2011 Suzuki Boulevard C109R vs 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2011 Suzuki Boulevard C109R 2011 Suzuki Boulevard C109R

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, 54° V-Twin
Power
92 kW / 123 hp @ 6200 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
380 kg / 837.7 lbs
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
Full Specifications
General
Year2010 - 112012
Make ModelSuzuki Boulevard C109RBMW K 1600 GTL
Dimensions
Seat Height705 mm / 27.7 in810 - 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)
Wheelbase1755 mm / 68.3 in1680 mm / 66.1 in
Ground Clearance135 mm / 5.3 in-
Height-1465 mm / 57.7 in
Length2580 mm / 101.5 in2489m m / 98.0 in
Width985 mm / 38.7 in1000 mm / 39.4 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-321 kg / 708 lbs
Fuel Capacity19 L / 5.0 US gal26.5 Litres / 7.0 US gal
Wet Weight380 kg / 837.7 lbs348 kg / 768 lbs
Performance
Top Speed-239.2 km/h / 148.6 mph
Max Power92 kW / 123 hp @ 6200 rpm118 kW / 160.5 hp @ 7750 rpm
Max Torque160 Nm / 16.3 kgf-m / 118 lb.ft @ 3200 rpm175 Nm / 17.8 kgf-m / 129 lb-ft @ 5250 rpm
Standing Start ¼ Mile-11.7 sec
Engine
Displacement1786 cc / 108.8 cu. in1649 cc / 100.6 cu in.
Engine DetailFour stroke, 54° V-TwinFour stroke, transverse six cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke112 X 90.5mm72 x 67.5 mm
Compression Ratio10.5:112.2:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
Fuel Consumption-5.95 L/100 km / 16.8 km/l / 39.5 US mpg
Fuel InductionEFI, 2 x 56 mm throttle bodies∅52mm Throttle valve diameter, BMS-X
Fuel Reserve-4 Litres / 1.1 US gal
Fuel Type-Premium unleaded (95 RON)
IgnitionElectronic ignition (Transistorised) Digital CDI
LubricationSemi-dry sump-
StarterElectricElectric
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity-12 V / 19 Ah maintenance free
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-plate typeMultiplate wet clutch, hydraulically activated
Final DriveShaftShaft
Gear Ratios-1st 2.23 / 2nd 1.641 / 3rd 1.319 / 4th 1.101 / 5th 0.926 / 6th 0.788
Transmission / Drive5 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame Type-Chill-cast rear frame, aluminium, extruded sections
Suspension - FrontTelescopic, coil spring, oil dampedDual longitudinal control arm
Suspension - RearLink type, coil spring, oil damped, adjustable spring preloadParalever (single-sided swing arm), central spring strut, rebound/continuously variable
Steering Head Angle-62.2°
Trail-108.4 mm / 4.3 in
Wheel Travel - Front-115 mm / 4.8 in
Wheel Travel - Rear-135 mm / 5.3 in
Electrical Systems
Alternator-580 W Alternator
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2 x 310 mm discs, 2 piston calipers2 x ∅320mm discs, 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 274mm disc, 2 piston caliperSingle ∅320mm disc, 2 piston caliper
ABS-BMW Motorrad ABS (partial integral)
Rims - Front-3.0 x 17
Rims - Rear-6.00 x 17
Tyres - Front150/80R16120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear240/55R16190/55 ZR17
Wheels-Cast aluminium wheels

Verdict

Winner on specs

2012 BMW K 1600 GTL

The 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL edges out the 2011 Suzuki Boulevard C109R thanks to its more peak power, higher torque, lighter kerb weight and standard ABS. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2011 Suzuki Boulevard C109R - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 705 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.
  • Larger displacement: 1786 cc vs 1649 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

2012 BMW K 1600 GTL - Advantages

  • More power: Produces 118 kW vs 92 kW - a meaningful performance advantage.
  • Higher torque: 175 Nm vs 160 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Lighter: 348 kg vs 380 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.

2011 Suzuki Boulevard C109R vs 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2011 Suzuki Boulevard C109R and 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL?
The 2011 Suzuki Boulevard C109R uses Four stroke, 54° V-Twin, while the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL is powered by Four stroke, transverse six cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 2011 Suzuki Boulevard C109R or the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL?
The 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL is lighter at 348 kg compared to 380 kg for the 2011 Suzuki Boulevard C109R - a difference of 32 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which has more power, the 2011 Suzuki Boulevard C109R or the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL?
The 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL produces more peak power at 118 kW, compared to 92 kW for the 2011 Suzuki Boulevard C109R.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2011 Suzuki Boulevard C109R or the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL?
The 2011 Suzuki Boulevard C109R has the lower seat at 705 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 2011 Suzuki Boulevard C109R or 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL have ABS?
The 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL is listed with ABS as standard. The 2011 Suzuki Boulevard C109R does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2011 Suzuki Boulevard C109R or the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL?
Both are strong choices. The 2011 Suzuki Boulevard C109R has the edge in lower seat height and fuel injection, while the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL stands out for more peak power and higher torque. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.