2020 Harley-Davidson Street Glide vs 2021 BMW R 1250RT

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2020 Harley-Davidson Street Glide 2020 Harley-Davidson Street Glide

Touring

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
828.9 pounds
2021 BMW R 1250RT 2021 BMW R 1250RT

Touring

Engine
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, with two overhead, spur gear driven camshafts , a counterbalance shaft and variable intake camshaft control system BMW ShiftCam, 4 valves per cylinder, Intake 40mm, outlet 34 mm
Power
136 hp / 100 kW @ 7750 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
279 kg / 615 lbs
Full Specifications
General
CommentsWindshield. Cruise control. Infotainment.-
Year-2021
ColoursVivid Black, Midnight Blue, Black Denim, Barracuda Silver, Stiletto Red, Tahitian Teal-
Make Model-BMW R 1250RT
Dimensions
StorageSaddle bags-
Ground Clearance (mm)135 mm-
Ground Clearance (in.)5.3 inches-
Seat Height663 mm / 26.1 in.805 mm to 825 mm / 31.6 in to 32.4 in 830 mm to 850 mm / 32.6 in to 33.4 in - SE high seat 760 mm to 780 mm / 29.9 in to 30.7 in - low seat
Wheelbase1625 mm / 64.0 in.1485 mm / 58.4 in
Length2450 mm / 96.5 in.2222 mm / 87.4 in
Width-985 mm / 38.7 in
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (Quarts)5.18 US quarts-
Oil Capacity (l)4.90 litres-
Dry Weight361 kg / 795.9 lbs-
Fuel Capacity22.71 litres / 6.00 US gallons25 Litres / 6.6 US gal
Max Load-505 kg / 1113.3 lbs
Wet Weight376.0 kg / 828.9 lbs279 kg / 615 lbs
Performance
Max Power-136 hp / 100 kW @ 7750 rpm
Max Torque150.0 Nm (15.3 kgf-m or 110.6 ft.lbs) @ 3250 Revolutions"143 Nm / 105.4 lb-ft @ 6250 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.2465 HP/kg-
Engine
CO2126.9 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)-
Displacement (ci)106.54 cubic inches-
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.9 x 4.4 inches-
Displacement (cc)1746.0 cc-
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-
Bore x Stroke (mm)100.0 x 111.0 mm-
Engine TypeV2, four-stroke-
Displacement-1254 cc / 76.5 cu-in
Engine DetailMilwaukee-Eight 107Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, with two overhead, spur gear driven camshafts , a counterbalance shaft and variable intake camshaft control system BMW ShiftCam, 4 valves per cylinder, Intake 40mm, outlet 34 mm
Fuel SystemInjection. ESPFI-
Bore x Stroke-102.5 x 76 mm
Compression Ratio10.0:112.5:1
Cooling System-Liquid / Air cooled
Emissions-Closed-loop three-way catalytic converter, compliant with Euro 5 emission standard
Engine LubricationDry sump-
Engine Management-Digital engine control: BMS-O with e-gas
ExhaustChrome, 2-1-2 dual exhaust with tapered mufflers-
Fuel Consumption5.47 litres/100 km (18.3 km/l or 43.00 mpg)-
Fuel Induction-Electronic intake pipe fuel injection, 52mm throttle valve
Fuel Type-Super petrol unleaded, octane number 95 (ROZ), adaptation through engine control (91 to 98 ROZ)
StarterElectricElectric
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity-12 V / 11.8 Ah, maintenance-free
Drivetrain
ClutchMulti-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bathWet clutch with anti-hopping function, hydraulically activated
Final DriveBelt   (final drive)Shaft
Gear Ratios-1st (2.438) 2nd 1.714 3rd. 1.296 4th 1.059 5th 0.943 6th 0.848
Gearbox6-speed-
Primary DriveChain, 34/46 ratio primary drive-
Primary Drive Ratios-1.650
Secondary Drive Ratio-1.061
Transmission / Drive-6-speed helical synchromesh gearbox
Chassis
Frame Type-Two-section frame concept consisting of main frame with bolt-on rear frame, load-bearing engine
Suspension - FrontTelescopic forkBMW Motorrad 37mm Telelever, central spring strut
Suspension - RearTwin shocksCast aluminium single-sided swinging arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever, WAD spring strut, spring preload continuously and hydraulically adjustable via adjuster knob, adjustable rebound-stage damping via adjuster knob
Rake26.0°-
Steering Angle-64.1°
Trail170 mm / 6.7 in.116 mm / 4.5 in
Wheel Travel - Front-120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear-136 mm / 5.3 in
Electrical Systems
InstrumentationFairing-mounted electronic speedometer with odometer; time-of-day clock on CD player/stereo; dual trip meter; low fuel indicator light and mileage countdown feature; low oil pressure indicator light; engine diagnostics readout; LED indicator lights; 6-spe-
Lighting systemHigh beam, running lights, front fender light, directional light bar, neutral, low oil pressure, engine diagnostics, turn signals, security system (optional), 6-speed, low fuel warning, cruise control (optional), ABS (optional)-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. ABS. 4-piston2x 320mm floating discs, 4-piston radial brake calipers
Brakes - RearSingle disc. ABS. 4-pistonSingle 276mm disc, 2-piston floating caliper
ABS-BMW Motorrad full integral ABS Pro (full integral braking, lean optimised)
RimsEnforcer II Cast Aluminum-
Rims - Front-3.50 x 17
Rims - Rear-5.50 x 17
Tyres - Front130/60-B19120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear-180/55 ZR17
Wheels-Die-cast aluminium

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2020 Harley-Davidson Street Glide and the 2021 BMW R 1250RT 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

2020 Harley-Davidson Street Glide - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 663 mm vs 805 mm to 825 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2021 BMW R 1250RT - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.

2020 Harley-Davidson Street Glide vs 2021 BMW R 1250RT - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2020 Harley-Davidson Street Glide and 2021 BMW R 1250RT?
The 2020 Harley-Davidson Street Glide uses V2, four-stroke, while the 2021 BMW R 1250RT is powered by Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, with two overhead, spur gear driven camshafts , a counterbalance shaft and variable intake camshaft control system BMW ShiftCam, 4 valves per cylinder, Intake 40mm, outlet 34 mm.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2020 Harley-Davidson Street Glide or the 2021 BMW R 1250RT?
The 2020 Harley-Davidson Street Glide has the lower seat at 663 mm, making it more accessible. The 2021 BMW R 1250RT sits higher at 805 mm to 825 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Does the 2020 Harley-Davidson Street Glide or 2021 BMW R 1250RT have ABS?
The 2021 BMW R 1250RT is listed with ABS as standard. The 2020 Harley-Davidson Street Glide does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2020 Harley-Davidson Street Glide or the 2021 BMW R 1250RT?
Both are strong choices. The 2020 Harley-Davidson Street Glide has the edge in lower seat height and dual front discs, while the 2021 BMW R 1250RT stands out for liquid cooling and standard ABS. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.