BMW R 1200 GS (K50) versus Harley-Davidson Nightster

BMW R 1200 GS (K50)

Adventure

Harley-Davidson Nightster

Naked

The rally version of the BMW 1200 GS - not just pretty to look at.

Wild Bavarian woman in a smart rally dirndl The BMW R 1200 GS was a particularly eagerly awaited test object for us. And not only because the GS gave hope for numerous interested parties for our test report due to its popularity. No, above all, we were all really keen on... weiter

BMW R 1200 GS Rallye

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 2013 bis 2018

Built von 2022 bis 2024~

RRP 15.300 €

RRP 14.995 €

Ausführliches Test-Video von Motorradtest.de

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Competitors

Pros:

has neat Wums
extensive electronic helpers
significantly more off-road capability than the standard version of the GS

Pros:

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

Cons:

Price mainly with full equipment

Cons:

Sound 1b
Processing here and there a bit unloving

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.507 mm
Length : 2.207 mm Height : 1.412 mm
Seat : 850 mm
Weight : 244 (max: 460 ) 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 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.170 ccm
Hub: 73 mm
Hole: 101 mm
Cooling: 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: 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

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:
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:
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 (∅ 305 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 376 mm)

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