BMW R 1200 GS (K50) versus Harley-Davidson LiveWire ELW
BMW R 1200 GS (K50)
Adventure
Harley-Davidson LiveWire ELW
Naked
Year of construction / RRP / Test report
Built von 2013 bis 2018
Built von 2020 bis 2024~
RRP 15.300 €
RRP 32.995 €
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Competitors
Pros:
- has neat Wums
- extensive electronic helpers
- significantly more off-road capability than the standard version of the GS
Pros:
- Acceleration
- Electronically fully equipped
- good brakes
- easy handling
Cons:
- Price mainly with full equipment
Cons:
- expensive
- Reach
Dimensions & Weight
Wheelbase: 1.507 mm
Length : 2.207 mm Height : 1.412 mm
Seat : 850 mm
Weight : 244 (max: 460 ) kg
Length : 2.207 mm Height : 1.412 mm
Seat : 850 mm
Weight : 244 (max: 460 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.490 mm
Length : 2.135 mm Height : 1.080 mm
Seat : 780 mm
Weight : 251 (max: 430 ) kg
Length : 2.135 mm Height : 1.080 mm
Seat : 780 mm
Weight : 251 (max: 430 ) kg
Engine
Motor design: Boxer 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.170 ccm
Hub: 73 mm
Hole: 101 mm
Cooling: Luft
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6
Displacement: 1.170 ccm
Hub: 73 mm
Hole: 101 mm
Cooling: Luft
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6
Motor design: Electric motor
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Riemen
Aisles: 1
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Riemen
Aisles: 1
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
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: 175 km/h
Performance: 105 HP at 8.000 U/Min
Torque: 116 NM bei 15.000 U/Min
Reach: 158 km
Performance: 105 HP at 8.000 U/Min
Torque: 116 NM bei 15.000 U/Min
Reach: 158 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
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:
Bridge frame Front suspension:
SHOWA SFF-BP (travel 115 mm) Rear suspension:
SHOWA BFRC (travel 115 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR17 58W
Rear tyres: 180/55 ZR17 73W
Bridge frame Front suspension:
SHOWA SFF-BP (travel 115 mm) Rear suspension:
SHOWA BFRC (travel 115 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR17 58W
Rear tyres: 180/55 ZR17 73W
Brakes
Front brake
Double disc (∅ 305 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 376 mm)
Double disc (∅ 305 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 376 mm)
Front brake
Double disc, Brembo four-piston monobloc radial mounting (∅ 300 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, Brembo dual piston (∅ 260 mm)
Double disc, Brembo four-piston monobloc radial mounting (∅ 300 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, Brembo dual piston (∅ 260 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!
Conclusion - what sticks
Riding an electric motorcycle is a bit like riding a car scooter. Put on it and "gas" against. No transmission, no clutch, no switch, no engine jerks, no sound, no stench, no heat dissipation, no exhaust, no nothing at all. It's hard to describe how it feels live. On the one hand, we were fascinated by it, on the other hand, it is actually a cultural break for long-established bikers. You have to get used to it.Nevertheless, we are sure that there will be more electric motorcycles in the future. But there will probably also be combustion engines for a long time. Why shouldn't both technologies be able to exist in parallel? In any case, we are always surprised by the force with which the opponents of electric vehicles smash their opinions about such machines into the keys. See comments on our review on YouTube. Guys, stay relaxed, no one forces you to buy such bikes.
The test machine was kindly provided by Harley-Davidson Hamburg.
