2020 Honda GL 1800 Gold Wing / DCT vs 2020 BMW K 1600 GT

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2020 Honda GL 1800 Gold Wing / DCT 2020 Honda GL 1800 Gold Wing / DCT

Touring

Engine
Four stroke, opposed boxer six cylinders, SOHC, 4-valve per cylinder, finger-follower rocker arm on intake, roller-rocker arm on exhaust
Power
124.7 hp / 93 kW @ 5500 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
356 kg / 787 lbs - DCT 364 kg / 800 lbs
2020 BMW K 1600 GT 2020 BMW K 1600 GT

Touring

Engine
Four stroke, transverse six cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
118 kW / 160.5 hp @ 7750 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
319 kg / 703 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20202019 - 20
Make ModelHonda GL 1800 Gold Wing / DCTBMW K 1600 GT
Dimensions
Seat Height744.2 mm / 29.3 in810 - 830 mm / 31.9 - 32.7" (standard) 780 - 800 mm / 30.7 - 31.5"(optional rider seat) 750 mm / 29.5" (special accessory seat, single-section)
Wheelbase1694 mm / 66.7 in1680 mm / 66.1 in
Ground Clearance130 mm / 5.11 in-
Height-1465 mm / 57.7 in (excl. mirrors)
Length-2324 m / 91.5 in
Width-1000 mm / 39.4 in (incl. mirrors)
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-295 kg / 650 lbs
Fuel Capacity21.1 Litres / US 5.57 gal26.5 Litres / 7.0 US gal
Wet Weight356 kg / 787 lbs - DCT 364 kg / 800 lbs319 kg / 703 lbs
Performance
Max Power124.7 hp / 93 kW @ 5500 rpm118 kW / 160.5 hp @ 7750 rpm
Max Torque170 Nm / 125.3 ft-lb @ 4500 rpm175 Nm / 17.8 kgf-m / 129 lb-ft @ 5250 rpm
Engine
Displacement1833 cc / 111.85 cub in1649 cc / 100.6 cu in.
Engine DetailFour stroke, opposed boxer six cylinders, SOHC, 4-valve per cylinder, finger-follower rocker arm on intake, roller-rocker arm on exhaustFour stroke, transverse six cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke73 x 73 mm72 x 67.5 mm
Compression Ratio10.5:112.2:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
Fuel InductionEFI, 50mm throttle body52mm Throttle valve diameter, BMS-X
Fuel Reserve-4 Litres / 1.1 US gal
Fuel Type-Premium unleaded (95 RON)
IgnitionComputer controlled digital Digital CDI
StarterElectricElectric
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12V/20AH12 V / 19 Ah maintenance free
Drivetrain
ClutchHydraulic, wet, multiplate with coil springsMultiplate wet clutch, hydraulically activated
Final DriveShaftShaft
Gear Ratios-1st 2.23 / 2nd 1.641 / 3rd 1.319 / 4th 1.101 / 5th 0.926 / 6th 0.788
Transmission / Drive6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic DCT w/ Walking Mode F/RConstant-mesh 6-speed gearbox, helical cut
Chassis
Frame Type-Bridge-type frame, cast aluminium, load-bearing engine
Suspension - FrontDouble-wishbone front-suspension system w/Showa shock absorberDual longitudinal control arm, Dynamic ESA semi-active suspension (road and dynamic modes)
Suspension - RearPro-Link system w/ Showa shock absorberParalever (single-sided swing arm), central spring strut, rebound/continuously variable, Dynamic ESA semi-active suspension (road and dynamic modes)
Rake30.5° -
Steering Head Angle-62.2°
Trail110mm / 4.3 in108.4 mm / 4.3 in
Wheel Travel - Front110 mm / 4.3 in115 mm / 4.9 in
Wheel Travel - Rear104 mm / 4.1 in135 mm / 5.3 in
Electrical Systems
Alternator-W 700
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2x 320mm discs 6-piston Nissin calipers2 x 320mm discs, 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 316mm disc 3-piston Nissin caliperSingle 320mm disc, 2 piston caliper
ABSElectronically controlled combined ABSBMW Motorrad ABS (partial integral)
Rims - Front-3.0 x 17
Rims - Rear-6.00 x 17
Tyres - Front130/7018120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear200/55-R16190/55 ZR17
Wheels-Cast aluminium wheels

Verdict

Winner on specs

2020 BMW K 1600 GT

The 2020 BMW K 1600 GT edges out the 2020 Honda GL 1800 Gold Wing / DCT thanks to its lighter kerb weight, 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

2020 Honda GL 1800 Gold Wing / DCT - Advantages

  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • Larger displacement: 1833 cc vs 1649 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

2020 BMW K 1600 GT - Advantages

  • Lighter: 319 kg vs 356 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
  • More rear wheel travel: 135 mm vs 104 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2020 Honda GL 1800 Gold Wing / DCT vs 2020 BMW K 1600 GT - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2020 Honda GL 1800 Gold Wing / DCT and 2020 BMW K 1600 GT?
The 2020 Honda GL 1800 Gold Wing / DCT uses Four stroke, opposed boxer six cylinders, SOHC, 4-valve per cylinder, finger-follower rocker arm on intake, roller-rocker arm on exhaust, while the 2020 BMW K 1600 GT is powered by Four stroke, transverse six cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 2020 Honda GL 1800 Gold Wing / DCT or the 2020 BMW K 1600 GT?
The 2020 BMW K 1600 GT is lighter at 319 kg compared to 356 kg for the 2020 Honda GL 1800 Gold Wing / DCT - a difference of 37 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which should I buy, the 2020 Honda GL 1800 Gold Wing / DCT or the 2020 BMW K 1600 GT?
Both are strong choices. The 2020 Honda GL 1800 Gold Wing / DCT has the edge in fuel injection and larger displacement, while the 2020 BMW K 1600 GT stands out for lighter kerb weight and dual front discs. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.