Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2023 vs. BMW R 1250 GS 2021

The Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2023 and the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 are both powerful and capable adventure motorcycles. However, they have some notable differences in terms of their technical specifications and strengths.

Starting with the technical specifications, the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2023 features a V-type engine with a bore of 105 mm and a stroke of 72 mm. It delivers a power output of 151.98 HP and a torque of 128 Nm. The bike has a chain transmission and a displacement of 1252 cc. On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 is equipped with a Boxer-type engine with a bore of 102.5 mm and a stroke of 76 mm. It produces a power output of 136 HP and a torque of 143 Nm. The BMW R 1250 GS has a shaft transmission and a displacement of 1254 cc.

In terms of suspension, the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2023 features a telescopic fork with a diameter of 47 mm and a travel of 191 mm. It offers adjustments for compression, preload, and rebound. The rear suspension consists of a swingarm and a monoshock with a travel of 191 mm. Similarly, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 is equipped with a telelever front suspension with a diameter of 37 mm and a travel of 190 mm. It offers preload adjustment. The rear suspension consists of a swingarm and a monoshock with a travel of 200 mm. It offers adjustments for preload and rebound.

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2023

In terms of chassis, the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2023 features an aluminum frame with a double cradle design. It has a rake of 65 degrees and a trail of 157 mm. On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 has a steel frame with a motor as a load-bearing element. It has a rake of 62.9 degrees and a trail of 109 mm.

Both motorcycles are equipped with dual-disc front brakes. The Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2023 comes with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, electronically adjustable suspension, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride-by-wire, cruise control, and traction control. The BMW R 1250 GS 2021 also features ABS, traction control, hill start assist, riding modes, cornering ABS, and cruise control.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2023 has a front tire diameter of 19 inches, a rear tire width of 170 mm, a rear tire diameter of 17 inches, a wheelbase of 1585 mm, and a seat height of 850 mm. It weighs 258 kg (with ABS) and has a fuel tank capacity of 21.2 liters. The bike has a range of 432 km and a combined fuel consumption of 4.9 l/100km. On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 has the same tire dimensions, wheelbase, and seat height as the Pan America. It weighs 249 kg (with ABS) and has a fuel tank capacity of 20 liters. The bike has a range of 421 km and a combined fuel consumption of 4.75 l/100km.

In terms of equipment, both motorcycles offer features such as adjustable windshields, LED headlights, and adjustable suspension. The Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2023 also comes with Bluetooth connectivity, heated grips, cornering lights, LED daytime running lights, and a TFT display. The BMW R 1250 GS 2021 features connectivity, LED headlights, and an adjustable windshield.

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

In terms of strengths, the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2023 offers a powerful sports power unit, a comfortable seating position, complete electronics, a distinctive appearance, and advanced rider assistance systems such as cornering ABS and cornering traction control. It also offers an optional lowered seat for easier maneuvering at low speeds. On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 offers great riding comfort and excellent ergonomics, a powerful engine, excellent connectivity implementation, an easy-to-read display, a confident feel in the saddle, practical riding aids, and a versatile chassis that adapts to all types of terrain. It is also known for being easy to ride.

However, both motorcycles have their weaknesses. The Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2023 has a partially below-average finish and feel, an additional cost for the gear lever, and a windshield that may be too high for off-road use. The BMW R 1250 GS 2021 has an overall uneven appearance and somewhat clumsy gear shifts at low RPMs.

In conclusion, the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2023 and the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 are both impressive adventure motorcycles with their own set of strengths and weaknesses. While the Pan America offers a powerful engine and advanced rider assistance systems, the R 1250 GS provides great comfort, excellent ergonomics, and practical riding aids. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences and priorities.