2012 BMW R 1200R vs 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2012 BMW R 1200R 2012 BMW R 1200R

Naked bike

Engine
Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
491.6 pounds
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
Full Specifications
General
CommentsBlata is from the Czech Republic.Amphibian.
ColoursGrey, silver, redBlack Denim, Vivid Black, Ember Red Sunglo
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)-4.8 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)-122 mm
Seat Height800 mm / 31.5 in.650 mm / 25.6 in.
Wheelbase1,495 mm / 58.9 in.1,702 mm / 67.0 in.
Height1,273 mm / 50.1 in.1,400 mm / 55.1 in.
Length2,145 mm / 84.4 in.2,365 mm / 93.1 in.
Width906 mm / 35.7 in.1,600 mm / 63.0 in.
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (Quarts)-0.31 quarts
Oil Capacity (l)-4.70 litres
Dry Weight198 kg / 436.5 lbs288.9 kg / 637.0 lbs
Fuel Capacity18.00 litres / 4.76 gallons18.93 litres / 5.00 gallons
Wet Weight223.0 kg / 491.6 lbs302.1 kg / 666.0 lbs
Performance
Top Speed-45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph
Max Torque119.00 Nm (12.1 kgf-m or 87.8 ft.lbs) @ 6000112.95 Nm (11.5 kgf-m or 83.3 ft.lbs) @ 6750
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.5486 HP/kg-
Engine
Fuel Control-Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Bore x Stroke (in,)4.0 x 2.9 inches4.1 x 2.8 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)101.0 x 73.0 mm105.0 x 72.0 mm
Engine TypeTwo cylinder boxer, two-strokeV2, four-stroke
Displacement (ci)71.39 cubic inches76.28 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)1170.00 cc1250.08 cc
CO295.1 CO147.6 CO
Engine Detail-Liquid-cooled, Revolution®, 60° V-Twin
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic intake pipe injection/BMS-K+ digital enfinemanagement with overrun fuel cut-off, twin spark ignitionInjection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Compression Ratio12.0:111.5:1
EmissionsClosed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3-
Engine LubricationDry sump-
Exhaust-Straight-shot exhaust with brushed finish dual mufflers; black end caps and exhaust shield
Fuel Consumption4.10 litres/100 km (24.4 km/l or 57.37 mpg)6.36 litres/100 km (15.7 km/l or 36.98 mpg)
Fuel Reserve3.00 litres / 0.79 gallons-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
Drivetrain
ClutchSingle dry plate clutch, hydraulically operatedMulti-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath
Final DriveShaft drive (cardan)Belt
Gearbox6-speed6-speed
Primary DriveShaft DrivelineGear, 117/64 ratio primary drive
Chassis
Frame TypeTwo section frame consisting of front and rear sections, load bearing engine-gearbox unit-
Suspension - FrontBMW Motorrad teleleverIndependent coil springs and hydraulic dampers
Suspension - RearCast aluminium single sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad ParaleverIndependent coil springs and hydraulic dampers
Rake27.1°34.0°
Trail119 mm / 4.7 in.142 mm / 5.6 in.
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in.-
Wheel Travel - Rear190 mm / 7.5 in.-
Electrical Systems
Instrumentation-Electronic 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 system12V 55W headlightHigh beam, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, security system (optional), coolant temperature, low fuel warnings
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)265 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)10.4 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)320 mm-
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.6 inches-
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. Optional ABSSingle disc. 4-piston
Brakes - RearSingle disc. Optional ABSSingle disc. 2-piston
RimsCast aluminiumBlack, Split 5-Spoke Cast Aluminum w/ Orange Pinstripe
Tyres - Front120/70-ZR17-
Tyres - Rear130/70-17-

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2012 BMW R 1200R and the 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special 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

2012 BMW R 1200R - Advantages

  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

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

  • Lower seat height: 650 mm vs 800 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2012 BMW R 1200R vs 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2012 BMW R 1200R and 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special?
The 2012 BMW R 1200R uses Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke, while the 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special is powered by V2, four-stroke. This is a fundamental difference - the 2012 BMW R 1200R is a two-stroke engine while the 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special runs a four-stroke, resulting in very different power delivery, maintenance requirements, and riding character.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2012 BMW R 1200R or the 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special?
The 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special has the lower seat at 650 mm, making it more accessible. The 2012 BMW R 1200R sits higher at 800 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2012 BMW R 1200R or the 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special?
Both are strong choices. The 2012 BMW R 1200R has the edge in dual front discs, while the 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special 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.