BMW R 1200 R versus Harley-Davidson Nightster Special

BMW R 1200 R

Naked

Harley-Davidson Nightster Special

Naked

BMW R 1200 R: The all-purpose weapon from BMW

The BMW R 1200 R (K27) from 2011 tested here still has the 110 hp boxer engine with air/oil cooling. This model was built from 2006 to 2014 and replaced the successful R 1150 R. In contrast to its predecessor, the 1200 is much more powerful and sporty on the road, without... weiter

BMW R 1200 R im Test

Gallery

What distinguishes the new Nightster Special (2023) from the Standard Nightster from 2022?

With the Nightster Special, relaunched in 2023, Harley Davidson celebrates its 120th anniversary. The surcharge compared to the Standard Nightster is 1,500 euros. What features are the special for this in addition? ... weiter

Harley Davidson Nightster Special im Test

Gallery

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2007 bis 2017

Built von 2023 bis 2025~

RRP 13.100 €

RRP 15.990 €

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Competitors

Pros:

relatively light for a boxer machine
powerful engine with character
upgradeable as an agile tourer
no technical overload
safe driving experience

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:

not cheap
Windbreak underground

Cons:

Rearview mirrors could be a little bigger
for this price a bit much plastic
carelessly laid cables
slippery seat

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.515 mm
Length : 2.165 mm Height : 1.300 mm
Seat : 790 mm
Weight : 232 (max: 450 ) kg

Wheelbase: 1.545 mm
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

Motor design: V2 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 975 ccm
Hub: 66 mm
Hole: 97 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Riemen
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 220 km/h
Performance: 125 HP at 7.750 U/Min
Torque: 125 NM bei 6.500 U/Min

Tank contents: 18 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 363 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

Chassis

Frame type:
two-part frame concept consisting of the main frame and the rear frame bolted to it, supporting engine (steel)

Front suspension:
Upside-down 45 mm (travel 140 mm)

Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 140 mm)
Rear suspension:
Paralever

Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 180/55 ZR 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

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 276 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)

Conclusion - what gets stuck

Wonderful, this BMW R1200 R. Not only beautiful, fast and safe, but also potent enough for an Alpine tour. Of course, this requires a suitcase system, which goes quite well into the money at BMW. And just a touring disc, which is to be used in the secondary market (e.B. MRA) for about 150 euros. In the mountains you should ride the other bikers quite nicely around the ears, because the 1200s brings everything you need: strength, agility, agility and above all the feeling of security that you can't really do much with this 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!