Touring Motorcycles
2012BMW K 1600 GTL E
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The 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL E is a heavyweight luxury touring motorcycle designed for long-distance riders seeking comfort and advanced technology. Known for its smooth inline-six engine, comprehensive electronic features, and spacious bench seating, it excels at absorbing miles with ease. Best suited for experienced riders who prioritize refined performance and touring capability over agility.
- Capacity
- 1649.0 ccm
- Engine
- In-line six, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Dry weight
- 321.0 kg
- Seat height
- 750 mm
- Power
- 160.0 HP (117.7 kW) @ 7750 RPM
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- Built for effortless long-distance highway touring with a passenger and luggage rather than sport riding or commuting.
- Built for
- Appeals to a rider who values plush comfort, smooth six-cylinder power delivery, and premium touring amenities over outright sportiness or agility.
- Not ideal for
- Not a good fit for new riders, budget-conscious buyers, or anyone wanting a light, flickable bike for city commuting or 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 usRange and running costs
Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to usBased 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.
Engine
- Capacity
- 1649.0 ccm
- Power
- 160.0 HP (117.7 kW) @ 7750 RPM
- Torque
- 175.0 Nm (17.8 kgf-m) @ 5250 RPM
- Engine type
- In-line six, four-stroke
- Fuel consumption
- 4.60 litres/100 km (21.7 km/l)
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.4984 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
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Shaft
- Clutch
- Slipper clutch
Dimensions & weight
- Wheelbase
- 1680 mm
- Overall length
- 2489 mm
- Overall width
- 1000 mm
- Overall height
- 1465 mm
- Seat height
- 750 mm
- Dry weight
- 321.0 kg
- Wet weight
- 348.0 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 26.50 litres
- Reserve fuel capacity
- 4.00 litres
Chassis & suspension
- Frame
- Bridge-type frame, cast aluminium, load-bearing engine
- Front suspension
- BMW Motorrad Duolever
- Rear suspension
- BMW Motorrad Paralever
- Front wheel travel
- 125 mm
- Rear wheel travel
- 135 mm
- Rake (fork angle)
- 27.8°
- Trail
- 108 mm
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Double disc. ABS
- Front brakes diameter
- 320 mm
- Rear brakes
- Single disc. ABS
- Rear brakes diameter
- 320 mm
- ABS
- Yes
- Front tyre
- 120/70-ZR17
- Rear tyre
- 190/55-ZR17
Other
- Color options
- Silver, blue
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 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1649 cc | 1649 cc | 1600 cc |
| Dry weight | 321 kg | 321 kg | 321 kg |
| Seat height | 750 mm | 750 mm | 750 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 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
⚠ 4 recalls may applyFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMPFeb 2021 · 21V060000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2014 S 1000 RR/R/ HP4, R 1200 GS/GS Adventure/R/RT, K 1300 S, K 1600 GT/GTL/GTL Exclusive and 2014 R nine T motorcycles. The fuel pump, and auxiliary fuel pump in certain models, may crack and leak fuel during vehicle operation.
Risk: A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began March 17, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMPAug 2020 · 20V471000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2011 K1300 (S, GT), 2010-2011 S1000 RR, 2005-2011 R1200 (GS, GS Adventure, R, RT, S, ST), 2006-2010 HP2 (Enduro, Megamoto, Sport), 2005-2008 K1200 (R, R Sport, S, GT), and 2012 K1600 (GT, GTL) motorcycles that were repaired under recall 13V-617 with the support ring remedy and where the fuel pump was not replaced at a later date. This recall involves the fuel pump, and also the auxiliary fuel pump as applicable. The affected motorcycles have a fuel pump flange that may crack, possibly resulting in a fuel leak while the engine is running.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump(s) with an improved version, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMPDec 2013 · 13V617000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 model year R-model motorcycles, model year 2005-2012 K-model motorcycles, model year 2010-2011 S 1000 model motorcycles, and model year 2006-2010 HP2 motorcycles. In the affected motorcycles, the fuel pump flange (and the auxiliary fuel pump flange if equipped) could develop cracks and leak fuel.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will either reinforce the fuel pump flange or replace the pump, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 16, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLOct 2013 · 13V526000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012 K1600 GT and K1600 GTL motorcycles. In certain riding conditions, an incorrect throttle valve control signal may be received by the engine control unit, limiting the engine speed.
Risk: As a result of the reduced engine speed, the engine could stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the throttle control software, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin in December 2013. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
These recalls cover some 2012 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
Common questions
What is the engine size of the BMW K 1600 GTL E?
The 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL E has a Capacity of 1649.0 ccm (100.63 cubic inches).
What engine power does the BMW K 1600 GTL E have?
The 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL E has a Power of 160.0 HP (117.7 kW) @ 7750 RPM.
How many gears does the BMW K 1600 GTL E have?
The 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL E has a Gearbox of 6-speed.
What is the torque of the BMW K 1600 GTL E?
The 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL E has a Torque of 175.0 Nm (17.8 kgf-m or 129.1 ft.lbs) @ 5250 RPM.
How much does the BMW K 1600 GTL E weigh?
The 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL E has a Dry weight of 321.0 kg (707.7 pounds).
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