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2015 BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive Overview
For 2015, BMW offers the K 1600 GTL Exclusive as a custom / cruiser motorcycle with 1649 cc on tap. The 2015 BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive is built around an Inline 6 engine running DOHC valve actuation, a compression ratio of 12.2:1. Internally, bore and stroke are 72 x 67.5 mm. Out on the road, the K 1600 GTL Exclusive delivers 118 kW @ 7750 rpm of peak power and 175 Nm @ 5250 rpm of torque. Flat out, it's quoted at 220 km/h. In everyday use, the 2015 K 1600 GTL Exclusive tips the scales at 348 kg, carries a 26.5 l fuel tank, offers a seat height of 810 - 830 mm and spans a 1680 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 67.1 kg heavier than the average custom / cruiser motorcycle in our database. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 2015 BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive spec sheet below.
2015 BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive compared with other bikes in the Custom / cruiser category
Measured against other bikes in the Custom / cruiser category in our database (up to 1316 models, one entry per model), the 2015 BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive comes out as follows.
- With 830 mm, the K 1600 GTL Exclusive has the joint 4th tallest seat height of 1316 bikes in the Custom / cruiser category, 19% above the category average of 697 mm.
- Torque of 175 Nm is higher than that of 1017 of the other 1052 bikes in the Custom / cruiser category.
- Only 35 of the other 614 bikes in the Custom / cruiser category have a higher power output than the 118 kW of the K 1600 GTL Exclusive.
- Narrowing the field to the 646 models within five model years of it, the seat height of 830 mm is taller than that of 643 of the other 645.
2015 K 1600 GTL Exclusive - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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Strong power output: Peak output on the K 1600 GTL Exclusive is 118 kW @ 7750 rpm and 175 Nm @ 5250 rpm of torque - strong numbers for what it is.
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Strong front braking: The disc front brake bites hard and stays consistent - a solid foundation whether it's stock or upgraded with braided lines.
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Large fuel range: With a 26.5 l tank, this isn't a bike you'll be stopping for fuel every hour - a real asset on longer trips.
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Low-maintenance final drive: Shaft final drive is about as close to maintenance-free as motorcycle drivetrains get.
Considerations
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Age-related wear: No particular mechanical concern flags for the K 1600 GTL Exclusive - condition on any used example comes down to how well it's been looked after.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Cooling system servicing
With Liquid cooled, thermal management is largely automatic, but the coolant has a service life of its own - replace it on the manufacturer's interval to protect the water passages and thermostat.
Valve clearance checks
Valve clearances on DOHC-equipped engines like the K 1600 GTL Exclusive's drift slowly with mileage rather than failing suddenly - sticking to the service interval keeps it a non-issue.
Brake disc and pad wear
2 x ∅320mm discs, 4 piston calipers up front provides the primary stopping power; inspect disc thickness and pad wear at each tyre change to catch scoring before it becomes a rotor replacement.
Suspension condition on used examples
Suspension duties are handled by Dual longitudinal control arm up front and Paralever at the rear. Weeping fork seals aren't a dealbreaker on a used bike, but they're a fair basis for negotiating price.
Final drive maintenance
Shaft final drive on the K 1600 GTL Exclusive removes chain and belt maintenance entirely - the trade-off is a little extra unsprung weight and periodic gear-oil changes.
Frame & chassis check
The Chill-cast rear frame, aluminium, extruded sections chassis holds up well with normal use; on a used bike it's still worth checking the head-stock and swingarm pivot area for impact damage or corrosion.
Handling the weight at a standstill
The K 1600 GTL Exclusive's 348 kg kerb weight is worth factoring into how you handle it at a standstill - parking-lot manoeuvres need a bit more deliberate technique than on a lighter machine.
K 1600 GTL Exclusive - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
A pre-purchase check on the 2015 BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive with its 1649 cc custom / cruiser should cover the same ground every time: service history, drivetrain condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. This model runs shaft final drive, so ask for proof the shaft-drive gear oil has been changed on schedule - it's easy to overlook since there's no chain to draw attention to it. Now 11 years old, this custom / cruiser is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. Start it from cold if you can - a well-kept K 1600 GTL Exclusive settles to a smooth idle within seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for the K 1600 GTL Exclusive's 1649 cc inline 6 - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. With a 12.2:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.
