Touring Motorcycles

2018BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive

44 fields on record

The 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive is a premium touring cruiser designed for long-distance riders seeking maximum comfort and luxury. Known for its powerful six-cylinder engine, advanced traction control, and generous fuel capacity of 26.5 liters, this full-featured tourer excels at gobbling up miles with style. Its low 750mm seat height and stable 1,680mm wheelbase make it accessible to a wide range of riders despite its substantial 323kg weight.

Capacity: 1649.0 ccm
Engine: In-line six, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 323.0 kg
Seat height: 750 mm
Power: 160.0 HP (116.8 kW) @ 7750 RPM

⇄ Compare with another bike ＋ Add to garage All model years ⚠ Recalls listed (2)

What’s new for the 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive

vs the 2017

Spec	2017	2018
Top speed	201.2 km/h (125.0 mph)	not listed
Wet weight	360.2 kg (794.1 pounds)	350.0 kg (771.6 pounds)
Seat height	762 mm (30.0 inches)	750 mm (29.5 inches)
Rear suspension	BMW Paralever	BMW Motorrad Paralever
Front brakes	Double disc. Floating discs. Four-piston calipers.	Double disc. ABS. Four-piston calipers.
Rear brakes	Single disc. Floating disc. Two-piston calipers.	Single disc. ABS. Two-piston calipers.
Wheelbase	—	1680 mm (66.1 inches)

Other years 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering55%

City riding35%

Daily riding60%

Touring98%

Two-up95%

Track20%

Best for: Built for effortless long-distance touring with a passenger and luggage, prioritizing plush comfort and smooth power delivery over sportiness.
Built for: A refined, luxurious grand tourer with a silky in-line six engine, lavish equipment, and a relaxed, commanding riding stance.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for riders seeking a light, flickable bike for tight city commuting, aggressive cornering, or any kind of off-road use.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 750mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive, with a cramped knee angle of around 80 degrees and an upright riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 750 mm or under — Short Kings →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Range and running costs

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

Units

Currency

Fuel per litre

Riding a year

Based on the maker's published fuel consumption and tank size. Real-world figures depend on how and where you ride, and the last litres of a tank are reserve. Prices shown greyed are examples - type your own.

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1649.0 ccm
Power: 160.0 HP (116.8 kW) @ 7750 RPM
Torque: 175.0 Nm (17.8 kgf-m) @ 5250 RPM
Engine type: In-line six, four-stroke
Fuel consumption: 5.70 litres/100 km (17.5 km/l)
Power/weight ratio: 0.4954 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 72.0 x 67.5 mm
Compression: 12.2:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Valves per cylinder: 4
Lubrication system: Dry sump

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Shaft
Clutch: Multi-plate wet clutch, hydraulically operated

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1680 mm
Overall length: 2489 mm
Overall width: 1000 mm
Overall height: 1465 mm
Seat height: 750 mm
Dry weight: 323.0 kg
Wet weight: 350.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 26.50 litres
Reserve fuel capacity: 4.00 litres
Carrying capacity: Saddle bags. Topbox.

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Aluminum bridge-type frame with load-bearing engine
Front suspension: BMW Duolever, central spring strut
Rear suspension: BMW Motorrad Paralever
Front wheel travel: 115 mm
Rear wheel travel: 135 mm
Rake (fork angle): 27.8°
Trail: 106 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Double disc. ABS. Four-piston calipers.
Front brakes diameter: 320 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc. ABS. Two-piston calipers.
Rear brakes diameter: 320 mm
ABS: Yes
Front tyre: 120/70-ZR17
Rear tyre: 190/55-ZR17

Other

Color options: Ebony Metallic
Comments: Traction control. Windscreen

Specs last verified against published sources: October 2026.

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018
Capacity	1649 cc	1649 cc	1649 cc	1649 cc	1649 cc
Dry weight	321 kg	321 kg	321 kg	321 kg	323 kg
Seat height	750 mm	750 mm	750 mm	762 mm	750 mm
Fuel capacity	26.5 L	26.5 L	26.5 L	26.5 L	26.5 L

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

Safety Recalls

⚠ 2 recalls may apply

POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:SEALS/GASKETSApr 2026 · 26V214000

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2017-2025 K 1600 GT, GTL, B and 2018-2025 Grand America vehicles. The seal for the reverse gear control unit may deteriorate and allow moisture inside the control unit, which can result in the unit overheating.

Risk: An overheated reverse gear control unit increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the reverse gear control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 25, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 25, 2026.

POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSIONOct 2019 · 19V692000

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2017-2020 K 1600 GT and 2018-2020 K 1600 GTL and K 1600 B motorcycles. Certain transmission parts may not have been produced to the appropriate hardness level. This could affect the function of the transmission, possibly causing double engagement of two gears and/or the damage of transmission parts.

Risk: Double gear engagement or transmission damage can cause the rear wheel to lock up, affecting the vehicle stability and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shift forks, the selector sleeve of 5th/6th gear and the gear wheel of 6th gear, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk was mailed November 1, 2019. A second letter will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

These recalls cover some 2018 bikes of this model. Whether one applies to a specific bike, and whether the repair has already been done, depends on its VIN — check your VIN with NHTSA or ask a dealer.

Source: NHTSA. View all BMW recalls →

Rider Reviews

5.0

★★★★★

Rider rating

MotorcycleDB

The 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive is a luxurious touring motorcycle that offers a smooth and powerful ride. With a 1649cc, six-cylinder engine, this bike provides ample power for long-distance cruising. The exclusive model also comes with a host of features such as adaptive headlight, reverse assist, and keyless ride, making it a top choice for riders who value comfort and convenience. The ergonomic design and spacious seating ensure a comfortable ride, while the advanced technology and sleek aesthetics add to the overall appeal of the bike.

In addition to its impressive performance and features, the 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive offers exceptional handling and stability on the road. The electronic suspension adjustment and dynamic traction control system contribute to a smooth and controlled ride, even when navigating sharp turns or uneven terrain. Overall, this motorcycle is a standout choice for riders who prioritize comfort, performance, and advanced technology in their touring bikes.

Own one? Add it to My Garage and write an owner review with an Owner badge.