By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Tourer
BMW K 1200 LT (MY2004) vs K 1600 GTL Exclusive (K48)
BMW K 1200 LT vs K 1600 GTL Exclusive: which one's easier to live with on a long trip.
Settle in at highway pace on the BMW K 1200 LT and it's calm and quiet behind that massive fairing. The BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive's sixth gear pulls from a crawl to well past that pace. You'll hardly ever reach for its shifter.
So which one do you buy?
The K 1600 GTL Exclusive has the edge if…
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Small edge: K 1600 GTL Exclusive
In the twisties, the K 1600 GTL Exclusive asks a bit less of you to go quickly. Put it down to better suspension and a sportier chassis. Call it a modest edge.
Comfortable long-distance riding
Nose ahead: K 1600 GTL Exclusive
Hour after hour, the K 1600 GTL Exclusive feels a little kinder to you. It's a close-run thing, though.
What makes each one tick
K 1200 LT
A full day in the plush, low seat of the K 1200 LT doesn't wear you down. Brisk corners scrape the footpegs. The throttle draws a steady shove of torque from the inline-four, and there's 88 lb-ft (119 Nm) on hand, peaking at 5,250 rpm. On the freeway, that four runs like an express train.
K 1600 GTL Exclusive
For all its width, the K 1600 GTL Exclusive doesn't pass a trace of buzz from its inline-six, and wind noise takes over at speed. Don't let the bulk talk you out of it. Corner entry wants a firm push on the bar and a look through the turn. The Duolever front holds its poise. The six's exhaust note gets up your spine.
Nils rode the K 1600 GTL Exclusive in Austria in 2014 (NastyNils Testride).
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The K 1600 GTL Exclusive has the lower seat: 29.5 in (750 mm) vs 30.3 in (770 mm).
- The K 1600 GTL Exclusive has the lower wet weight: 767 lb (348 kg) vs 853 lb (387 kg).
- The K 1600 GTL Exclusive makes more peak power: 160 hp (118 kW) vs 116 hp (85 kW).
Which one for the way you ride
Daily commuting & city riding
Look elsewhere
For the daily grind, both of these are hard work. A smaller, simpler bike will make your weekdays easier.
A confidence-building first motorcycle
Both miss here
If this is your first motorcycle, keep looking. Neither one makes learning easy.
Call it even on running costs. Choose on fit, price and the one that makes you grin.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
K 1200 LT
What owners say
Strengths
- Excellent weather protection and comfort
- Smooth and powerful engine
- Impressive luggage capacity and standard features
Trade-offs
- Final drive reliability concerns
- Heavy and top-heavy at low speeds
- Complex and costly to service
- Only five gears
- Soft suspension limits cornering clearance
K 1600 GTL Exclusive
Strengths
- Weather kit you actually use
- Cruise control earns its keep
- More room than a small car
- Rock-solid at highway speed
- Lustrously smooth inline-six engine
Trade-offs
- Bulk fights you in traffic
- Plan your parking exits
- Switchgear can fail
- High maintenance costs
- Outdated Bluetooth audio system
Known problems to check before you buy
K 1200 LT
- Anti-theft control unit fuel pump relay fault recall (NHTSA 04V438000) Recall 04V438000 At low temperatures, wiring inside the anti-theft control unit could press against the fuel pump relay, opening its contacts and interrupting fuel supply, causing the engine to stall. BMW recalled 2005 K1200LT models to inspect/replace the anti-theft control unit. All affected motorcycles should have the recall performed.
- Final drive bearing failure Crown bearing can fail due to inadequate shimming from the factory, causing oil leaks, noise, and eventual seizure. Failure often occurs between 30,000–50,000 miles. Regular oil changes and inspection are critical.
- Sound system and CD player skipping The stereo system can cut out intermittently, and the CD player often skips on rough roads. Aftermarket upgrades are common.
- Clutch slave cylinder O-ring leak The O-ring on the clutch slave cylinder can fail, causing fluid leakage and clutch disengagement problems.
K 1600 GTL Exclusive
- Fuel pump flange leak (recall) Recall 21V060000 A recall for 2011-2014 models addresses a fuel pump flange that can crack, causing fuel leakage and risk of fire.
- Water pump leaks The mechanical water pump seal can fail, leading to coolant leaks. Often appears after moderate mileage and may require pump replacement.
- Switchgear failures Left and right handlebar switch clusters can fail, causing loss of indicator, cruise control, or menu functions. Known on earlier models.
What they share
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Peak torque at
- 5,250 rpm
- Final drive
- Shaft
- Front brake
- 320 mm
- Front tire
- 120/70-17
Where the spec sheets split
| K 1200 LT | K 1600 GTL Exclusive | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 30.3 in (770 mm) | 29.5 in (750 mm) |
| Wet weight | 853 lb (387 kg) | 767 lb (348 kg) |
| K 1200 LT | K 1600 GTL Exclusive | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1171 cc | 1649 cc |
| Engine | Inline-four | Inline-six |
| Power | 116 hp (85 kW) | 160 hp (118 kW) |
| Torque | 88 lb-ft (119 Nm) | 129 lb-ft (175 Nm) |
| Top speed | 130 mph (209 km/h) | 124 mph (200 km/h) |
| K 1200 LT | K 1600 GTL Exclusive | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 6.2 US gal (23.4 L) | 7.0 US gal (26.5 L) |
| K 1200 LT | K 1600 GTL Exclusive | |
|---|---|---|
| Gearbox | 5-speed | 6-speed |
| Fork | Telelever | Duolever |
| Rear tire | 160/70-17 | 190/55-17 |
| Wheelbase | 64.3 in (1633 mm) | 66.1 in (1680 mm) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| K 1200 LT | K 1600 GTL Exclusive | |
|---|---|---|
| Traction Control | Not offered | Standard |
| Ride Modes | Not offered | Standard |
| Electronic Suspension | Not offered | Standard |
| Smartphone Connectivity | Not offered | Standard |
| Keyless System | Not offered | Standard |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) | Not offered | Standard |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
