BMW R1200 RT vs Harley Davidson Street Glide

• Table of Contents
• 1. BMW R1200 RT VS HARLEY STREET GLIDE
• 2. DETAILED SPECS COMPARISON: HARLEY STREET GLIDE VS BMW R1200 RT
• 3. SIMILARITIES & DIFFERENCES: HARLEY STREET GLIDE VS BMW R1200 RT
• 4. DESIGN: HARLEY STREET GLIDE VS BMW R1200 RT
• 4.1 Design: Harley Davidson Street Glide
• 4.2 Design: BMW R1200 RT
• 5. ENGINE & PERFORMANCE: HARLEY STREET GLIDE VS BMW R1200 RT
• 5.1 Engine & Performance: Harley Davidson Street Glide
• 5.2 Engine & Performance: BMW R1200 RT
• 6. COMFORT & ERGONOMICS: HARLEY STREET GLIDE VS BMW R1200 RT
• 6.1 Comfort & Ergonomics: Harley Davidson Street Glide
• 6.2 Comfort & Ergonomics: BMW R1200 RT
• 7. TECHNOLOGY & FEATURES: HARLEY STREET GLIDE VS BMW R1200 RT
• 8. PROS & CONS: HARLEY STREET GLIDE VS BMW R1200 RT
• 8.1 Pros & Cons: Harley Davidson Street Glide
• 8.2 Pros & Cons: BMW R1200 RT
• 9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• 9.1 Is a 1200 cc motorcycle suitable for a long highway trip?
• 9.2 What are the main differences between the BMW R1200 RT and the Harley Street Glide?
• 9.3 Which is a better beginner-friendly touring motorcycle: the BMW R1200 RT or the Harley Street Glide?
• 9.4 Why was the BMW R1200 RT discontinued?
• 10. TAKEAWAY

1. BMW R1200 RT VS HARLEY STREET GLIDE

The HARLEY DAVIDSON STREET GLIDE is one of the oldest Harley Davidson motorcycles in production. First released in 1984, and came with a 1,377cc engine that can offer 50 hp of horsepower. Since then, the recent Street Glide models have gone through several changes. The main changes were made to the design, technology, engine size, and overall performance. In 2007, the significant changes made to the Street Glide included being fitted with a 1,584 cc engine with a six-speed transmission system, standard cruise control as a standard option, and other improvements to performance. The current Street Glide has different variants as well, including the CVO Street Glide, the Street Glide Special, the Street Glide ST, and the Street Glide Standard.

In 2005, BMW Motorrad launched the first R1200 RT as a sport-touring motorcycle. The R1200 RT is the successor to the R1150 RT. Over time, BMW upgraded the R1200 RT, with the last R1200 RT being released in 2018. It was then replaced with the R1250 RT, which had better features, a bigger engine, and improved overall performance. The BMW R1200 series has variants as well, including the R1200 GS (Adventure motorcycle), the R1200 R (Naked motorcycle), and the R1200 ST (Sport Touring). All of these motorcycles have the same engine size but different chassis, designs, and performances.

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2. DETAILED SPECS COMPARISON: HARLEY STREET GLIDE VS BMW R1200 RT

	Harley Davidson	BMW
BASIC INFORMATION
Year	2022	2018
Model	Street Glide	R1200 RT
Motorcycle Type	Touring Bike	Touring/ Sport Touring
Base Price	$21,430	$18,645
Colors	Vivid Black, Midnight Crimson, and White Sand Pearl	Alpine White, Mars Red Metallic, Dark Slate Metallic Matt, Carbon Black, Blue Planet Metallic, and Sparkling Storm Metallic
ENGINE & SYSTEMS
Displacement	107 cu in (1,753 cc)	71.4 cu in (1,170 cc)
Engine Type	Milwaukee-Eight, V-Twin	Flat-Twin engine
Cooling System	Air-cooled	Air/Liquid-cooled
Compression Ratio	10:1	12.5:1
Stroke	111.25 mm (4.38 in)	73 mm (2.87 in)
Bore	100 mm (3.94 in)	101 mm (3.97 in)
Cylinders	Two	Two
Drive Train	Belt	Shaft
Transmission	Six-Speed	Six-speed
Clutch	Wet, nine-plate, Assist & Slip	Wet, Multi-plate, hydraulically operated
Starter	Electric	Electric
Exhaust	Two-into-one-into-two	Two-into-one
Fuel Delivery System	Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)	Electronic Fuel Injection, 52 mm throttle valve
PERFORMANCE & CAPACITY
Horsepower	93 hp @ 5,020 rpm	125 hp @ 7,750 rpm
Torque	111 ft-lbs (150.5 Nm) @ 3,250 rpm	92 ft-lbs (125 Nm) @ 6,500 rpm
Fuel Tank Capacity	6 gal (22.7 L)	6.6 gal (25 L)
Mileage	43 MPG (18.2 km/l)	46 MPG (19.5 km/l)
Oil Capacity	5.2 quarts (4.9 L)	n/a
DIMENSIONS
Trail	170 mm (6.7 in)	116 mm (4.6 in)
Rake	26°	26.4°
Seat Height	662.94 mm (26.1 in)	805 mm - 825 mm (31.5 in – 32.5 in)
Wheelbase	1625.6 mm (64 in)	1,485 mm (58.5 in)
Wet Weight	829 lbs (376 kg)	604 lbs (274 kg)
Ground Clearance	134.6 mm (5.3 in)	155 mm (6.1 in)
Length	2,451 mm (96.5 in)	2,222 mm (87.5 in)
Width	960.1 mm (37.8 in)	983 mm (38.7 in)
Height	1,348.78 mm (53.1 in)	1,416 mm (55.7 in)

