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Touring · 2012

K 1600 GTL E

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MotoLibrary Score
66 /100 Sporty
Power/Weight
0.5 hp/kg
Torque
175 Nm
Engine
1649 ccm

2012 BMW K 1600 GTL E Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

At the heart of the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL E touring motorcycle, BMW features a 1649 cc (100.6 cu in) liquid-cooled in-line six, four-stroke configuration. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 160 HP (116.8 kW) at 7,750 rpm while maximum torque reaches 175 Nm (129.1 lb-ft) at 5,250 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 6-speed gearbox and shaft drive (cardan) final drive. With a specific output of 97 HP per liter and a 2,500 rpm working window between peak torque (5,250 rpm) and peak power (7,750 rpm), the engine character is reflecting a performance-oriented street tune that balances strong mid-range pull with an energetic top-end rush.

On the scales, the K 1600 GTL E measures 348 kg (767 lbs) wet (curb), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.46 HP/kg (2.18 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 750 mm (29.5 in) seat height — giving shorter riders and urban commuters confident flat-foot reach at traffic stops, combined with a 1,680 mm (66.1 in) wheelbase engineered for planted straight-line stability. The 26.5-liter (7 US gal) fuel tank paired with a rated consumption of 4.6 L/100 km provides an estimated theoretical range of roughly 576 km (358 miles) between fill-ups.

Within MotoLibrary's BMW archive, this model family spans 2 indexed model years from 2012 to 2014, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.

Specific Output
97 HP/L
Power-to-Weight
0.46 HP/kg (2.18 kg/HP)
Power Band Window
5,250–7,750 rpm
Theoretical Range
~576 km (358 mi)
Engine
Displacement 1649.0 ccm (100.62 cubic inches)
Engine Type In-line six, four-stroke
Engine Details In-line six, four-stroke
Power 160.0 HP (116.8 kW)) @ 7750 RPM
Torque 175.0 Nm (17.8 kgf-m or 129.1 ft.lbs) @ 5250 RPM
Compression 12.2:1
Bore x Stroke 72.0 x 67.5 mm (2.8 x 2.7 inches)
Valves/Cylinder 4
Fuel System Injection. Electronic intake pipe injection, digital engine management (BMS-X)
Fuel Control Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Cooling Liquid
Transmission
Gearbox 6-speed
Final Drive Shaft drive (cardan) (final drive)
Clutch Slipper clutch
Driveline Cardan Shaft
Performance
Fuel Consumption 4.60 litres/100 km (21.7 km/l or 51.13 mpg)
Greenhouse Gases 106.7 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Emission Details Closed loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3
Chassis
Frame Type Bridge-type frame, cast aluminium, load-bearing engine
Rake 27.8°
Trail 108 mm (4.3 inches)
Front Suspension BMW Motorrad Duolever
Front Travel 125 mm (4.9 inches)
Rear Suspension BMW Motorrad Paralever
Rear Travel 135 mm (5.3 inches)
Wheelbase 1680 mm (66.1 inches)
Wheels & Brakes
Front Tyre 120/70-ZR17
Rear Tyre 190/55-ZR17
Front Brakes Double disc. ABS
Front Brake Ø 320 mm (12.6 inches)
Rear Brakes Single disc. ABS
Rear Brake Ø 320 mm (12.6 inches)
Wheels Aluminium
Dimensions & Weight
Dry Weight 321.0 kg (707.7 pounds)
Weight incl. 348.0 kg (767.2 pounds)
Power/Weight 0.4984 HP/kg
Seat Height 750 mm (29.5 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Alt. Seat Height 780 mm (30.7 inches) If adjustable, highest setting.
Overall Height 1465 mm (57.7 inches)
Overall Length 2489 mm (98.0 inches)
Overall Width 1000 mm (39.4 inches)
Fuel Capacity 26.50 litres (7.00 US gallons)
Reserve Fuel 4.00 litres (1.06 US gallons)
Other
Starter Electric
Color Options Silver, blue
Electrical 12 V/19 Ah, maintenance free battery.
Notes

Electrically adjustable windshield.

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Before You Compare This Bike

Use this page to compare this motorcycle by its real specifications, not only by model name. Focus on the details that affect fit, comfort, handling, range and ownership.

Power
Compare engine output with similar motorcycles if acceleration, highway use or two-up riding matters.
Torque
Torque is useful for judging real-world pull, especially for touring, commuting and loaded riding.
Seat Height
Check the seat height against your inseam and riding posture before choosing a motorcycle.
Weight
Compare weight carefully because it affects low-speed handling, parking and confidence.
Fuel Capacity
Fuel capacity helps estimate touring range and how often you may need to stop.
Brakes
Brake setup is worth comparing if you ride in traffic, mountains or with a passenger.
Suspension
Suspension details can matter for comfort, road feel and long-distance riding.
Transmission
Transmission and final drive affect maintenance, smoothness and everyday usability.
Rider Profile

Who Is This Bike For?

🔴
Advanced
High performance — experienced riders only.
🗺️
Best For
Long Distance Touring
📏
Seat Height
75 cm / 29.5 in
⚖️
Handling
Heavy bike — requires confident handling
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