2012 BMW K1600 GTL Comparison Photo Gallery

With a full tank of fuel the BMW K1600 GTL weighs 767 pounds and is the lightest bike in this test. It certainly feels that way in the corners with it delivering an astonishing level of maneuverability.

Does BMW’s all-new K1600 GTL luxury touring motorcycle have what it takes to ace out Honda’s Gold Wing and the Can-Am Spyder RT? Learn more in the 2012 BMW K1600 GTL Comparison.

2012 BMW K1600 GTL dyno chart.

With over 100 lb-ft. of torque available the BMW K1600 GTL will wheelie no problem in first gear (with traction control de-activated).

The BMW K1600 GTL delivers a level of stability that the other bikes simply can’t match especially at high-speeds.

A touring bike with the heart of a sportbike—that is the essence of the ’12 BMW K1600 GTL.

Motorcycle-USA tests three top luxury touring mounts on the way to Laguna Seca for the Red Bull USGP at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

2011 Luxury Touring Motorcycle Shootout.

Bixby bridge near Monterey, California on the way to Laguna Seca – 2011 Luxury Motorcycle Touring Shootout.

2011 Luxury Touring Motorcycle Shootout.

The BMW K1600 GTL was unanimously selected as the best looking bike in this test. We are in love with the look of its halo-style head beams that have the ability to shift right or left while cornering.

The BMW K1600 GTL offers a gigantic electronically adjustable windscreen that can completely shield the rider from all wind and road debris.

The BMW K1600 GTL’s electronically adjustable suspension is simply amazing. Not only does it offer multiple modes it is easy-to-use and has a dramatic effect on the motorcycle’s handling.

In terms of passenger comfort the ’12 BMW K1600 GTL received the lowest marks. Even still it’s plenty comfortable for two-up riding.

Just when you thought electric motors were going to rule the world, BMW builds this six-cylinder jewel of an engine.

The BMW’s brakes offer a tremendous level of power and are very easy to use. The ABS system works well but does have a tendency to activate early during aggressive braking.

The melody expelled from the BMW’s mufflers is out of this world. Kudos to BMW for engineering a touring motorcycle that sounds like a full-on race car.

The cockpit of the BMW lacks all of the buttons and switches of the Gold Wing but it is more elegant looking.

The left hand clip-on houses the windshield adjustment, cruise control, and menu system. It also has the multi-function control that is easy-to-use.

The instrumentation display is bright, easy-to-read and shares similar styling to its BMW’s line of high-performance cars.

The BMW features simplified electronic controls as compared to the Gold Wing.

The K1600 GTL offers sportbike-like handling and ground clearance.

Seven hundred-plus pound motorcycles aren’t supposed to handle this good – 2012 BMW K1600 GTL.

2011 Luxury Touring Motorcycle Shootout.

2012 BMW K1600 GTL retails for $26,340 (as tested) and is the least expensive motorcycle in this comparison.

The BMW’s Inline-Six engine is simply amazing. It’s smooth, powerful and has a ton of character. Well done BMW!

If you’re looking for the ultimate luxury touring motorcycle the ’12 BMW K1600 GTL is it.