2015 BMW S 1000XR vs 2015 Harley-Davidson XL 1200T Superlow

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2015 BMW S 1000XR 2015 BMW S 1000XR

Sport

Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Power
121 kW / 165 hp @ 11000 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
502.7 pounds
2015 Harley-Davidson XL 1200T Superlow 2015 Harley-Davidson XL 1200T Superlow

Sport

Engine
Four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder.
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
274 kg / 604 lb.s
Full Specifications
General
Year20152015
ColoursWhite, Red-
Make ModelBMW S 1000XRHarley Davidson XL 1200T Superlow
Dimensions
Seat Height840 mm / 33.1 inLaden 663.7 mm / 26.1 in Unladen 705.0 mm / 27.8 in
Wheelbase1548 mm / 60.9 in1500 / 59.0 in
Ground Clearance-95 mm / 3.7 in
Height1408 mm / 45.4 in-
Length283 mm / 85.9 in2210 mm / 87.0 in
Width940 mm / 37.0 in-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight178 kg / 392.4 lbs263 kg / 580 lb.s
Fuel Capacity20 Litres / 5.2 US gal17 Litres / US 4.5 gal
Oil Capacity-2.6 Litres / 2.7 US qrts
Wet Weight228 kg / 502.6 lbs274 kg / 604 lb.s
Performance
Max Power121 kW / 165 hp @ 11000 rpm-
Max Torque112 Nm / 11.4 kgf-m / 83 lb-ft @ 9250 rpm96 Nm / 9.8 kgf-m / 70.8 ft/lbs @ 3750 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.8890 HP/kg-
Engine
Engine TypeIn-line four, four-stroke-
CO2125.3 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)-
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-
Displacement999 cc / 60.9 cu-in1202 cc / 73.4 cub in.
Engine DetailFour stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, valve actuation via single rocker arms , 4 valves per cylinder, Intake/outlet mm 33.5/27.2Four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder.
Fuel SystemInjection-
Bore x Stroke80 x 49.7 mm88.9 x 96.8 mm
Compression Ratio12.0:110.0:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledAir cooled
EmissionsClosed-loop 3-way catalytic converter-
Engine ManagementBMS-X-
Exhaust-Closed loop exhaust system
Fuel Consumption5.40 litres/100 km (18.5 km/l or 43.56 mpg)-
Fuel Induction-Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Fuel Reserve4.00 litres / 1.06 gallons-
Ignition-Digital CDI
LubricationWet sump-
Mixture ControlElectronic injection, throttle valve 48 mm-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
Drivetrain
ClutchMulti-disc anti-hopping oil-bath clutch, mechanically operated-
Final DriveChainBelt
Gear Ratios1st 2.647 / 2nd 2.091 / 3rd 1.727 / 4th 1.500 / 5th 1.360 / 6th 1.2611st 9.004 / 2nd 6.432 / 3rd 4.783 / 4th 3.965 / 5th 3.400:1
Gearbox6-speed-
Primary DriveChain 17/45Chain, 38/57 ratio
Primary Drive Ratios1.652-
Transmission / DriveConstant -mesh 6-speed gearbox, straight-toothed5 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeConstruction type aluminium perimeter frame, engine self-supportingMild steel, tubular frame; circular sections; cast junctions Swingarm Mild steel, rectangular tube section, stamped junctions; MIG welded
Suspension - FrontUpside-down telescopic fork, stanchion diameter 46 mm, adjustable for bump and rebound optional: Dynamic ESA39 mm Forks
Suspension - RearAluminium double-strut swing arm with central spring strut, adjustable for rebound, optional: Dynamic ESACoil-over, dual-adjustable preload
Lean Angle-26°
Rake25.5°31.1°
Steering Head Angle64.5°-
Trail117 mm / 4.6 in145 mm / 5.7 in
Wheel Travel - Front150 mm / 5.9 in-
Wheel Travel - Rear140 mm / 5.5 in-
Electrical Systems
Electrical SystemAlternator W 350 Battery V/Ah 12/8, maintenance-free Headlight W low beam H7 12 V 55 W High beam H7 12 V 55 W Starter kW 0.8-
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 - Front2 x 320 mm Discs, 4 piston calipers, ABS Pro (dynamic brake light currently for EU markets only).Single 292 mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Brakes - RearSingle 220 mm disc, 1 piston caliper, ABS Pro (dynamic brake light currently for EU markets only).Single 292mm disc, 1 piston caliper
RimsRim, front 3.50 x 17in.-
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17120/70 ZR-18 59W
Tyres - Rear190/55 ZR17150/70 ZR-17 69W
Wheels - Front-Black/Silver, split 5-spoke cast aluminum
Wheels - Rear-Black/Silver, split 5-spoke cast aluminum

Verdict

Winner on specs

2015 BMW S 1000XR

The 2015 BMW S 1000XR edges out the 2015 Harley-Davidson XL 1200T Superlow thanks to its higher torque, lighter kerb weight, larger fuel tank, liquid cooling and dual front discs. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2015 BMW S 1000XR - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 112 Nm vs 96 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Lighter: 228 kg vs 274 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.
  • 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.

2015 Harley-Davidson XL 1200T Superlow - Advantages

  • Larger displacement: 1202 cc vs 999 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

2015 BMW S 1000XR vs 2015 Harley-Davidson XL 1200T Superlow - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2015 BMW S 1000XR and 2015 Harley-Davidson XL 1200T Superlow?
The 2015 BMW S 1000XR uses In-line four, four-stroke, while the 2015 Harley-Davidson XL 1200T Superlow is powered by Four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder..
Which is lighter, the 2015 BMW S 1000XR or the 2015 Harley-Davidson XL 1200T Superlow?
The 2015 BMW S 1000XR is lighter at 228 kg compared to 274 kg for the 2015 Harley-Davidson XL 1200T Superlow - a difference of 46 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which has the larger fuel tank, the 2015 BMW S 1000XR or the 2015 Harley-Davidson XL 1200T Superlow?
The 2015 BMW S 1000XR has the larger tank at approximately 20 litres vs 17 litres for the 2015 Harley-Davidson XL 1200T Superlow. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 333-400 km vs 283-340 km between stops.
Which should I buy, the 2015 BMW S 1000XR or the 2015 Harley-Davidson XL 1200T Superlow?
Both are strong choices. The 2015 BMW S 1000XR has the edge in higher torque and lighter kerb weight, while the 2015 Harley-Davidson XL 1200T Superlow stands out for larger displacement. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.