2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic vs 2018 BMW R 1200RT

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic 2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic

Touring

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
765.0 pounds
2018 BMW R 1200RT 2018 BMW R 1200RT

Touring

Engine
Twin, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
200.0 km/h / 124.3 mph
Weight
608.5 pounds
Full Specifications
General
CommentsWindshieldWindscreen. Heated grips. Riding modes rain and road.
ColoursVivid Black, Black Quartz, Superior Blue, Black Hills Gold/Black Quartz, Crushed Ice Pearl/Frosted Teal Pearl, Mysterious Red Sunglo/Velocity Red Sunglo, Bonneville Blue/Phatom BlueAlpine White, Mars Red Metallic/Dark Slate Metallic Matt
Dimensions
StorageSaddle bagsSaddle bags
Ground Clearance (mm)131 mm-
Ground Clearance (in.)5.2 inches-
Seat Height690 mm / 27.2 in.805 mm / 31.7 in.
Wheelbase1,635 mm / 64.4 in.1,485 mm / 58.5 in.
Height-1,415 mm / 55.7 in.
Length2,405 mm / 94.7 in.2,222 mm / 87.5 in.
Width-983 mm / 38.7 in.
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (Quarts)0.22 quarts-
Oil Capacity (l)3.30 litres-
Dry Weight333 kg / 734.1 lbs-
Fuel Capacity18.93 litres / 5.00 gallons25.00 litres / 6.61 gallons
Wet Weight347.0 kg / 765.0 lbs276.0 kg / 608.5 lbs
Performance
Top Speed-200.0 km/h / 124.3 mph
Max Torque125.00 Nm (12.7 kgf-m or 92.2 ft.lbs) @ 3000 Revolutions125.00 Nm (12.7 kgf-m or 92.2 ft.lbs) @ 6500 Revolutions
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.2342 HP/kg-
Engine
Displacement (cc)-1170.00 cc
Displacement (ci)-71.39 cubic inches
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.9 x 4.4 inches4.0 x 2.9 inches
CO2129.9 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)115.1 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Bore x Stroke (mm)98.4 x 111.1 mm101.0 x 73.0 mm
Engine TypeV2, four-strokeTwin, four-stroke
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Engine DetailHigh Output Twin Cam 103B-
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)Injection. Digital engine management, electronic intake pipe fuel injection
Compression Ratio9.7:112.5:1
Emissions-Performance / fuel consumption
Engine Lubrication-Wet sump
ExhaustChrome, staggered shorty exhaust with dual mufflers-
Fuel Consumption5.60 litres/100 km (17.9 km/l or 42.00 mpg)4.96 litres/100 km (20.2 km/l or 47.42 mpg)
Fuel Reserve-4.00 litres / 1.06 gallons
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
Drivetrain
ClutchMulti-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bathWet eight-disc clutch with anti-hopping function, hydraulically operated
Final DriveBeltShaft drive (cardan)
Gearbox6-speed6-speed
Chassis
Frame Type-Two-section frame consisting of front and rear sections, load-bearing engine-gearbox unit
Suspension - FrontTelescopic forkBMW Motorrad Telelever
Suspension - RearTwin shocksBMW Motorrad EVO Paralever
Rake31.0°26.4°
Trail147 mm / 5.8 in.116 mm / 4.6 in.
Wheel Travel - Front-120 mm / 4.7 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear-136 mm / 5.4 in.
Electrical Systems
InstrumentationTank-mounted electronic speedometer with odometer, time-of-day clock on odometer, dual tripmeter, RPM/gear display, fuel gauge with low fuel warning light and countdown feature, low oil pressure indicator light, engine diagnostics readout, LED indicat-
Lighting systemHigh beam, front fender running lights, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, security system (optional), 6-speed, low fuel warnings-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-320 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-12.6 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-276 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-10.9 inches
Brakes - FrontSingle disc. ABS. 4-piston.Double disc. ABS
Brakes - RearSingle disc. ABS. 2-piston.Single disc. ABS
RimsSteel laced, optional whitewall tiresCast aluminium
Tyres - FrontMT90-B16120/70-ZR17
Tyres - Rear150/80-B16180/55-ZR17

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic and the 2018 BMW R 1200RT are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 690 mm vs 805 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2018 BMW R 1200RT - Advantages

  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic vs 2018 BMW R 1200RT - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic and 2018 BMW R 1200RT?
The 2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic uses V2, four-stroke, while the 2018 BMW R 1200RT is powered by Twin, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic or the 2018 BMW R 1200RT?
The 2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic has the lower seat at 690 mm, making it more accessible. The 2018 BMW R 1200RT sits higher at 805 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic or the 2018 BMW R 1200RT?
Both are strong choices. The 2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic has the edge in lower seat height, while the 2018 BMW R 1200RT stands out for dual front discs. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.