Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021 vs. BMW R 1200 GS Adventure 2017

Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure 2017

Overview - Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021 vs BMW R 1200 GS Adventure 2017

Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure 2017

Technical Specifications Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021 compared to BMW R 1200 GS Adventure 2017

Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure 2017

Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure 2017

Engine and Drive Train

Engine type	Engine type	V	Engine type	Boxer
Bore	Bore	105 mm	Bore	101 mm
Stroke	Stroke	72.3 mm	Stroke	73 mm
Engine power	Engine power	122 HP	Engine power	125 HP
Rpm at Max. Power	Rpm at Max. Power	7,500 rpm	Rpm at Max. Power	7,750 rpm
Torque	Torque	125 Nm	Torque	125 Nm
Rpm at Torque	Rpm at Torque	6,000 rpm	Rpm at Torque	6,500 rpm
Compression Ratio	Compression Ratio	12	Compression Ratio	12.5
Clutch Type	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath	Clutch Type	Toughened, Dry
Transmission	Transmission	Belt	Transmission	Prop shaft
Number of gears	Number of gears	6	Number of gears	6
Cylinders	Cylinders	2	Cylinders	2
Strokes	Strokes	4-Stroke	Strokes	4-Stroke
Valves	Valves	DOHC	Valves	DOHC
Cooling	Cooling	liquid	Cooling	Air
Displacement	Displacement	1,252 ccm	Displacement	1,170 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspension	Front suspension	Upside-Down telescopic fork	Front suspension	Strut

Suspension Rear

Suspension	Suspension	Swing arm	Suspension	Single swing arm

Chassis

Frame	Frame	Steel	Frame	Steel
Frame type	Frame type	Tubular, Load-bearing engine	Frame type	Twin Tube, Load-bearing engine

Brakes Front

Type	Type	Single disk	Type	Double disk
Piston	Piston	Four pistons	Piston	Four pistons
Shock mount	Shock mount	Floating caliper	Shock mount	Fixed caliper

Brakes Rear

Type	Type	Disc	Type	Disc
Piston	Piston	Single piston	Piston	Double piston
Shock mount	Shock mount	Fixed caliper	Shock mount	Floating caliper

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	ABS, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Cruise control, Traction control	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	Riding modes

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre width	Front tyre width	160 mm	Front tyre width	120 mm
Front tyre height	Front tyre height	70 %	Front tyre height	70 %
Front tyre diameter	Front tyre diameter	17 inch	Front tyre diameter	19 inch
Rear tyre width	Rear tyre width	180 mm	Rear tyre width	170 mm
Rear tyre height	Rear tyre height	70 %	Rear tyre height	60 %
Rear tyre diameter	Rear tyre diameter	16 inch	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch
Length	Length	2,265 mm	Length	2,255 mm
Width	Width	843 mm	Width	980 mm
Wheelbase	Wheelbase	1,520 mm	Wheelbase	1,510 mm
Seat Height	Seat Height	755 mm	Seat Height	910 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	228 kg	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	260 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity	Fuel Tank Capacity	11.8 l	Fuel Tank Capacity	30 l
License compliancy	License compliancy	A	License compliancy	A

Pros and Cons in comparison

Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021

The Sportster S returns to the tradition of this model series - yes, it really used to be about sport! That's why the latest American creation, with its 122 hp and 125 Nm of torque, doesn't want to be a cruiser, but instead is almost classless in its pursuit of customers. What is on offer is a wonderful poser bike that is surprisingly easy to ride. The single-disc brake at the front works well and the fat 160 front tyre steers better than you would expect. Only the hard suspension makes the rider suffer on longer distances - which of course doesn't matter at all in front of the ice cream parlour. Electronics and safety are top-notch, which mitigates the tidy price for true fans.

Powerful, refined engine

brakes very good for a single-disc system

full electronics package with cornering ABS and lean angle-dependent traction control

Chassis really hard

turn-in behaviour somewhat unwilling due to wide front tyre

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure 2017

As the most successful supplier of large-volume touring enduros, BMW has for years been highly successful in establishing the large R 1200 GS Adventure as the ultimate long-distance touring motorbike. Building on the driving dynamics and high off-road and touring competence of the conventional R 1200 GS, the Adventure represents the maximum solution for off-road touring riders. With its bulky fairing and 30-litre tank, the 125 hp engine has more to haul, but a high degree of agility is still maintained. Nothing is spared in terms of equipment, the big Adventure offers the full programme: ABS, ASC (Automatic Stability Control) and two riding modes "Rain" and "Road" are standard.

Powerful engine

relatively easy to ride

30 litre fuel tank

excellent ergonomics

stable brakes.

High weight

high price