BMW R 1150 R versus Harley-Davidson Nightster

BMW R 1150 R

Naked

Harley-Davidson Nightster

Naked

Is it still worth buying a BMW R 1150 R today?

The BMW R 1150 R was built from 2000 to 2006 and is therefore anything but a modern motorcycle. Nevertheless, it is worth taking a look at this beautiful machine - especially since there is hardly any other boxer model from BMW that is available used at a similarly low price.... weiter

BMW R 1150 R im Test

Gallery

What can the new and currently cheapest Harley Davidson do?

The new Harley Davidson Nightster is currently the cheapest model in Harley's rich model range at 14,999 euros. It is prescribed in the Sportster segment and is not just the sister model... weiter

Harley Davidson Nightster im Test

Gallery

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2005 bis 2006

Built von 2022 bis 2024~

RRP

RRP 14.995 €

Ausführliches Test-Video von Motorradtest.de

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Competitors

Pros:

easy and manoeuvrable to drive despite size and weight
used relatively cheap
is also suitable as a tourer
wonderful boxer with sound
sufficient power, powerful torque

Pros:

High-revving engine with good taste
Good driving performance
Amazingly manoeuvrable
Relatively lightweight, also suitable for beginners

Cons:

vulnerable ABS system
fiddly battery removal

Cons:

Sound 1b
Processing here and there a bit unloving

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.487 mm
Length : 2.170 mm Height : 1.220 mm
Seat : 800 mm
Weight : 238 (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 4-stroke 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.130 ccm
Hub: 71 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: 197 km/h
Performance: 85 HP at 6.750 U/Min
Torque: 98 NM bei 5.250 U/Min

Tank contents: 21 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 446 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:
Three-part frame concept consisting of front and rear frame with supporting engine (steel)

Front suspension:
BMW Motorrad Telelever; Standpipe diameter 35 mm (travel 120 mm)

Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 135 mm)
Rear suspension:
Aluminum cast single-arm swingarm with Paralever

Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 170/60 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
Four-piston fixed caliper double disc brake (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
Two-piston fixed caliper brake (∅ 276 mm)

Front brake
floating mounted single disc, Brembo, axial (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
Single disc (∅ 260 mm)

Conclusion - what gets stuck

The BMW R 1150 R is a grateful bike that offers riders a confident and safe riding experience even with high mileage. There are many used machines of this type, most fortunately in uncrafted original condition. But old machines are not really cheap either: 1150s are hardly available in good condition under 4,000 euros. To answer the opening question: Yes, it is still worth buying a 15-year-old motorcycle today. At least if it is a BMW R 1150 R.

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!