Carburetor upkeep
A K 1600 GTL Exclusive that's sat unused is almost always a carb-cleaning job before it runs right again - float bowls and pilot jets first, since they clog before anything else.
Valve clearance service
There's no reliable seat-of-the-pants way to tell if a K 1600 GTL Exclusive's valve clearances are in spec - a light top-end tick is the only real warning sign, and by then some wear has already happened. Service records are the only proof.
2015 BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2015 BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive have?
The 2015 BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive uses an Inline 6 engine with 1649 cc of displacement. It is liquid cooled.
What is the top speed of the 2015 BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive?
The 2015 BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive has a factory-quoted top speed of 220 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.
How much does the 2015 BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive weigh?
The 2015 BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive weighs 348 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2015 BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive make?
The 2015 BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive produces 118 kW @ 7750 rpm of power and 175 Nm @ 5250 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2015 BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive?
The 2015 BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive has a 26.5 l fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 441-530 km between stops.
Is the 2015 BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive suitable for shorter riders?
The 2015 BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive has a seat height of 810 - 830 mm. This is a moderate seat height that suits a wide range of rider heights.
What brakes does the 2015 BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive have?
The 2015 BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive uses 2 x ∅320mm discs, 4 piston calipers at the front and single ∅320mm disc, 2 piston caliper at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2015 BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive use?
The 2015 BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive runs 120/70 ZR17 front and 190/55 ZR17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 2015 BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive have?
The 2015 BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive is fitted with a 6 Speed transmission.
Key Specifications
Power
118 kW / 160.5 hp @ 7750 rpm
Torque
175 Nm / 17.8 kgf-m / 129 lb-ft @ 5250 rpm
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Full 2015 BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive Specifications
Year
2014 - 15
Make
BMW
Model
K 1600 GTL Exclusive
Make Model
BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive
Seat Height
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)
Wheelbase
1680 mm / 66.1 in
Height
1465 mm / 57.7 in
Length
2489m m / 98.0 in
Width
1000 mm / 39.4 in
Fuel Capacity (l)
26.5 l
Fuel Capacity (gal.)
7.0 gal
Dry Weight
321 kg / 708 lbs
Fuel Capacity
26.5 Litres / 7.0 US gal
Wet Weight
348 kg / 768 lbs
Stroke
67.5 mm
Bore x Stroke (mm)
72.0 x 67.5 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)
2.83 x 2.66 in
Displacement (cc)
1649 cc
Displacement (ci)
100.6 cu-in
Engine Type
Inline 6
Fuel Control
DOHC
Fuel Reserve (l)
4.0 l
Fuel Reserve (gal.)
1.1 gal
Displacement
1649 cc / 100.6 cu in.
Engine Detail
Four stroke, transverse six cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke
72 x 67.5 mm
Compression Ratio
12.2:1
Cooling System
Liquid cooled
Fuel Induction
Ø52mm Throttle valve diameter, BMS-X
Fuel Reserve
4 Litres / 1.1 US gal
Fuel Type
Premium unleaded (95 RON)
Ignition
Digital CDI
Starter
Electric
Battery Capacity
12 V / 19 Ah maintenance free
Clutch
Multiplate wet clutch, hydraulically activated
Final Drive
Shaft
Gear Ratios
1st 2.23 / 2nd 1.641 / 3rd 1.319 / 4th 1.101 / 5th 0.926 / 6th 0.788
Transmission / Drive
6 Speed
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 - Front
115 mm / 4.8 in
Wheel Travel - Rear
135 mm / 5.3 in
Alternator
580 W Alternator
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)
320 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)
12.6 in
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)
320 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)
12.6 in
Brakes - Front
2 x ∅320mm discs, 4 piston calipers
Brakes - Rear
Single ∅320mm disc, 2 piston caliper
ABS
BMW Motorrad ABS (partial integral)
Rims - Front
3.0 x 17"
Rims - Rear
6.00 x 17"
Tyres - Front
120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear
190/55 ZR17
Wheels
Cast aluminium wheels
Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced
technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis.
Spot an error? Let us know.
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