BMW R 1200 GS 2017 vs. Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021

BMW R 1200 GS 2017

BMW R 1200 GS 2017

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021

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Overview - BMW R 1200 GS 2017 vs Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021

The BMW R 1200 GS 2017 and the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 are both enduro motorcycles with their own unique features and characteristics.

Starting with the engine and drive train, the BMW R 1200 GS 2017 is equipped with a Boxer engine that has a bore of 101 mm and a stroke of 73 mm. It delivers a power of 125 HP and a torque of 125 Nm. The transmission is a prop shaft, and it has 2 cylinders with a displacement of 1170 ccm. On the other hand, the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 has a V-type engine with a bore of 105 mm and a stroke of 72 mm. It offers a higher power of 150 HP and a torque of 127 Nm. The transmission is a chain, and it also has 2 cylinders with a displacement of 1252 ccm.

In terms of suspension, the BMW R 1200 GS 2017 features a front suspension with a strut design and preload adjustment, while the rear suspension is a single swing arm with preload adjustment. The chassis is made of steel and has a twin tube, load-bearing engine frame type. The front brakes are double disk type. The front tire diameter is 19 inches, and the rear tire width is 170 mm with a diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase is 1507 mm, and the seat height is 850 mm. The kerb weight with ABS is 238 kg, and the fuel tank capacity is 20 liters.

BMW R 1200 GS 2017

BMW R 1200 GS 2017

On the other hand, the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 features an upside-down telescopic fork front suspension with compression, preload, and rebound adjustment. The rear suspension is a swing arm with compression, preload, and rebound adjustment. The chassis is made of aluminum and has a double cradle frame type. The front brakes are also double disk type. The dimensions and weights are similar to the BMW R 1200 GS 2017, with a 19-inch front tire diameter, 170 mm rear tire width, 17-inch rear tire diameter, 1585 mm wheelbase, 850 mm seat height, 258 kg kerb weight with ABS, and a fuel tank capacity of 21.2 liters.

Now, let's discuss the strengths of each motorcycle. The BMW R 1200 GS 2017 is known for its mature concept and strong engine. It offers easy handling and powerful brakes. It also has adjustable modes and traction control, allowing riders to customize their riding experience. The BMW R 1200 GS 2017 has an extensive equipment range and is known for its good image and value retention.

On the other hand, the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 has its own set of strengths. It features a sporty powerplant and a comfortable seating position, making it suitable for long rides. It also offers good pillion suitability, allowing passengers to enjoy the ride as well. The Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 comes with extensive electronics, including cornering ABS and cornering TC as standard. It also has an original HD pannier system, providing convenient storage options. The motorcycle offers good off-road characteristics, making it suitable for adventure riding.

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021

However, both motorcycles have their weaknesses as well. The BMW R 1200 GS 2017 has many features that come at an extra cost, which can increase the overall price of the motorcycle. Additionally, the boxer engine of the BMW R 1200 GS 2017 can be exposed in really tough terrain, potentially causing damage.

On the other hand, the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 has some weaknesses as well. The engine heat can be an issue, especially in city riding conditions. Additionally, the quickshifter is not available on this model, which can be a disadvantage for riders who prefer quick and seamless gear shifts.

In conclusion, both the BMW R 1200 GS 2017 and the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 have their own unique features and strengths. The BMW R 1200 GS 2017 is known for its mature concept and strong engine, while the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 offers a sporty powerplant and good off-road characteristics. Riders should consider their specific preferences and requirements when choosing between these two motorcycles.

Technical Specifications BMW R 1200 GS 2017 compared to Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021

BMW R 1200 GS 2017
Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeBoxerEngine typeV
BoreBore101 mmBore105 mm
StrokeStroke73 mmStroke72 mm
Engine powerEngine power125 HPEngine power150 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,700 rpmRpm at Max. Power9,000 rpm
TorqueTorque125 NmTorque127 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,500 rpmRpm at Torque6,750 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio12.5 Compression Ratio13
Clutch TypeClutch TypeAntihoppingClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionProp shaftTransmissionChain
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
CoolingCoolingAirCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement1,170 ccmDisplacement1,252 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionStrutFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSingle swing armSuspensionSwing arm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameAluminium
Frame typeFrame typeTwin Tube, Load-bearing engineFrame typeDouble cradle

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonSingle piston
Shock mountShock mountFloating caliperShock mountFloating caliper

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
WidthWidth953 mmWidth965 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,507 mmWheelbase1,585 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height850 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)238 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)258 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity20 lFuel Tank Capacity21.2 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

BMW R 1200 GS 2017

BMW R 1200 GS 2017

For over 35 years, BMW has continued to expand the boxer range and is consistently working on the evolution of the GS. In addition to the EURO4 update of the engine with new catalytic converter and mapping, there are now even more features such as the Dynamic ESA Next Generation with automatic riding position compensation, which further improves stability and comfort for the rider. With its subtle colour scheme, the Exclusive version is intended for friends of a neat and subdued appearance and, unlike the flashier Rallye variant, is designed more for the road. Many features are at extra cost, but GS customers usually don't care - 90 percent are ordered with full equipment.

Mature concept

strong engine

easy handling

powerful brakes

adjustable modes and traction control

extensive equipment range

good image and value retention.

many features at extra cost

boxer exposed in really tough terrain

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 1200 GS vs Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special

There are a few key differences between a BMW R 1200 GS 2017 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 37% higher. A BMW R 1200 GS 2017 experiences a loss of 560 USD in one year and 980 USD in two years of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 510 USD and 1,700 USD for a Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021. Compared to Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 there are more BMW R 1200 GS 2017 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 84 compared to 11. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1200 GS with 72 days compared to 78 days for a Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special. Since model year 2005 1000PS.de editors have written 98 reviews for the BMW R 1200 GS and 18 reviews for the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special since model year 2021. The first review for the BMW R 1200 GS was published on 1/20/2004 and now has more than 19,100 views. This compares to more than 61,800 views for the first review on Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special published on 2/22/2021.

Price BMW R 1200 GS

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special

Model year
Current average market prices

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