2023 Honda GL 1800 Gold Wing Tour vs 2021 BMW K1600 Grand America vs 2021 BMW K1600 Grand America

Full specifications comparison • 3 motorcycles

Comparing 3 motorcycles
2023 Honda GL 1800 Gold Wing Tour 2023 Honda GL 1800 Gold Wing Tour

Touring

Engine
Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
809.1 pounds
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
CommentsWindscreen. Bluetooth Audio and Apple CarPlay/Android auto.Audio system with Bluetooth. Cruise control. DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment). Seat heating. Topcase. Windscreen high.
Year-2020 - 21
ColoursMatte Iridium Grey MetallicBlack Storm Metallic, Mars red metallic, Hockenheim Silver Metallic
Make Model-BMW K1600 Grand America
WarrantyTransferable, unlimited-mileage limited warranty; extended coverage available with a Honda Protection Plan.-
Dimensions
StorageSaddle bags, top box, glovebox (121 L total)-
Ground Clearance (mm)130 mm-
Ground Clearance (in.)5.1 inches-
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)-30.7 inches
Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm)-780 mm
Seat Height745 mm / 29.3 in.750 mm / 29.5 in.
Wheelbase1694 mm / 66.7 in.1618 mm / 63.7 in.
Height1430 mm / 56.3 in.1440 mm / 56.7 in.
Length2615 mm / 103.0 in.2560 mm / 100.8 in.
Width925 mm / 36.4 in.1000 mm / 39.4 in.
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (l)5.60 litres-
Oil Capacity (Quarts)5.92 US quarts-
Fuel Capacity21.10 litres / 5.57 US gallons26.50 litres / 7.00 US gallons
Wet Weight367.0 kg / 809.1 lbs364.0 kg / 802.5 lbs
Performance
Top Speed-162.0 km/h / 100.7 mph
Max Power-118 kW / 160.5 hp @ 7750 rpm
Max Torque170.0 Nm (17.3 kgf-m or 125.4 ft.lbs) @ 4500 rpm175 Nm / 17.8 kgf-m / 129 lb-ft @ 5250 rpm
Engine
Displacement (ci)111.85 cubic inches100.62 cubic inches
Engine TypeSix cylinder boxer, four-strokeIn-line six, four-stroke
CO2127.4 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)132.2 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Fuel ControlSingle Overhead Cams (SOHC)Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Bore x Stroke (in,)2.9 x 2.9 inches2.8 x 2.7 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)73.0 x 73.0 mm72.0 x 67.5 mm
Displacement (cc)1833.0 cc1649.0 cc
Displacement-1649 cc / 100.6 cu in.
Engine Detail-Four stroke, transverse six cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel SystemInjection. Programmed Fuel InjectionInjection. Electronic fuel injection with ride-by-wire throttle system
Bore x Stroke-72 x 67.5 mm
Compression Ratio10.5:112.2:1
Cooling System-Liquid cooled
EmissionsMeets current California Air Resources Board (CARB) and EPA standards.Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-4
Engine Lubrication-Dry sump
Fuel Consumption5.49 litres/100 km (18.2 km/l or 42.85 mpg)5.70 litres/100 km (17.5 km/l or 41.27 mpg)
Fuel Induction-52mm Throttle valve diameter, BMS-X
Fuel Reserve-4 Litres / 1.1 US gal
Fuel Type-Premium unleaded (95 RON)
IgnitionTransistorizedDigital CDI
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System44
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity-12 V / 19 Ah maintenance free
Drivetrain
ClutchHydraulic, wet, multiplate with coil springs, assist slipper cam. Or 7-speed (DCT) Hydraulic, wet, multiplate with oil pressure.Multi-plate wet clutch, hydraulically operated
Final DriveShaft drive (cardan)   (final drive)Shaft drive (cardan)   (final drive)
Gear Ratios-1st 2.23 / 2nd 1.641 / 3rd 1.319 / 4th 1.101 / 5th 0.926 / 6th 0.788
Gearbox7-speed6-speed
Transmission / Drive-Constant-mesh 6-speed gearbox, helical cut
Chassis
Frame TypeDie-cast, aluminium twin-beamAluminum bridge-type frame with load-bearing engine
Suspension - FrontDouble WishboneBMW Motorrad Duolever
Suspension - RearPro Arm® single-side swingarm with Pro-Link® single shockParalever (single-sided swing arm), central spring strut, rebound/continuously variable, Dynamic ESA semi-active suspension (road and dynamic modes)
Rake30.5°27.8°
SeatSuede/synthetic leather seats-
Steering Head Angle-62.2°
Trail109 mm / 4.3 in.108.4 mm / 4.3 in
Wheel Travel - Front109 mm / 4.3 in.115 mm / 4.9 in
Wheel Travel - Rear104 mm / 4.1 in.135 mm / 5.3 in
Electrical Systems
Alternator-W 700
Instrumentation7-inch TFT display-
Lighting systemFull LED lighting, LED fog lights and auto-cancelling indicators.Xenon headlight
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. Floating discs. 6-piston calliper. ABS.2 x 320mm discs, 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle disc. 3-piston calipers. ABS:Single 320mm disc, 2 piston caliper
ABS-BMW Motorrad ABS (partial integral)
Rims-Cast aluminium
Rims - Front-3.0 x 17
Rims - Rear-6.00 x 17
Tyres - Front130/70-R18120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear-190/55 ZR17
Wheels-Cast aluminium wheels

Verdict

Winner on specs

2021 BMW K1600 Grand America

The 2021 BMW K1600 Grand America edges out the 2023 Honda GL 1800 Gold Wing Tour thanks to its liquid cooling, standard ABS, higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2023 Honda GL 1800 Gold Wing Tour - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 745 mm vs 780 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.

2021 BMW K1600 Grand America - 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.
  • More rear wheel travel: 125 mm vs 104 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 115 mm vs 109 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2023 Honda GL 1800 Gold Wing Tour vs 2021 BMW K1600 Grand America - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2023 Honda GL 1800 Gold Wing Tour and 2021 BMW K1600 Grand America?
The 2023 Honda GL 1800 Gold Wing Tour uses Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke, while the 2021 BMW K1600 Grand America is powered by In-line six, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2023 Honda GL 1800 Gold Wing Tour or the 2021 BMW K1600 Grand America?
The 2023 Honda GL 1800 Gold Wing Tour has the lower seat at 745 mm, making it more accessible. The 2021 BMW K1600 Grand America sits higher at 780 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Does the 2023 Honda GL 1800 Gold Wing Tour or 2021 BMW K1600 Grand America have ABS?
The 2021 BMW K1600 Grand America is listed with ABS as standard. The 2023 Honda GL 1800 Gold Wing Tour does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2023 Honda GL 1800 Gold Wing Tour or the 2021 BMW K1600 Grand America?
Both are strong choices. The 2023 Honda GL 1800 Gold Wing Tour has the edge in lower seat height and fuel injection, while the 2021 BMW K1600 Grand America stands out for liquid cooling and standard ABS. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.