MotoSpecs

2011 Triumph Rocket III Touring vs 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2011 Triumph Rocket III Touring 2011 Triumph Rocket III Touring

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, longitudinal three cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
77.3 kW / 105.9 hp @ 5400 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
395 kg / 869 lbs
2012 BMW K 1600 GTL 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL

Custom / cruiser

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
348 kg / 768 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year2010 - 112012
Make ModelTriumph Rocket III TouringBMW K 1600 GTL
Dimensions
Seat Height730 mm / 28.7 in810 - 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)
Wheelbase1705 mm / 67.2 in1680 mm / 66.1 in
Height1182 / 46.5 in (excluded quick release screen & mirrors)1465 mm / 57.7 in
Length995 mm / 39.1 in (including levers (widest fixed part)2489m m / 98.0 in
Width995 mm / 39.1 in (including levers (widest fixed part)1000 mm / 39.4 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-321 kg / 708 lbs
Fuel Capacity22.3 Litres / 5.9 US gal / 4.9 Imp gal26.5 Litres / 7.0 US gal
Wet Weight395 kg / 869 lbs348 kg / 768 lbs
Performance
Top Speed-239.2 km/h / 148.6 mph
Max Power77.3 kW / 105.9 hp @ 5400 rpm118 kW / 160.5 hp @ 7750 rpm
Max Torque203Nm / 200.7 kgf-m / 150 ft.lbs @ 2500 rpm175 Nm / 17.8 kgf-m / 129 lb-ft @ 5250 rpm
Standing Start ¼ Mile-11.7 sec
Engine
Displacement2294 cc / 140 cu in1649 cc / 100.6 cu in.
Engine DetailFour stroke, longitudinal three cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, transverse six cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke101.6 x 94.3 mm72 x 67.5 mm
Compression Ratio8.7:112.2:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
Fuel Consumption-5.95 L/100 km / 16.8 km/l / 39.5 US mpg
Fuel InductionMultipoint sequential electronic fuel injection∅52mm Throttle valve diameter, BMS-X
Fuel Reserve-4 Litres / 1.1 US gal
Fuel Type-Premium unleaded (95 RON)
IgnitionDigital inductive type via electronic engine management Digital CDI
StarterElectricElectric
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity-12 V / 19 Ah maintenance free
Drivetrain
ClutchWet, multi-plateMultiplate 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 / Drive5 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular steel, twin spineChill-cast rear frame, aluminium, extruded sections
Suspension - Front43mm Upside down forksDual longitudinal control arm
Suspension - RearChromed spring twin shocks with adjustable preloadParalever (single-sided swing arm), central spring strut, rebound/continuously variable
Rake32°-
Steering Head Angle-62.2°
Trail152 mm / 6.0 in108.4 mm / 4.3 in
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in115 mm / 4.8 in
Wheel Travel - Rear105 mm / 4.1 in135 mm / 5.3 in
Electrical Systems
Alternator-580 W Alternator
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2 x 320 mm Discs, 4 piston calipers2 x ∅320mm discs, 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 316 mm disc, 2 piston caliperSingle ∅320mm disc, 2 piston caliper
ABS-BMW Motorrad ABS (partial integral)
Rims - Front-3.0 x 17
Rims - Rear-6.00 x 17
Tyres - Front150/80 -R16120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear180/70 -R16190/55 ZR17
Wheels-Cast aluminium wheels
Wheels - FrontAlloy 25-spoke, 17 x 3.5in-
Wheels - RearAlloy 25-spoke, 16 x 7.5in-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2011 Triumph Rocket III Touring

The 2011 Triumph Rocket III Touring edges out the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL thanks to its higher torque, 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

2011 Triumph Rocket III Touring - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 203Nm vs 175 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Lower seat height: 730 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.
  • Larger displacement: 2294 cc vs 1649 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

2012 BMW K 1600 GTL - Advantages

  • Lighter: 348 kg vs 395 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
  • More rear wheel travel: 135 mm vs 105 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2011 Triumph Rocket III Touring vs 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2011 Triumph Rocket III Touring and 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL?
The 2011 Triumph Rocket III Touring uses Four stroke, longitudinal three cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL is powered by Four stroke, transverse six cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 2011 Triumph Rocket III Touring or the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL?
The 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL is lighter at 348 kg compared to 395 kg for the 2011 Triumph Rocket III Touring - a difference of 47 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2011 Triumph Rocket III Touring or the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL?
The 2011 Triumph Rocket III Touring has the lower seat at 730 mm, making it more accessible. The 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL 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 2011 Triumph Rocket III Touring or 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL have ABS?
The 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL is listed with ABS as standard. The 2011 Triumph Rocket III Touring does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2011 Triumph Rocket III Touring or the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL?
Both are strong choices. The 2011 Triumph Rocket III Touring has the edge in higher torque and lower seat height, while the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL stands out for lighter kerb weight 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.

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