2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing vs 2019 BMW K1600 Grand America

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing 2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing

Touring

Engine
Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
928.1 pounds
2019 BMW K1600 Grand America 2019 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
CommentsModel ID: GL1800. Surround Sound. Cruise Control. Electric reverse.High Windshield. Dynamic Traction Control. Adaptive Headlight. Tyre Pressure Control. Audio System. Reverse Gear. Anti-theft Alarm System. Intelligent Emergency Call (ECALL).
Year-2018 - 19
ColoursBlack, Red/blackBlack Storm Metallic
Make Model-BMW K1600 Grand America
WarrantyTransferable, unlimited-mileage limited warranty; extended coverage available with a Honda Protection Plan.-
Dimensions
StorageSaddle bags, top box, gloveboxSaddle bags, top box
Ground Clearance (mm)130 mm-
Ground Clearance (in.)5.1 inches-
Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm)-780 mm
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)-30.7 inches
Seat Height745 mm / 29.3 in.780 mm / 30.7 in
Wheelbase1,695 mm / 66.7 in.1680 mm / 66.1 in
Height1,430 mm / 56.3 in.1465 mm / 57.7 in (excl. mirrors)
Length2,575 mm / 101.4 in.2324 m / 91.5 in
Width905 mm / 35.6 in.1000 mm / 39.4 in (incl. mirrors)
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (l)5.60 litres-
Oil Capacity (Quarts)0.37 quarts-
Fuel Capacity24.98 litres / 6.60 gallons26.5 Litres / 7.0 US gal
Wet Weight421.0 kg / 928.1 lbs336 kg / 740.7 lbs
Performance
Top Speed-162.0 km/h / 100.7 mph
Max Power-118 kW / 160.5 hp @ 7750 rpm
Max Torque170.00 Nm (17.3 kgf-m or 125.4 ft.lbs) @ 4500 Revolutions175 Nm / 17.8 kgf-m / 129 lb-ft @ 5250 rpm
Engine
Bore x Stroke (mm)73.0 x 73.0 mm-
Bore x Stroke (in,)2.9 x 2.9 inches-
Engine TypeSix cylinder boxer, four-strokeIn-line six, four-stroke
Fuel ControlSingle Overhead Cams (SOHC)Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Displacement (ci)111.79 cubic inches-
CO2155.9 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)132.2 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
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. Programmed Fuel InjectionInjection. Electronic intake pipe injection
Bore x Stroke-72 x 67.5 mm
Compression Ratio10.5:112.2:1
Cooling System-Liquid cooled
Emissions-Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-4
Engine Lubrication-Dry sump
Fuel Consumption6.72 litres/100 km (14.9 km/l or 35.00 mpg)5.70 litres/100 km (17.5 km/l or 41.27 mpg)
Fuel Induction-52mm Throttle valve diameter, BMS-X
Fuel Reserve-4 Litres / 1.1 US gal
Fuel Type-Premium unleaded (95 RON)
IgnitionComputer-controlled digital with three-dimensional mappingDigital CDI
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System44
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity-12 V / 19 Ah maintenance free
Drivetrain
ClutchDual Clutch Transmission with forward and reverse. Hydraulic, wet, multiplate with oil pressure.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
Gearbox7-speed6-speed
Transmission / Drive-Constant-mesh 6-speed gearbox, helical cut
Chassis
Frame TypeAluminum die-cast, twin tubeBridge-type frame, cast aluminium, load-bearing engine
Suspension - FrontDouble WishboneDual longitudinal control arm, Dynamic ESA semi-active suspension (road and dynamic modes)
Suspension - RearPro LinkParalever (single-sided swing arm), central spring strut, rebound/continuously variable, Dynamic ESA semi-active suspension (road and dynamic modes)
Rake30.5°27.8°
SeatUrethane. Waterproof cover.-
Steering Head Angle-62.2°
Trail109 mm / 4.3 in.108.4 mm / 4.3 in
Wheel Travel - Front-115 mm / 4.9 in
Wheel Travel - Rear-135 mm / 5.3 in
Electrical Systems
Alternator-W 700
Lighting systemLED Headlights-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.6 inches12.6 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)316 mm320 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)12.4 inches12.6 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)320 mm320 mm
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. Floating discs. 6-piston calipers2 x 320mm discs, 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle disc. Three-piston calipers.Single 320mm disc, 2 piston caliper
ABS-BMW Motorrad ABS (partial integral)
RimsHollow-section 5-spoke cast aluminium-
Rims - Front-3.0 x 17
Rims - Rear-6.00 x 17
Tyres - Front130/70-R18120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear180/60-R16190/55 ZR17
Wheels-Cast aluminium wheels

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing and the 2019 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

2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 745 mm vs 780 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.

2019 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.

2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing vs 2019 BMW K1600 Grand America - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing and 2019 BMW K1600 Grand America?
The 2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing uses Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke, while the 2019 BMW K1600 Grand America is powered by In-line six, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing or the 2019 BMW K1600 Grand America?
The 2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing has the lower seat at 745 mm, making it more accessible. The 2019 BMW K1600 Grand America sits higher at 780 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Does the 2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing or 2019 BMW K1600 Grand America have ABS?
The 2019 BMW K1600 Grand America is listed with ABS as standard. The 2018 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 2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing or the 2019 BMW K1600 Grand America?
Both are strong choices. The 2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing has the edge in lower seat height and fuel injection, while the 2019 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.