BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 vs. Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2023

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2023

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2023

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Overview - BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 vs Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2023

The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 is equipped with a Boxer engine, which provides a high-torque power delivery that allows for strong acceleration from low revs. This, combined with its low center of gravity, ensures surprisingly accessible maneuverability for such a large and powerful motorcycle. The bike also features practical details that are useful for frequent riders, such as a gigantic range of 600 km and amazingly low fuel consumption of 4.75 l/100km. Additionally, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure offers good wind and weather protection, great ride comfort, and a powerful engine.

In terms of electronics and technology, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure is well-equipped. It features advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, anti-slipping control, hill start assist, electronically adjustable suspension, riding modes, cornering ABS, and ride by wire. The bike also comes with cornering lights, LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, a heated seat, a TFT display, and an adjustable windscreen.

The Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2023, on the other hand, is powered by a V-twin engine that delivers sporty performance. It offers a comfortable seating position, making it suitable for long rides. The bike is also equipped with comprehensive electronics, including ABS, electronically adjustable suspension, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, cruise control, and traction control.

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023

In terms of design, the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special has a distinctive look that sets it apart from other adventure motorcycles. It features a double cradle aluminum frame, which contributes to its unique appearance. The bike also comes with a range of equipment, including Bluetooth connectivity, heated grips, cornering lights, LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, a TFT display, and an adjustable windscreen.

However, the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special does have some weaknesses. The workmanship and haptics of the bike are reported to be below average in some areas. Additionally, the quickshifter is an optional extra and is not perfect. The windshield is also considered to be too high for off-road use.

In terms of specifications, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure has a higher engine power of 136 HP compared to the Pan America 1250 Special's 151.98 HP. However, the Pan America has a higher torque of 128 Nm compared to the BMW's 143 Nm. The BMW has a larger fuel tank capacity of 30 liters, providing a range of 631 km, while the Pan America has a smaller fuel tank capacity of 21.2 liters, providing a range of 432 km. The BMW also has a higher combined fuel consumption of 4.75 l/100km compared to the Pan America's 4.9 l/100km.

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2023

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2023

In terms of suspension, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure features a Telelever front suspension with a diameter of 37 mm and a travel of 210 mm. The rear suspension is a single swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 220 mm. The Pan America 1250 Special features an upside-down telescopic fork front suspension with a diameter of 47 mm and a travel of 191 mm. The rear suspension is a swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 191 mm.

In terms of weight, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure has a kerb weight of 268 kg, while the Pan America 1250 Special has a kerb weight of 258 kg. The BMW has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1504 mm compared to the Pan America's 1585 mm. The seat height of the BMW is 890 mm, while the Pan America has a lower seat height of 850 mm.

Overall, both the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 and the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2023 have their own strengths and weaknesses. The BMW offers a high-torque engine, practical details, and a great range, while the Pan America provides a sporty power unit, comfortable seating position, and distinctive look. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 compared to Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2023

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023
Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2023

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeBoxerEngine typeV
BoreBore102.5 mmBore105 mm
StrokeStroke76 mmStroke72 mm
Engine powerEngine power136 HPEngine power151.98 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,750 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,750 rpm
TorqueTorque143 NmTorque128 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,250 rpmRpm at Torque6,750 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio12.5 Compression Ratio13
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeAntihoppingClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionProp shaftTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquid-airCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement1,254 ccmDisplacement1,252 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionTeleleverFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
DiameterDiameter37 mmDiameter47 mm
TravelTravel210 mmTravel191 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSingle swing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel220 mmTravel191 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameAluminium
Frame typeFrame typeLoad-bearing engineFrame typeDouble cradle
RakeRake65.1 degreeRake65 degree
TrailTrail95.4 mmTrail157 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter305 mmDiameter320 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
TechnologyTechnologyradialTechnologyradial, Monoblock

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter276 mmDiameter280 mm
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonSingle piston
Shock mountShock mountFloating caliperShock mountFloating caliper

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Anti-slipping control, Hill start assist, Suspension electronically adjustable, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by WireAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Suspension electronically adjustable, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Cruise control, Traction control

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter19 inchFront tyre diameter19 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width170 mmRear tyre width170 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height60 %Rear tyre height60 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,270 mmLength2,270 mm
WidthWidth980 mmWidth965 mm
HeightHeight1,460 mmHeight1,510 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,504 mmWheelbase1,585 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height890 mmSeat Height850 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)268 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)258 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity30 lFuel Tank Capacity21.2 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA
RangeRange631 kmRange432 km
Combined fuel consumptionCombined fuel consumption4.75 l/100kmCombined fuel consumption4.9 l/100km

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentCornering lights, LED daytime running lights, LED-Headlights, Heated seat, TFT display, Windscreen adjustableEquipmentBluetooth, Connectivity, Heated grips, Cornering lights, LED daytime running lights, LED-Headlights, TFT display, Windscreen adjustable

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023

The big GS Adventure is and remains a great motorbike for any terrain - even for tight corners. The low centre of gravity of the boxer engine, the longitudinally mounted crankshaft, the upright seating position and the powerful but easily controllable torque from far below are simply a force. Although the Adventure version has a higher seat with more weight, which is a decisive hindrance when turning or manoeuvring, in terms of performance the engine also has so much punch in the big GS Adventure that you can let it rip. The BMW's braking system is stable and excellently controllable, and the equipment and electronics can be upgraded considerably - as long as you tick the boxes on the order list. Of course, this pushes up the price, but the many fans of the fat GS Adventure obviously don't mind.

High-torque engine that accelerates strongly from low revs

low centre of gravity ensures surprisingly accessible manoeuvrability

practical details for frequent riders on board

gigantic range of 600 km

amazingly low consumption

good wind and weather protection

great ride comfort

powerful engine

great electronics

easy-to-read display

confident feeling in the saddle

practical riding aids

great ergonomics for tall people.

High weight

gearshifts at low revs somewhat clumsy

jagged appearance with little elegance

high-priced with full equipment

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2023

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2023

The Pan America 1250 is Harley-Davidson's first attempt in the large touring enduro segment - and it's a thoroughly successful effort! Apart from a few, actually negligible flaws, the Pan America 1250 Special is an all-round good adventure bike. On paved roads, it shows its thoroughly sporty character and ranks pretty well in the league of the usual suspects in this class. With innovative features like the Adaptive Ride Height System, the Americans could even manage to acquire a larger number of new customers for whom the usual suspects are all too high. Combined with the low seat height, it is attractive for short-legged pilots.

Sporty power unit

comfortable seating position

comprehensive electronics

distinctive look

cornering ABS standard, cornering TC standard

optional seat lowering when stationary

Workmanship and haptics partly below average

Quickshifter at extra cost and not perfect

Windshield too high for off-road use

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price BMW R 1250 GS Adventure vs Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special

There are a few key differences between a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 and a Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2023. In terms of price, the actual average prices of both motorbikes are almost the same. Compared to Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2023 there are more BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 47 compared to 7. It takes less time to sell a Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special with 11 days compared to 64 days for the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure. Since model year 2019 1000PS.de editors have written 30 reviews for the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure and 18 reviews for the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special since model year 2021. The first review for the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure was published on 06/11/2018 and now has more than 43,300 views. This compares to more than 61,800 views for the first review on Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special published on 22/02/2021.

Price BMW R 1250 GS Adventure

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special

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Current average market prices

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