2024 BMW R 12 Cruiser vs 2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight

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
2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight 2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight

Custom / cruiser

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
555.6 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Year2024-
Colours-Vivid Black, Performance Orange, Stone Washed White Pearl, River Rock Grey Denim, Stiletto Red
Make ModelBMW R 12 Cruiser-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)-4.3 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)-110 mm
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)-28.0 inches
Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm)-711 mm
Seat Height754 mm / 29.7 in665 mm / 26.2 in.
Wheelbase1519 mm / 59.8 in1495 mm / 58.9 in.
Height1110 mm / 43.7 in-
Length2200 mm / 86.6 in2164 mm / 85.2 in.
Seat Height (Inner Leg Curve)1760 mm / 69.3 in-
Width830 mm / 32.7 in-
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (Quarts)-2.96 US quarts
Oil Capacity (l)-2.80 litres
Dry Weight-247 kg / 544.5 lbs
Fuel Capacity14 Litres / 3.7 US gal7.90 litres / 2.09 US gallons
Wet Weight227 kg / 500 lbs252.0 kg / 555.6 lbs
Performance
Max Power70.1 kW / 95 hp @ 6500 rpm-
Max Torque106 Nm / 81 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm99.0 Nm (10.1 kgf-m or 73.0 ft.lbs) @ 3500 Revolutions"
Power-to-Weight Ratio-0.2632 HP/kg
Engine
Displacement (ci)-73.35 cubic inches
Engine Type-V2, four-stroke
Bore x Stroke (in,)-3.5 x 3.8 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)-88.9 x 96.8 mm
Fuel Control-Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
CO2-113.7 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Displacement (cc)-1202.0 cc
Displacement1170 cc / 71.4 cub in-
Engine DetailFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, two camshafts and four radially aligned valves per cylinder, central counter balancer shaft.Evolution® engine
Fuel System-Injection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection
Bore x Stroke101 x 73 mm-
Compression Ratio12:110.0:1
Cooling SystemAir/oil cooled-
EmissionsControlled 3-way catalytic converter, exhaust emission standards EU-59-
Engine Lubrication-Dry sump
Exhaust-Black, staggered exhaust with slash-cut mufflers
Fuel Consumption-4.90 litres/100 km (20.4 km/l or 48.00 mpg)
Fuel InductionElectronic intake pipe injection / digital engine management system: BMS-O with throttle-by-wire-
Fuel TypeUnleaded super (premium), octane number 95-98 (RON) (rated output at 98 RON)-
LubricationWet sump-
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchSingle dry plate clutch, hydraulically operatedMulti-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath
Final DriveShaftBelt   (final drive)
Gear Ratios1st = 2.375, 2nd = 1.696, 3rd = 1.296, 4th = 1.065, 5th = 0.939, 6th = 0.848-
Gearbox-6-speed
Primary Drive-57/38 ratio
Primary Drive Ratios1.737-
Transmission / Drive6-speed, claw-shifted transmission with separate transmission housing-
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 riding-
Suspension - Front46 mm upside-down telescopic forksTelescopic fork
Suspension - RearCast aluminium single swinging arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; central spring strut, spring preload fully adjustable by hook wrench, adjustable rebound-stage dampingTwin shocks
Rake29.3 °30.2°
Trail132 mm / 5.2 in135 mm / 5.3 in.
Wheel Travel - Front90 mm / 3.5 in -
Wheel Travel - Rear90 mm / 3.5 in-
Electrical Systems
Instrumentation-Handlebar-mounted electronic speedometer with odometer, time-of-day clock, dual tripmeter, low fuel warning light, low oil pressure light, engine diagnostics readout, LED indicator lights
Lighting system-High beam, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, low fuel warning, low battery, security system (optional)
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2X 310mm disc brake, 4-piston Monobloc radial brake caliperSingle disc. Dual-piston. Optional ABS.
Brakes - RearSingle 265 mm disc, 2 piston floating caliperSingle disc. Single-piston. Optional ABS.
ABSBMW Motorrad ABS Pro-
Rims-Black, Split 9-Spoke Cast Aluminum w/ Machined Highlights
Rims - Front2.75 x 19-
Rims - Rear4.00 x 16-
Tyres - Front100/90 - R19130/90-B16
Tyres - Rear150/80 - R16-
WheelsAluminium cast wheels-

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2024 BMW R 12 Cruiser and the 2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight 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

2024 BMW R 12 Cruiser - Advantages

  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.

2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 665 mm vs 754 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2024 BMW R 12 Cruiser vs 2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2024 BMW R 12 Cruiser and 2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight?
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 2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight is powered by V2, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2024 BMW R 12 Cruiser or the 2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight?
The 2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight has the lower seat at 665 mm, making it more accessible. The 2024 BMW R 12 Cruiser sits higher at 754 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Does the 2024 BMW R 12 Cruiser or 2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight have ABS?
The 2024 BMW R 12 Cruiser is listed with ABS as standard. The 2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2024 BMW R 12 Cruiser or the 2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight?
Both are strong choices. The 2024 BMW R 12 Cruiser has the edge in standard ABS, while the 2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight stands out for 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.