2022 BMW K 1600 GTL Specifications

Custom / cruiser • Specs last verified 31 October 2026

No images available
Tap to enlarge

2022 BMW K 1600 GTL Overview

BMW K 1600 GTL is a custom / cruiser motorcycle, displacing 1649 cc. Power comes from a Transverse 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 @ 6750 rpm of peak power and 180 Nm @ 5250 rpm of torque. On the road, the 2022 K 1600 GTL tips the scales at 358 kg, carries a 26.5-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 750 - 800 mm and spans a 1618 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 77.2 kg heavier than the average custom / cruiser motorcycle in our database. The full 2022 BMW K 1600 GTL spec sheet below covers every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

2022 BMW K 1600 GTL compared with other bikes in the Custom / cruiser category

We checked the recorded figures for the 2022 BMW K 1600 GTL against up to 1316 bikes in the Custom / cruiser category in our database, counting each model once at the model year nearest to this one.

  • Only 7 of the other 1315 bikes in the Custom / cruiser category have a taller seat height than the 800 mm of the K 1600 GTL.
  • With 180 Nm, the K 1600 GTL has the joint 30th highest torque of 1053 bikes in the Custom / cruiser category, 74% above the category average of 103.6 Nm.
  • Power output of 118 kW is higher than that of 575 of the other 614 bikes in the Custom / cruiser category.
  • Narrowing the field to the 364 models within five model years of it, the seat height of 800 mm is taller than that of 360 of the other 363.

Versus the 2021 model

Compared with the 2021 model, peak torque increased from 175 Nm to 180 Nm (+5 Nm), wet weight went up from 348 kg to 358 kg (+10 kg) and seat height was raised from 750 mm to 800 mm (+50 mm). Peak power and displacement are unchanged.

2022 K 1600 GTL - Pros & Cons

Strengths

  • Strong power output: With 118 kW @ 6750 rpm and 180 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 - 800 mm seat height keeps this manageable for most riders, which helps confidence at parking-lot speeds.
  • Large fuel range: A 26.5-litre 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 BMW Motorrad Duolever; central spring strut at the front. The rear uses Cast aluminum single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; central spring strut. 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

358 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 2022 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 4 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 transverse 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.

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.

2022 BMW K 1600 GTL - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2022 BMW K 1600 GTL have?
The 2022 BMW K 1600 GTL uses a Transverse Inline 6 engine with 1649 cc of displacement. It is liquid cooled.
How much does the 2022 BMW K 1600 GTL weigh?
The 2022 BMW K 1600 GTL weighs 358 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2022 BMW K 1600 GTL make?
The 2022 BMW K 1600 GTL produces 118 kW @ 6750 rpm of power and 180 Nm @ 5250 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2022 BMW K 1600 GTL?
The 2022 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 2022 BMW K 1600 GTL suitable for shorter riders?
The 2022 BMW K 1600 GTL has a seat height of 750 - 800 mm. This is a comfortable, accessible height for most riders.
What brakes does the 2022 BMW K 1600 GTL have?
The 2022 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 2022 BMW K 1600 GTL use?
The 2022 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 2022 BMW K 1600 GTL have?
The 2022 BMW K 1600 GTL is fitted with a 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

Transverse Inline 6

Power

118 kW / 160 hp @ 6750 rpm

Torque

180 Nm / 132.7 lb-ft @ 5250 rpm

Top Speed

Not recorded

Weight

358 kg / 789.2 lbs

Fuel Capacity

26.5 Litres / 7.0 US gal

Advertisement

Full 2022 BMW K 1600 GTL Specifications

Year 2022
Make BMW
Model K 1600 GTL
Make Model BMW K 1600 GTL
Seat Height 750 - 800 mm / 29.5 - 31.4 in (standard)
Wheelbase 1618 mm / 63.7 in
Height 1440 mm - 1597 mm / 56.7 in - 62.9 in
Length 2489 m / 97.9 in
Width 1000 mm / 39.4 in
Dry Weight (lbs.) 321 kg / 708 lbs
Fuel Capacity 26.5 Litres / 7.0 US gal
Wet Weight 358 kg / 789.2 lbs
Max Power 118 kW / 160 hp @ 6750 rpm
Max Torque 180 Nm / 132.7 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 Transverse Inline 6
Fuel Control DOHC
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
Emissions Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-5
Mixture Control Electronic intake pipe injection digital engine management system: BMS-O with throttle-by-wire
Starter Electric
Clutch Multiple-disc clutch in oil bath
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 gearbox, helical cut
Frame Type Bridge-type frame, cast aluminium, load-bearing engine
Suspension - Front BMW Motorrad Duolever; central spring strut
Suspension - Rear Cast aluminum single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; central spring strut
Steering Head Angle 62.2°
Trail 105.9 mm / 4.17 in
Wheel Travel - Front 114.3 mm / 4.5 in
Wheel Travel - Rear 135 mm / 5.3 in
Tachometer Standard
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 Pro (partial integral, slant-layer-optimized)
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.

Advertisement