2025 BMW R 12 S vs 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2025 BMW R 12 S 2025 BMW R 12 S

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, two camshafts and four radially aligned valves per cylinder, central counter balancer shaft.
Power
81 kW / 109 hp @ 7000 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
220 kg / 485 lbs
2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
256 kg / 564 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20252020 - 21
Make ModelBMW R 12 SHarley Davidson Sportster Iron 1200
Dimensions
Seat Height795 mm / 31.3 in735 mm / 28.9 in
Wheelbase1511 mm / 59.5 in1515 mm / 59.6 in
Ground Clearance-140 mm / 5.5 in
Length2131 mm / 83.9 in2200 mm / 86.6 in
Width871 mm / 34.3 in-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-248 kg / 547 lb.
Fuel Capacity15.9 Litres / 4.2 US gal12 Litres / 3.3 US gal
Oil Capacity-2.6 Litres / 2.7 US qrts
Wet Weight220 kg / 485 lbs256 kg / 564 lbs
Performance
Max Power81 kW / 109 hp @ 7000 rpm-
Max Torque115 Nm / 81 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm99 Nm / 73 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Engine
Displacement1170 cc / 71.4 cub in1202 cc / 73.4 cub in.
Engine DetailFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, two camshafts and four radially aligned valves per cylinder, central counter balancer shaft.Four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke101 x 73 mm88.9 x 96.8 mm
Compression Ratio12:110.0:1
Cooling SystemAir/oil cooledAir cooled
EmissionsControlled 3-way catalytic converter, exhaust emission standards EU-59-
Exhaust-Black, staggered exhaust and headers with black slash-cut mufflers
Fuel InductionElectronic intake pipe injection / digital engine management system: BMS-O with throttle-by-wireElectronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Fuel TypeUnleaded super (premium), octane number 95-98 (RON) (rated output at 98 RON)-
Ignition-Digital CDI
LubricationWet sump-
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchSingle dry plate clutch, hydraulically operated-
Final DriveShaftBelt
Gear Ratios1st = 2.375, 2nd = 1.696, 3rd = 1.296, 4th = 1.065, 5th = 0.939, 6th = 0.8481ST 9.315 2ND 6.653 3RD 4.948 4TH 4.102 5TH 3.517
Primary Drive-Chain, 38/57 ratio
Primary Drive Ratios1.737-
Transmission / Drive6-speed, claw-shifted transmission with separate transmission housing5 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeFour-part frame concept with front frame and three-part rear frame, load-bearing engine-gearbox unit, rear-seat frame removeable for one-up ridingMild steel, tubular frame; circular sections; cast junctions Swingarm Mild steel, rectangular tube section, stamped junctions; MIG welded
Suspension - FrontUpside-down 45 mm forks, compression, rebound and spring preload adjustable;39 mm Forks
Suspension - RearCast aluminium single swinging arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; central spring strut, spring preload fully adjustable by hook wrench, adjustable rebound-stage dampingCoil-over, dual-adjustable preload
Lean Angle-28°
Rake27.7 °30°
Trail112 mm / 4.4 in117 mm / 4.6 in
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in -
Wheel Travel - Rear120 mm / 4.7 in-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontTwin disc brake, floating brake discs, diameter 310 mm, 4-piston Monobloc radial brake caliperSingle 292 mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Brakes - RearSingle 265 mm disc, 2 piston floating caliperSingle 292mm disc, 1 piston caliper
ABSBMW Motorrad ABS Pro, partial integral-
Rims - Front3.50 x 17-
Rims - Rear5.50 x 17-
Tyres - Front120/70 - ZR17100/90B19 57H
Tyres - Rear180/55 - ZR17150/80B16 77H
WheelsAluminium cast wheels-
Wheels - Front-Black, 9-spoke
Wheels - Rear-Black, 9-spoke

Verdict

Winner on specs

2025 BMW R 12 S

The 2025 BMW R 12 S edges out the 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200 thanks to its higher torque, lighter kerb weight and standard ABS. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2025 BMW R 12 S - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 115 Nm vs 99 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Lighter: 220 kg vs 256 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.

2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200 - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 735 mm vs 795 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2025 BMW R 12 S vs 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2025 BMW R 12 S and 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200?
The 2025 BMW R 12 S uses Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, two camshafts and four radially aligned valves per cylinder, central counter balancer shaft., while the 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200 is powered by Four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 2025 BMW R 12 S or the 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200?
The 2025 BMW R 12 S is lighter at 220 kg compared to 256 kg for the 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200 - a difference of 36 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2025 BMW R 12 S or the 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200?
The 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200 has the lower seat at 735 mm, making it more accessible. The 2025 BMW R 12 S sits higher at 795 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Does the 2025 BMW R 12 S or 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200 have ABS?
The 2025 BMW R 12 S is listed with ABS as standard. The 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200 does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2025 BMW R 12 S or the 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200?
Both are strong choices. The 2025 BMW R 12 S has the edge in higher torque and lighter kerb weight, while the 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200 stands out for lower seat height. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.