By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Tourer
BMW K 1600 GT (MY2022) vs K 1600 GT (K48)
2022 BMW K 1600 GT vs 2011 BMW K 1600 GT: which one's easier to live with on a long trip.
You'll feel the 2022 BMW K 1600 GT's wide bars fold it into a bend in one fluid move, and it's got clearance to spare. Push the 2011 BMW K 1600 GT's bars mid-entry to dodge something on the line. The heavy bike snaps sideways without any drama.
So which one do you buy?
The 2022 K 1600 GT has the edge if…
Comfortable long-distance riding
A touch ahead: 2022 K 1600 GT
Hour after hour, the 2022 K 1600 GT feels a little kinder to you. It's a close-run thing, though.
What makes each one tick
2022 K 1600 GT
Refinement runs through the 2022 K 1600 GT, from a six that's virtually free of vibration to a semi-active suspension that keeps road imperfections away from the seat. A small twist of the throttle just off idle gets a steady pull, and the six doesn't sound strained as it climbs toward redline. Highway pace barely registers. The chassis carves a backroad without losing its composure.
Nils rode the 2022 K 1600 GT in Spain in 2022 (NastyNils Testride).
2011 K 1600 GT
The 2011 K 1600 GT's six pulls from revs so low it'll leave a café stop in third, and top gear handles nearly everything on a tour. Its exhaust note keeps that silky pull from going dead. The Duolever front and Paralever rear soak up a bump while the ride stays plush. Serious speed doesn't faze it. The pegs touch down before the tires let go.
Nils rode the 2011 K 1600 GT in Austria and South Africa in 2011 (NastyNils Testride).
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- Electronic Suspension: standard on the 2022 K 1600 GT, option on the 2011 K 1600 GT.
- TFT Display: standard on the 2022 K 1600 GT, not offered on the 2011 K 1600 GT.
- Navigation: standard on the 2022 K 1600 GT, option on the 2011 K 1600 GT.
Which one for the way you ride
Daily commuting & city riding
Wrong tool: 2022 K 1600 GT
There's no daily-ride verdict for the 2022 K 1600 GT. Getting to work isn't its job.
A confidence-building first motorcycle
Not their thing
If this is your first motorcycle, keep looking. Neither one makes learning easy.
Look at twisty roads and running costs and you'll find two bikes doing the same job equally well. Fit is what breaks the tie.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
2022 K 1600 GT
What owners say
Strengths
- Ultra-smooth and torquey inline-six engine
- Premium build quality and equipment
- Surprising agility for its size
Trade-offs
- Heavy and difficult to maneuver at low speeds
2011 K 1600 GT
Strengths
- Six cylinders, zero buzz
- Rock solid at speed
- Optional electronic suspension earns it
- Brakes that stay composed
- Sublime inline-six engine
Trade-offs
- Labored in tight traffic
- Functions buried in menus
- Traction control fights gravel
- Ponderous at low speeds
Known problems to check before you buy
2022 K 1600 GT
- Reverse gear control unit seal failure / fire risk Recall 26V214000 The reverse gear control unit’s seal can degrade, allowing moisture ingress that causes a short circuit and overheating. This poses a fire risk (NHTSA recall 26V214000). Affected models: 2017–2025 K 1600 GT.
- Clogged radiator requiring expensive replacement Radiator fins are easily blocked by road debris thrown up by the front tire, restricting airflow and causing the engine to run hot. Cleaning the fins is awkward due to restricted access behind the fairing.
2011 K 1600 GT
- Reverse gear control unit overheating (2017-2020) Recall 26V214000 The seal for the reverse gear control unit may deteriorate, allowing moisture ingress that can lead to overheating and fire. NHTSA recall 26V-214000.
- Fuel pump flange recall (2011-2014) Recall 21V060000 A crack in the fuel pump flange can cause a fuel leak, leading to a fire risk. NHTSA recall 21V060000 for certain 2011-2014 K1600 models.
- Transmission parts hardness issue (2017-2020, NHTSA Recall 19V-692) Recall 19V692000 Certain transmission parts may not have been produced to the correct hardness, potentially causing double gear engagement or damage. Dealer replacement.
- Water pump leaks (early models) Coolant leaks from the water pump seals, particularly on 2011-2013 bikes, often requiring pump replacement.
What they share
- Seat height
- 31.9 in (810 mm)
- Displacement
- 1649 cc
- Engine
- Inline-six
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Fuel capacity
- 7.0 US gal (26.5 L)
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Shaft
- Front tire
- 120/70-17
- Rear tire
- 190/55-17
Where the spec sheets split
| 2022 K 1600 GT | 2011 K 1600 GT | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 161 hp (118 kW) | 160 hp (118 kW) |
| Torque | 133 lb-ft (180 Nm) | 129 lb-ft (175 Nm) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| 2022 K 1600 GT | 2011 K 1600 GT | |
|---|---|---|
| Ride Modes | Standard | Standard (from 2017) |
| Electronic Suspension | Standard | Option |
| TFT Display | Standard | Not offered |
| Navigation | Standard | Option |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
