Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 vs. BMW R 1250 GS 2021

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

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Overview - Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 vs BMW R 1250 GS 2021

The Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 and the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 are both enduro motorcycles that offer a range of features and capabilities for riders.

Starting with the engine and drive train, the Pan America 1250 Special is equipped with a V-twin engine with a displacement of 1252cc, producing 150 horsepower and 127 Nm of torque. It has a chain transmission and an electric starter. On the other hand, the R 1250 GS features a Boxer twin engine with a displacement of 1254cc, delivering 136 horsepower and 143 Nm of torque. It has a prop shaft transmission and an electric starter. Both bikes have two cylinders and provide ample power for off-road adventures.

In terms of suspension, the Pan America 1250 Special has an upside-down telescopic fork with a diameter of 47mm and a travel of 191mm. The rear suspension consists of a swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 191mm. The suspension can be adjusted for compression, preload, and rebound. On the other hand, the R 1250 GS features a telelever front suspension with a diameter of 37mm and a travel of 190mm. The rear suspension is a single swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 200mm. The suspension can be adjusted for preload and rebound. Both bikes offer a comfortable and capable suspension system for various terrains.

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021

In terms of chassis, the Pan America 1250 Special has an aluminum frame with a double cradle design. It has a rake of 65 degrees and a trail of 157mm. On the other hand, the R 1250 GS has a steel frame with a load-bearing engine design. It has a rake of 62.9 degrees and a trail of 109mm. Both bikes provide a sturdy and stable chassis for off-road riding.

When it comes to brakes, both bikes are equipped with double disk brakes at the front. The Pan America 1250 Special offers advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, electronically adjustable suspension, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, cruise control, and traction control. The R 1250 GS also offers ABS, anti-slipping control, hill start assist, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, and traction control. Both bikes provide a range of safety features to enhance the riding experience.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Pan America 1250 Special has a front tire diameter of 19 inches and a rear tire width of 170mm with a diameter of 17 inches. It has a wheelbase of 1585mm and a seat height of 850mm. The kerb weight, including ABS, is 258kg, and it has a fuel tank capacity of 21.2 liters. The range is approximately 432km, and the combined fuel consumption is 4.9 l/100km. On the other hand, the R 1250 GS has the same front tire diameter and rear tire width and diameter as the Pan America 1250 Special. It has a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1525mm and the same seat height of 850mm. The kerb weight, including ABS, is 249kg, and it has a fuel tank capacity of 20 liters. The range is approximately 421km, and the combined fuel consumption is 4.75 l/100km. Both bikes offer similar dimensions and weights, making them suitable for various riding conditions.

In terms of equipment, the Pan America 1250 Special offers Bluetooth connectivity, heated grips, cornering lights, LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, a TFT display, and an adjustable windscreen. The R 1250 GS also offers cornering lights, LED headlights, and an adjustable windscreen. Both bikes provide a range of equipment to enhance the riding experience.

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

In terms of strengths, the Pan America 1250 Special offers a sporty powerplant, comfortable seating position, good pillion suitability, extensive electronics, an original HD pannier system, wind protection, cornering ABS, cornering TC, optional seat lowering when stationary, and good off-road characteristics. On the other hand, the R 1250 GS provides great ride comfort and ergonomics, a powerful engine, a great connectivity app, an easy-to-read display, a confident feel in the saddle, practical riding aids, and a versatile chassis that accommodates every route. Both bikes have their own unique strengths that cater to different rider preferences.

In terms of weaknesses, the Pan America 1250 Special is known to generate engine heat in city mode and does not have a quickshifter available. On the other hand, the R 1250 GS has a rough overall appearance and gearshifts at low revs can be somewhat clumsy. These weaknesses may be minor drawbacks for some riders but may not significantly impact the overall riding experience.

In conclusion, both the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 and the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 offer a range of features and capabilities for off-road enthusiasts. While the Pan America 1250 Special excels in terms of its sporty powerplant, comfortable seating position, and extensive electronics, the R 1250 GS provides great ride comfort, a powerful engine, and practical riding aids. Ultimately, the choice between these two bikes will depend on individual preferences and riding needs.

