BMW R 1200 R versus Harley-Davidson Nightster

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW R 1200 R

Naked
Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson Nightster

Naked

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2007 bis 2017
Built von 2022 bis 2024~
RRP 13.100 €
RRP 14.995 €
waveform
waveform
Pros:
  • relatively light for a boxer machine
  • powerful engine with character
  • upgradeable as an agile tourer
  • no technical overload
  • safe driving experience
Pros:
  • High-revving engine with good taste
  • Good driving performance
  • Amazingly manoeuvrable
  • Relatively lightweight, also suitable for beginners
Cons:
  • not cheap
  • Windbreak underground
Cons:
  • Sound 1b
  • Processing here and there a bit unloving

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 :
705 mm
Weight :
221 (max: 418 ) 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:
5 l
Reach:
229 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 ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Single disc ( 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.

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • Price: 12,000€
  • Used (7 years old): 8,000€
  • Years built: 2006-2014
  • Colours: white, matt grey, black, blue, red

Conclusion - what sticks

The Harley Nightster is a lot of fun! Especially on country roads, it turns out to be a surprisingly agile bike. The engine has decent power and feels just as surprisingly comfortable even in higher speed climes. The Nightster looks like a typical Harley, but is different in many ways. Better or worse? Matter of opinion! Real V2 steam hammer fans will not convince them, if only because of the restrained sound (90 dbA stationary noise). However, we believe that Harley wants to win new customer groups with the Nightster, and that should succeed.
 
The test bike was kindly provided by Harley Davidson Kiel for this test. There is the Nightster as a demonstrator - among many other chic Harleys. A visit to HD Hiel is always worthwhile, if only because of the wide range of used machines. In addition, you can do a wonderful round around the Westensee - have fun!

Price/availability/colours/years of construction

  • Price: 14.999€
  • Availability: since 06/2022
  • Colours: red, black, grey