Bmw r18 vs. harley-davidson road king: the clash of titans
What To Know
- The BMW R18 and Harley-Davidson Road King are two of the most iconic and respected motorcycles on the road today.
- The BMW R18 comes standard with a six-speed transmission, while the Harley-Davidson Road King comes standard with a five-speed transmission.
- The Harley-Davidson Road King features a 49mm telescopic fork up front and a dual-shock setup in the rear.
The BMW R18 and Harley-Davidson Road King are two of the most iconic and respected motorcycles on the road today. Both bikes offer a unique blend of power, style, and comfort, but which one is right for you? In this article, we’ll compare the BMW R18 and Harley-Davidson Road King side-by-side to help you make an informed decision.
Engine
The BMW R18 is powered by a massive 1,802cc air/oil-cooled boxer twin engine that produces 91 horsepower and 116 lb-ft of torque. The Harley-Davidson Road King is powered by a 1,745cc air-cooled V-twin engine that produces 89 horsepower and 111 lb-ft of torque.
Transmission
The BMW R18 comes standard with a six-speed transmission, while the Harley-Davidson Road King comes standard with a five-speed transmission. Both bikes offer smooth shifting and a wide range of gears for optimal performance in a variety of riding conditions.
Suspension
The BMW R18 features a telescopic fork up front and a cantilever monoshock in the rear. The Harley-Davidson Road King features a 49mm telescopic fork up front and a dual-shock setup in the rear. Both bikes provide a comfortable ride, but the BMW R18’s suspension is slightly more sophisticated and offers better handling.
Brakes
The BMW R18 comes standard with dual 320mm floating discs up front and a single 300mm disc in the rear. The Harley-Davidson Road King comes standard with dual 300mm discs up front and a single 292mm disc in the rear. Both bikes offer excellent braking performance, but the BMW R18’s brakes are slightly more powerful.
Weight
The BMW R18 weighs in at 837 lbs, while the Harley-Davidson Road King weighs in at 843 lbs. Both bikes are heavy, but the BMW R18 is slightly lighter, which makes it easier to maneuver.
Price
The BMW R18 starts at $17,495, while the Harley-Davidson Road King starts at $19,999. Both bikes are expensive, but the BMW R18 is slightly more affordable.
Which Bike is Right for You?
The BMW R18 and Harley-Davidson Road King are both excellent motorcycles, but they offer different experiences. The BMW R18 is more powerful, lighter, and more technologically advanced than the Harley-Davidson Road King. However, the Harley-Davidson Road King has a more classic design and a lower price tag.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which bike is right for you is to test ride both of them. That way, you can experience firsthand how each bike rides and handles, and you can make an informed decision based on your own preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which bike is more powerful?
A: The BMW R18 is more powerful than the Harley-Davidson Road King. The R18 produces 91 horsepower and 116 lb-ft of torque, while the Road King produces 89 horsepower and 111 lb-ft of torque.
Q: Which bike is lighter?
A: The BMW R18 is slightly lighter than the Harley-Davidson Road King. The R18 weighs in at 837 lbs, while the Road King weighs in at 843 lbs.
Q: Which bike is more affordable?
A: The BMW R18 is slightly more affordable than the Harley-Davidson Road King. The R18 starts at $17,495, while the Road King starts at $19,999.
