Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST versus BMW R 18
Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST
Cruiser
BMW R 18
Cruiser
Year of construction / RRP / Test report
Built von 2022 bis 2024~
Built von 2020 bis 2024~
RRP 24.295 €
RRP 21.600 €
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Competitors
Pros:
- Steam from below
- fat sound
- comfortable sitting position
- good chassis
- good brakes
- good wind protection
- Integrated Cases Series
Pros:
- Torque - bearish engine
- Processing
- Details
- Comfort
Cons:
- Front fairing mounted carelessly with visible screws
- Heavy vehicle
Cons:
- High price
- Effort for front brake
Dimensions & Weight
Wheelbase: 1.615 mm
Length : 2.365 mm Height : 1.160 mm
Seat : 720 mm
Weight : 327 (max: 526 ) kg
Length : 2.365 mm Height : 1.160 mm
Seat : 720 mm
Weight : 327 (max: 526 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.731 mm
Length : 2.440 mm Height : 1.232 mm
Seat : 690 mm
Weight : 345 (max: 560 ) kg
Length : 2.440 mm Height : 1.232 mm
Seat : 690 mm
Weight : 345 (max: 560 ) kg
Engine
Motor design: Milwaukee-Eight™ 117 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.923 ccm
Hub: 114 mm
Hole: 104 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Riemen
Aisles: 6
Displacement: 1.923 ccm
Hub: 114 mm
Hole: 104 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Riemen
Aisles: 6
Motor design: Two-cylinder four-stroke boxer engine 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.802 ccm
Hub: 100 mm
Hole: 107 mm
Cooling: Luft-/ölgekühlt
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6
Displacement: 1.802 ccm
Hub: 100 mm
Hole: 107 mm
Cooling: Luft-/ölgekühlt
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6
Performance
Maximum speed: 190 km/h
Performance: 106 HP at 5.020 U/Min
Torque: 168 NM bei 3.500 U/Min Tank contents: 19 Litre
Consumption: 6 l
Reach: 344 km
Performance: 106 HP at 5.020 U/Min
Torque: 168 NM bei 3.500 U/Min Tank contents: 19 Litre
Consumption: 6 l
Reach: 344 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:
Double loop tubular frame (steel) Front suspension:
43 mm upside-down telescopic fork with three spring rates and alloy triple clamps (130 mm travel ) Rear suspension:
Central shock absorber with hydraulic preload adjustment and twin-tube shock absorber (travel 137 mm)
Rear suspension:
Triangle swing Tyres at the front: 110/90 B19 62 H
Rear tyres: 180/70 B16 77H
Double loop tubular frame (steel) Front suspension:
43 mm upside-down telescopic fork with three spring rates and alloy triple clamps (130 mm travel ) Rear suspension:
Central shock absorber with hydraulic preload adjustment and twin-tube shock absorber (travel 137 mm)
Rear suspension:
Triangle swing Tyres at the front: 110/90 B19 62 H
Rear tyres: 180/70 B16 77H
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:
Steel two-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 120/70 R 19
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:
Steel two-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 120/70 R 19
Rear tyres: 180/65 B16
Brakes
Front brake
Double disc, four-piston fixed caliper brakes (∅ 300 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, two-piston floating caliper (∅ 292 mm)
Double disc, four-piston fixed caliper brakes (∅ 300 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, two-piston floating caliper (∅ 292 mm)
Front brake
Double disc brake, 4-piston fixed caliper (∅ 300 mm) Rear brake
Single disc brake, 4-piston fixed caliper (∅ 300 mm)
Double disc brake, 4-piston fixed caliper (∅ 300 mm) Rear brake
Single disc brake, 4-piston fixed caliper (∅ 300 mm)
Conclusion - what sticks
The new Low Rider ST delivers what it promises: Sportand Touring. At first glance, you wouldn't believe how sporty you can be with it. Of course, it is neither a proven curve robber nor a machine for beginners, it is simply too heavy for that. If you can handle the weight, you get a real power cruiser without a lot of frills. At its heart is the outstanding engine with the outrageous torque feeling.The test machine was kindly provided to us by Harley Davidson Kiel . There the Low Rider ST and many other Harleys will be on display and looking forward to test riders. By the way, Harley Kiel is "Harley Dealer of the Year 2021" - and rightly so. The guys there are just super nice and especially sympathetic is the house dog, with whom you can play throwing sticks for hours.
Cruiser in BMW style
Now the BMW R18 is finally available for testing at the dealership, and that's a good thing. Even though the guardians of the Holy Grail reviled the BMWs in advance and as producers of these bikes only Indian or Harley or otherwise, but certainly not the Bavarians, let it come into question, it has become very good. Attention: very good, not great. It is full of loving details, enthusiastic with workmanship and the whole concept – but can't do anything that the others couldn't.
In this respect: Welcome to the cruiser market, BMW R18. From now on, you don't have to convince with marketing, but on the street. You all have the facilities for this, but Harley or Indian can stay calm.
The test bike was provided to us by Bergmann & Söhne in Pinneberg.
