2016 BMW K 1600 GT vs 2015 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide Ultra

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2016 BMW K 1600 GT 2016 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
2015 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide Ultra 2015 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide Ultra

Touring

Engine
Four stroke, Twin Cam 110° Valves Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters; two valves per cylinder
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
427.7 kg / 943 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20162015
Make ModelBMW K 1600 GTHarley Davidson CVO Road Glide Ultra
Dimensions
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)Laden 693 mm / 28.4 inUnladen 739 mm / 29.7 in.
Wheelbase1680 mm / 66.1 in1630 mm / 64 in.
Ground Clearance-120 mm / 4.7 in
Height1465 mm / 57.7 in (excl. mirrors)-
Length2489m m / 98.0 in2595 mm / 102.2 in.
Width1000 mm / 39.4 in (incl. mirrors)-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight295 kg / 650 lbs-
Fuel Capacity26.5 Litres / 7.0 US gal22.7 Litres / 6.0 gal
Maximum Load / GVWR-616.9 kg / 1360 lbs
Wet Weight319 kg / 703 lbs427.7 kg / 943 lbs
Performance
Top Speed239.2 km/h / 148.6 mph-
Max Power118 kW / 160.5 hp @ 7750 rpm-
Max Torque175 Nm / 17.8 kgf-m / 129 lb-ft @ 5250 rpm156 Nm / 15.9 kgf-m / 115 ft/lbs / @ 3750 rpm
Standing Start ¼ Mile11.7 sec-
Engine
Displacement1649 cc / 100.6 cu in.1804 cc / 110.1 cub in.
Engine DetailFour stroke, transverse six cylinder, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, Twin Cam 110° Valves Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters; two valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke72 x 67.5 mm101.6 x 111.3 mm
Compression Ratio12.2:19.15:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledAir cooled
Fuel Consumption5.95 L/100 km / 16.8 km/l / 39.5 US mpg-
Fuel Induction52mm Throttle valve diameter, BMS-XElectronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Fuel Reserve4 Litres / 1.1 US gal-
Fuel TypePremium unleaded (95 RON)-
IgnitionDigital CDISingle-fire, non-wasted, map-controlled spark ignition
StarterElectricElectric
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12 V / 19 Ah maintenance free-
Drivetrain
ClutchMultiplate wet clutch, hydraulically activatedHydraulically actuated, 9-plate, wet, with high performance spring
Final DriveShaftBelt
Gear Ratios1st 2.23 / 2nd 1.641 / 3rd 1.319 / 4th 1.101 / 5th 0.926 / 6th 0.7881st 9.593 / 2nd 6.65 / 3rd 4.938 / 4th 4 / 5th 3.407 / 6th 2.875:1
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeChill-cast rear frame: aluminium, extruded sectionsMild steel, square-section backbone with twin downtubes
Suspension - FrontDual longitudinal control arm41.3 mm telescopic, cartridge-style damping
Suspension - RearParalever (single-sided swing arm), central spring strut, rebound/continuously variableShort, air-adjustable shock
Rake-26°
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-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2 x ∅320mm discs, 4 piston calipers2 x 292 mm disc, 4 piston caliper
Brakes - RearSingle ∅320mm disc, 2 piston caliperSingle 292 mm disc, 4 piston caliper
ABSBMW Motorrad ABS (partial integral)-
Rims - Front3.0 x 17-
Rims - Rear6.00 x 17-
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17D408 130/70B18 63H
Tyres - Rear190/55 ZR17D407 180/55B18 80H
WheelsCast aluminium wheels-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2015 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide Ultra

The 2015 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide Ultra edges out the 2016 BMW K 1600 GT thanks to its lower seat height, fuel injection and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2016 BMW K 1600 GT - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 175 Nm vs 156 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • 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.

2015 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide Ultra - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: Laden 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.
  • Larger displacement: 1804 cc vs 1649 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

2016 BMW K 1600 GT vs 2015 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide Ultra - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2016 BMW K 1600 GT and 2015 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide Ultra?
The 2016 BMW K 1600 GT uses Four stroke, transverse six cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2015 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide Ultra is powered by Four stroke, Twin Cam 110° Valves Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters; two valves per cylinder.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2016 BMW K 1600 GT or the 2015 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide Ultra?
The 2015 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide Ultra has the lower seat at Laden 693 mm, making it more accessible. The 2016 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 2016 BMW K 1600 GT or 2015 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide Ultra have ABS?
The 2016 BMW K 1600 GT is listed with ABS as standard. The 2015 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide Ultra does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2016 BMW K 1600 GT or the 2015 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide Ultra?
Both are strong choices. The 2016 BMW K 1600 GT has the edge in higher torque and liquid cooling, while the 2015 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide Ultra 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.