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Touring Motorcycles

2018BMW K 1600 GTL

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The 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL is a luxurious touring cruiser designed for riders seeking ultimate comfort and long-distance capability. Its 1649cc six-cylinder engine delivers smooth power, while comprehensive equipment including saddlebags, top box, and advanced ABS braking makes it ideal for extended highway adventures. The K 1600 GTL is renowned for its refined engineering, exceptional stability, and touring-focused features.

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

vs the 2017

Spec	2017	2018
Top speed	201.2 km/h (125.0 mph)	not listed

Other years 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering60%

City riding45%

Daily riding70%

Touring98%

Two-up97%

Track20%

Best for: Built for effortless long-distance touring, devouring highway miles with a smooth six-cylinder engine, full weather protection, and premium comfort features.
Built for: A refined, luxurious grand tourer that prioritizes silky power delivery, stability, and rider/passenger comfort over sharp sporting dynamics.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for new riders, off-road enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a light, flickable bike for tight urban commuting.

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, 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

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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
CO2 Emissions: 160 CO2 g/km
EPA Certificate No.: JBMXC01.64K4-002
EPA Est. Fuel Consumption: 6.81 L/100km (34.5 US mpg)
EPA CO Emissions: 0.7 CO g/km
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
Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
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: Thunder Grey Metallic, Light White, Ebony Metallic
Comments: Windscreen
Fuel Tank Material: Plastic

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	2011	2015	2018	2019	2023	2027
Capacity	1649 cc	1649 cc	1649 cc	1649 cc	1649 cc	1649 cc
Dry weight	321 kg	321 kg	323 kg	323 kg	348 kg	348 kg
Seat height	750 mm	750 mm	750 mm	750 mm	750 mm	750 mm
Fuel capacity	26.5 L	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

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MotorcycleDB

The 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL is an impressive touring motorcycle that offers a smooth and powerful ride. With a 1649cc inline-six engine, this bike has plenty of power to tackle long distances with ease. The GTL model also features luxurious amenities such as heated seats, electronic suspension adjustment, and a high-quality sound system, making it a top choice for riders who value comfort and convenience on their journeys.

Overall, the 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL is a top-tier touring motorcycle that offers a superb combination of performance and luxury. Whether you're embarking on a long-distance road trip or simply cruising around town, this bike delivers a comfortable and exhilarating riding experience. With its powerful engine and premium features, the K 1600 GTL is a standout option for riders who demand the best in both performance and comfort from their touring motorcycle.

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