By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Tourer
Harley-Davidson CVO Ultra Limited FLHTKSE (MY2014) vs BMW K 1600 GTL (K48)
Fresh off the Harley-Davidson CVO Ultra Limited FLHTKSE, you're still thinking about its coolant hoses and water pump. There's almost no engine buzz in the grips of the BMW K 1600 GTL. The road itself comes through instead.
So which one do you buy?
The K 1600 GTL has the edge if…
Sporty riding on twisty roads
By a nose: K 1600 GTL
Back-road fun leans slightly toward the K 1600 GTL. Put it down to better suspension and harder acceleration. It's a narrow call, so trust your test ride.
Comfortable long-distance riding
Nose ahead: K 1600 GTL
The K 1600 GTL should leave you a bit fresher after a long day. Should, not will: the margin is small.
Which one's the smarter buy
Better value: K 1600 GTL
The K 1600 GTL is the better buy at these used prices. You get more bike for the money with the BMW.
What makes each one tick
CVO Ultra Limited FLHTKSE
Down low and through the middle, there's a heavy shove from the CVO Ultra Limited's big V-twin, even two-up. Overtakes don't need more than a small turn of the throttle. The pull doesn't let up. Interstate expansion joints barely reach the seat.
K 1600 GTL
At parking-lot pace, there's no hiding the GTL's 767 lb (348 kg) at the bars. All the low-speed weight stops mattering once the GTL is rolling. The engine runs almost completely vibration-free. Down the Beartooth Highway, the brake lever reins in the bike's mass before each bend. The hard parts touch down early. Through tight switchbacks, it keeps pace with lighter bikes.
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 wet weight: 767 lb (348 kg) vs 950 lb (431 kg).
- The K 1600 GTL makes more peak power: 160 hp (118 kW) vs 97 hp (72 kW).
- The K 1600 GTL makes more peak torque: 129 lb-ft (175 Nm) vs 115 lb-ft (156 Nm).
Which one for the way you ride
Daily commuting & city riding
Look elsewhere
As commuters, both miss the mark. Daily traffic isn't what either was built around.
Keeping running costs low
No verdict: CVO Ultra Limited FLHTKSE
Upkeep on the CVO Ultra Limited FLHTKSE works by different rules, so it isn't rated here.
A confidence-building first motorcycle
Both miss here
Learning on either of these is the hard way. A gentler bike will make you a better rider sooner.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
CVO Ultra Limited FLHTKSE
What owners say
Trade-offs
- Coolant leak and reliability concerns
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
CVO Ultra Limited FLHTKSE
- Hydraulic clutch master cylinder malfunction Recall 14V537000 The clutch master cylinder can develop an internal leak, resulting in difficulty disengaging the clutch and dangerous 'creep' at stops. This issue prompted a safety recall (NHTSA 14V-537, HD recall 0160).
- Air in clutch system and wrong release plate (Recalled) Recall 13V515000 NHTSA 13V515000: certain MY2014 FLHTCU, FLHTK, FLHTP, FLHX, FLHXS, FLHTKSE and FLHRSE built 3 May 2013 - 14 Oct 2013. The clutch master cylinder may allow air into the clutch system, and an incorrect clutch release plate may have been fitted. Either condition can stop the clutch disengaging, so the rider may struggle to slow or stop the bike. Dealers rebuilt the master cylinder and fitted the correct release plate free of charge.
- Front brake line pinch, front wheel lock-up (Recalled) Recall 14V319000 NHTSA 14V319000: certain MY2014 ABS-equipped Touring and CVO Touring models incl. FLHTKSE, built 1 Jul 2013 - 7 May 2014. The front brake line can be routed so it gets pinched between the fuel tank and the frame, which raises front brake fluid pressure and can lock the front wheel. Dealers inspected and replaced damaged lines and added cable straps free of charge. Check the recall was done before you buy.
