BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 vs. Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2023

The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 and the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2023 are both powerful and capable adventure motorcycles.

Starting with the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure, it is equipped with a Boxer type engine that delivers 136 HP of power and 143 Nm of torque. This engine provides strong acceleration from low revs, making it ideal for off-road riding. The bike also has a low center of gravity, which ensures surprisingly accessible maneuverability. It offers practical details for frequent riders, such as a large fuel tank with a range of 600 km and incredibly low fuel consumption of 4.75 l/100km. The bike also provides excellent wind and weather protection, as well as a comfortable riding experience. The electronic system is top-notch, with features like ABS, traction control, hill start assist, electronically adjustable suspension, riding modes, and cornering ABS. The bike also has a large and easy-to-read TFT display and offers a feeling of confidence in the saddle. It has excellent ergonomics for taller riders.

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023

On the other hand, the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special is equipped with a V-type engine that delivers 151.98 HP of power and 128 Nm of torque. The bike offers a comfortable seating position and a complete electronic package, including ABS, electronically adjustable suspension, riding modes, cornering ABS, cruise control, and traction control. It also has a distinctive appearance that sets it apart from other adventure motorcycles. The bike comes with standard cornering ABS and cornering traction control, which enhance safety during cornering. Additionally, it offers optional features like a lowered seat height for easier maneuvering at low speeds. The bike has a sturdy aluminum frame, providing stability and durability. However, the finish and feel of the bike are partially below average, and the gear lever is an additional cost and not perfect. The windshield is also considered too high for off-road use.

In terms of specifications, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure has a displacement of 1254 ccm, while the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special has a displacement of 1252 ccm. Both bikes have a 19-inch front tire diameter and a 17-inch rear tire diameter. The BMW has a wider rear tire width of 170 mm compared to the Harley-Davidson's 170 mm. The BMW has a longer wheelbase of 1504 mm, while the Harley-Davidson has a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1585 mm. The seat height of the BMW is higher at 890 mm compared to the Harley-Davidson's 850 mm. The weight of the BMW with ABS is 268 kg, while the Harley-Davidson weighs slightly less at 258 kg. The BMW has a larger fuel tank capacity of 30 liters, providing a range of 631 km, while the Harley-Davidson has a smaller fuel tank capacity of 21.2 liters, offering a range of 432 km.

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2023

In terms of equipment, both bikes offer similar features such as LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, adjustable windshields, and TFT displays. The BMW also offers additional equipment like curve lights, heated seats, and a shaft drive, while the Harley-Davidson offers Bluetooth connectivity and heated grips.

In summary, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2023 excels in its high torque engine, low center of gravity, practical details, exceptional range, low fuel consumption, wind protection, comfortable riding experience, powerful engine, excellent electronic system, easy-to-read display, confidence-inspiring feel, and great ergonomics for taller riders. However, it is weighed down by its high weight, somewhat awkward low-speed gear changes, less elegant appearance, and high price with all the equipment. On the other hand, the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2023 stands out with its sporty power unit, comfortable seating position, complete electronic package, distinctive appearance, standard cornering ABS and traction control, and optional lowered seat height. However, it falls short in terms of finish and feel, additional cost for the gear lever, and high windshield for off-road use.