BMW R 1200 GS (K50) versus Harley-Davidson Nightster Special
BMW R 1200 GS (K50)
Adventure
Harley-Davidson Nightster Special
Naked
Year of construction / RRP / Test report
Built von 2013 bis 2018
Built von 2023 bis 2025~
RRP 15.300 €
RRP 15.990 €
waveform
waveform
Competitors
Pros:
- has neat Wums
- extensive electronic helpers
- significantly more off-road capability than the standard version of the GS
Pros:
- Engine
- Sound
- surprisingly sporty approach
- great TFT display with map navigation
- Mobile phone connection with easy-to-use app
- excellent Harley entry-level bike
Cons:
- Price mainly with full equipment
Cons:
- Rearview mirrors could be a little bigger
- for this price a bit much plastic
- carelessly laid cables
- slippery seat
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: 1.545 mm
Length : 2.250 mm Height : 1.140 mm
Seat : 715 mm
Weight : 225 (max: 420 ) kg
Length : 2.250 mm Height : 1.140 mm
Seat : 715 mm
Weight : 225 (max: 420 ) 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: V2 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 975 ccm
Hub: 66 mm
Hole: 97 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Riemen
Aisles: 6
Displacement: 975 ccm
Hub: 66 mm
Hole: 97 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Riemen
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
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: 90 HP at 7.500 U/Min
Torque: 95 NM bei 5.750 U/Min Tank contents: 12 Litre
Consumption: 6 l
Reach: 213 km
Performance: 90 HP at 7.500 U/Min
Torque: 95 NM bei 5.750 U/Min Tank contents: 12 Litre
Consumption: 6 l
Reach: 213 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:
Tubular space frame (steel) Front suspension:
Showa telescopic fork 41 mm (travel 114 mm) Rear suspension:
Stereo struts, spring base adjustable (travel 76 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 100/90-19 57H
Rear tyres: 150/80B16 77H
Tubular space frame (steel) Front suspension:
Showa telescopic fork 41 mm (travel 114 mm) Rear suspension:
Stereo struts, spring base adjustable (travel 76 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 100/90-19 57H
Rear tyres: 150/80B16 77H
Brakes
Front brake
Double disc (∅ 305 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 376 mm)
Double disc (∅ 305 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 376 mm)
Front brake
floating mounted single disc, Brembo, axial, 4-piston fixed caliper (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, 1-piston brake caliper (∅ 260 mm)
floating mounted single disc, Brembo, axial, 4-piston fixed caliper (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, 1-piston brake caliper (∅ 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
Nightster or Nightster Special, that's the question! We would go for the new Special, if only because of the pillion seat, which you can use quite well every now and then. We particularly liked the great new cockpit and, above all, its ease of use, including the app. Whether you really need it is certainly a matter of opinion, but at least it works splendidly, which cannot be said of all competitors.The test bike was kindly provided to us by Harley Davidson Kiel for this test. There are the Nightster Special and the Standard Nightster as demonstrators - among many other chic Harleys. A visit to HD Hiel is always worthwhile, if only because of the wide range of used machines. You can also take a wonderful tour around the Westensee - let's go!
