Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2024 vs. BMW F 850 GS 2023

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2024

BMW F 850 GS 2023

Technical Specifications Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2024 compared to BMW F 850 GS 2023

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2024

BMW F 850 GS 2023

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2024

BMW F 850 GS 2023

Engine and Drive Train

Engine type	Engine type	V	Engine type	In line
Bore	Bore	105 mm	Bore	84 mm
Stroke	Stroke	72 mm	Stroke	77 mm
Engine power	Engine power	151.98 HP	Engine power	95 HP
Rpm at Max. Power	Rpm at Max. Power	8,750 rpm	Rpm at Max. Power	8,250 rpm
Torque	Torque	128 Nm	Torque	92 Nm
Rpm at Torque	Rpm at Torque	6,750 rpm	Rpm at Torque	6,250 rpm
Compression Ratio	Compression Ratio	13	Compression Ratio	12.7
Fuel system	Fuel system	Injection	Fuel system	Injection
Starter	Starter	Electric	Starter	Electric
Clutch Type	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath
Transmission	Transmission	Chain	Transmission	Chain
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	DOHC
Cooling	Cooling	liquid	Cooling	liquid
Displacement	Displacement	1,252 ccm	Displacement	853 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspension	Front suspension	Upside-Down telescopic fork	Front suspension	Upside-Down telescopic fork
Diameter	Diameter	47 mm	Diameter	43 mm
Travel	Travel	191 mm	Travel	204 mm

Suspension Rear

Suspension	Suspension	Swing arm	Suspension	Swing arm
Shock absorber	Shock absorber	Monoshock	Shock absorber	Monoshock
Travel	Travel	191 mm	Travel	219 mm
Adjustment	Adjustment	Compression, Preload, Rebound	Adjustment	Preload, Rebound
Material	Material	Aluminium	Material	Aluminium

Chassis

Frame	Frame	Aluminium	Frame	Steel
Frame type	Frame type	Double cradle	Frame type	Tubular, Load-bearing engine
Rake	Rake	65 degree	Rake	62 degree
Trail	Trail	157 mm	Trail	126 mm

Brakes Front

Type	Type	Double disk	Type	Double disk
Diameter	Diameter	320 mm	Diameter	305 mm
Piston	Piston	Four pistons	Piston	Double piston

Brakes Rear

Type	Type	Disc	Type	Disc
Diameter	Diameter	280 mm	Diameter	265 mm
Piston	Piston	Single piston	Piston	Single piston
Shock mount	Shock mount	Floating caliper	Shock mount	Floating caliper

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	ABS, Suspension electronically adjustable, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Cruise control, Traction control	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	ABS

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre width	Front tyre width	120 mm	Front tyre width	90 mm
Front tyre height	Front tyre height	70 %	Front tyre height	90 %
Front tyre diameter	Front tyre diameter	19 inch	Front tyre diameter	21 inch
Rear tyre width	Rear tyre width	170 mm	Rear tyre width	150 mm
Rear tyre height	Rear tyre height	60 %	Rear tyre height	70 %
Rear tyre diameter	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch
Length	Length	2,270 mm	Length	2,305 mm
Width	Width	965 mm	Width	922 mm
Wheelbase	Wheelbase	1,585 mm	Wheelbase	1,593 mm
Seat Height	Seat Height	850 mm	Seat Height	805 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	258 kg	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	229 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity	Fuel Tank Capacity	21.2 l	Fuel Tank Capacity	15 l
License compliancy	License compliancy	A	License compliancy	A
Range	Range	432 km	Range	4.2 km

Equipment

Equipment	Equipment	Bluetooth, Connectivity, Heated grips, Cornering lights, LED daytime running lights, LED-Headlights, TFT display, Windscreen adjustable	Equipment	LED-Headlights, TFT display, Windscreen adjustable

Pros and Cons in comparison

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2024

Even though it is clearly not a rally bike, the Harley Davidson Pan America 1250 knows how to impress with its powerful engine and good balance. It has plenty of traction on gravel and rolls very stably over larger scooters. Due to the 19 inch front wheel and the height of the bike, however, the the Harley soon reaches its limits in technical passages. On the flat, you should also be careful that the sensitive cast aluminium rims are not knocked into corners by potholes. All in all, however, the Harley is surprisingly off-road capable and robust for its dimensions.

Powerful, responsive engine

lush, modern electronics

semi-active suspension

good ergonomics despite the wide fuel tank

cornering ABS as standard, cornering TC as standard

optional seat lowering when stationary

19-inch front wheel suffers in off-road use

workmanship and feel partly below average

quickshifter at extra cost and not perfect

BMW F 850 GS 2023

The BMW F 850 GS also scores points in 2022 with its pleasant ergonomics and accessible character. Operation is easy and you quickly feel comfortable on the motorbike. The longer the tour, the more you miss the finesse in the details. The damping of the fork is too lax and not adjustable. The engine gets a bit boring in the long run, and the gearstick and quickshifter are always stiff. In direct comparison with other touring enduros, it is always somewhat overshadowed by more exciting models.

Good wind and weather protection

well thought-out operating concept

practical equipment

very accessible operation and driveability in everyday use

good seat comfort

great connectivity solution

Vibrations in the upper rev range

boring engine

stiff quickshifter gearstick

front damping too lax

fork not adjustable

ponderous feel