Bikes with up to four cylinder engines make up the majority of the two-wheeler market worldwide. But there are motorcycles with engines that have more cylinders than that - specifically, the Honda Gold Wing GL1800 and the BMW K 1600 GTL. These two signify the epitome of two-wheeled touring and in this story we’ll see how these bikes stack up against each other on paper. BMW offers 3 versions of its K 1600 and the GTL is the most direct rival to the Gold Wing, which is why we have considered it here.
Honda Gold Wing vs BMW K 1600 GTL: engine and output
Honda's engine more cruiser-y, BMW's motor more peaky
| Engine & output | ||
|---|---|---|
| Honda Gold Wing | BMW K 1600 GTL | |
| Engine | 1,833cc, six-cylinder, liquid-cooled | 1,649cc, six-cylinder, liquid-cooled |
| Power | 126hp at 5,500rpm | 160hp at 6,750rpm |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 320.61hp per tonne | 446.92hp per tonne |
| Torque | 170Nm at 4,500rpm | 180Nm at 5,250rpm |
| Gearbox | 7-speed DCT | 6-speed manual |
First things first, while both the Gold Wing and the K 1600 GTL have six-pot motors, the Honda uses a horizontally-opposed configuration for its cylinders (like a BMW R 18), whereas the BMW uses an inline layout.
The tuning of these motors is also rather distinct. The ‘Wing has a low 10.5:1 compression ratio prioritizing effortless torque over outright horsepower and has a more laidback, cruiser-y riding experience. Further supplementing that relaxed state of mind is its 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), which is controlled via paddles on the LH switch cluster.
In comparison, the K 1600’s engine has a sportier 12.2:1 compression ratio, higher redline and its peak output is also made higher up in the rev band - it is unquestionably the sportier of the two. It also makes more peak output than the Gold Wing and in terms of outright speed, the K 1600 will be the faster of the two.
Honda Gold Wing vs BMW K 1600 GTL: weight and dimensions
K 1600 is 35kg lighter and has a much shorter wheelbase than Gold Wing
| Weight & dimensions | ||
|---|---|---|
| Honda Gold Wing | BMW K 1600 GTL | |
| Kerb weight | 393kg | 358kg |
| Seat height | 745mm | 750mm |
| Ground clearance | 130mm | NA |
| Fuel tank capacity | 21 litres | 26.5 litres |
| Wheelbase | 1695mm | 1618mm |
Just like the engine front, this section too highlights the distinct nature of both of these machines. In the red corner, we have the Gold Wing which weighs 35kg more than the K 1600 and has a gargantuan wheelbase too. Facing off against the venerable Honda tourer, in the blue corner, the K 1600 is the lighter, shorter and relatively more agile machine and also carries more fuel - something that’s sure to pay dividends on long sojourns.
Honda Gold Wing vs BMW K 1600 GTL: suspension, brakes and tyres
BMW uses sportbike-sized tyres; both have uncommon suspension setups
| Suspension, tyres and brakes | ||
|---|---|---|
| Honda Gold Wing | BMW K 1600 GTL | |
| Suspension (F/R) | Double wishbone / Monoshock | Duolever / Paralever |
| Brakes (F/R) | 320mm discs / 316mm disc | 320mm discs / 320mm disc |
| Tyres (F/R) | 130/70-R18 / 200/55-R16 | 120/70-ZR17 / 190/55-ZR17 |
Both of these flagship luxury touring machines are well-engineered machines that use rather uncommon suspension setups. Their brakes are also properly prodigious in keeping with their weight and power on tap - and also keeping in mind these will generally be ridden with a pillion and/or luggage, the rear brake disc is as big as the front ones.
The Gold Wing is one of very few production bikes today to use six-piston brake calipers. The K 1600 comes with axially-mounted four-piston units. Another area where the Gold Wing and K 1600 go down different paths is tyre sizes - the Honda’s are decidedly more cruiser-y, whereas the BMW’s 17-inch hoops are akin to sportbikes and sport tourers.
Honda Gold Wing vs BMW K 1600 GTL: features
Gold Wing offers you an airbag, K 1600 gives you floor lighting
The Gold Wing and K 1600 are top-tier luxury on two wheels and instead of focusing on the usual gamut of rider aids - which is an area both of them have covered with aplomb - we’ll instead point out the more nuanced details. Both have expansive fairings shielding you from the elements, electronically adjustable windscreens, huge TFT displays and lockable panniers and top boxers that can swallow enough luggage for a cross-country tour.
One USP on the Gold Wing is that it is the only bike in the world to come with an airbag as standard - which is a safety feature that is worth its weight in gold. It also comes with a park assist feature wherein a small electric motor helps you move the bike fore and aft, a helpful thing when you're moving a bike that weighs nearly 400 kilos.
The K 1600 has a neat trick up its sleeve in that it has a light on the underside which illuminates the area underneath, which may not sound very impressive, but when parking a 350+ kilo machine it's worth knowing whether you’ve found secure footing.
Honda Gold Wing vs BMW K 1600 GTL: price
BMW is the more affordable of the two here
| Price | ||
|---|---|---|
| Honda Gold Wing | BMW K 1600 GTL | |
| Price (ex-showroom, India) | Rs 39.20 lakh | Rs 33.33 lakh |
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via Auto Wheels 24