2012 BMW K 1600 GTL Specifications

Name: 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL
Brand: BMW

Custom / cruiser • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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2012 BMW K 1600 GTL Overview

For 2012, BMW offers the K 1600 GTL as a custom / cruiser motorcycle with 1649 cc on tap. The 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL is built around a Four stroke, transverse six cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 12.2:1. Out on the road, the K 1600 GTL delivers 118 kW @ 7750 rpm of peak power and 175 Nm @ 5250 rpm of torque. Flat out, it's quoted at 239.2 km/h. In everyday use, the 2012 K 1600 GTL tips the scales at 348 kg, carries a 26.5-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 810 - 830 mm and spans a 1680 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 46.8 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 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL spec sheet below.

2012 K 1600 GTL - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Strong power output: Peak output on the K 1600 GTL is 118 kW @ 7750 rpm and 175 Nm @ 5250 rpm of torque - strong numbers for what it is.
Large fuel range: With a 26.5-litre tank, this isn't a bike you'll be stopping for fuel every hour - a real asset on longer trips.
Low-maintenance final drive: Shaft final drive is about as close to maintenance-free as motorcycle drivetrains get.

Considerations

Age-related wear: No particular mechanical concern flags for the K 1600 GTL - 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.

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 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'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 - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

A pre-purchase check on the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL should cover the same ground every time: service history, chain and sprocket condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. Start it from cold if you can - a well-kept K 1600 GTL settles to a smooth idle within seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for a K 1600 GTL's engine - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.

Carburetor upkeep

A K 1600 GTL 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.

2012 BMW K 1600 GTL - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL have?

The 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL uses a Four stroke, transverse six cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder engine with 1649 cc of displacement. It is liquid cooled.

What is the top speed of the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL?

The 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL has a factory-quoted top speed of 239.2 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.

How much does the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL weigh?

The 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL weighs 348 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

How much power does the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL make?

The 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL 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 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL?

The 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL has a 26.5-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 441-530 km between stops.

Is the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL suitable for shorter riders?

The 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL 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 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL have?

The 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL 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 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL use?

The 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL 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 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL have?

The 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL is fitted with a 6 Speed transmission.

BMW K 1600 GTL Spec Evolution

The BMW K 1600 GTL was produced across 9 model years (2011-2022). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.

Specification	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2018	2020	2021	2022
Max Power	118 kW / 160.5 hp @ 7750 rpm	118 kW / 160.5 hp @ 7750 rpm	118 kW / 160.5 hp @ 7750 rpm	118 kW / 160.5 hp @ 7750 rpm	118 kW / 160.5 hp @ 7750 rpm	118 kW / 160.5 hp @ 7750 rpm	118 kW / 160.5 hp @ 7750 rpm	118 kW / 160.5 hp @ 7750 rpm	118 kW / 160 hp @ 6750 rpm
Wet Weight	348 kg / 768 lbs	348 kg / 768 lbs	348 kg / 768 lbs	348 kg / 768 lbs	348 kg / 768 lbs	348.0 kg / 767.2 in	348.0 kg / 767.2 in	348.0 kg / 767.2 in	358 kg / 789.2 lbs
Dry Weight	321 kg / 708 lbs	321 kg / 708 lbs	321 kg / 708 lbs	321 kg / 708 lbs	321 kg / 708 lbs	321 kg / 707.7 lbs	321 kg / 707.7 lbs	321 kg / 707.7 lbs	-
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)	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)	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)	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)	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)	750 mm / 29.5 in If adjustable, lowest setting	750 mm / 29.5 in If adjustable, lowest setting	750 mm / 29.5 in If adjustable, lowest setting	750 - 800 mm / 29.5 - 31.4 in (standard)
Frame Type	Chill-cast rear frame, aluminium, extruded sections	Chill-cast rear frame, aluminium, extruded sections	Chill-cast rear frame, aluminium, extruded sections	Chill-cast rear frame, aluminium, extruded sections	Chill-cast rear frame, aluminium, extruded sections	Bridge-type frame, cast aluminium, load-bearing engine	Bridge-type frame, cast aluminium, load-bearing engine	Bridge-type frame, cast aluminium, load-bearing engine	Bridge-type frame, cast aluminium, load-bearing engine
Displacement	1649 cc / 100.6 cu in.	1649 cc / 100.6 cu in.	1649 cc / 100.6 cu in.	1649 cc / 100.6 cu in.	1649 cc / 100.6 cu in.	1649 cc / 100.6 cu in.	1649 cc / 100.6 cu in.	1649 cc / 100.6 cu-in	1649 cc / 100.6 cu-in
Wheelbase	1680 mm / 66.1 in	1680 mm / 66.1 in	1680 mm / 66.1 in	1680 mm / 66.1 in	1680 mm / 66.1 in	1680 mm / 66.1 in	1680 mm / 66.1 in	1680 mm / 66.1 in	1618 mm / 63.7 in
Brakes - Front	2 x ∅320mm discs, 4 piston calipers	2 x ∅320mm discs, 4 piston calipers	2 x ∅320mm discs, 4 piston calipers	2 x ∅320mm discs, 4 piston calipers	2 x ∅320mm discs, 4 piston calipers	2 x 320mm discs, 4 piston calipers	2 x 320mm discs, 4 piston calipers	2 x 320mm discs, 4 piston calipers	2 x 320mm discs, 4 piston calipers

Key Specifications

Engine

Four stroke, transverse six cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder

Power

118 kW / 160.5 hp @ 7750 rpm

Torque

175 Nm / 17.8 kgf-m / 129 lb-ft @ 5250 rpm

Top Speed

239.2 km/h / 148.6 mph

Weight

348 kg / 768 lbs

Fuel Capacity

26.5 Litres / 7.0 US gal

Full 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL Specifications

Year 2012

Make Model BMW K 1600 GTL

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

Dry Weight 321 kg / 708 lbs

Fuel Capacity 26.5 Litres / 7.0 US gal

Wet Weight 348 kg / 768 lbs

Top Speed 239.2 km/h / 148.6 mph

Max Power 118 kW / 160.5 hp @ 7750 rpm

Max Torque 175 Nm / 17.8 kgf-m / 129 lb-ft @ 5250 rpm

Standing Start ¼ Mile 11.7 sec

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 Consumption 5.95 L/100 km / 16.8 km/l / 39.5 US mpg

Fuel Induction ∅52mm 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 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.