3. SIMILARITIES & DIFFERENCES: HARLEY STREET GLIDE VS BMW R1200 RT

Key Similarities	Key Differences
Both have a pre-equipped front fairing, saddlebags, a windshield, and a passenger seat	The Street Glide is a classic-looking touring motorcycle, while the R1200 RT is a sporty-looking touring motorcycle
Both have a rear single-disc brake and front dual-disc brakes	The Street Glide has a V-Twin engine, while the R1200 RT has a flat-twin engine
	Both have different styled fenders and front fairings
	The R1200 RT has a stylish and larger fuel tank than the Street Glide
	The R1200 RT has a larger front fairing than the Street Glide
	The R1200 RT has higher seat height and more ground clearance than the Street Glide
	The Street Glide has floorboards, while the R1200 RT does not
	The Street Glide has crash bars, while the R1200 RT does not

4. DESIGN: HARLEY STREET GLIDE VS BMW R1200 RT

4.1 Design: Harley Davidson Street Glide

The HARLEY STREET GLIDE is a classic touring motorcycle with a large, classic-looking front FAIRING with a round headlight and a small windshield. It also comes with pre-equipped CRASH BARS, a passenger seat, floorboards, and HARD SADDLEBAGS. The recent Street Glide model has traditional-looking front and rear fenders, with the overall design and riding style inspired by previous Street Glide models. It has front dual disc brakes and a single rear disc brake. At the front is a 41.3 mm telescopic fork with a wheel travel of 117 mm (4.6 in). Meanwhile, at the rear, it has dual air-adjustable shocks with a wheel travel of 51 mm (2 in).

4.2 Design: BMW R1200 RT

The BMW R1200 RT is a sporty-looking touring motorcycle with a large front fairing with a large windshield fitted around a large V-shaped headlight. It has pre-installed hard SADDLEBAGS and a carrier to attach a trunk that can be bought separately. The BMW R1200 RT has a single exhaust only. The whole motorcycle has a colored plastic body with parts like the suspensions, exhaust, engine, rims, and HANDLEBARS covered in chrome. It has a 37 mm Tele-lever central spring strut at the front with a wheel travel of 120 mm (4.7 in). Meanwhile, at the rear is a single pre-load hydraulically adjustable mono-shock with a wheel travel of 136 mm (5.4 in). At the front are dual 320 mm disc brakes with a 120/70 ZR17 size tire. At the rear, there is a single 276 mm disc brake with a 180/55 ZR17 size tire.

5. ENGINE & PERFORMANCE: HARLEY STREET GLIDE VS BMW R1200 RT

5.1 Engine & Performance: Harley Davidson Street Glide

The Harley Davidson Street Glide is powered by a 107 cubic inches (1,753 cc) Milwaukee-Eight, air-cooled V-Twin engine with a compression ratio of 10:1. This engine is powerful enough to offer a torque of 150.5 Nm @ 3,250 rpm and a horsepower of 93 hp @ 5,020 rpm. Built with a bore size of 100 mm (3.94 in) and a stroke size of 111.25 mm (4.38 in), the six-speed transmission is controlled by a low-maintenance belt drive system. This engine has a fuel economy of 43 MPG (18.2 km/l), uses an electronic sequential port fuel injection system, and has a fuel tank capacity of 6 gal (22.7 L).

5.2 Engine & Performance: BMW R1200 RT

The BMW R1200 RT is powered by 71.4 cubic inches (1,170 cc), air/liquid-cooled, the flat-twin engine is also known as a boxer engine with a compression ratio of 12.5:1. This engine is capable enough to offer a torque of 125 Nm @ 6,500 rpm and a horsepower of 125 hp @ 7,750 rpm. Designed with a bore size of 101 mm (3.97 in) and a stroke size of 73 mm (2.87 in). The R1200 RT comes with a shaft drive train system that is also maintenance-free and works well with the six-speed transmission system. With a fuel tank capacity of 6.6 gal (25 L), is equipped with electronic fuel injection and a 52 mm throttle valve, and offers a fuel mileage of 46 MPG (19.5 km/l).

6. COMFORT & ERGONOMICS: HARLEY STREET GLIDE VS BMW R1200 RT

6.1 Comfort & Ergonomics: Harley Davidson Street Glide

Photo Credit: @motorcyclenews

The Harley Davidson Street Glide is considered one of the best American-made touring motorcycles because of its comfort and classical design. The Street Glide is a heavyweight motorcycle with a wet weight of 376 kg. It offers an easy riding position with a seat height of 662.94 mm (26.1 in), a trail size of 170 mm (6.7 in), and a rake angle of 26°. The Street Glide’s large dimensions make it a large, bulky touring motorcycle that is difficult for novice riders to handle. The forward-mounted floorboards keep the rider’s legs relaxed and ensure a comfortable seating position.

