2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special vs 2015 BMW R 1200R LC

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special

Naked bike

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph
Weight
666.0 pounds
2015 BMW R 1200R LC 2015 BMW R 1200R LC

Naked bike

Engine
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, intake 40mm, outlet 34 mm
Power
92 kW / 125 hp @ 7750 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
231 kg / 509.2 lbs
Full Specifications
General
CommentsAmphibian.-
Year-2015
ColoursBlack Denim, Vivid Black, Ember Red Sunglo-
Make Model-BMW R 1200R LC
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)122 mm-
Ground Clearance (in.)4.8 inches-
Seat Height650 mm / 25.6 in.760 mm - 820 mm / 29.9 in - 32.2 in
Wheelbase1,702 mm / 67.0 in.1515 mm / 59.6 in
Height1,400 mm / 55.1 in.1300 mm / 51.1 in (excl. mirrors)
Length2,365 mm / 93.1 in.2165 mm / 85.2 in
Width1,600 mm / 63.0 in.880 mm / 34.6 in (incl. mirrors)
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (Quarts)0.31 quarts-
Oil Capacity (l)4.70 litres-
Dry Weight288.9 kg / 637.0 lbs-
Fuel Capacity18.93 litres / 5.00 gallons18 Liters / 5.3 US gal
Max Load-450 kg / 992 lbs
Wet Weight302.1 kg / 666.0 lbs231 kg / 509.2 lbs
Performance
Top Speed45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph-
Max Power-92 kW / 125 hp @ 7750 rpm
Max Torque112.95 Nm (11.5 kgf-m or 83.3 ft.lbs) @ 6750125 Nm / 12.7 kgf-m / 92 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm
Engine
Engine TypeV2, four-stroke-
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-
Displacement (cc)1250.08 cc-
CO2147.6 CO-
Bore x Stroke (in,)4.1 x 2.8 inches-
Bore x Stroke (mm)105.0 x 72.0 mm-
Displacement (ci)76.28 cubic inches-
Displacement-1170 cc / 71.4 cub in.
Engine DetailLiquid-cooled, Revolution®, 60° V-TwinFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, intake 40mm, outlet 34 mm
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)-
Bore x Stroke-101 x 73 mm
Compression Ratio11.5:112.5:1
Cooling System-Liquid / Air cooled
ExhaustStraight-shot exhaust with brushed finish dual mufflers; black end caps and exhaust shield-
Fuel Consumption6.36 litres/100 km (15.7 km/l or 36.98 mpg)-
Fuel Induction-Throttle valve mm 52 Carburetion BMS-X Emission control Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter
Fuel Reserve-4 Litres / 1.0 US gal
Fuel Type-Premium unleaded (95 RON)
Ignition-BMS-K
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity-12 V / 11,8 Ah, maintenance-free
Drivetrain
ClutchMulti-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bathOil lubricated clutch, hydraulically operated
Final DriveBeltShaft
Gearbox6-speed-
Primary DriveGear, 117/64 ratio primary drive-
Transmission / Drive-Constant mesh 6-speed gearbox with helical gear teeth
Chassis
Frame Type-Two-section frame, front- and bolted on rear frame, load-bearing engine
Suspension - FrontIndependent coil springs and hydraulic dampersTelescopic Upside-Down fork; stanchion diameter 45 mm
Suspension - RearIndependent coil springs and hydraulic dampersCast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; WAD strut (travel-related damping), spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) at handwheel, rebound damping adjustable at handwheel
Rake34.0°-
Steering Head Angle-62.3°
Trail142 mm / 5.6 in.-
Wheel Travel - Front-140 mm / 5.5 in
Wheel Travel - Rear-140 mm / 5.5 in
Electrical Systems
Alternator-Three-phase alternator 510 W (nominal power)
Electrical System-Alternator three-phase alternator 508 W (nominal power) Battery /Ah 12V/12 maintenance-free Headlight H7W / LED (SA) Starter 0.9 kW
InstrumentationElectronic speedometer with odometer, time-of-day clock on odometer, dual tripmeter, fuel gauge with low fuel warning light and countdown feature, low oil pressure indicator light, engine diagnostics readout, LED indicator lights, tachometer-
Lighting systemHigh beam, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, security system (optional), coolant temperature, low fuel warnings-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontSingle disc. 4-piston2 x 320 floating discs, 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle disc. 2-pistonSingle 275mm disc, 2 piston caliper
ABS-BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part-integral), disengageable
RimsBlack, Split 5-Spoke Cast Aluminum w/ Orange Pinstripe-
Rims - Front-3.50 x 17
Rims - Rear-5.50 x 17
Tyres - Front-120/70 ZR 17
Tyres - Rear-180/55 ZR 17
Wheel Caster-125,6 mm / 4.9 in

Verdict

Winner on specs

2015 BMW R 1200R LC

The 2015 BMW R 1200R LC edges out the 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special thanks to its liquid cooling, standard ABS and dual front discs. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 650 mm vs 760 mm - 820 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.

2015 BMW R 1200R LC - 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.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special vs 2015 BMW R 1200R LC - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special and 2015 BMW R 1200R LC?
The 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special uses V2, four-stroke, while the 2015 BMW R 1200R LC is powered by Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, intake 40mm, outlet 34 mm.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special or the 2015 BMW R 1200R LC?
The 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special has the lower seat at 650 mm, making it more accessible. The 2015 BMW R 1200R LC sits higher at 760 mm - 820 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Does the 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special or 2015 BMW R 1200R LC have ABS?
The 2015 BMW R 1200R LC is listed with ABS as standard. The 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special or the 2015 BMW R 1200R LC?
Both are strong choices. The 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special has the edge in lower seat height and fuel injection, while the 2015 BMW R 1200R LC 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.