2016 BMW K 1600 GT vs 2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing

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
2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing 2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing

Touring

Engine
Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
928.1 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Comments-Model ID: GL1800. Surround Sound. Cruise Control. Electric reverse.
Year2016-
Colours-Black, Red/black
Make ModelBMW K 1600 GT-
Warranty-Transferable, unlimited-mileage limited warranty; extended coverage available with a Honda Protection Plan.
Dimensions
Storage-Saddle bags, top box, glovebox
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)745 mm / 29.3 in.
Wheelbase1680 mm / 66.1 in1,695 mm / 66.7 in.
Height1465 mm / 57.7 in (excl. mirrors)1,430 mm / 56.3 in.
Length2489m m / 98.0 in2,575 mm / 101.4 in.
Width1000 mm / 39.4 in (incl. mirrors)905 mm / 35.6 in.
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (Quarts)-0.37 quarts
Oil Capacity (l)-5.60 litres
Dry Weight295 kg / 650 lbs-
Fuel Capacity26.5 Litres / 7.0 US gal24.98 litres / 6.60 gallons
Wet Weight319 kg / 703 lbs421.0 kg / 928.1 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 rpm170.00 Nm (17.3 kgf-m or 125.4 ft.lbs) @ 4500 Revolutions
Standing Start ¼ Mile11.7 sec-
Engine
Bore x Stroke (mm)-73.0 x 73.0 mm
CO2-155.9 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Displacement (cc)-1832.00 cc
Displacement (ci)-111.79 cubic inches
Engine Type-Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Fuel Control-Single Overhead Cams (SOHC)
Bore x Stroke (in,)-2.9 x 2.9 inches
Displacement1649 cc / 100.6 cu in.-
Engine DetailFour stroke, transverse six cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder-
Fuel System-Injection. Programmed Fuel Injection
Bore x Stroke72 x 67.5 mm-
Compression Ratio12.2:110.5:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooled-
Fuel Consumption5.95 L/100 km / 16.8 km/l / 39.5 US mpg6.72 litres/100 km (14.9 km/l or 35.00 mpg)
Fuel Induction52mm Throttle valve diameter, BMS-X-
Fuel Reserve4 Litres / 1.1 US gal-
Fuel TypePremium unleaded (95 RON)-
IgnitionDigital CDIComputer-controlled digital with three-dimensional mapping
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12 V / 19 Ah maintenance free-
Drivetrain
ClutchMultiplate wet clutch, hydraulically activatedDual Clutch Transmission with forward and reverse. Hydraulic, wet, multiplate with oil pressure.
Final DriveShaftShaft drive (cardan)
Gear Ratios1st 2.23 / 2nd 1.641 / 3rd 1.319 / 4th 1.101 / 5th 0.926 / 6th 0.788-
Gearbox-7-speed
Transmission / Drive6 Speed -
Chassis
Frame TypeChill-cast rear frame: aluminium, extruded sectionsAluminum die-cast, twin tube
Suspension - FrontDual longitudinal control armDouble Wishbone
Suspension - RearParalever (single-sided swing arm), central spring strut, rebound/continuously variablePro Link
Rake-30.5°
Seat-Urethane. Waterproof cover.
Steering Head Angle62.2°-
Trail108.4 mm / 4.3 in109 mm / 4.3 in.
Wheel Travel - Front115 mm / 4.8 in-
Wheel Travel - Rear135 mm / 5.3 in-
Electrical Systems
Alternator580 W Alternator-
Lighting system-LED Headlights
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-316 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-12.6 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-320 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-12.4 inches
Brakes - Front2 x ∅320mm discs, 4 piston calipersDouble disc. Floating discs. 6-piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle ∅320mm disc, 2 piston caliperSingle disc. Three-piston calipers.
ABSBMW Motorrad ABS (partial integral)-
Rims-Hollow-section 5-spoke cast aluminium
Rims - Front3.0 x 17-
Rims - Rear6.00 x 17-
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17130/70-R18
Tyres - Rear190/55 ZR17180/60-R16
WheelsCast aluminium wheels-

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2016 BMW K 1600 GT and the 2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing 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

2016 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.

2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 745 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.

2016 BMW K 1600 GT vs 2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2016 BMW K 1600 GT and 2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing?
The 2016 BMW K 1600 GT uses Four stroke, transverse six cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing is powered by Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2016 BMW K 1600 GT or the 2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing?
The 2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing has the lower seat at 745 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 2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing have ABS?
The 2016 BMW K 1600 GT is listed with ABS as standard. The 2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing 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 2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing?
Both are strong choices. The 2016 BMW K 1600 GT has the edge in liquid cooling and standard ABS, while the 2018 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing 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.