MotoSpecs

2017 Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide vs 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2017 Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide 2017 Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, V-Twin, Milwaukee-Eight 114, Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
398 kg / 867 lbs
2018 BMW K 1600 GTL 2018 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
N/A
Weight
348.0 kg / 767.2 in
Full Specifications
General
Year20172017 - 18
Make ModelHarley Davidson CVO Street GlideBMW K 1600 GTL
Dimensions
Seat HeightUnladen 690 mm / 27.2 in750 mm / 29.5 in If adjustable, lowest setting
Wheelbase1625 mm / 64.0 in1680 mm / 66.1 in
Ground Clearance125 mm / 4.9 in-
Height-1465 mm / 57.7 in
Length2435 mm / 96.7 in2489 mm / 98.0 in
Width-1000 mm / 39.4 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight380 kg / 833 lbs321 kg / 707.7 lbs
Fuel Capacity22.7 Litres / US 6.0 gal26.5 Litres / 7.0 US gal
Oil Capacity4.7 Litres / US 5 qts-
Wet Weight398 kg / 867 lbs348.0 kg / 767.2 in
Performance
Max Power-118 kW / 160.5 hp @ 7750 rpm
Max Torque165 Nm / 124 ft/lb @ 3250 rpm175 Nm / 17.8 kgf-m / 129 lb-ft @ 5250 rpm
Engine
Displacement1868 cc / 114 cub in.1649 cc / 100.6 cu in.
Engine DetailFour stroke, V-Twin, Milwaukee-Eight 114, Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, transverse six cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke102 x 114.3 mm72 x 67.5 mm
Compression Ratio10.5:112.2:1
Cooling SystemAir cooledLiquid cooled
ExhaustChrome dual exhaust with 4 inch touring mufflers and touring muffler shields-
Fuel InductionElectronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)52mm Throttle valve diameter, BMS-X
Fuel Reserve-4 Litres / 1.1 US gal
Fuel Type-Premium unleaded (95 RON)
IgnitionSingle-fire, non-wasted, map-controlled spark ignitionDigital CDI
LubricationPressurized, dry-sump with oil cooler-
StarterElectricElectric
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity-12 V / 19 Ah maintenance free
Drivetrain
Clutch-Multiplate wet clutch, hydraulically activated
Final DriveBeltShaft
Gear Ratios1st 9.593 2nd 6.65 3rd 4.938 4th 4.0 5th 3.407 6th 2.8751st 2.23 / 2nd 1.641 / 3rd 1.319 / 4th 1.101 / 5th 0.926 / 6th 0.788
Primary DriveChain, 34/46 ratio-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed Constant-mesh 6-speed gearbox, helical cut
Chassis
Frame TypeMild steel, square-section backbone with twin downtubesBridge-type frame, cast aluminium, load-bearing engine
Suspension - Front41.3 mm telescopic, cartridge-style damping,Dual longitudinal control arm, Dynamic ESA semi-active suspension (road and dynamic modes)
Suspension - RearShort, air-adjustable shockParalever (single-sided swing arm), central spring strut, rebound/continuously variable, Dynamic ESA semi-active suspension (road and dynamic modes)
Lean Angle32°-
Rake26° -
Steering Head Angle-62.2°
Trail170 mm / 6.7 in108.4 mm / 4.3 in
Wheel Travel - Front117 mm / 4.6 in115 mm / 4.9 in
Wheel Travel - Rear51 mm / 2.0 in135 mm / 5.3 in
Electrical Systems
Alternator-W 700
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontCaliper Type 32 mm, 4-piston fixed2 x 320mm discs, 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearCaliper Type 32 mm, 4-piston fixedSingle 320mm disc, 2 piston caliper
ABS-BMW Motorrad ABS (partial integral)
Rims - Front-3.0 x 17
Rims - Rear-6.00 x 17
Tyres - Front130/60B19 61H120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear180/65B16 80H190/55 ZR17
Wheels-Cast aluminium wheels
Wheels - FrontMirror Chrome Aggressor Custom Wheel-
Wheels - RearMirror Chrome Aggressor Custom Wheel-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2018 BMW K 1600 GTL

The 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL edges out the 2017 Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide thanks to its higher torque, liquid cooling, standard ABS, dual front discs and higher rear wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2017 Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: Unladen 690 mm vs 750 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • Larger displacement: 1868 cc vs 1649 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

2018 BMW K 1600 GTL - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 175 Nm vs 165 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.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
  • More rear wheel travel: 135 mm vs 51 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2017 Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide vs 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2017 Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide and 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL?
The 2017 Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide uses Four stroke, V-Twin, Milwaukee-Eight 114, Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL is powered by Four stroke, transverse six cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2017 Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide or the 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL?
The 2017 Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide has the lower seat at Unladen 690 mm, making it more accessible. The 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL sits higher at 750 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Does the 2017 Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide or 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL have ABS?
The 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL is listed with ABS as standard. The 2017 Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2017 Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide or the 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL?
Both are strong choices. The 2017 Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide has the edge in lower seat height and fuel injection, while the 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL stands out for higher torque and liquid cooling. 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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