2024 BMW R 18 vs 2024 HARLEY DAVIDSON Sportster

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Scores, summary & seat (optional) Estimates and auto text from specs — open if you want them.

Technical score (estimate)

Weighted mix of power, torque, power-to-weight, top speed and lighter weight within this comparison only. Not a real-world verdict — riding style and roads matter.

2024 BMW R 18
22 pts
Top on paper
2024 HARLEY DAVIDSON Sportster
78 pts

Usage fit (estimate)

Rough scores for city riding, touring, sporty riding and new riders — mix of specs and bike category. Same caveats as the technical score: traffic, skill and tyres matter.

City / commute

Best fit here
2024 BMW R 18
68.7 pts
2024 HARLEY DAVIDSON Sportster
42.7 pts

Touring / long rides

2024 BMW R 18
57.8 pts
Best fit here
2024 HARLEY DAVIDSON Sportster
58.8 pts

Sporty riding

2024 BMW R 18
23.1 pts
Best fit here
2024 HARLEY DAVIDSON Sportster
69.6 pts

New rider friendly

Best fit here
2024 BMW R 18
63.4 pts
2024 HARLEY DAVIDSON Sportster
40.8 pts

Seat height (cm)

Figures are as in the database; boots, suspension sag and road surface change how tall the bike feels.

  • 2024 BMW R 18 69 cm Lowest seat here
  • 2024 HARLEY DAVIDSON Sportster 76.5 cm Tallest seat here

Spread in this comparison: about 7.5 cm.

Rough guide: comfortable flat-foot reach often needs inseam roughly in the same ballpark as seat height (varies a lot by ergonomics).

Auto summary from specs

Generated from the numbers in the comparison — not a review.

  • Power spans 91 hp (2024 BMW R 18) up to 121 hp (2024 HARLEY DAVIDSON Sportster).
  • Torque spans 125 Nm (2024 HARLEY DAVIDSON Sportster) up to 158 Nm (2024 BMW R 18).
  • Weight spans 221 kg (2024 HARLEY DAVIDSON Sportster) to 345 kg (2024 BMW R 18).
  • Engine sizes are very close.
Specification BMW R 18 HARLEY DAVIDSON Sportster
Brand BMW HARLEY DAVIDSON
Model BMW R 18 HARLEY DAVIDSON Sportster
Engine size Above 1000cc Above 1000cc
Power 91hp 121hp
Torque 158nm. 125nm.
Cylinders / valves Twin cylinder, 8 valves Twin cylinder, 8 valves
Weight 345kg 221kg
Front brake Twin disc brake, diameter 300 mm, four-piston fixed calipers radially mounted, monoblock, 4-piston caliper, single rotor, floating, tower- mounted
Rear brake Single disc brake, diameter 300 mm, four-piston fixed caliper floating, single piston caliper, solid uniform expansion rotor
Seat height (cm) 69cm 76.5cm
Front tyre 120/70 R 19 Dunlop Harley-Davidson Series, radial 160/70R17 73V
Rear tyre 180/65 B16 Dunlop Harley-Davidson Series, radial 180/70R16 77V
Cooling Air cooled Liquid cooling
Front suspension Telescopic fork 43 mm inverted fork with compression, rebound and spring preload adjustability. Aluminum fork triple clamps.
Rear suspension Steel swingarm with central shock strut Linkage-mounted, piggyback monoshock with compression, rebound and hydraulic spring preload adjustability
Motorcycle type Chopper – Cruiser Chopper – Cruiser
Top speed 180km/h 210km/h
Fuel capacity / consumption 16 L – 5.6 L/100km 11.8 L – 5.6 L/100km
Service network
Service quality
Parts availability
Price $14995 $15500
Brand price lists View BMW price list View HARLEY DAVIDSON price list
Extra features

Engine Size : 1800CC

ABS : BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (partially integral)

Features

  1. ASC (Automatic Stability Control)
  2. Full LED headlight
  3. Keyless Ride
  4. LED rear and brake light included in rear indicators
  5. Speedometer with multifunction display (on-board computer)
  6. 3 riding modes (Rock, Roll, Rain)

