2018 BMW K 1600 GTL Specifications

Name: 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL
Brand: BMW

Custom / cruiser • Specs last verified 31 October 2026

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2018 BMW K 1600 GTL Overview

BMW K 1600 GTL is a custom / cruiser motorcycle, displacing 1649 cc. Power comes from an Inline 6 engine running DOHC valve actuation, a compression ratio of 12.2:1. Bore and stroke come in at 72 x 67.5 mm. On the performance side, it delivers 118 kW @ 7750 rpm of peak power and 175 Nm @ 5250 rpm of torque. Top speed is factory-quoted at 220 km/h. On the road, the 2018 K 1600 GTL tips the scales at 348 kg, carries a 26.5 l fuel tank, offers a seat height of 750 mm and spans a 1680 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 66.8 kg heavier than the average custom / cruiser motorcycle in our database. The full 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL spec sheet below covers every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

2018 BMW K 1600 GTL compared with other bikes in the Custom / cruiser category

We checked the recorded figures for the 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL against up to 1053 bikes in the Custom / cruiser category in our database, counting each model once at the model year nearest to this one.

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.
With 118 kW, the K 1600 GTL has the joint 34th highest power output of 615 bikes in the Custom / cruiser category, 100% above the category average of 58.9 kW.
Power-to-weight ratio of 339 W/kg is higher than that of 299 of the other 332 bikes in the Custom / cruiser category.
Narrowing the field to the 499 models within five model years of it, the torque of 175 Nm is higher than that of 477 of the other 498.

Versus the 2015 model

Compared with the 2015 model, seat height dropped from 830 mm to 750 mm (-80 mm). Peak power, peak torque, wet weight and displacement are unchanged.

2018 K 1600 GTL - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Strong power output: With 118 kW @ 7750 rpm and 175 Nm @ 5250 rpm of torque on tap, the K 1600 GTL is no slouch for its class.
Strong front braking: Stopping power up front is strong thanks to the disc setup, with plenty of room to upgrade further with braided lines.
Accessible seat height: A 750 mm seat height keeps this manageable for most riders, which helps confidence at parking-lot speeds.
Large fuel range: A 26.5 l tank means fewer stops on longer rides - a genuine plus for touring or a lengthy daily commute.
Low-maintenance final drive: Running a shaft final drive cuts out the regular chain cleaning and tensioning that most bikes need.

Considerations

Age-related wear: Nothing specific stands out as a weak point on the K 1600 GTL - the usual used-bike checks (service history, consumables, tyres) apply.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Cooling system servicing

K 1600 GTL's Liquid cooled setup is low-maintenance provided the coolant interval is kept - old, acidic coolant is the main cause of long-term corrosion in the water passages.

Valve clearance checks

With DOHC valve gear, the K 1600 GTL needs periodic clearance checks; caught early they're a cheap adjustment, left unchecked they accelerate valve seat wear.

Brake disc and pad wear

Braking up front comes from 2 x 320mm discs, 4 piston calipers - solid stopping power, with disc and pad wear best checked on the same schedule as tyre changes.

Suspension condition on used examples

The K 1600 GTL's suspension runs Dual longitudinal control arm, Dynamic ESA semi-active suspension at the front. The rear uses Paralever. Fork-seal condition and rear linkage play are the two things worth checking before buying used.

Final drive maintenance

The K 1600 GTL uses shaft final drive: essentially maintenance-free day to day, with periodic gear-oil changes the only real service item.

Frame & chassis check

Built around a Bridge-type frame, cast aluminium, load-bearing engine, the K 1600 GTL's chassis is straightforward to inspect: look for corrosion, cracks or repair welds around stress points like the head-stock and swingarm mounts.

Handling the weight at a standstill

348 kg puts the K 1600 GTL toward the heavier end of its class. It's most noticeable at walking pace; once underway the mass settles into the handling rather than fighting it.

K 1600 GTL - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

Before handing over money for a used 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL with its 1649 cc custom / cruiser, cover the fundamentals: service book and oil change history, drivetrain wear, and any sign of oil weeping 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 8 years old, this custom / cruiser is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. Cold-starting it yourself tells you a lot - a healthy K 1600 GTL should catch quickly and settle into a smooth idle.

Oil and filter changes

Nothing protects the K 1600 GTL's 1649 cc inline 6 like disciplined oil changes - stay on the manufacturer's schedule (roughly every 6,000 km or annually). With a 12.2:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Match the viscosity grade to what the owner's manual specifies, not what's cheapest.

Carburetor upkeep

Deposits in the carbs are the usual culprit behind poor running on a stored K 1600 GTL - strip and clean the float bowls before the first start. Pilot jets clog first and get overlooked most, so make a point of checking them.

Valve clearance service

Valve clearances are easy to overlook on a used K 1600 GTL since a bike out of spec doesn't always feel obviously wrong - but the wear it causes is real. Ask the seller for documentation before assuming it's been done.

2018 BMW K 1600 GTL - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL have?

The 2018 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 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL?

The 2018 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 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL weigh?

The 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL weighs 348 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

How much power does the 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL make?

The 2018 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 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL?

The 2018 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 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL suitable for shorter riders?

The 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL has a seat height of 750 mm. This is a comfortable, accessible height for most riders.

What brakes does the 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL have?

The 2018 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 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL use?

The 2018 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 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL have?

The 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL is fitted with a Constant-mesh 6-speed gearbox, helical cut 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

Engine

Inline 6

Power

118 kW / 160.5 hp @ 7750 rpm

Torque

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

Top Speed

220 km/h

Weight

348 kg / 767 lbs

Fuel Capacity

26.5 l

Full 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL Specifications

Year 2017 - 18

Make BMW

Model K 1600 GTL

Make Model BMW K 1600 GTL

Seat Height 750 mm / 29.5 in If adjustable, lowest setting

Wheelbase 1680 mm / 66.1 in

Height 1465 mm / 57.7 in

Length 2489 mm / 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 / 707.7 lbs

Fuel Capacity 26.5 Litres / 7.0 US gal

Wet Weight 348 kg / 767 lbs

Maximum RPM 8500 RPM

Top Speed (km/h) 220 km/h

Top Speed (mph.) 137 mph

Max Power 118 kW / 160.5 hp @ 7750 rpm

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

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 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 Constant-mesh 6-speed gearbox, helical cut

Frame Type Bridge-type frame, cast aluminium, load-bearing engine

Suspension - Front Dual longitudinal control arm, Dynamic ESA semi-active suspension (road and dynamic modes)

Suspension - Rear Paralever (single-sided swing arm), central spring strut, rebound/continuously variable, Dynamic ESA semi-active suspension (road and dynamic modes)

Steering Head Angle 62.2°

Trail 108.4 mm / 4.3 in

Wheel Travel - Front 115 mm / 4.9 in

Wheel Travel - Rear 135 mm / 5.3 in

Tachometer Standard

Alternator W 700

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.