BMW R 1200 GS (K50) versus BMW R 18 Classic
BMW R 1200 GS (K50)
Adventure
BMW R 18 Classic
Cruiser
Year of construction / RRP / Test report
Built von 2013 bis 2018
Built von 2021 bis 2024~
RRP 15.300 €
RRP 23.950 €
waveform
waveform
Competitors
Pros:
- has neat Wums
- extensive electronic helpers
- significantly more off-road capability than the standard version of the GS
Pros:
- Windbreak
- Beefy Boxer
- Great look
- Casual sitting position
Cons:
- Price mainly with full equipment
Cons:
- Cylinders sometimes get in the way
- Manoeuvring almost impossible without reversing aid
- Not for beginners
Dimensions & Weight
Wheelbase: 1.507 mm
Length : 2.207 mm Height : 1.412 mm
Seat : 850 mm
Weight : 244 (max: 460 ) kg
Length : 2.207 mm Height : 1.412 mm
Seat : 850 mm
Weight : 244 (max: 460 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.731 mm
Length : 2.440 mm Height : 1.342 mm
Seat : 710 mm
Weight : 365 (max: 560 ) kg
Length : 2.440 mm Height : 1.342 mm
Seat : 710 mm
Weight : 365 (max: 560 ) kg
Engine
Motor design: Boxer 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.170 ccm
Hub: 73 mm
Hole: 101 mm
Cooling: Luft
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6
Displacement: 1.170 ccm
Hub: 73 mm
Hole: 101 mm
Cooling: Luft
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6
Motor design: 2 Cyl. Boxer 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.802 ccm
Hub: 100 mm
Hole: 107 mm
Cooling: Öl-Luft
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6
Displacement: 1.802 ccm
Hub: 100 mm
Hole: 107 mm
Cooling: Öl-Luft
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6
Performance
Maximum speed: 219 km/h
Performance: 125 HP at 7.700 U/Min
Torque: 125 NM bei 6.500 U/Min Tank contents: 20 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 403 km
Performance: 125 HP at 7.700 U/Min
Torque: 125 NM bei 6.500 U/Min Tank contents: 20 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 403 km
Maximum speed: 180 km/h
Performance: 91 HP at 4.750 U/Min
Torque: 158 NM bei 3.000 U/Min Tank contents: 16 Litre
Consumption: 6 l
Reach: 285 km
Performance: 91 HP at 4.750 U/Min
Torque: 158 NM bei 3.000 U/Min Tank contents: 16 Litre
Consumption: 6 l
Reach: 285 km
Chassis
Frame type:
Bridges, motor supporting (steel) Front suspension:
Telescopic fork 37 mm (travel 190 mm)
Front suspension:
Shock Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 200 mm)
Rear suspension:
Single-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 120/70 R 19
Rear tyres: 170/60 R 17
Bridges, motor supporting (steel) Front suspension:
Telescopic fork 37 mm (travel 190 mm)
Front suspension:
Shock Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 200 mm)
Rear suspension:
Single-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 120/70 R 19
Rear tyres: 170/60 R 17
Frame type:
Double loop steel frame with bolted beams (steel) Front suspension:
Telescopic fork (travel 120 mm) Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 90 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm made of steel Tyres at the front: 130/90 B16
Rear tyres: 180/65 B16
Double loop steel frame with bolted beams (steel) Front suspension:
Telescopic fork (travel 120 mm) Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 90 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm made of steel Tyres at the front: 130/90 B16
Rear tyres: 180/65 B16
Brakes
Front brake
Double disc (∅ 305 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 376 mm)
Double disc (∅ 305 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 376 mm)
Front brake
Double disc (∅ 300 mm) Rear brake
Single disc (∅ 300 mm)
Double disc (∅ 300 mm) Rear brake
Single disc (∅ 300 mm)
Conclusion - what gets stuck
No, our high expectations were by no means disappointed – not even a bit! The R 1200 GS Rally not only made us very good, but it makes it really difficult for us to find criticisms. Well, it's quite expensive. But quality has a price. And if you look at the prices on the second-hand market, you have to say that gs keeps its value quite long. In addition, it is of course up to everyone to decide whether they really need all the equipment packages. Clearly all do their tasks reliably and well, however, drive up the price again neatly. And already in the basic equipment we have to deal with a mature, great bike!
Conclusion - what sticks
The BMW R 18 Classic is a fully equipped cruiser tourer with which you can also tackle a longer journey as a couple. In contrast to an adventure bike, the luggage capacities are limited, but nothing stands in the way of a longer day trip on Route 66. This bike is simply an impressive piece of engineering due to its sheer size and performance. We would also like to have in the stable.The test motorcycle was kindly provided to us by Bergmann & Söhne in Pinneberg near Hamburg for this test. If you would like to try out the R 18 Classic, you are welcome here and there is even a good coffee. In addition, there are a lot of used machines and other demonstrators around, so a visit to Pinneberg is always worthwhile.
