2024 BMW R 12 Cruiser vs 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2024 BMW R 12 Cruiser 2024 BMW R 12 Cruiser

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, two camshafts and four radially aligned valves per cylinder, central counter balancer shaft.
Power
70.1 kW / 95 hp @ 6500 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
227 kg / 500 lbs
2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, 60° V-twin Revolution Max 1250, Chain-driven, DOHC, hydraulic self-adjusting lifters, intake & exhaust VVT, four valves per cylinder
Power
150 hp / 112 kW @ 9000 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
245 kg / 540 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20242021 -
Make ModelBMW R 12 CruiserHarley Davidson Pan America 1250
Dimensions
Seat Height754 mm / 29.7 inLow seat position 850 mm / 33.4 in High seat position 875 mm / 34.4 in Low seat position with optional ARH suspension 830 mm / 32.7 in High seat position with optional ARH suspension 855 mm / 33.7 in
Wheelbase1519 mm / 59.8 in1580 mm / 62.2 in
Ground Clearance-210 mm / 8.3 in
Height1110 mm / 43.7 in1510 mm / 59.4 in
Length2200 mm / 86.6 in2270 mm / 89.4 in
Seat Height (Inner Leg Curve)1760 mm / 69.3 in-
Seat Height (Laden)-Low seat position 789 mm / 31.1 in High seat position 814 mm / 32 in Low seat position with optional ARH suspension 772 mm / 30.4 in High seat position with optional ARH suspension 797 mm / 31.4 in
Width830 mm / 32.7 in900 mm / 35.4 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-229 kg / 505 lbs
Fuel Capacity14 Litres / 3.7 US gal21.2 Litres / 5.6 US gal
Wet Weight227 kg / 500 lbs245 kg / 540 lbs
Performance
Max Power70.1 kW / 95 hp @ 6500 rpm150 hp / 112 kW @ 9000 rpm
Max Torque106 Nm / 81 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm127 Nm / 94 lb-ft @ 6750 rpm
Engine
Displacement1170 cc / 71.4 cub in1252 cc / 76.3 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, two camshafts and four radially aligned valves per cylinder, central counter balancer shaft.Four stroke, 60° V-twin Revolution Max 1250, Chain-driven, DOHC, hydraulic self-adjusting lifters, intake & exhaust VVT, four valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke101 x 73 mm105 x 72.3 mm
Compression Ratio12:113.0:1
Cooling SystemAir/oil cooledLiquid cooled
EmissionsControlled 3-way catalytic converter, exhaust emission standards EU-59-
Exhaust-2-into-1-into-1, catalyst in header
Fuel InductionElectronic intake pipe injection / digital engine management system: BMS-O with throttle-by-wireElectronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Fuel TypeUnleaded super (premium), octane number 95-98 (RON) (rated output at 98 RON)-
LubricationWet sumpSemi-dry sump
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchSingle dry plate clutch, hydraulically operatedMechanical, 8 plate wet, assist & slip, 1090N
Final DriveShaft-
Final Drive Ratio-Chain, 19/48
Gear Ratios1st = 2.375, 2nd = 1.696, 3rd = 1.296, 4th = 1.065, 5th = 0.939, 6th = 0.8481st 13.11 / 2nd 9.687 / 3rd 7.509 / 4th 6.057 / 5th 5.08 / 6th 4.436
Primary Drive Ratios1.737Gear, 49/89
Transmission / Drive6-speed, claw-shifted transmission with separate transmission housing6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeFour-part frame concept with front frame and three-part rear frame, load-bearing engine-gearbox unit, rear-seat frame removeable for one-up ridingStressed-member, high strength low alloy steel trellis frame; stamped, cast, and forged junctions; MIG welded; aluminum forged mid-structure
Suspension - Front46 mm upside-down telescopic forks47mm inverted fork with compression, rebound and spring preload adjustability. Aluminum fork triple clamps
Suspension - RearCast aluminium single swinging arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; central spring strut, spring preload fully adjustable by hook wrench, adjustable rebound-stage dampingLinkage-mounted, piggyback monoshock with compression, rebound and hydraulic spring preload adjustability
Rake29.3 °25°
Swingarm-One-piece cast aluminum
Trail132 mm / 5.2 in108 mm / 4.3 in
Wheel Travel - Front90 mm / 3.5 in 191 mm / 7.5 in
Wheel Travel - Rear90 mm / 3.5 in191 mm / 7.5 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2X 310mm disc brake, 4-piston Monobloc radial brake caliper2x 320mm discs, radially mounted, monoblock, 4-piston caliper
Brakes - RearSingle 265 mm disc, 2 piston floating caliperSingle 280mm disc, floating, single piston caliper
ABSBMW Motorrad ABS ProStandard
Rims - Front2.75 x 193.0 x 19
Rims - Rear4.00 x 164.50 x 17
Tyres - Front100/90 - R19120/70R19 60V
Tyres - Rear150/80 - R16170/60R17 72V
WheelsAluminium cast wheelsAluminum cast, satin black (optional: annodized aluminum tubeless laced)

Verdict

Winner on specs

2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250

The 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 edges out the 2024 BMW R 12 Cruiser thanks to its higher torque, liquid cooling, higher rear wheel travel, higher front wheel travel and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2024 BMW R 12 Cruiser - Advantages

  • Lighter: 227 kg vs 245 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Lower seat height: 754 mm vs Low seat position 850 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 127 Nm vs 106 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Larger displacement: 1252 cc vs 1170 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.
  • More rear wheel travel: 191 mm vs 90 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 191 mm vs 90 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2024 BMW R 12 Cruiser vs 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2024 BMW R 12 Cruiser and 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250?
The 2024 BMW R 12 Cruiser uses Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, two camshafts and four radially aligned valves per cylinder, central counter balancer shaft., while the 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 is powered by Four stroke, 60° V-twin Revolution Max 1250, Chain-driven, DOHC, hydraulic self-adjusting lifters, intake & exhaust VVT, four valves per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 2024 BMW R 12 Cruiser or the 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250?
The 2024 BMW R 12 Cruiser is lighter at 227 kg compared to 245 kg for the 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 - a difference of 18 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2024 BMW R 12 Cruiser or the 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250?
The 2024 BMW R 12 Cruiser has the lower seat at 754 mm, making it more accessible. The 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 sits higher at Low seat position 850 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2024 BMW R 12 Cruiser or the 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250?
Both are strong choices. The 2024 BMW R 12 Cruiser has the edge in lighter kerb weight and lower seat height, while the 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 stands out for higher torque and liquid cooling. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.