MotoSpecs

2012 BMW K 1600 GTL vs 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2012 BMW K 1600 GTL 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL

Custom / cruiser

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
348 kg / 768 lbs
2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight

Custom / cruiser

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph
Weight
573.0 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Comments-Amphibian.
Year2012-
Colours-Hard Candy Coloma Gold Flake, Ember Red Sunglo, Big Blue Pearl, Vivid Black
Make ModelBMW K 1600 GTL-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)-3.9 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)-99 mm
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)660 mm / 26.0 in.
Wheelbase1680 mm / 66.1 in1,519 mm / 59.8 in.
Height1465 mm / 57.7 in1,400 mm / 55.1 in.
Length2489m m / 98.0 in2,250 mm / 88.6 in.
Width1000 mm / 39.4 in1,600 mm / 63.0 in.
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (Quarts)-0.17 quarts
Oil Capacity (l)-2.60 litres
Dry Weight321 kg / 708 lbs250.8 kg / 553.0 lbs
Fuel Capacity26.5 Litres / 7.0 US gal7.95 litres / 2.10 gallons
Wet Weight348 kg / 768 lbs259.9 kg / 573.0 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 rpm107.12 Nm (10.9 kgf-m or 79.0 ft.lbs) @ 4000
Standing Start ¼ Mile11.7 sec-
Engine
Bore x Stroke (in,)-3.5 x 3.8 inches
Fuel Control-Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Displacement (cc)-1201.25 cc
CO2-113.7 CO
Bore x Stroke (mm)-88.9 x 96.8 mm
Engine Type-V2, four-stroke
Displacement (ci)-73.30 cubic inches
Displacement1649 cc / 100.6 cu in.-
Engine DetailFour stroke, transverse six cylinder, 4 valves per cylinderAir-cooled, Evolution®
Fuel System-Injection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Bore x Stroke72 x 67.5 mm-
Compression Ratio12.2:19.7:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooled-
Engine Lubrication-Dry sump
Exhaust-E Type 9
Fuel Consumption5.95 L/100 km / 16.8 km/l / 39.5 US mpg4.90 litres/100 km (20.4 km/l or 48.00 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-57/38 ratio
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
Steering Head Angle62.2°-
Trail108.4 mm / 4.3 in107 mm / 4.2 in.
Wheel Travel - Front115 mm / 4.8 in-
Wheel Travel - Rear135 mm / 5.3 in-
Electrical Systems
Alternator580 W Alternator-
Instrumentation-4-inch Speedometer mounted low and integrated into handlebar clamp electronic speedometer with odometer, time-of-day clock on odometer, dual tripmeter, LED indicator lights
Lighting system-High beam, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, low fuel warning, low battery, security system (optional)
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2 x ∅320mm discs, 4 piston calipersSingle disc. Dual-piston
Brakes - RearSingle ∅320mm disc, 2 piston caliperSingle disc. Single-piston
ABSBMW Motorrad ABS (partial integral)-
Rims-Black, Laced Steel
Rims - Front3.0 x 17-
Rims - Rear6.00 x 17-
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17150/80-16
Tyres - Rear190/55 ZR17150/80-B16
WheelsCast aluminium wheels-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2012 BMW K 1600 GTL

The 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL edges out the 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight thanks to its liquid cooling, standard ABS and dual front discs. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2012 BMW K 1600 GTL - 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.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 660 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 GTL vs 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL and 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight?
The 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL uses Four stroke, transverse six cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight is powered by V2, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL or the 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight?
The 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight has the lower seat at 660 mm, making it more accessible. The 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL 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 GTL or 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight have ABS?
The 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL is listed with ABS as standard. The 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight 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 GTL or the 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight?
Both are strong choices. The 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL has the edge in liquid cooling and standard ABS, while the 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight 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.

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