2020 Honda GL 1800 Gold Wing / DCT vs 2021 BMW K1600 Grand America vs 2021 BMW K1600 Grand America

Full specifications comparison • 3 motorcycles

Comparing 3 motorcycles
2020 Honda GL 1800 Gold Wing / DCT 2020 Honda GL 1800 Gold Wing / DCT

Touring

Engine
Four stroke, opposed boxer six cylinders, SOHC, 4-valve per cylinder, finger-follower rocker arm on intake, roller-rocker arm on exhaust
Power
124.7 hp / 93 kW @ 5500 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
356 kg / 787 lbs - DCT 364 kg / 800 lbs
2021 BMW K1600 Grand America 2021 BMW K1600 Grand America

Touring

Engine
In-line six, four-stroke
Power
118 kW / 160.5 hp @ 7750 rpm
Top Speed
162.0 km/h / 100.7 mph
Weight
802.5 pounds
2021 BMW K1600 Grand America 2021 BMW K1600 Grand America

Touring

Engine
In-line six, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
162.5 km/h / 101.0 mph
Weight
802.5 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Comments-Audio system with Bluetooth. Cruise control. DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment). Seat heating. Topcase. Windscreen high.
Year20202020 - 21
Colours-Black Storm Metallic, Imperial Blue Metallic, Hockenheim Silver Metallic
Make ModelHonda GL 1800 Gold Wing / DCTBMW K1600 Grand America
Dimensions
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)-30.7 inches
Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm)-780 mm
Seat Height744.2 mm / 29.3 in750 mm / 29.5 in.
Wheelbase1694 mm / 66.7 in1618 mm / 63.7 in.
Ground Clearance130 mm / 5.11 in-
Height-1440 mm / 56.7 in.
Length-2560 mm / 100.8 in.
Width-1000 mm / 39.4 in.
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity21.1 Litres / US 5.57 gal26.50 litres / 7.00 US gallons
Wet Weight356 kg / 787 lbs - DCT 364 kg / 800 lbs364.0 kg / 802.5 lbs
Performance
Top Speed-162.5 km/h / 101.0 mph
Max Power124.7 hp / 93 kW @ 5500 rpm118 kW / 160.5 hp @ 7750 rpm
Max Torque170 Nm / 125.3 ft-lb @ 4500 rpm175 Nm / 17.8 kgf-m / 129 lb-ft @ 5250 rpm
Engine
Displacement (cc)-1649.0 cc
Displacement (ci)-100.62 cubic inches
Engine Type-In-line six, four-stroke
Fuel Control-Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Bore x Stroke (mm)-72.0 x 67.5 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)-2.8 x 2.7 inches
CO2-132.2 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Displacement1833 cc / 111.85 cub in1649 cc / 100.6 cu in.
Engine DetailFour stroke, opposed boxer six cylinders, SOHC, 4-valve per cylinder, finger-follower rocker arm on intake, roller-rocker arm on exhaustFour stroke, transverse six cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel System-Injection. Electronic fuel injection with ride-by-wire throttle system
Bore x Stroke73 x 73 mm72 x 67.5 mm
Compression Ratio10.5:112.2:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
Emissions-Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-4
Engine Lubrication-Dry sump
Fuel Consumption-5.70 litres/100 km (17.5 km/l or 41.27 mpg)
Fuel InductionEFI, 50mm throttle body52mm Throttle valve diameter, BMS-X
Fuel Reserve-4 Litres / 1.1 US gal
Fuel Type-Premium unleaded (95 RON)
IgnitionComputer controlled digital Digital CDI
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12V/20AH12 V / 19 Ah maintenance free
Drivetrain
ClutchHydraulic, wet, multiplate with coil springsMulti-plate wet clutch, hydraulically operated
Final DriveShaftShaft drive (cardan)   (final drive)
Gear Ratios-1st 2.23 / 2nd 1.641 / 3rd 1.319 / 4th 1.101 / 5th 0.926 / 6th 0.788
Gearbox-6-speed
Transmission / Drive6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic DCT w/ Walking Mode F/RConstant-mesh 6-speed gearbox, helical cut
Chassis
Frame Type-Aluminum bridge-type frame with load-bearing engine
Suspension - FrontDouble-wishbone front-suspension system w/Showa shock absorberBMW Motorrad Duolever
Suspension - RearPro-Link system w/ Showa shock absorberParalever (single-sided swing arm), central spring strut, rebound/continuously variable, Dynamic ESA semi-active suspension (road and dynamic modes)
Rake30.5° 27.8°
Steering Head Angle-62.2°
Trail110mm / 4.3 in108.4 mm / 4.3 in
Wheel Travel - Front110 mm / 4.3 in115 mm / 4.9 in
Wheel Travel - Rear104 mm / 4.1 in135 mm / 5.3 in
Electrical Systems
Alternator-W 700
Lighting system-Xenon headlight
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2x 320mm discs 6-piston Nissin calipers2 x 320mm discs, 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 316mm disc 3-piston Nissin caliperSingle 320mm disc, 2 piston caliper
ABSElectronically controlled combined ABSBMW Motorrad ABS (partial integral)
Rims-Cast aluminium
Rims - Front-3.0 x 17
Rims - Rear-6.00 x 17
Tyres - Front130/7018120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear200/55-R16190/55 ZR17
Wheels-Cast aluminium wheels

Verdict

Winner on specs

2021 BMW K1600 Grand America

The 2021 BMW K1600 Grand America edges out the 2020 Honda GL 1800 Gold Wing / DCT thanks to its lighter kerb weight, 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

2020 Honda GL 1800 Gold Wing / DCT - Advantages

  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • Larger displacement: 1833 cc vs 1649 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

2021 BMW K1600 Grand America - Advantages

  • Lighter: 336 kg vs 356 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
  • More rear wheel travel: 125 mm vs 104 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2020 Honda GL 1800 Gold Wing / DCT vs 2021 BMW K1600 Grand America - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2020 Honda GL 1800 Gold Wing / DCT and 2021 BMW K1600 Grand America?
The 2020 Honda GL 1800 Gold Wing / DCT uses Four stroke, opposed boxer six cylinders, SOHC, 4-valve per cylinder, finger-follower rocker arm on intake, roller-rocker arm on exhaust, while the 2021 BMW K1600 Grand America is powered by In-line six, four-stroke.
Which is lighter, the 2020 Honda GL 1800 Gold Wing / DCT or the 2021 BMW K1600 Grand America?
The 2021 BMW K1600 Grand America is lighter at 336 kg compared to 356 kg for the 2020 Honda GL 1800 Gold Wing / DCT - a difference of 20 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which should I buy, the 2020 Honda GL 1800 Gold Wing / DCT or the 2021 BMW K1600 Grand America?
Both are strong choices. The 2020 Honda GL 1800 Gold Wing / DCT has the edge in fuel injection and larger displacement, while the 2021 BMW K1600 Grand America stands out for lighter kerb weight and dual front discs. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.