2024 BMW R 12 Cruiser vs 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster

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 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stoke, parallel twin, 270° crank angle, SOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Power
57.5 kW / 76.9 hp @ 6100 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
263 kg / 580 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20242021
Make ModelBMW R 12 CruiserTriumph Bonneville Speedmaster
Dimensions
Seat Height754 mm / 29.7 in705 mm / 27.8 in
Wheelbase1519 mm / 59.8 in1500 mm / 59.1 in
Height1110 mm / 43.7 in1055 mm /41.5 in
Length2200 mm / 86.6 in2225 mm / 87.6 in
Seat Height (Inner Leg Curve)1760 mm / 69.3 in-
Width830 mm / 32.7 in910 mm / 35.8 in
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity14 Litres / 3.7 US gal12 Litres / 3.2 US gal
Wet Weight227 kg / 500 lbs263 kg / 580 lbs
Performance
Max Power70.1 kW / 95 hp @ 6500 rpm57.5 kW / 76.9 hp @ 6100 rpm
Max Torque106 Nm / 81 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm106 Nm / 78.2 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine
Displacement1170 cc / 71.4 cub in1198 cc / 73.1 cu in
Engine DetailFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, two camshafts and four radially aligned valves per cylinder, central counter balancer shaft.Four stoke, parallel twin, 270° crank angle, SOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Bore x Stroke101 x 73 mm97.6 x 80 mm
Compression Ratio12:110.0:1
Cooling SystemAir/oil cooledLiquid cooled
EmissionsControlled 3-way catalytic converter, exhaust emission standards EU-59EURO5
Exhaust-Chromed stainless steel 2 into 2 twin-skin exhaust system with chromed stainless silencers
Fuel InductionElectronic intake pipe injection / digital engine management system: BMS-O with throttle-by-wireMultipoint sequential electronic fuel injection
Fuel TypeUnleaded super (premium), octane number 95-98 (RON) (rated output at 98 RON)-
Ignition-Digital
LubricationWet sumpWet sump
StarterElectric-
Drivetrain
ClutchSingle dry plate clutch, hydraulically operatedWet, multi-plate, torque assist clutch
Final DriveShaftChain
Gear Ratios1st = 2.375, 2nd = 1.696, 3rd = 1.296, 4th = 1.065, 5th = 0.939, 6th = 0.848-
Primary Drive Ratios1.737-
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 ridingTubular steel, twin cradle frame
Suspension - Front46 mm upside-down telescopic forks47 mm Showa cartridge forks
Suspension - RearCast aluminium single swinging arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; central spring strut, spring preload fully adjustable by hook wrench, adjustable rebound-stage dampingMono-shock RSU with linkage and preload adjustment
Rake29.3 °25.3°
Swingarm-Twin sided fabrication
Trail132 mm / 5.2 in91.4 mm / 3.6 in
Wheel Travel - Front90 mm / 3.5 in -
Wheel Travel - Rear90 mm / 3.5 in-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2X 310mm disc brake, 4-piston Monobloc radial brake caliper2 x 310mm disc, Brembo 2-piston sliding axial calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 265 mm disc, 2 piston floating caliperSingle 255mm disc, Nissin single piston sliding axial caliper
ABSBMW Motorrad ABS ProStandard
Rims - Front2.75 x 19-
Rims - Rear4.00 x 16-
Tyres - Front100/90 - R19130/90-16
Tyres - Rear150/80 - R16150/80-16
WheelsAluminium cast wheels-
Wheels - Front-Wire 32-spoke, 16 x 2.5 in
Wheels - Rear-Wire 32-spoke, 16 x 3.5 in

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2024 BMW R 12 Cruiser and the 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster 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

  • Lighter: 227 kg vs 263 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.

2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 705 mm vs 754 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2024 BMW R 12 Cruiser vs 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2024 BMW R 12 Cruiser and 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster?
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 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster is powered by Four stoke, parallel twin, 270° crank angle, SOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 2024 BMW R 12 Cruiser or the 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster?
The 2024 BMW R 12 Cruiser is lighter at 227 kg compared to 263 kg for the 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster - a difference of 36 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 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster?
The 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster has the lower seat at 705 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.
Which has the larger fuel tank, the 2024 BMW R 12 Cruiser or the 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster?
The 2024 BMW R 12 Cruiser has the larger tank at approximately 14 litres vs 12 litres for the 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 233-280 km vs 200-240 km between stops.
Which should I buy, the 2024 BMW R 12 Cruiser or the 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster?
Both are strong choices. The 2024 BMW R 12 Cruiser has the edge in lighter kerb weight and larger fuel tank, while the 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster stands out for lower seat height 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.