Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 vs. BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2021

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021

BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2021

Overview - Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 vs BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2021

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021

BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2021

Technical Specifications Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 compared to BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2021

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021

BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2021

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021

BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2021

Engine and Drive Train

Engine type	Engine type	V	Engine type	In line
Bore	Bore	105 mm	Bore	84 mm
Stroke	Stroke	72 mm	Stroke	77 mm
Engine power	Engine power	150 HP	Engine power	95 HP
Rpm at Max. Power	Rpm at Max. Power	9,000 rpm	Rpm at Max. Power	8,250 rpm
Torque	Torque	127 Nm	Torque	92 Nm
Rpm at Torque	Rpm at Torque	6,750 rpm	Rpm at Torque	6,250 rpm
Compression Ratio	Compression Ratio	13	Compression Ratio	12.7
Fuel system	Fuel system	Injection	Fuel system	Injection
Starter	Starter	Electric	Starter	Electric
Clutch Type	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath
Transmission	Transmission	Chain	Transmission	Chain
Transmission Type	Transmission Type	Gearshift	Transmission Type	Gearshift
Number of gears	Number of gears	6	Number of gears	6
Cylinders	Cylinders	2	Cylinders	2
Strokes	Strokes	4-Stroke	Strokes	4-Stroke
Valves per cylinder	Valves per cylinder	4	Valves per cylinder	4
Valves	Valves	DOHC	Valves	DOHC
Cooling	Cooling	liquid	Cooling	liquid
Displacement	Displacement	1,252 ccm	Displacement	853 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspension	Front suspension	Upside-Down telescopic fork	Front suspension	Upside-Down telescopic fork
Diameter	Diameter	47 mm	Diameter	43 mm
Travel	Travel	191 mm	Travel	230 mm

Suspension Rear

Suspension	Suspension	Swing arm	Suspension	Swing arm
Shock absorber	Shock absorber	Monoshock	Shock absorber	Monoshock
Travel	Travel	191 mm	Travel	215 mm
Adjustment	Adjustment	Compression, Preload, Rebound	Adjustment	Preload, Rebound
Material	Material	Aluminium	Material	Aluminium

Chassis

Frame	Frame	Aluminium	Frame	Steel
Frame type	Frame type	Double cradle	Frame type	Tubular, Load-bearing engine
Rake	Rake	65 degree	Rake	62 degree
Trail	Trail	157 mm	Trail	124.6 mm

Brakes Front

Type	Type	Double disk	Type	Double disk
Diameter	Diameter	320 mm	Diameter	305 mm
Piston	Piston	Four pistons	Piston	Double piston

Brakes Rear

Type	Type	Disc	Type	Disc
Diameter	Diameter	280 mm	Diameter	265 mm
Piston	Piston	Single piston	Piston	Single piston
Shock mount	Shock mount	Floating caliper	Shock mount	Floating caliper

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	ABS, Suspension electronically adjustable, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Cruise control, Traction control	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	ABS, Anti-slipping control, Riding modes, Ride by Wire

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre width	Front tyre width	120 mm	Front tyre width	90 mm
Front tyre height	Front tyre height	70 %	Front tyre height	90 %
Front tyre diameter	Front tyre diameter	19 inch	Front tyre diameter	21 inch
Rear tyre width	Rear tyre width	170 mm	Rear tyre width	150 mm
Rear tyre height	Rear tyre height	60 %	Rear tyre height	70 %
Rear tyre diameter	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch
Length	Length	2,270 mm	Length	2,300 mm
Width	Width	965 mm	Width	939 mm
Wheelbase	Wheelbase	1,585 mm	Wheelbase	1,593 mm
Seat Height	Seat Height	850 mm	Seat Height	875 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	258 kg	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	244 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity	Fuel Tank Capacity	21.2 l	Fuel Tank Capacity	23 l
License compliancy	License compliancy	A	License compliancy	A

Pros and Cons in comparison

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021

Even though it is clearly not a rally bike, the Harley Davidson Pan America 1250 knows how to impress with its powerful engine and good balance. It has plenty of traction on gravel and rolls very stably over larger scooters. Due to the 19 inch front wheel and the height of the bike, however, the the Harley soon reaches its limits in technical passages. On the flat, you should also be careful that the sensitive cast aluminium rims are not knocked into corners by potholes. All in all, however, the Harley is surprisingly off-road capable and robust for its dimensions.

Powerful, responsive engine

lush, modern electronics

semi-active suspension

good ergonomics despite the wide fuel tank

cornering ABS as standard, cornering TC as standard

optional seat lowering when stationary

19-inch front wheel suffers in off-road use

workmanship and feel partly below average

quickshifter at extra cost and not perfect

BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2021

Packed with technical features and additional equipment, the "small" Adventure is a high-tech machine. The many functions work well, and our testers were particularly impressed by the electronic chassis and the silky-smooth running of the engine. The Asian origin of the engine is not noticeable. The larger tank of the Adventure version and all the accessories drive up both the weight and the price. At 244 kg, the BMW F 850 GS Adventure is a bulky lump, which doesn't please everyone. But the ergonomics are top-notch, and the seating position in the wide fairing conveys a feeling of safety and protection.

Silky-smooth engine

top ergonomics and comfort

absolutely suitable for touring

suitable for off-road

technically very mature

High price with additional equipment

engine exudes little emotion

fork not adjustable

quite high weight