2025 BMW R 12G/S vs 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

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

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, with four camshaft-operated valves and two overhead camshafts per cylinder.
Power
81 kW / 109 hp @ 7000 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
229 kg / 505 lbs
2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stoke, parallel twin, 270° crank angle, SOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Power
57.5 kW / 76.9 hp @ 6100 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
263 kg / 580 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20252021
Make ModelBMW R 12G/STriumph Bonneville Speedmaster
Dimensions
Seat Height860 mm / 33.9 in (875 mm / 34.4 in Enduro Package)705 mm / 27.8 in
Wheelbase1580 mm / 62.2 in (1585 / 62.4 in Enduro Package)1500 mm / 59.1 in
Height-1055 mm /41.5 in
Length2200 mm / 86.6 in2225 mm / 87.6 in
Width830 mm / 32.7 in910 mm / 35.8 in
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity15.5 Litres / 4.1 US gal12 Litres / 3.2 US gal
Wet Weight229 kg / 505 lbs263 kg / 580 lbs
Performance
Max Power81 kW / 109 hp @ 7000 rpm57.5 kW / 76.9 hp @ 6100 rpm
Max Torque115 Nm / 81 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm106 Nm / 78.2 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine
Displacement1170 cc / 71.4 cub in1198 cc / 73.1 cu in
Engine DetailFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, with four camshaft-operated valves and two overhead camshafts per cylinder.Four stoke, parallel twin, 270° crank angle, SOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Bore x Stroke101 x 73 mm97.6 x 80 mm
Compression Ratio12:110.0:1
Cooling SystemAir/oil cooledLiquid cooled
EmissionsControlled 3-way catalytic converter, exhaust emission standards EU-5+EURO5
Exhaust-Chromed stainless steel 2 into 2 twin-skin exhaust system with chromed stainless silencers
Fuel InductionElectronic intake pipe injection / digital engine management system: BMS-O with throttle-by-wireMultipoint sequential electronic fuel injection
Fuel TypeUnleaded super (premium), octane number 95-98 (RON) (rated output at 98 RON)-
Ignition-Digital
LubricationWet sumpWet sump
StarterElectric-
Drivetrain
ClutchSingle dry plate clutch, hydraulically operatedWet, multi-plate, torque assist clutch
Final DriveUniversal shaftChain
Gear Ratios1st = 2.375, 2nd = 1.696, 3rd = 1.296, 4th = 1.065, 5th = 0.939, 6th = 0.848-
Primary Drive Ratios1.737-
Transmission / Drive6-Speed, claw-shifted transmission with separate transmission housing6-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 ridingTubular steel, twin cradle frame
Suspension - Front45 mm USD telescopic forks, spring base, rebound and compression damping adjustable47 mm Showa cartridge forks
Suspension - RearAluminum Paralever swinging arm, directly linked WAD spring strut, spring base, rebound and compression damping adjustableMono-shock RSU with linkage and preload adjustment
Rake-25.3°
Steering Head Angle63.1° (63.2° Enduro Package)-
Swingarm-Twin sided fabrication
Trail120.8 mm / 4.76 in (121.3 / 4.76 Enduro Package)91.4 mm / 3.6 in
Wheel Travel - Front210 mm / 8.3 in -
Wheel Travel - Rear200 mm / 7.9 in-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2 x 310mm disc brake, with two axially bolted 2-piston floating calipers2 x 310mm disc, Brembo 2-piston sliding axial calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 265 mm disc, 2 piston floating caliperSingle 255mm disc, Nissin single piston sliding axial caliper
ABSBMW Motorrad ABS Pro (lean angle optimised)Standard
Rims - Front2.15 x 21-
Rims - Rear4.0 x 17 (4.0 x 18 Enduro Package)-
Tyres - Front90/90/21130/90-16
Tyres - Rear150/70 - R17 (150/70 - R18 Enduro Package)150/80-16
WheelsAluminium cross-spoke wheels-
Wheels - Front-Wire 32-spoke, 16 x 2.5 in
Wheels - Rear-Wire 32-spoke, 16 x 3.5 in

Verdict

Winner on specs

2025 BMW R 12G/S

The 2025 BMW R 12G/S edges out the 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster thanks to its higher torque and lighter kerb weight. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2025 BMW R 12G/S - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 115 Nm vs 106 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Lighter: 229 kg vs 263 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.

2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 705 mm vs 860 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.

2025 BMW R 12G/S vs 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2025 BMW R 12G/S and 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster?
The 2025 BMW R 12G/S uses Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, with four camshaft-operated valves and two overhead camshafts per cylinder., while the 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster is powered by Four stoke, parallel twin, 270° crank angle, SOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 2025 BMW R 12G/S or the 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster?
The 2025 BMW R 12G/S is lighter at 229 kg compared to 263 kg for the 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster - a difference of 34 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2025 BMW R 12G/S or the 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster?
The 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster has the lower seat at 705 mm, making it more accessible. The 2025 BMW R 12G/S sits higher at 860 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2025 BMW R 12G/S or the 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster?
Both are strong choices. The 2025 BMW R 12G/S has the edge in higher torque and lighter kerb weight, while the 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster stands out for lower seat height and liquid cooling. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.