2002 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing vs 2011 BMW K 1600 GT

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2002 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing 2002 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing

Touring

Engine
Six cylinder boxer
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
800.3 pounds
2011 BMW K 1600 GT 2011 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
239.2 km/h / 148.6 mph
Weight
319 kg / 703 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year-2011
Make Model-BMW K 1600 GT
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)125 mm-
Ground Clearance (in.)4.9 inches-
Seat Height740 mm / 29.1 in.810 - 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)
Wheelbase1,690 mm / 66.5 in.1680 mm / 66.1 in
Height1,455 mm / 57.3 in.1465 mm / 57.7 in(excl. mirrors)
Length2,635 mm / 103.7 in.2489 mm / 98.0 in
Width945 mm / 37.2 in.1000 mm / 39.4 in (incl. mirrors)
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight363 kg / 800.3 lbs295 kg / 650 lbs
Fuel Capacity16.00 litres / 4.23 gallons26.5 L / 7.0 US gal
Wet Weight-319 kg / 703 lbs
Performance
Top Speed-239.2 km/h / 148.6 mph
Max Power-118 kW / 160.5 hp @ 7750 rpm
Max Torque167.00175 Nm / 17.8 kgf-m / 129 lb-ft @ 5250 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.3284 HP/kg-
Standing Start ¼ Mile-11.7 sec
Engine
Displacement (ci)111.79 cubic inches-
Engine TypeSix cylinder boxer-
Stroke4-
Bore x Stroke (mm)74.0 x 71.0 mm-
Bore x Stroke (in,)2.9 x 2.8 inches-
Displacement (cc)1832.00 cc-
Displacement-1649 cc / 100.6 cu in.
Engine Detail-Four stroke, transverse six cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel SystemInjection-
Bore x Stroke-72 x 67.5 mm
Compression Ratio9.8:112.2:1
Cooling System-Liquid cooled
Fuel Consumption-5.95 L/100 km / 16.8 km/l / 39.5 US mpg
Fuel Induction-∅52mm Throttle valve diameter, BMS-X
Fuel Reserve3.00 litres / 0.79 gallons4 Litres / 1.1 US gal
Fuel Type-Premium unleaded (95 RON)
Ignition-Digital CDI
Starter-Electric
Valve System2-
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity-12 V / 19 Ah maintenance free
Drivetrain
Clutch-Multiplate wet clutch, hydraulically activated
Final DriveShaft drive (cardan)Shaft
Gear Ratios-1st 2.23 / 2nd 1.641 / 3rd 1.319 / 4th 1.101 / 5th 0.926 / 6th 0.788
Gearbox6-speed with reverse-
Transmission / Drive-6 Speed
Chassis
Frame Type-Chill-cast rear frame: aluminium, extruded sections
Suspension - Front-Dual longitudinal control arm
Suspension - Rear-Paralever (single-sided swing arm), central spring strut, rebound/continuously variable
Steering Head Angle-62.2°
Trail-108.4 mm / 4.3 in
Wheel Travel - Front140 mm / 5.5 in.115 mm / 4.8 in
Wheel Travel - Rear105 mm / 4.1 in.135 mm / 5.3 in
Electrical Systems
Alternator-580 W Alternator
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)11.7 inches-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)12.4 inches-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)316 mm-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)296 mm-
Brakes - FrontDual disc2 x ∅320mm discs, 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle discSingle ∅320mm disc, 2 piston caliper
ABS-BMW Motorrad ABS (partial integral)
Rims - Front-3.0 x 17
Rims - Rear-6.00 x 17
Tyres - Front130/70-R18 63H120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear180/60-R16 74H190/55 ZR17
Wheels-Cast aluminium wheels

Verdict

Winner on specs

2011 BMW K 1600 GT

The 2011 BMW K 1600 GT edges out the 2002 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing thanks to its 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

2002 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 740 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.
  • More front wheel travel: 140 mm vs 115 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2011 BMW K 1600 GT - Advantages

  • Lighter: 319 kg vs 363 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 105 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2002 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing vs 2011 BMW K 1600 GT - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2002 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing and 2011 BMW K 1600 GT?
The 2002 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing uses Six cylinder boxer, while the 2011 BMW K 1600 GT is powered by Four stroke, transverse six cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 2002 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing or the 2011 BMW K 1600 GT?
The 2011 BMW K 1600 GT is lighter at 319 kg compared to 363 kg for the 2002 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing - a difference of 44 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2002 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing or the 2011 BMW K 1600 GT?
The 2002 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing has the lower seat at 740 mm, making it more accessible. The 2011 BMW K 1600 GT 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 2002 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing or 2011 BMW K 1600 GT have ABS?
The 2011 BMW K 1600 GT is listed with ABS as standard. The 2002 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2002 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing or the 2011 BMW K 1600 GT?
Both are strong choices. The 2002 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing has the edge in lower seat height and fuel injection, while the 2011 BMW K 1600 GT stands out for lighter kerb weight and liquid cooling. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.