BMW S 1000 R versus Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Classic FLHTCU

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW S 1000 R

Naked
Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Classic FLHTCU

Tourer

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2014 bis 2024~
Built von 2015 bis 2016
RRP 16.000 €
RRP
waveform
waveform
Pros:
  • Full of performance ...
  • .. but still easy to control
  • high-quality workmanship
  • cool sound
Pros:
  • relaxed gliding
  • pure V2 feeling
  • Space without end
  • Sound system
  • Drives stoically straight ahead even in storms
  • Case System Series
Cons:
  • Pillion operation only for emergencies
  • Sitting position for some people probably too sporty
Cons:
  • big and heavy
  • nothing for beginners
  • nothing for hot showerers

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.450 mm
Length :
2.090 mm Height : 1.115 mm
Seat :
814 mm until : 830 mm
Weight :
199 (max: 407 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.625 mm
Length :
2.600 mm Height : 1.440 mm
Seat :
740 mm
Weight :
386 kg

Engine

Motor design: In-line four-cylinder 4-stroke 4 Cylinder
Displacement: 999 ccm
Hub: 50 mm
Hole: 80 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Motor type unknown 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.690 ccm
Hub: 111 mm
Hole: 98 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Riemen
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 261 km/h
Performance: 165 HP at 11.000 U/Min
Torque: 114 NM bei 9.250 U/Min
Tank contents: 17 Litre
Consumption:
6 l
Reach:
266 km
Maximum speed: 175 km/h
Performance: 87 HP at 5.010 U/Min
Torque: 138 NM bei 3.750 U/Min
Tank contents: 23 Litre

Chassis

Frame type:
Aluminium composite bridge frame, motor supporting (aluminium)
Front suspension:
Telescopic fork (travel 120 mm)
Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 117 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 190/55 ZR 17
Frame type:
Double loop (steel)

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 220 mm)
Front brake
Double disc Rear brake
Disk

Conclusion - what sticks

The S 1000 R is basically a double R, from which the fairing has been removed and the torque curve on country roads has been optimised. It is super sporty, which can be an disadvantage and a disadvantage at the same time. If you want to sit upright on your streetfighter, you are out of place here. If you are looking for proximity to the front wheel and asphalt, you will find it here!

In any case, we had tons of driving fun and did not feel overwhelmed despite the immense performance. This is exactly why you have to compliment BMW: Not all manufacturers succeed in putting such a grenade on the wheels for (almost) everyone. To anticipate misunderstandings: Of course, this motorcycle is not a beginner's machine!
 
The test machine was kindly provided by Bergmann & Söhne in Pinneberg - thank you!

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of construction

  • Price: from 14.740 €
  • Used (7 years old): 8.000€
  • Years of construction: since 2014
  • Colours: red, grey-yellow, white-blue-red

Conclusion - what sticks

A bit little technical info in this review, right? Exactly, but that's what the Electra Glide is all about: forget data sheets or performance data. Sit down, enjoy life, forget your worries and just go for a ride without thinking. This is possible on this machine as well as on probably no other bike.
 
We got the test bike from Harley Davidson Kiel for this test. There are almost 100 used Harleys, so a visit to the "Harley dealer of the year 2021" is always worthwhile. And if you are interested in this Ultra Classic - click here for the sales advertisement.
 

Price/availability/colours/years of construction

  • Price: 16.500 €
  • First registration: 05/2009
  • HU: 10/2024
  • Km: 53.639 km
  • Availability: immediately
  • Color: Silver-White ("White Gold / Pewter Silver")