6.2 Comfort & Ergonomics: BMW R1200 RT

Photo Credit: @motorcycle

The BMW R1200 RT is a touring or sport-touring motorcycle because of its sporty look and touring motorcycle features. The R1200 RT’s wide front reduces air drag and also protects the rider’s head from wind, debris, and rain. It has mid-mounted footrests that allow smooth handling when navigating a motorcycle over rough terrain. The R1200 RT is slightly heavy than most middleweight touring motorcycles with a weight of 276 kg. The R1200 RT has an ideal riding position for taller and heavyweight riders with an adjustable seat height that can range between 31.5 to 32.5 inches, an overall height of 1,416 mm (55.7 in), a trail size of 4.6 inches, and a rake angle of 26.4°.

ALSO READ: BEST TOURING MOTORCYCLES MADE BY BMW

7. TECHNOLOGY & FEATURES: HARLEY STREET GLIDE VS BMW R1200 RT

FEATURES	BMW R1200 RT	HARLEY STREET GLIDE
ABS	Standard	Optional
Instrument Cluster	Handlebar-Mounted	Handlebar-Mounted
Cruise Control	Standard	Standard
Clock	✔	✔
Engine Kill Switch	✔	✔
Speedometer	✔	✔
Odometer	✔	✔
Tachometer	✔	✔
Gear Indicator	✔	✔
Fuel Gauge	✔	✔
Fuel Warning Indicator	✔	✔
Low Battery Indicator	✔	✔
Low Oil Indicator	✔	✔
Slip & Assist Clutch	✔	✔

8. PROS & CONS: HARLEY STREET GLIDE VS BMW R1200 RT

8.1 Pros & Cons: Harley Davidson Street Glide

HARLEY STREET GLIDE PROS	HARLEY STREET GLIDE CONS
Pre-equipped crash bars, floorboards, and saddlebags.	ABS is optional
Cruise Control is available	Suppressed horsepower
Suitable for all riders	Not beginner-friendly
Stanndard ELB	Not suited for city travel
Good torque delivery	Expensive
Comfortable cushion seat	Heavyweight
Comfortable riding position
Infotainment system included

8.2 Pros & Cons: BMW R1200 RT

BMW R1200 RT PROS	BMW R1200 RT CONS
Sporty look	Not a beginner motorcycle
Recommended to tall and heavyweight riders	That specific model is not in production
Pre-installed fairing and saddlebags	No crash bars
Adjustable windshield	At sudden throttle twist motorcycle leans toward right
ABS is included
Cruise control is available
Good top speed
Good fuel capacity
Good fuel mileage
Lighter than other touring motorcycles
Different ride modes are available

9. FAQ

9.1 Is a 1200 cc motorcycle suitable for a long highway trip?

Yes, a motorcycle with a 1200 cc engine can handle a long highway trip. For example, the BMW R1200 RT has a powerful enough engine capable of producing a decent amount of torque and horsepower to ensure a comfortable ride.

9.2 What are the main differences between the BMW R1200 RT and the Harley Davidson Street Glide?

The Street Glide has a bigger engine and is capable of producing more torque, while the R1200 RT has a smaller engine but is capable of producing more horsepower. Therefore, the BMW R1200 RT is faster than the Street Glide. The R1200 RT has a bigger fuel tank and slightly better fuel economy than the Street Glide. The R1200 RT is also more lightweight than the Street Glide. The Street Glide is a classic-looking touring motorcycle, while the R1200 RT is a sport-touring motorcycle with a sporty look and a streamlined shape.

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9.3 Which is a better beginner-friendly touring motorcycle: the BMW R1200 RT or the Harley Davidson Street Glide?

Both are heavyweight motorcycles with large and powerful engines. For a beginner, it is best to get a less expensive, lightweight motorcycle with a smaller engine and easy handling. The BMW R1200 RT and the Harley Davidson Street Glide are expensive and heavyweight. However, between these two, the BMW R1200 RT is a better option for beginners because of its low weight and smaller engine size.

9.4 Why was the BMW R1200 RT discontinued?

The BMW R1200 RT is not exactly discontinued since a newer R1250 RT model with a better engine, performance, and extra features was introduced in 2019. To be precise, the BMW R1200 RT was replaced with a newer model.

10. TAKEAWAY

Both the BMW R1200 RT and the Harley Street Glide are good touring motorcycles. Deciding which motorcycle is better depends on the rider’s personal preferences. The BMW R1200 RT is equipped with a more modern design and features, while the Street Glide is a classical touring motorcycle equipped with the required features. Both have pre-equipped saddlebags and a large front fairing with a small windshield. Although they are both touring motorcycles, neither of them has a trunk. However, both are pre-equipped with an infotainment system to make motorcycle rides more fun.