Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 883 N Iron 2019 vs. BMW R 18 2020

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 883 N Iron 2019

BMW R 18 2020

Overview - Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 883 N Iron 2019 vs BMW R 18 2020

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 883 N Iron 2019

BMW R 18 2020

Technical Specifications Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 883 N Iron 2019 compared to BMW R 18 2020

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 883 N Iron 2019

BMW R 18 2020

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 883 N Iron 2019

BMW R 18 2020

Engine and Drive Train

Engine type	Engine type	V	Engine type	Boxer
Bore	Bore	76.2 mm	Bore	107.1 mm
Stroke	Stroke	96.8 mm	Stroke	100 mm
Engine power	Engine power	52 HP	Engine power	91 HP
Rpm at Max. Power	Rpm at Max. Power	6,000 rpm	Rpm at Max. Power	4,750 rpm
Torque	Torque	68 Nm	Torque	168 Nm
Rpm at Torque	Rpm at Torque	4,750 rpm	Rpm at Torque	3,000 rpm
Compression Ratio	Compression Ratio	9	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	5	Number of gears	6
Cylinders	Cylinders	2	Cylinders	2
Strokes	Strokes	4-Stroke	Strokes	4-Stroke
Valves	Valves	OHV	Valves	OHV
Cooling	Cooling	Air	Cooling	Oil-air
Displacement	Displacement	883 ccm	Displacement	1,802 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspension	Front suspension	Telescopic fork	Front suspension	Telescopic fork

Chassis

Frame	Frame	Steel	Frame	Steel
Frame type	Frame type	Double cradle	Frame type	Double cradle
Rake	Rake	26 degree	Rake	57.3 degree
Trail	Trail	117 mm	Trail	150 mm

Brakes Front

Type	Type	Single disk	Type	Double disk

Brakes Rear

Type	Type	Disc	Type	Disc

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre width	Front tyre width	100 mm	Front tyre width	120 mm
Front tyre height	Front tyre height	90 %	Front tyre height	70 %
Front tyre diameter	Front tyre diameter	19 inch	Front tyre diameter	19 inch
Rear tyre width	Rear tyre width	150 mm	Rear tyre width	180 mm
Rear tyre height	Rear tyre height	80 %	Rear tyre height	65 %
Rear tyre diameter	Rear tyre diameter	16 inch	Rear tyre diameter	16 inch
Length	Length	2,185 mm	Length	2,440 mm
Width	Width	855 mm	Width	964 mm
Wheelbase	Wheelbase	1,515 mm	Wheelbase	1,731 mm
Seat Height	Seat Height	735 mm	Seat Height	690 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity	Fuel Tank Capacity	12.5 l	Fuel Tank Capacity	16 l
License compliancy	License compliancy	A	License compliancy	A

Pros and Cons in comparison

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 883 N Iron 2019

Unfortunately, our editors did not test this model.

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