2021 BMW R 18 Classic First Edition vs 2025 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy 117

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2021 BMW R 18 Classic First Edition 2021 BMW R 18 Classic First Edition

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, Pushrod-actuated OHV with two camshafts, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
67 kW / 91 hp @ 4750 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
365 kg / 804.6 lbs
2025 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy 117 2025 Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy 117

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, V-Twin, 2 Milwaukee-Eight 117 custom, Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
77 kW / 104Hp @ 4800 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
315 kg / 694 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20212025
Make ModelBMW R 18 Classic First EditionHarley Davidson Softail Fat Boy 117
Dimensions
Seat Height710 mm / 27.9 inUnladen 675 mm / 26.6 in Laden 658 mm / 25.9 in
Wheelbase1731 mm / 68.1 in1650 mm / 65 in
Ground Clearance-125 mm / 4.9 in
Height-1120 mm / 44.1 in
Length2440 mm / 36 in2365 mm / 93.1 in
Width964 mm / 37.9 in with mirrors965 mm / 40.0 in
Weights & Capacities
Wet Weight (kg)365 315
Dry Weight (kg)-303
Dry Weight-303 kg / 668 lbs
Fuel Capacity16 Litres / 4.2 US gal 18.9 Litres / US 5.0 gal
Wet Weight365 kg / 804.6 lbs315 kg / 694 lbs
Performance
Max Power67 kW / 91 hp @ 4750 rpm77 kW / 104Hp @ 4800 rpm
Max Torque158 Nm / 116 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm171 Nm / 126 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Engine
Displacement1802 cc / 110 cu-in 1923 cc / 117 cu in
Engine DetailFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, Pushrod-actuated OHV with two camshafts, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, V-Twin, 2 Milwaukee-Eight 117 custom, Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel SystemElectronic intake pipe fuel injection, 48 mm Throttle valves-
Bore x Stroke107.1 X 100 mm103.5 x 114.3 in
Compression Ratio9.6:110.3:1
Cooling SystemAir/water cooledAir cooled
EmissionsClosed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, EU5 exhaust standard-
Engine ManagementBMS-K+ electronic engine management with overrun cut-off, twin-spark ignition: BMS-O with e-gas-
Exhaust-2-into-2 staggered, catalyst in muffler
Fuel Induction-Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Fuel TypePremium unleaded (95-98 RON)-
Ignition-Single-fire, non-wasted, map-controlled spark ignition
Intake / Outlet Valve Diameter41.2 x 35.0 mm-
LubricationWet sumpPressurized, dry-sump with oil cooler
StarterElectric, 1.5 kWElectric
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12/26 V/Ah maintenance-free-
Drivetrain
ClutchHydraulically activated single-disc dry clutchMechanical, 10 plate wet, assist & conventional
Final DriveShaft, 3.091Belt, 32/66 ratio
Gear Ratios1st 2,438 / 2nd 1,696 / 3rd 1,296 / 4th 1,065 / 5th 0,903 / 6th 0,7841st 9.311 / 2nd 6.454 / 3rd 4.793 / 4th 3.882 / 5th 3.307 / 6th 2.79
Primary Drive-Chain, 34/46 ratio
Primary Drive Ratios1.16-
Transmission / Drive6-speed shifting claw transmission in separate transmission housing6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeConstruction type double-loop steel tube frameMild steel, tubular frame, rectangular section backbone, stamped, cast, and forged junctions, MIG welded, aluminum forged fender supports
Suspension - Front49 mm Telescopic fork, Non-adjustableDual bending valve 49mm telescopic with aluminum fork triple clamps, dual rate spring, "beer can" covers
Suspension - RearSteel swinging fork with central shock strutHidden, free piston, coil-over monoshock, 43mm stroke, hydraulic preload adjustment
Lean Angle-25.6°
Rake32.7°30°
Steering Head Angle57.3°-
Swingarm-Mild steel, tubular sections, stamped x-member, forged axle junctions, MIG welded, removable belt spacer
Trail150 mm / 5.9 in104 mm / 4.1 in
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in130 mm / 5.1 in
Wheel Travel - Rear90 mm / 3.5 in86 mm / 3.4 in
Electrical Systems
AlternatorPermanent magnet generator 600 W (nominal capacity)-
HeadlightLED low beam with projection module LED high beam with projection module-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2x 300mm discs, 4-piston fixed caliper2 x 300mm discs, 4 piston fixed caliper
Brakes - RearSingle 300mm disc, 4-piston fixed caliperSingle 292mm disc, 2 piston floating caliper
ABSBMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part-integral)Standard
Rims - Front3.0 x 16-
Rims - Rear5.0 x 16-
Tyres - Front130/90 B16160/60R18,70V,BW
Tyres - Rear180/65 B16240/40R18,79V,BW
WheelsSpokedMachined, Lakester cast aluminum
Wheels - Front-18 x 4,5 in
Wheels - Rear-18 x 8.0 in