BMW R nineT Urban G/S versus Harley-Davidson Nightster Special

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW R nineT Urban G/S

Retro
Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson Nightster Special

Naked

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2017 bis 2023
Built von 2023 bis 2025~
RRP 14.750 €
RRP 15.990 €
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Pros:
  • Engine
  • Handling
  • Brake
  • Chassis
  • Impression of quality
  • Optics
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:
  • missing indicators for fuel level, engine speed and gear
  • Travel possibilities and wind protection not at GS level
Cons:
  • Rearview mirrors could be a little bigger
  • for this price a bit much plastic
  • carelessly laid cables
  • slippery seat

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.527 mm
Length :
2.175 mm Height : 1.105 mm
Seat :
850 mm
Weight :
221 (max: 430 ) 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: Öl-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: 110 HP at 7.750 U/Min
Torque: 116 NM bei 6.000 U/Min
Tank contents: 17 Litre
Consumption:
5 l
Reach:
321 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:
Lattice tube (steel)
Front suspension:
Telescopic fork 43 mm (travel 125 mm)
Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 140 mm)
Rear suspension:
Paralever
Tyres at the front: ZR
Rear tyres: ZR
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 ( 265 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 sticks

Without question, Urban G/S is beguiling. Our tester Markus let himself be carried away to the remark that in his eyes it is currently the most beautiful motorcycle on the market. It is also a typical boxer child and high-quality workmanship from front to back. For those who do not constantly commute between Germany and Mongolia, the Urban G/S may even be better suited than a normal GS, because the Urban G/S is handier and weighs significantly less.
 
The test bike was provided to us by Bergmann & Söhne in Pinneberg for this test. There is exactly this bike as a demonstrator and is looking forward to a lot of test riders. So, let's go to Pinneberg near Hamburg!

Price/availability/colours/years of construction

  • Price: 14.320€
  • Used (3 years old): 12.000€
  • Years of construction: since 2017
  • Colours: black-red, blue, white

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!

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • Price: 17.595 €
  • Availability: since 03/2023
  • Colors: matt black, yellow, blue, black metallic