Technical Specifications Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 compared to BMW R 1250 GS 2021

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021
BMW R 1250 GS 2021

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeVEngine typeBoxer
BoreBore105 mmBore102.5 mm
StrokeStroke72 mmStroke76 mm
Engine powerEngine power150 HPEngine power136 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power9,000 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,750 rpm
TorqueTorque127 NmTorque143 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,750 rpmRpm at Torque6,250 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio13 Compression Ratio12.5
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeAntihopping
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionProp shaft
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid-air
DisplacementDisplacement1,252 ccmDisplacement1,254 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionTelelever
DiameterDiameter47 mmDiameter37 mm
TravelTravel191 mmTravel190 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSingle swing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel191 mmTravel200 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload, Rebound
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameAluminiumFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeDouble cradleFrame typeLoad-bearing engine
RakeRake65 degreeRake62.9 degree
TrailTrail157 mmTrail109 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter320 mmDiameter305 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
TechnologyTechnologyradial, MonoblockTechnologyradial

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter280 mmDiameter276 mm
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonDouble piston
Shock mountShock mountFloating caliperShock mountFloating caliper

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Suspension electronically adjustable, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Cruise control, Traction controlAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Anti-slipping control, Hill start assist, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Traction control

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter19 inchFront tyre diameter19 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width170 mmRear tyre width170 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height60 %Rear tyre height60 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,270 mmLength2,207 mm
WidthWidth965 mmWidth952.5 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,585 mmWheelbase1,525 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height850 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)258 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)249 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity21.2 lFuel Tank Capacity20 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA
RangeRange432 kmRange421 km
Combined fuel consumptionCombined fuel consumption4.9 l/100kmCombined fuel consumption4.75 l/100km

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentBluetooth, Connectivity, Heated grips, Cornering lights, LED daytime running lights, LED-Headlights, TFT display, Windscreen adjustableEquipmentCornering lights, LED-Headlights, Windscreen adjustable

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021

To sum up, in everyday and touring use we can say what our first impression already told us: the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special is a touring enduro that can do what a big, strong touring enduro must be able to do in 2021. With enough space for two, with the possibility to leave the beaten track sometimes. Of course, you will hardly tackle the wildest off-road passages with it. But what the rider dares to do on a motorbike of this weight class is more pleasant for the passenger than on many competitors, thanks to the excellent electronic suspension on the Harley. And if pillion skipped the one or other creek crossing, it was only to take photos. And not to get her feet wet. Because even the most modern electronics can't prevent that, but that's what makes such adventure bikes so much fun. It is only when it is dirty that it is identified as such, even in front of the ice cream parlour.

Sporty powerplant

comfortable seating position

good pillion suitability

extensive electronics

original HD pannier system

wind protection

cornering ABS standard

cornering TC standard

optional seat lowering when stationary

good off-road characteristics.

Engine heat in city mode

quickshifter not available

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

The GS also impressed us with its versatility during the test in November 2021. We rode the bike on a wide variety of terrain and were once again very satisfied. The motorbike convinces in every situation with its easy handling and practicality. On the other hand, it can also be ridden delightfully irrationally.

Great ride comfort and great ergonomics

Powerful engine

Great connectivity app

Easy-to-read display

Confident feel in the saddle

Practical riding aids

Versatile chassis accommodates every route

Easy to ride

Rough overall appearance

gearshifts at low revs somewhat clumsy

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special vs BMW R 1250 GS

There are a few key differences between a Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 and a BMW R 1250 GS 2021. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 is about 4% higher. A Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 experiences a loss of 520 GBP in one year and 1,720 GBP in two years of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 350 GBP and 300 GBP for a BMW R 1250 GS 2021. Compared to BMW R 1250 GS 2021 there are less Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 11 compared to 66. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1250 GS with 55 days compared to 78 days for the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special. Since model year 2021 1000PS.de editors have written 18 reviews for the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special and 50 reviews for the BMW R 1250 GS since model year 2019. The first review for the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special was published on 22/02/2021 and now has more than 61,800 views. This compares to more than 305,600 views for the first review on BMW R 1250 GS published on 19/09/2018.

Price Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special

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Current average market prices

Price BMW R 1250 GS

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Current average market prices

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