- Tour-Pak conversion kit omits rear reflectors (Recalled) Recall 19V574000 NHTSA 19V574000: 2016-2019 FLHTKSE and other Touring/CVO Touring models fitted with the Harley-Davidson Detachable Tour-Pak Luggage Conversion Kit (part 53000291, 53000291A, 53000567). The kit did not include replacement rear red reflectors for the ones it removes, leaving the bike outside FMVSS 108 and less visible from behind. Dealers fitted the replacement reflectors free of charge. Only affects bikes with that accessory kit.
- Saddlebag mounting receptacles can release the bag (Recalled) Recall 15V427000 NHTSA 15V427000: certain MY2014-2015 Touring and CVO Touring models incl. the CVO Ultra Limited (FLHTKSE). The saddlebag mounting receptacles may not hold the saddlebag securely, so a bag can come off while riding and become a road hazard. Dealers replaced the receptacles with updated parts free of charge.
- Clutch master cylinder gas build-up, 2016 models (Recalled) Recall 16V471000 NHTSA 16V471000: certain MY2016 Touring and CVO models. The clutch master cylinder can lose the lift needed to disengage the clutch, most often after the bike has stood for a long time, so the bike can move off unexpectedly when it is running and in gear. Dealers inspected for gas in the fluid, then flushed the system and rebuilt the master cylinder free of charge. NHTSA lists FLHTKSE among the affected models for 2016.
- Wheel speed sensor failure Premature failure of the wheel speed sensor can cause loss of ABS, cruise control, and speedometer. Replacement is required.
- Water pump failure The water pump can fail prematurely, often following thermostat issues, leading to coolant loss and potential overheating.
- Coolant leaks from engine and radiator system Owners report coolant weeping at hose connections, radiator seams, and the coolant reservoir. The low-viscosity coolant can be hard to detect, and repairs often involve replacing the water pump or hose clamps.
- Rear speaker failure The rear speaker pods in the Tour-Pak may stop working due to moisture ingress or wiring faults, diminishing the audio experience.
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 cost used
These prices compare a 10-year-old CVO Ultra Limited FLHTKSE with a 10-year-old K 1600 GTL.
- CVO Ultra Limited FLHTKSE
- about $20,700
- K 1600 GTL
- about $10,000
At ten years old, the CVO Ultra Limited FLHTKSE sits around $20,700 while the K 1600 GTL lands near $10,000. That's a $10,700 gap in the US market. These are estimates, not live listings.
What they share
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
Where the spec sheets split
| CVO Ultra Limited FLHTKSE | K 1600 GTL | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 29.1 in (739 mm) | 29.5 in (750 mm) |
| Wet weight | 950 lb (431 kg) | 767 lb (348 kg) |
| CVO Ultra Limited FLHTKSE | K 1600 GTL | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1801 cc | 1649 cc |
| Engine | 45° V-twin | Inline-six |
| Cooling | Air/liquid-cooled | Liquid-cooled |
| Power | 97 hp (72 kW) | 160 hp (118 kW) |
| Peak power at | 5,010 rpm | 7,750 rpm |
| Torque | 115 lb-ft (156 Nm) | 129 lb-ft (175 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 3,750 rpm | 5,250 rpm |
| CVO Ultra Limited FLHTKSE | K 1600 GTL | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 6.0 US gal (22.7 L) | 7.0 US gal (26.5 L) |
| CVO Ultra Limited FLHTKSE | K 1600 GTL | |
|---|---|---|
| Final drive | Belt | Shaft |
| Front tire | 130/80-17 | 120/70-17 |
| Rear tire | 180/65-16 | 190/55-17 |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| CVO Ultra Limited FLHTKSE | 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 | Standard | Standard (from 2017) |
| Smartphone Connectivity | Standard | Standard (from 2017) |
| Navigation | Standard | Option |
| USB Charging Port | Not offered | Standard (from 2017) |
| Keyless System | Standard | Option |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) | Not offered | Standard |
| Adjustable Windscreen | Not offered | Standard |
| Electrically Adjustable Windscreen | Not offered | Standard |
| LED Headlight | Standard | Standard (from 2022) |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
