
The 2025 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy 117 uses Four stroke, V-Twin, 2 Milwaukee-Eight 117 custom, Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2022 BMW K 1600 GTL is powered by Transverse Inline 6.
Which is lighter, the 2025 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy 117 or the 2022 BMW K 1600 GTL?
The 2025 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy 117 is lighter at 315 kg compared to 358 kg for the 2022 BMW K 1600 GTL - a difference of 43 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which has more power, the 2025 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy 117 or the 2022 BMW K 1600 GTL?
The 2022 BMW K 1600 GTL produces more peak power at 118 kW, compared to 77 kW for the 2025 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy 117.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2025 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy 117 or the 2022 BMW K 1600 GTL?
The 2025 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy 117 has the lower seat at Unladen 675 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 2025 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy 117 or the 2022 BMW K 1600 GTL?
Both are strong choices. The 2025 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy 117 has the edge in lighter kerb weight and lower seat height, while the 2022 BMW K 1600 GTL stands out for more peak power and higher torque. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.