BMW R 12 vs Harley-davidson Nightster
Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers
BMW R 12 vs Harley-davidson Nightster. BMW R 12: 109 hp hp, 236 kg (520 lbs) weight, top speed ~130 mph (estimated), Motoryk rating 8.2/10. Harley-davidson Nightster: 89 hp @ 7,500 rpm hp, 220 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 185 km/h (estimated), Motoryk rating 7.8/10.
Performance at a Glance
Green = winner per metric · Bars are relative to the higher value
BMW R 12
Harley-davidson Nightster
Horsepower (hp)
109 hp
89 hp
Torque (Nm)
116 Nm
95 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
130 km/h
185 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
236 kg
220 kg
Type
Cruiser
Cruiser
Horsepower
109 hp
89 hp @ 7,500 rpm
Torque
116 Nm (85.6 lb-ft)
95 Nm @ 5,000 rpm
Top Speed
~130 mph (estimated)
185 km/h (estimated)
Weight
236 kg (520 lbs)
220 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
—
5.5 L/100km (approx. 18 km/L typical real-world average)
Fairing
No
No
Individual Reviews
BMW R 12
8.2/10
"A proper motorcycle that rewards riders who value character over technology."
Pros
+Characterful air-cooled boxer engine
+Exceptional long-term build quality
+Strong low-rev torque delivery
Cons
−Prices holding frustratingly firm
−Reaches heat discomfort in traffic
−Limited for shorter inseams
Harley-davidson Nightster
7.8/10
"A genuinely good motorcycle that earns respect beyond the badge."
Pros
+Revolution Max engine is excellent
+Actually corners with confidence
+Low, manageable seat height
Cons
−Stock seat is punishment
−Cramped for tall riders
−Limited wind protection
Top 10 Accessories
Picks that work on either bike.
