2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing vs 2011 BMW K 1300GT

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing

Touring

Engine
Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
895.0 pounds
2011 BMW K 1300GT 2011 BMW K 1300GT

Touring

Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
634.9 pounds
Full Specifications
General
CommentsModel ID: TRX680FAPower Steering
ColoursMetallic Red, Metallic Black, Pearl Yellow, Metallic TitaniumRed, beige, blue
WarrantyOne year. Unlimited milage. Transferable.-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)254 mm1,278 mm
Storage-Front Rack Capacity 100 lbs / 45.4 kg. Rear Rack Capacity 50 lbs / 22.7 kg. Towing Capacity 1,050 lbs / 476.3 kg
Ground Clearance (in.)10.0 inches50.3 inches
Seat Height739 mm / 29.1 in.820 mm / 32.3 in.
Wheelbase1,689 mm / 66.5 in.1,572 mm / 61.9 in.
Height1,207 mm / 47.5 in.1,438 mm / 56.6 in.
Length2,113 mm / 83.2 in.2,318 mm / 91.3 in.
Width1,189 mm / 46.8 in.965 mm / 38.0 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-255 kg / 562.2 lbs
Fuel Capacity24.98 litres / 6.60 gallons24.00 litres / 6.34 gallons
Wet Weight406.0 kg / 895.0 lbs288.0 kg / 634.9 lbs
Performance
Max Torque-135.00 Nm (13.8 kgf-m or 99.6 ft.lbs) @ 8000
Power-to-Weight Ratio-0.6205 HP/kg
Engine
Fuel ControlSOHCDOHC
Engine TypeSix cylinder boxer, four-strokeIn-line four, four-stroke
CO2151.5 CO116.0 CO
Bore x Stroke (mm)74.0 x 71.0 mm80.0 x 64.3 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)2.9 x 2.8 inches3.1 x 2.5 inches
Displacement (ci)111.79 cubic inches78.90 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)1832.00 cc1293.00 cc
Fuel SystemInjection. Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)Injection. Electronic intake pipe injection/digital engine management including knock sensor (BMS-K)
Compression Ratio9.8:113.0:1
EmissionsMeets current CARB and EPA standards.Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3
Engine LubricationDry sumpDry sump
Exhaust-Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3
Fuel Consumption6.53 litres/100 km (15.3 km/l or 36.02 mpg)5.00 litres/100 km (20.0 km/l or 47.04 mpg)
Fuel Reserve4.54 litres / 1.20 gallons4.00 litres / 1.06 gallons
IgnitionComputer-controlled digital with three-dimensional mapping-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System24
Drivetrain
ClutchAutomaticMultiple-disc clutch in oil bath, hydraulically operated
Final DriveShaft drive (cardan)Shaft drive (cardan)
Gearbox5-speed6-speed
Primary DriveDirect front and rear driveshafts with TraxLok® and torque-sensitive front differentialAutomatic CVT with EBS, Hi/Lo Range and Reverse. 2/4 WD + Diff Lock
Chassis
Frame Type-Bridge-type frame, cast aluminium, load-bearing engine
Suspension - Front45mm cartridge fork with anti-dive system.BMW Motorrad Duolever
Suspension - RearPro-Arm single-side swingarm with Pro-Link single shock with computer-controlled spring-preload adjustment with two memory presetsCast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever
Rake29.2°29.4°
Seat-Removable Passenger Seat and Optional 3-in-1 Versatility
Trail109 mm / 4.3 in.112 mm / 4.4 in.
Wheel Travel - Front175 mm / 6.9 in.115 mm / 4.5 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear203 mm / 8.0 in.254 mm / 10.0 in.
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)12.4 inches11.6 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)11.7 inches12.6 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)316 mm294 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)296 mm320 mm
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. Anti-lock brakingDouble disc. Anti-Lock Brakes
Brakes - RearSingle discSingle disc
Rims-Cast aluminium
Tyres - Front130/70-R18120/70-ZR17
Tyres - Rear180/60-R16180/55-ZR17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing

The 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing edges out the 2011 BMW K 1300GT thanks to its lower seat height, greater ground clearance and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 739 mm vs 820 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • More ground clearance: 254 mm vs 1,278 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
  • More front wheel travel: 175 mm vs 115 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2011 BMW K 1300GT - Advantages

  • More rear wheel travel: 254 mm vs 203 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing vs 2011 BMW K 1300GT - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing and 2011 BMW K 1300GT?
The 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing uses Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke, while the 2011 BMW K 1300GT is powered by In-line four, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing or the 2011 BMW K 1300GT?
The 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing has the lower seat at 739 mm, making it more accessible. The 2011 BMW K 1300GT sits higher at 820 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing or the 2011 BMW K 1300GT?
Both are strong choices. The 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing has the edge in lower seat height and greater ground clearance, while the 2011 BMW K 1300GT stands out for higher rear wheel travel. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.