2021 BMW R 18 vs 2021 Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special 114

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2021 BMW R 18 2021 BMW R 18

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, Pushrod-actuated OHV w/ two camshafts, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
67 kW / 91 hp @ 4750 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
345 kg / 760.5 lbs
2021 Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special 114 2021 Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special 114

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, V-Twin, Milwaukee-Eight 114, Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
379 kg / 836 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20212021
Make ModelBMW R 18Harley Davidson Street Glide Special 114
Dimensions
Seat Height690 mm / 27.2 inLaden 7 663 mm / 26.1 in Unladen 690 mm / 27.2 in
Wheelbase1731 mm / 68.1 in1625 mm / 64 in
Ground Clearance-125 mm / 4.9 in
Height-1350 mm / 53.1 in
Length2440 mm / 36 in2450 mm / 96.5 in
Width964 mm / 37.9 in with mirrors960 mm / 37.8 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-362 kg / 798 lbs
Fuel Capacity16 Litres / 4.2 US gal 22.7 Litres / US 6.0 gal
Wet Weight345 kg / 760.5 lbs379 kg / 836 lbs
Performance
Max Power67 kW / 91 hp @ 4750 rpm-
Max Torque158 Nm / 116 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm167 Nm / 122 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm
Engine
Displacement1802 cc / 110 cu-in 1868 cc / 114 cu in
Engine DetailFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, Pushrod-actuated OHV w/ two camshafts, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, V-Twin, Milwaukee-Eight 114, Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke107.1 X 100 mm102 x 114 mm
Compression Ratio9.6:110.5:1
Cooling SystemAir/water cooledAir cooled
EmissionsClosed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, EU5 exhaust standard-
Engine ManagementBMS-O-
Exhaust-Black, 2-1-2 dual exhaust with tapered mufflers
Fuel InductionFuel injection, 48 mm Throttle valvesElectronic 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 clutchHydraulically actuated 9 plate wet, Assist & Slip
Final DriveShaft, Final Drive 3.091Belt
Gear Ratios1st 2,438 / 2nd 1,696 / 3rd 1,296 / 4th 1,065 / 5th 0,903 / 6th 0,7841st 9.593 2nd 6.65 3rd 4.938 4th 4.0 5th 3.407 6th 2.875
Primary Drive-Chain, 34/46 ratio
Primary Drive Ratios1.16-
Transmission / DriveConstant-mesh 6-speed6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeConstruction type Double-loop steel tube frameMild steel, square-section backbone with twin downtubes
Suspension - Front49 mm Telescopic fork, Non-adjustable41.3 mm telescopic, cartridge-style damping,
Suspension - RearCantilevered spring-preload adjustable shockShort, air-adjustable shock,
Fork Angle- 29.2°
Rake32.7° 26°
Steering Head Angle57.3°-
Trail150 mm / 5.9 in173mm / 6.8 in
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in117 mm / 4.6 in
Wheel Travel - Rear80 mm / 3.5 in51 mm / 2.0 in
Electrical Systems
Alternator600W-
HeadlightLED low beam with projection module LED high beam with projection module-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2X 300mm discs2x 300mm discs 4-piston fixed caliper,Caliper Type 32 mm
Brakes - RearSingle 300mm discSingle 300mm discs 2-piston caliper
ABSBMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part-integral)Standard
Tyres - Front120/70 R 19 or B 19 (manufacturer-dependent)130/60B19 61H
Tyres - Rear180/65 B 161st 9.593 2nd 6.65 3rd 4.938 4th 4 5th 3.407 6th 2.875
WheelsSpoked-
Wheels - Front3.5 x 19-
Wheels - Rear5.0 x 16Black, Talon Cast Aluminum

Verdict

Winner on specs

2021 BMW R 18

The 2021 BMW R 18 edges out the 2021 Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special 114 thanks to its lighter kerb weight, liquid cooling and higher rear wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2021 BMW R 18 - Advantages

  • Lighter: 345 kg vs 379 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • More rear wheel travel: 80 mm vs 51 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2021 Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special 114 - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 167 Nm vs 158 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Lower seat height: Laden 7 663 mm vs 690 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2021 BMW R 18 vs 2021 Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special 114 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2021 BMW R 18 and 2021 Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special 114?
The 2021 BMW R 18 uses Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, Pushrod-actuated OHV w/ two camshafts, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2021 Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special 114 is powered by Four stroke, V-Twin, Milwaukee-Eight 114, Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters, 4 valves per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 2021 BMW R 18 or the 2021 Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special 114?
The 2021 BMW R 18 is lighter at 345 kg compared to 379 kg for the 2021 Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special 114 - a difference of 34 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2021 BMW R 18 or the 2021 Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special 114?
The 2021 Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special 114 has the lower seat at Laden 7 663 mm, making it more accessible. The 2021 BMW R 18 sits higher at 690 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2021 BMW R 18 or the 2021 Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special 114?
Both are strong choices. The 2021 BMW R 18 has the edge in lighter kerb weight and liquid cooling, while the 2021 Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special 114 stands out for higher torque and 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.