BMW R1300GS vs Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special

BMW R1300GS vs Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special side by side: power, weight, seat height, tank, range, A2 licence and prices. Model years: since 2024 and since 2021.

Key differences

More power: Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special (112 vs 107 kW)
Lighter: BMW R1300GS (237 vs 262 kg, kerb weight)

Specs	BMW R1300GS	Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special
Years	since 2024	since 2021
Type	Adventure	Adventure
Licence	Full A only	Full A only
Engine	1300 cc, 2 cyl.	1252 cc, 2 cyl.
Power	107 kW / 143 bhp	112 kW / 150 bhp (best value)
Torque	149 Nm at 6500 rpm	128 Nm at 6750 rpm
Weight	237 kg (kerb weight), also with ASA (best value)	262 kg (kerb weight)
Seat height	850 mm (low seat 800 mm)	850 mm (low seat 830 mm)
Suspension travel	front 190 mm, rear 200 mm	front 191 mm, rear 191 mm
Max load	227 kg (rider, passenger, luggage)	197 kg (rider, passenger, luggage)
ABS	ABS	ABS
Drive / gearbox	shaft, manual	chain, manual
Tank	19 l	21.2 l (best value)
Fuel use	53 mpg (5.3 l/100 km) (best value)	45 mpg (6.3 l/100 km)
Range on one tank	195 miles (best value)	180 miles
New price (official German list, converted)	£17,200	-
Used price (estimate)	£13,600 - £15,500	£15,000 - £19,900

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BMW R1300GS: Watch out

Expensive parts
Top-heavy when stopped
High insurance cost
Popular with thieves
Tall seat: 850 mm or more - see "Will your feet reach the ground?"
Heavy: 230 kg or more

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special: Watch out

Small dealer network
Expensive parts
Tall seat: 850 mm or more - see "Will your feet reach the ground?"
Heavy: 230 kg or more

Other comparisons

Specs from makers and test sources; prices are estimates. Check the bike you buy.