2012 BMW K 1600 GT vs 2013 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2012 BMW K 1600 GT 2012 BMW K 1600 GT

Touring

Engine
Four stroke, transverse six cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
118 kW / 160.5 hp @ 7750 rpm
Top Speed
239.2 km/h / 148.6 mph
Weight
319 kg / 703 lbs
2013 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited 2013 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited

Touring

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph
Weight
911.0 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Comments-Windshield.
Year2012-
Colours-Anniversary Vintage Bronze/Anniversary Vintage Black, Chrome Yellow Pearl/Vivid Black with HD Orange Pinstripes, Midnight Pearl/Brilliant Silver Pearl with Dark Blue Pinstripes, Ember Red Sunglo/Merlot with Medium Red Pinstripes, Big Blue
Make ModelBMW K 1600 GT-
Dimensions
Storage-Saddle bags, top box
Ground Clearance (mm)-130 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)-5.1 inches
Seat Height810 - 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)693 mm / 27.3 in.
Wheelbase1680 mm / 66.1 in1,613 mm / 63.5 in.
Height1465 mm / 57.7 in(excl. mirrors)1,400 mm / 55.1 in.
Length2489 mm / 98.0 in2,504 mm / 98.6 in.
Width1000 mm / 39.4 in (incl. mirrors)1,600 mm / 63.0 in.
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (l)-3.80 litres
Oil Capacity (Quarts)-0.25 quarts
Dry Weight295 kg / 650 lbs400.1 kg / 882.0 lbs
Fuel Capacity26.5 L / 7.0 US gal22.71 litres / 6.00 gallons
Wet Weight319 kg / 703 lbs413.2 kg / 911.0 lbs
Performance
Top Speed239.2 km/h / 148.6 mph45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph
Max Power118 kW / 160.5 hp @ 7750 rpm-
Max Torque175 Nm / 17.8 kgf-m / 129 lb-ft @ 5250 rpm135.60 Nm (13.8 kgf-m or 100.0 ft.lbs) @ 3250
Standing Start ¼ Mile11.7 sec-
Engine
CO2-129.9 CO
Displacement (cc)-1687.97 cc
Displacement (ci)-103.00 cubic inches
Engine Type-V2, four-stroke
Fuel Control-Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Bore x Stroke (in,)-3.9 x 4.4 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)-98.4 x 111.3 mm
Displacement1649 cc / 100.6 cu in.-
Engine DetailFour stroke, transverse six cylinder, 4 valves per cylinderAir-cooled Twin Cam 103? with Integrated Oil-Cooler
Fuel System-Injection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection
Bore x Stroke72 x 67.5 mm-
Compression Ratio12.2:19.6:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooled-
Engine Lubrication-Dry sump
Exhaust-Chrome, 2-1-2 dual exhaust with tapered mufflers
Fuel Consumption5.95 L/100 km / 16.8 km/l / 39.5 US mpg5.60 litres/100 km (17.9 km/l or 42.00 mpg)
Fuel Induction∅52mm Throttle valve diameter, BMS-X-
Fuel Reserve4 Litres / 1.1 US gal-
Fuel TypePremium unleaded (95 RON)-
IgnitionDigital CDI-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12 V / 19 Ah maintenance free-
Drivetrain
ClutchMultiplate wet clutch, hydraulically activatedMulti-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath
Final DriveShaftBelt
Gear Ratios1st 2.23 / 2nd 1.641 / 3rd 1.319 / 4th 1.101 / 5th 0.926 / 6th 0.788-
Gearbox-6-speed
Primary Drive-Chain, 34/46 ratio primary drive
Transmission / Drive6 Speed -
Chassis
Frame TypeChill-cast rear frame: aluminium, extruded sections-
Suspension - FrontDual longitudinal control armIndependent coil springs and hydraulic dampers
Suspension - RearParalever (single-sided swing arm), central spring strut, rebound/continuously variableIndependent coil springs and hydraulic dampers
Rake-26.0°
Steering Head Angle62.2°-
Trail108.4 mm / 4.3 in170 mm / 6.7 in.
Wheel Travel - Front115 mm / 4.8 in-
Wheel Travel - Rear135 mm / 5.3 in-
Electrical Systems
Alternator580 W Alternator-
Instrumentation-Fairing-mounted electronic speedometer with odometer; time-of-day clock on CD player/stereo; dual trip meter; low fuel indicator light and mileage countdown feature; low oil pressure indicator light; engine diagnostics readout; LED indicator lights; 6
Lighting system-High beam, running lights, front fender running lights, directional light bar, low oil pressure, engine diagnostics, cruise control, speakers, accessory,?security system, 6-speed, low fuel warning, ABS
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2 x ∅320mm discs, 4 piston calipersDouble disc. 4-piston
Brakes - RearSingle ∅320mm disc, 2 piston caliperSingle disc. 2-piston
ABSBMW Motorrad ABS (partial integral)-
Rims-Black and Chrome, 28-spoke Cast Aluminum
Rims - Front3.0 x 17-
Rims - Rear6.00 x 17-
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17130/80-17
Tyres - Rear190/55 ZR17180/65-16
WheelsCast aluminium wheels-

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2012 BMW K 1600 GT and the 2013 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2012 BMW K 1600 GT - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.

2013 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 693 mm vs 810 - 830 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.

2012 BMW K 1600 GT vs 2013 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2012 BMW K 1600 GT and 2013 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited?
The 2012 BMW K 1600 GT uses Four stroke, transverse six cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2013 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited is powered by V2, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2012 BMW K 1600 GT or the 2013 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited?
The 2013 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited has the lower seat at 693 mm, making it more accessible. The 2012 BMW K 1600 GT sits higher at 810 - 830 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Does the 2012 BMW K 1600 GT or 2013 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited have ABS?
The 2012 BMW K 1600 GT is listed with ABS as standard. The 2013 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2012 BMW K 1600 GT or the 2013 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited?
Both are strong choices. The 2012 BMW K 1600 GT has the edge in liquid cooling and standard ABS, while the 2013 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited stands out for lower seat height and fuel injection. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.