BMW R 18 Classic versus Harley-Davidson Sport Glide FLSB

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW R 18 Classic

Cruiser
Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson Sport Glide FLSB

Cruiser

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2021 bis 2024~
Built von 2020 bis 2024~
RRP 23.950 €
RRP 19.995 €
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Pros:
  • Windbreak
  • Beefy Boxer
  • Great look
  • Casual sitting position
Pros:
  • Case and panel easily removable
  • Characterful engine with fat torque
  • Casual sitting position
  • LED, cruise control and Keyless Go series
  • 4-year warranty with no mileage limit
  • Surprisingly agile
Cons:
  • Cylinders sometimes get in the way
  • Manoeuvring almost impossible without reversing aid
  • Not for beginners
Cons:
  • Manoeuvring difficult
  • Finding idle difficult
  • Knee angle narrow at the rear
  • Single brake disc front

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.731 mm
Length :
2.440 mm Height : 1.342 mm
Seat :
710 mm
Weight :
365 (max: 560 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.625 mm
Length :
2.325 mm Height : 1.120 mm
Seat :
680 mm
Weight :
317 (max: 526 ) kg

Engine

Motor design: 2 Cyl. Boxer 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.802 ccm
Hub: 100 mm
Hole: 107 mm
Cooling: Öl-Luft
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6
Motor design: Milwaukee-Eight V2 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.746 ccm
Hub: 111 mm
Hole: 100 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Riemen
Aisles: 6

Performance

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
Maximum speed: 190 km/h
Performance: 83 HP at 5.450 U/Min
Torque: 145 NM bei 3.250 U/Min
Tank contents: 19 Litre
Consumption:
5 l

Chassis

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
Frame type:
Double loop tubular frame (steel)
Front suspension:
USD fork 43 mm (travel 130 mm)
Rear suspension:
Triangle swing
Tyres at the front: 130/70 B18 63 H
Rear tyres: 180/70 B16 77H

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc ( 300 mm) Rear brake
Single disc ( 300 mm)
Front brake
Single disc, four-piston fixed caliper brake ( 300 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, two-piston floating caliper ( 292 mm)

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.

Price/availability/colours/years of construction

  • Price: 23.955€
  • Used (1 year old): 22.000€
  • Availability: from 02/2021
  • Colours: black, white, red, violet, nürburg silver

Conclusion - what sticks

The Sport Glide drives us with its optics, its engine, the sound and its whole being directly into the heart. Even Dietmar, otherwise not exactly a fan of cruisers, is enthusiastic. If Harley is foreign to you so far, but would like to try out a cruiser, the Sport Glide is a good choice. The touring capabilities are not to be underestimated and the removable cases and front fairing are a clever gimmick that turn the Tourer schwuppdiwupp into a thoroughbred cruiser. Cool bike!
 
The test machine was provided by Harley Davidson Kiel . Go there, Marius and his boys are super nice and show you a really nice test drive route around the nearby lake. Of course, there are also other Harleys who are also looking forward to a test ride with you.

Price/availability/colours/years of construction

  • Price: 20.490 €
  • Used (3 years old): 18.000€
  • Colours: black, grey, sand