By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Tourer
BMW K 1200 LT (MY2004) vs K 1600 GTL (K48)
BMW K 1200 LT vs K 1600 GTL: long days, loaded bags, one choice to make.
Roll on the BMW K 1200 LT's throttle and the inline-four pulls in one steady surge that doesn't tail off at highway speed. The BMW K 1600 GTL's engine spins up with almost no buzz at all. What's left in the grips is the road.
So which one do you buy?
The K 1600 GTL has the edge if…
Comfortable long-distance riding
Small edge: K 1600 GTL
Long days lean slightly toward the K 1600 GTL. Your own body is the better judge of a gap this small.
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Inches ahead: K 1600 GTL
Through a string of corners, the K 1600 GTL feels a little more eager. Thank better suspension and harder acceleration for that. The gap is small, so ride both.
What makes each one tick
K 1200 LT
The K 1200 LT's big fairing doesn't let wind or noise through, while the plush seat's still kind after a full day. The suspension's tuned for comfort, and a bump doesn't jolt through it. Ridden briskly, the front dives hard under braking and the footpegs scrape in corners. The motor hauls like an express train.
K 1600 GTL
All the K 1600 GTL's walking-pace heft stops counting once it's moving. The GTL gives up cornering clearance. On an extended trip with full luggage, rider and passenger are both properly looked after. There's so much low-end shove from the six that on greasy pavement the traction control's working at nearly every corner exit. It hangs with lighter bikes on tight hairpins.
Nils rode the K 1600 GTL in 2011, and in Spain in 2022 (NastyNils Testride).
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The K 1600 GTL has the lower seat: 29.5 in (750 mm) vs 30.3 in (770 mm).
- The K 1600 GTL has the lower wet weight: 767 lb (348 kg) vs 853 lb (387 kg).
- The K 1600 GTL makes more peak power: 160 hp (118 kW) vs 116 hp (85 kW).
Which one for the way you ride
Daily commuting & city riding
Not built for this
Neither of these is a natural commuter. For daily traffic duty, look at something lighter and simpler.
A confidence-building first motorcycle
Both miss here
For a brand-new rider, both are the wrong place to start. Learn the basics on a smaller bike first.
Nothing splits them on running costs. Ride both back to back and the decision usually makes itself.
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
Strengths
- Armchair Riding Position
- Hides Its Weight Once Moving
- Built For The Long Haul
- Cornering Lights Own The Dark
Trade-offs
- Persistent Draft From Behind
- Tall Riders Lose The Comfort
- Gearbox Lags The Standard
- Reliability Concerns on Early Models
- High Maintenance Costs
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
- Reverse Gear Control Unit Overheat (Recall 26V214) Recall 26V214000 On 2017-2025 models, the reverse gear control unit seal may deteriorate, allowing moisture ingress and causing overheating. BMW issued a safety recall for unit replacement.
- Water Pump and Ignition Coil Failures on Early Models On 2011-2012 models, the water pump can leak and ignition coils may fail, leading to misfires. Most have been addressed under warranty.
- Switchgear Failures The left and right handlebar switch clusters can fail due to corrosion or electronic faults, causing loss of turn signals or cruise control. Affects all model years to some extent.
- Fast-Wearing Rear Brake Pads The rear brake pads wear quickly, often needing frequent replacement.
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 | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | |
|---|---|---|
| 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) |
| K 1200 LT | K 1600 GTL | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 6.2 US gal (23.4 L) | 7.0 US gal (26.5 L) |
| K 1200 LT | K 1600 GTL | |
|---|---|---|
| Gearbox | 5-speed | 6-speed |
| Fork | Telelever | Duolever |
| Rear tire | 160/70-17 | 190/55-17 |
| Wheelbase | 64.3 in (1633 mm) | 63.7 in (1618 mm) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| K 1200 LT | K 1600 GTL | |
|---|---|---|
| Cornering ABS | Not offered | Standard (from 2014) |
| Traction Control | Not offered | Standard |
| Ride Modes | Not offered | Standard |
| Electronic Suspension | Not offered | Standard |
| TFT Display | Not offered | Standard (from 2017) |
| Smartphone Connectivity | Not offered | Standard (from 2017) |
| Navigation | Not offered | Option |
| USB Charging Port | Not offered | Standard (from 2017) |
| Keyless System | Not offered | Option |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) | Not offered | Standard |
| LED Headlight | Not offered | Standard (from 2022) |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
