Harley-Davidson Sport Glide FLSB versus BMW R 18 Classic
Harley-Davidson Sport Glide FLSB
Cruiser
BMW R 18 Classic
Cruiser
Year of construction / RRP / Test report
Built von 2020 bis 2024~
Built von 2021 bis 2024~
RRP 19.995 €
RRP 23.950 €
waveform
waveform
Competitors
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
Pros:
- Windbreak
- Beefy Boxer
- Great look
- Casual sitting position
Cons:
- Manoeuvring difficult
- Finding idle difficult
- Knee angle narrow at the rear
- Single brake disc front
Cons:
- Cylinders sometimes get in the way
- Manoeuvring almost impossible without reversing aid
- Not for beginners
Dimensions & Weight
Wheelbase: 1.625 mm
Length : 2.325 mm Height : 1.120 mm
Seat : 680 mm
Weight : 317 (max: 526 ) kg
Length : 2.325 mm Height : 1.120 mm
Seat : 680 mm
Weight : 317 (max: 526 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.731 mm
Length : 2.440 mm Height : 1.342 mm
Seat : 710 mm
Weight : 365 (max: 560 ) kg
Length : 2.440 mm Height : 1.342 mm
Seat : 710 mm
Weight : 365 (max: 560 ) kg
Engine
Motor design: Milwaukee-Eight V2 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.746 ccm
Hub: 111 mm
Hole: 100 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Riemen
Aisles: 6
Displacement: 1.746 ccm
Hub: 111 mm
Hole: 100 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Riemen
Aisles: 6
Motor design: 2 Cyl. Boxer 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.802 ccm
Hub: 100 mm
Hole: 107 mm
Cooling: Öl-Luft
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6
Displacement: 1.802 ccm
Hub: 100 mm
Hole: 107 mm
Cooling: Öl-Luft
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6
Performance
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
Performance: 83 HP at 5.450 U/Min
Torque: 145 NM bei 3.250 U/Min Tank contents: 19 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
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:
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
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
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
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
Brakes
Front brake
Single disc, four-piston fixed caliper brake (∅ 300 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, two-piston floating caliper (∅ 292 mm)
Single disc, four-piston fixed caliper brake (∅ 300 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, two-piston floating caliper (∅ 292 mm)
Front brake
Double disc (∅ 300 mm) Rear brake
Single disc (∅ 300 mm)
Double disc (∅ 300 mm) Rear brake
Single disc (∅ 300 mm)
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.
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.
