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2015 BMW K 1600 GTL Overview
For 2015, BMW offers the K 1600 GTL as a custom / cruiser motorcycle with 1649 cc on tap. The 2015 BMW K 1600 GTL 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 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 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 spec sheet below.
2015 BMW K 1600 GTL 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 comes out as follows.
- With 830 mm, the K 1600 GTL has the joint 4th tallest seat height of 1316 bikes in the Custom / cruiser category, 19% above the category average of 697 mm.
- Top speed of 239 km/h is higher than that of 459 of the other 469 bikes in the Custom / cruiser category.
- Only 33 of the other 1052 bikes in the Custom / cruiser category have a higher torque than the 175 Nm of the K 1600 GTL.
- 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.
Versus the 2014 model
The figures we track are unchanged from the 2014 model: peak power, peak torque, wet weight, displacement, seat height and top speed all match.
2015 K 1600 GTL - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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⚡
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.
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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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ℹ️
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.
Valve clearance checks
Valve clearances on DOHC-equipped engines like the K 1600 GTL'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 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 2015 BMW K 1600 GTL 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 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'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 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'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 - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2015 BMW K 1600 GTL have?
The 2015 BMW K 1600 GTL 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?
The 2015 BMW K 1600 GTL 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 weigh?
The 2015 BMW K 1600 GTL weighs 348 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2015 BMW K 1600 GTL make?
The 2015 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 2015 BMW K 1600 GTL?
The 2015 BMW K 1600 GTL 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 suitable for shorter riders?
The 2015 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 2015 BMW K 1600 GTL have?
The 2015 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 2015 BMW K 1600 GTL use?
The 2015 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 2015 BMW K 1600 GTL have?
The 2015 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 kg / 767 lbs |
348 kg / 767 lbs |
348 kg / 767 lbs |
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 |
- |
| Engine Type |
- |
Inline 6 |
Inline 6 |
Inline 6 |
Inline 6 |
Inline 6 |
Inline 6 |
Inline 6 |
Transverse Inline 6 |
| 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 |
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 Specifications
Year
2015
Make
BMW
Model
K 1600 GTL
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
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 Consumption
5.95 L/100 km / 16.8 km/l / 39.5 US mpg
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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