BMW R 1200 GS (K50) versus BMW R 18

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW R 1200 GS (K50)

Adventure
BMW

BMW R 18

Cruiser

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2013 bis 2018
Built von 2020 bis 2024~
RRP 15.300 €
RRP 21.600 €
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Pros:
  • has neat Wums
  • extensive electronic helpers
  • significantly more off-road capability than the standard version of the GS
Pros:
  • Torque - bearish engine
  • Processing
  • Details
  • Comfort
Cons:
  • Price mainly with full equipment
Cons:
  • High price
  • Effort for front brake

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.507 mm
Length :
2.207 mm Height : 1.412 mm
Seat :
850 mm
Weight :
244 (max: 460 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.731 mm
Length :
2.440 mm Height : 1.232 mm
Seat :
690 mm
Weight :
345 (max: 560 ) kg

Engine

Motor design: Boxer 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.170 ccm
Hub: 73 mm
Hole: 101 mm
Cooling: Luft
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6
Motor design: Two-cylinder four-stroke boxer engine 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.802 ccm
Hub: 100 mm
Hole: 107 mm
Cooling: Luft-/ölgekühlt
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 219 km/h
Performance: 125 HP at 7.700 U/Min
Torque: 125 NM bei 6.500 U/Min
Tank contents: 20 Litre
Consumption:
5 l
Reach:
403 km
Maximum speed: 180 km/h
Performance: 91 HP at 4.750 U/Min
Torque: 158 NM bei 3.000 U/Min
Tank contents: 16 Litre
Consumption:
6 l
Reach:
285 km

Chassis

Frame type:
Bridges, motor supporting (steel)
Front suspension:
Telescopic fork 37 mm (travel 190 mm)
Front suspension:
Shock
Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 200 mm)
Rear suspension:
Single-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70 R 19
Rear tyres: 170/60 R 17
Frame type:
Double loop steel frame with bolted beams (steel)
Front suspension:
Telescopic fork (travel 120 mm)
Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 90 mm)
Rear suspension:
Steel two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70 R 19
Rear tyres: 180/65 B16

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc ( 305 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 376 mm)
Front brake
Double disc brake, 4-piston fixed caliper ( 300 mm) Rear brake
Single disc brake, 4-piston fixed caliper ( 300 mm)

Conclusion - what gets stuck

No, our high expectations were by no means disappointed – not even a bit! The R 1200 GS Rally not only made us very good, but it makes it really difficult for us to find criticisms. Well, it's quite expensive. But quality has a price. And if you look at the prices on the second-hand market, you have to say that gs keeps its value quite long. In addition, it is of course up to everyone to decide whether they really need all the equipment packages. Clearly all do their tasks reliably and well, however, drive up the price again neatly. And already in the basic equipment we have to deal with a mature, great bike!

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • Price: 15,000-20,000€ depending on the equipment
  • used so far only marginally cheaper
  • Years built: 2017-2018
  • Availability: from 12/2017
  • Colors: Rally design in blue, silver, red, black

Cruiser in BMW style

Now the BMW R18 is finally available for testing at the dealership, and that's a good thing. Even though the guardians of the Holy Grail reviled the BMWs in advance and as producers of these bikes only Indian or Harley or otherwise, but certainly not the Bavarians, let it come into question, it has become very good. Attention: very good, not great. It is full of loving details, enthusiastic with workmanship and the whole concept – but can't do anything that the others couldn't.

In this respect: Welcome to the cruiser market, BMW R18. From now on, you don't have to convince with marketing, but on the street. You all have the facilities for this, but Harley or Indian can stay calm.

The test bike was provided to us by Bergmann & Söhne in Pinneberg.

Price / Colours / Years of Construction

  • Price: from 22.250€
  • Years of construction: from 2020
  • Colours: First Edition only in glossy black