-Color TFT, HANDS-FREE MOBILE PHONE - VIA BLUETOOTH, VOICE RECOGNITION LANGUAGES: PHONE FUNCTIONS ONLY

-TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS), DRAG-TORQUE SLIP CONTROL SYSTEM (DSCS)

-TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS), WHEEL LIFT MITIGATION

-CORNERING ENHANCED ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (C-ABS),CORNERING ENHANCED TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (C-TCS)

-CORNERING DRAG-TORQUE SLIP CONTROL SYSTEM (C-DSCS), ENHANCED LIFT MITIGATION

-Forward riding position, Forward foot controls, Infotainment

Opinions

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2024 BMW R 18 vs 2024 HARLEY DAVIDSON Sportster: Which One is Better for You?

2024 BMW R 18 and 2024 HARLEY DAVIDSON Sportster are very similar in terms of engine capacity and power. In this case, design, driving comfort, and personal preferences may take precedence. Additionally, 2024 HARLEY DAVIDSON Sportster, with its 121hp, stands out for users seeking speed and performance.

1. Cylinder Capacity and Performance

2024 BMW R 18 and 2024 HARLEY DAVIDSON Sportster have almost identical engine capacities, offering similar performance. In this case, design, driving comfort, and other features will play a more significant role in your choice.Both models have an engine capacity of 1100cc. Designed for performance-focused users and professionals.

2. Torque Power

2024 BMW R 18, with its 158Nm torque, delivers powerful performance. A high torque value ensures superior acceleration and advantage on steep inclines. 2024 HARLEY DAVIDSON Sportster, with its 125Nm torque, offers a more balanced ride for city use. 2024 BMW R 18 is ideal for users requiring rapid acceleration. High torque power offers significant advantages in heavy load carrying, off-road driving, or situations requiring high speed.

3. Top Speed

2024 HARLEY DAVIDSON Sportster, as a Chopper – Cruiser, can reach a maximum speed of 210 km/h. This speed feature can be considered an extra advantage for a motorcycle of this type. 2024 BMW R 18, as a Chopper – Cruiser, offers a lower maximum speed of 180 km/h, but this does not overshadow its other features.

4. Cooling System

2024 BMW R 18 features a Air-Cooled system, while 2024 HARLEY DAVIDSON Sportster offers a Liquid-Cooled system. 2024 HARLEY DAVIDSON Sportster is a more ideal choice for long journeys.

5. Design and Comfort

2024 HARLEY DAVIDSON Sportster, with its lighter build, offers greater practicality and easier maneuverability for city use. 2024 BMW R 18, on the other hand, provides a more stable ride at high speeds and on long journeys due to its heavier build. Additionally, 2024 HARLEY DAVIDSON Sportster, with a seat height of 76.5cm, is more suitable for taller riders, offering greater comfort.2024 BMW R 18, with a seat height of 69cm, provides a more ergonomic ride for average-height riders.

Conclusion

2024 HARLEY DAVIDSON Sportster emerges as the winner of this comparison based on total points. 2024 BMW R 18 and 2024 HARLEY DAVIDSON Sportster have nearly identical engine capacities. 2024 BMW R 18, with higher torque, excels in rapid acceleration and steep climbs. 2024 HARLEY DAVIDSON Sportster, with a top speed of 210 km/h, stands out for speed enthusiasts. 2024 BMW R 18 features a air-cooled system, while 2024 HARLEY DAVIDSON Sportster features a liquid-cooled system. 2024 HARLEY DAVIDSON Sportster performs better in long journeys and hot weather conditions. In conclusion, 2024 HARLEY DAVIDSON Sportster stands out in terms of technical specifications and overall performance. However, depending on your riding preferences and usage needs, both models offer unique advantages.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the top speed of BMW R 18 vs HARLEY DAVIDSON Sportster?

HARLEY DAVIDSON Sportster is listed at 210 km/h vs 180 km/h for BMW R 18.

Which has more horsepower, BMW R 18 or HARLEY DAVIDSON Sportster?

HARLEY DAVIDSON Sportster has 121 hp compared with 91 hp on the BMW R 18.

Which is better, BMW R 18 or HARLEY DAVIDSON Sportster?

It depends on your riding style. Compare top speed, weight, fuel use and price in the table on this page, then vote for the bike you prefer.