BMW R 1200 GS (K25) versus Harley-Davidson Nightster Special

BMW R 1200 GS (K25)

Adventure

Harley-Davidson Nightster Special

Naked

This time the model from 2010

The BMW R1200GS is undoubtedly one of the most popular bikes. That's probably why it can be found so often in a wide variety of model variants on our roads. Also in MOTORRADTEST.de, the R1200GS is the machine that has so far made the most frequent way... weiter

Und wieder eine BMW R 1200 GS 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 2004 bis 2012

Built von 2023 bis 2025~

RRP

RRP 15.990 €

Ausführliches Test-Video von Motorradtest.de

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Competitors

Pros:

Ride
Comfort
Longevity

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
high costs for repairs

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 : 2.210 mm Height : 1.450 mm
Seat : 875 mm
Weight : 246 (max: 440 ) 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: 110 mm
Cooling: Luft-/ölgekühlt
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: 215 km/h
Performance: 110 HP at 7.750 U/Min
Torque: 120 NM bei 6.000 U/Min

Tank contents: 20 Litre
Consumption: 6 l
Reach: 349 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:
Load-bearing motor-gearbox composite (tubular steel)

Front suspension:
Telefork, 41mm

Rear suspension:
Central spring leg
Rear suspension:
Two-joint single-arm swingarm made of aluminium

Tyres at the front: 110/80 R 19
Rear tyres: 150/70 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

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc brake (∅ 305 mm) Rear brake
Disc brake (∅ 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 gets stuck

A really great motorcycle with which you can have long pleasure. And let's face it: BMW's travel enduro GS is one of the best-selling motorcycles in the world and has been ranked number one in Germany for years. At this point, therefore, one may well ask ourselves whether such a mass of motorcyclists can really be mistaken? We don't believe this and also find the 2010 variant of the GS extremely appealing! The only shortcoming: driving GS is not cheap. Because these motorcycles also have their price and with high mileage. But that's just the way it is with the R1200GS. If you have one, you obviously don't give it back so easily. And if anything, you can be rewarded for the loss accordingly.

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!