BMW R 1250 GS 2020 vs. Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021

Loading...

Overview - BMW R 1250 GS 2020 vs Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021

The BMW R 1250 GS 2020 is equipped with a boxer engine that delivers an impressive amount of torque. This engine produces 136 horsepower and 143 Nm of torque, providing the rider with plenty of power for any situation. The sound of the engine is also highly regarded, adding to the overall riding experience.

One of the standout features of the R 1250 GS is its comfortable seating position, which is ideal for long-distance rides. The bike also offers stable braking performance, ensuring that the rider can confidently come to a stop when needed. Additionally, the R 1250 GS provides good weather protection, shielding the rider from wind and rain.

The BMW R 1250 GS comes with a colour TFT display as standard, providing the rider with clear and easy-to-read information. LED headlights are also included, enhancing visibility and safety on the road.

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

On the other hand, the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 boasts a sporty powerplant that delivers 150 horsepower and 127 Nm of torque. The seating position on the Pan America is also comfortable, making it suitable for both the rider and a passenger. The bike offers extensive electronics, including features such as Bluetooth connectivity and a TFT display, enhancing the overall riding experience.

The Pan America comes with an original HD pannier system, providing ample storage space for longer trips. It also offers good wind protection, ensuring that the rider is shielded from the elements. The bike is equipped with cornering ABS and cornering traction control as standard, enhancing safety and control in various riding conditions. Additionally, the Pan America offers the option of lowering the seat when stationary, making it more accessible for shorter riders. The bike also performs well off-road, making it suitable for adventure riding.

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021

However, the BMW R 1250 GS does have some weaknesses. It has manageable standard equipment and a long surcharge list, meaning that additional features come at an extra cost. The bike also has a jagged appearance, lacking the elegance of some other models.

Similarly, the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special has a few weaknesses. The engine can generate a significant amount of heat in city mode, which may be uncomfortable for the rider. Additionally, the bike does not come with a quickshifter, which may be a drawback for some riders.

In conclusion, both the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 and the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 have their strengths and weaknesses. The R 1250 GS offers a high-torque engine, comfortable seating position, and stable braking performance. On the other hand, the Pan America boasts a sporty powerplant, extensive electronics, and good off-road characteristics. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications BMW R 1250 GS 2020 compared to Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021

BMW R 1250 GS 2020
Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021
Show all
Same only
Differences
BMW R 1250 GS 2020
BMW R 1250 GS 2020
Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021
Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeBoxerEngine typeV
BoreBore102.5 mmBore105 mm
StrokeStroke76 mmStroke72 mm
Engine powerEngine power136 HPEngine power150 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,750 rpmRpm at Max. Power9,000 rpm
TorqueTorque143 NmTorque127 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
TravelTravel190 mmTravel191 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSingle swing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel200 mmTravel191 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameAluminium
Frame typeFrame typeLoad-bearing engineFrame typeDouble cradle
RakeRake62.9 degreeRake65 degree
TrailTrail109 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, Riding modes, 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
LengthLength2,207 mmLength2,270 mm
WidthWidth952.5 mmWidth965 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,525 mmWheelbase1,585 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height850 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)249 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)258 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity20 lFuel Tank Capacity21.2 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentLED-Headlights, 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 2020

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

The BMW R 1250 GS is the logical further development of the R 1200 GS - logical above all because one should not expect such a popular motorbike to be radically changed. Accordingly, the design has been changed cautiously, and the familiar options for the chassis and electronics have been retained. The new name R 1250 GS, however, promises a new engine - and it really is something! 136 hp at 7750 rpm and a whopping 143 Newton metres of maximum torque at 6250 rpm are an absolute blast! BMW has thus renovated the big GS almost perfectly: it remains clearly recognisable, has a little more electronics as standard, a still long list of surcharges (which customers like to tick from A to Z) and a now even better and more sovereign power plant - what more could you want?!

extremely high-torque boxer engine

good sound

comfortable seating position, suitable for long distances

stable braking performance

good weather protection

colour TFT display standard

LED headlights

Manageable standard equipment, long surcharge list

jagged appearance with little elegance

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021

To sum up, in everyday and touring use we can say what our first impression already told us: the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special is a touring enduro that can do what a big, strong touring enduro must be able to do in 2021. With enough space for two, with the possibility to leave the beaten track sometimes. Of course, you will hardly tackle the wildest off-road passages with it. But what the rider dares to do on a motorbike of this weight class is more pleasant for the passenger than on many competitors, thanks to the excellent electronic suspension on the Harley. And if pillion skipped the one or other creek crossing, it was only to take photos. And not to get her feet wet. Because even the most modern electronics can't prevent that, but that's what makes such adventure bikes so much fun. It is only when it is dirty that it is identified as such, even in front of the ice cream parlour.

Sporty powerplant

comfortable seating position

good pillion suitability

extensive electronics

original HD pannier system

wind protection

cornering ABS standard

cornering TC standard

optional seat lowering when stationary

good off-road characteristics.

Engine heat in city mode

quickshifter not available

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

There are a few key differences between a BMW R 1250 GS 2020 and a Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 is about 10% higher. A BMW R 1250 GS 2020 experiences a loss of 600 GBP in one year of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 520 GBP for a Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021. Compared to Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 there are more BMW R 1250 GS 2020 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 71 compared to 11. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1250 GS with 43 days compared to 78 days for a Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special. Since model year 2019 1000PS.de editors have written 50 reviews for the BMW R 1250 GS and 18 reviews for the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special since model year 2021. The first review for the BMW R 1250 GS was published on 19/09/2018 and now has more than 305,600 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

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special

Model year
Current average market prices

Alternative Comparisons

1000PS Partner

LOUISMotorex AGContinental Motorradreifencalimoto GmbHSchuberth