Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2023 vs. BMW R 18 2020

Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2023

BMW R 18 2020

Technical Specifications Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2023 compared to BMW R 18 2020

Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2023

BMW R 18 2020

Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2023

BMW R 18 2020

Engine and Drive Train

Engine type	Engine type	V	Engine type	Boxer
Bore	Bore	105 mm	Bore	107.1 mm
Stroke	Stroke	72.3 mm	Stroke	100 mm
Engine power	Engine power	122 HP	Engine power	91 HP
Rpm at Max. Power	Rpm at Max. Power	7,500 rpm	Rpm at Max. Power	4,750 rpm
Torque	Torque	125 Nm	Torque	168 Nm
Rpm at Torque	Rpm at Torque	6,000 rpm	Rpm at Torque	3,000 rpm
Compression Ratio	Compression Ratio	12	Compression Ratio	9.6
Fuel system	Fuel system	Injection	Fuel system	Injection
Starter	Starter	Electric	Starter	Electric
Clutch Type	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath	Clutch Type	Toughened, Dry
Transmission	Transmission	Belt	Transmission	Prop shaft
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	OHV
Cooling	Cooling	liquid	Cooling	Oil-air
Displacement	Displacement	1,252 ccm	Displacement	1,802 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspension	Front suspension	Upside-Down telescopic fork	Front suspension	Telescopic fork
Diameter	Diameter	43 mm	Diameter	49 mm
Travel	Travel	92 mm	Travel	120 mm

Suspension Rear

Suspension	Suspension	Swing arm	Suspension	Swing arm
Shock absorber	Shock absorber	Monoshock	Shock absorber	Monoshock
Travel	Travel	51 mm	Travel	90 mm

Chassis

Frame	Frame	Steel	Frame	Steel
Frame type	Frame type	Tubular, Load-bearing engine	Frame type	Double cradle
Rake	Rake	60 degree	Rake	57.3 degree
Trail	Trail	148 mm	Trail	150 mm

Brakes Front

Type	Type	Single disk	Type	Double disk
Diameter	Diameter	320 mm	Diameter	300 mm

Brakes Rear

Type	Type	Disc	Type	Disc
Diameter	Diameter	260 mm	Diameter	300 mm

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	ABS, Anti-slipping control, Riding modes, Combined Brake System, Ride by Wire

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	180 mm
Rear tyre height	Rear tyre height	70 %	Rear tyre height	65 %
Rear tyre diameter	Rear tyre diameter	16 inch	Rear tyre diameter	16 inch
Length	Length	2,270 mm	Length	2,440 mm
Width	Width	843 mm	Width	964 mm
Wheelbase	Wheelbase	1,520 mm	Wheelbase	1,731 mm
Seat Height	Seat Height	765 mm	Seat Height	690 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	228 kg	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	345 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity	Fuel Tank Capacity	11.8 l	Fuel Tank Capacity	16 l
License compliancy	License compliancy	A	License compliancy	A

Pros and Cons in comparison

Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2023

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 after a little familiarisation. The single-disc brake at the front has a lot of work to do and the fat 160 front tyre does not steer in quite naturally. In addition, the rider has to cope with a hard suspension and a seating position that is energy-sapping on long stages - 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

unique looks

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

low-maintenance belt drive

unrivalled

Chassis really hard

turn-in behaviour somewhat unwilling because of the wide front tyre

small tank capacity.

BMW R 18 2020

The BMW R 18 is a beautifully made motorbike. Everything about it is genuine. The big boxer will delight friends of the BMW brand, but also friends of extroverted mechanical motorbike technology. In driving mode, the engine is pleasant to dose and thus fits well with the accessible handling. The equipment options are almost limitless. In terms of driving dynamics, chassis and electronics package, BMW is not breaking any new ground. It is a well-made classic beautiful cruiser. The seating position heats up the tempers. During the test ride, however, the journalists coped well with it. It tends to be a little more difficult to sit on the bike with long legs.

Authentic appearance

elaborately staged, beautifully air-cooled boxer engine

pleasant metering, good pull

wide range of driving modes

high-quality and loving details

many options for customisation

precise gearbox

easy handling.

Roughly controlled traction control

no foot-forward seating position possible - somewhat annoying for long legs