BMW R12 versus Harley-Davidson Nightster Special
BMW R12
Retro
Harley-Davidson Nightster Special
Naked
Year of construction / RRP / Test report
Built von 2024 bis 2024~
Built von 2023 bis 2024~
RRP 14.460 €
RRP 15.995 €
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Competitors
Pros:
- magnificent engine with steam
- potty boxer sound
- Very good quality impression
- very good brakes
- chilled cruising along is just as possible as sporty acceleration
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:
- QuickShifter stutters
- Footrests get in the way when stationary
- Turn signal integration in the rear light
Cons:
- Rearview mirrors could be a little bigger
- for this price a bit much plastic
- carelessly laid cables
- slippery seat
Dimensions & Weight
Wheelbase: 1.520 mm
Length : 2.200 mm Height : 1.110 mm
Seat : 754 mm
Weight : 227 (max: 430 ) kg
Length : 2.200 mm Height : 1.110 mm
Seat : 754 mm
Weight : 227 (max: 430 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.545 mm
Length : 2.250 mm Height : 1.140 mm
Seat : 715 mm
Weight : 225 (max: 420 ) kg
Length : 2.250 mm Height : 1.140 mm
Seat : 715 mm
Weight : 225 (max: 420 ) kg
Engine
Motor design: Air/oil-cooled two-cylinder four-stroke boxer engine with two overhead camshafts 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.170 ccm
Hub: 73 mm
Hole: 101 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6
Displacement: 1.170 ccm
Hub: 73 mm
Hole: 101 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6
Motor design: V2 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 975 ccm
Hub: 66 mm
Hole: 97 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Riemen
Aisles: 6
Displacement: 975 ccm
Hub: 66 mm
Hole: 97 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Riemen
Aisles: 6
Performance
Maximum speed: 203 km/h
Performance: 95 HP at 6.500 U/Min
Torque: 110 NM bei 6.000 U/Min Tank contents: 14 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 275 km
Performance: 95 HP at 6.500 U/Min
Torque: 110 NM bei 6.000 U/Min Tank contents: 14 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 275 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
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:
Tubular space frame (steel) Front suspension:
Upside-down fork, diameter 45 mm (travel 90 mm) Rear suspension:
Directly hinged, travel-dependent damped central shock absorber, spring base adjustable, rebound damping adjustable (travel 90 mm)
Rear suspension:
Aluminum cast single-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 100/90 R19
Rear tyres: 150/80 R16
Tubular space frame (steel) Front suspension:
Upside-down fork, diameter 45 mm (travel 90 mm) Rear suspension:
Directly hinged, travel-dependent damped central shock absorber, spring base adjustable, rebound damping adjustable (travel 90 mm)
Rear suspension:
Aluminum cast single-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 100/90 R19
Rear tyres: 150/80 R16
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
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
Dual disc brake, floating brake discs, 4-piston monobloc radial caliper (∅ 310 mm) Rear brake
Single disc brake, 2-piston floating caliper (∅ 265 mm)
Dual disc brake, floating brake discs, 4-piston monobloc radial caliper (∅ 310 mm) Rear brake
Single disc brake, 2-piston floating caliper (∅ 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)
floating mounted single disc, Brembo, axial, 4-piston fixed caliper (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, 1-piston brake caliper (∅ 260 mm)
Result
The BMW R12 delivers what it promises: casual cruising with the steam of the good old Lufti boxer. You don't notice the difference in performance to the nineT, the box goes off like a fox. It brakes great, feels mature and safe and conveys a lot of driving pleasure. It is not a "real" cruiser á la Harley due to the footrest position, but it brings the rider down and tempts him to glide casually. Wonderful.The test machine was provided to us by Bergmann & Söhne in Pinneberg for this test. The R12 will be there as a demonstrator and is happy to have test drivers. If you want to make a direct comparison with the also new R12 nineT - it is also there as a demonstrator. So, off we go to Pinneberg, book two test drives. Bring full of desire!
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!
