2014 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special vs 2013 BMW R 1200R

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2014 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special 2014 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
2013 BMW R 1200R 2013 BMW R 1200R

Naked bike

Engine
Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke
Power
81 kW / 110 hp @ 7750 rpm
Top Speed
220 km/h / 137 mph
Weight
491.6 pounds
Full Specifications
General
CommentsLithium Iron Phosphate 48V/20Ah battery, 16.8 kg. Range 60 km. Recharging time: 4 hours. Made in Taiwan.-
Year-2013
ColoursSand Cammo Denim, Black Denim, Candy Orange, Vivid BlackBlue, Beige, Black/white, Silver
Make Model-BMW R 1200R
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)122 mm-
Ground Clearance (in.)4.8 inches-
Seat Height650 mm / 25.6 in.800mm / 31.5 in (Standard, OE, OA, sport seat) 830mm / 32.7 in (OE, OA, comfort seat, high) / 760mm / 29.9 in (OE, OA, seat, low) / 750mm / 29.5 in (OE, low slung)
Wheelbase1,702 mm / 67.0 in.1495 mm / 59.1 in
Height1,005 mm / 39.6 in.1273 mm / 50.1 in (excl. mirrors)
Length2,365 mm / 93.1 in.2145 mm / 84.4 in
Width625 mm / 24.6 in.906 mm / 35.6 in (incl. mirrors)
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (Quarts)0.31 quarts-
Oil Capacity (l)4.70 litres-
Dry Weight288.9 kg / 637.0 lbs198 kg / 436.5 lbs
Fuel Capacity18.93 litres / 5.00 gallons18 Litres / 4.7 US gal
Wet Weight302.1 kg / 666.0 lbs223 kg / 492 lbs
Performance
Maximum RPM-9000
Top Speed45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph220 km/h / 137 mph
Acceleration (0-100 km/h)-3.4 sec
Acceleration (60-100 / 100-140 / 140-180 km/h)-3.9 sec / 4.0 sec / 5.0 sec
Acceleration (60-140 km/h)-7.9 sec
Max Power-81 kW / 110 hp @ 7750 rpm
Max Torque112.95 Nm (11.5 kgf-m or 83.3 ft.lbs) @ 6750120 Nm / 12.2 kgf-m / 88 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.0383 HP/kg0.4394 HP/kg
Standing Start 0-140 km/h-6.4 sec
Standing Start 0-200 km/h-15.0 sec
Engine
Fuel Control-DOHC
Bore x Stroke (in,)4.1 x 2.8 inches-
CO2147.6 CO95.1 CO
Bore x Stroke (mm)105.0 x 72.0 mm-
Displacement (ci)76.28 cubic inches-
Engine TypeV2, four-strokeTwo cylinder boxer, two-stroke
Displacement (cc)1250.08 cc-
Displacement-1170 cc / 71.4 cu in
Engine DetailLiquid-cooled, Revolution®, 60° V-TwinFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel InjectionInjection. Electronic intake pipe injection / BMS-K+ digital engine management with overrun fuel cut-off, twin-spark ignition
Bore x Stroke-101 x 73 mm
Compression Ratio11.5:111.0:1
Cooling System-Air/Oil-cooled
EmissionsZero emissionClosed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3
Engine Lubrication-Dry sump
ExhaustStraight-shot exhaust with brushed finish dual mufflers; black end caps and exhaust shield-
Fuel Consumption6.36 litres/100 km (15.7 km/l or 36.98 mpg)5.2 L/100 km / 19.2 km/l / 45.2 US mpg
Fuel Induction-Electronic intake manifold injection BMS-K
Fuel Reserve-3.00 litres / 0.79 gallons
Ignition-Digital engine management
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-2
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity-12 V / 14 Ah, maintenance-free
Drivetrain
ClutchMulti-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bathSingle disc dry clutch, hydraulically actuated
Final DriveBeltShaft
Gear Ratios-1st 2.375 / 2nd 1.696 / 3rd 1.296 / 4th 0.065 / 5th 0.939 / 6th 0.848
Gearbox6-speed6-speed
Primary DriveGear, 117/64 ratio primary driveConstant mesh
Transmission / Drive-6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeSteel tubeTubular steel spaceframe, load-bearing engine
Suspension - FrontDual Hydraulic Shock AbsorberBMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 41 mm, central spring strut
Suspension - RearSingle Hydraulic Shock AbsorberCast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; central spring strut, spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) at handwheel, rebound damping adjustable
Rake34.0°27.1°
Steering Head Angle-62.9°
Trail142 mm / 5.6 in.119.1 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Front-120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear-140 mm / 5.5 in
Electrical Systems
Alternator-Three-phase alternator 720 W
InstrumentationElectronic 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 systemHigh 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 - FrontSingle disc. 4-piston2 x 320mm Discs, ABS
Brakes - RearSingle disc. 2-pistonSingle 265mm disc, ABS
RimsBlack, Split 5-Spoke Cast Aluminum w/ pinstripeCast aluminium wheels
Rims - Front-3.50 x 17'
Rims - Rear-5.50 x 17'
Tyres - Front80/100-10120/70-ZR 17
Tyres - Rear80/100-10180/55-ZR 17
Wheels-Cast aluminium wheels

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2014 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special and the 2013 BMW R 1200R 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

2014 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special - Advantages

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

2013 BMW R 1200R - Advantages

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

2014 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special vs 2013 BMW R 1200R - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2014 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special and 2013 BMW R 1200R?
The 2014 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special uses V2, four-stroke, while the 2013 BMW R 1200R is powered by Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke. This is a fundamental difference - the 2014 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special is a four-stroke engine while the 2013 BMW R 1200R runs a two-stroke, resulting in very different power delivery, maintenance requirements, and riding character.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2014 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special or the 2013 BMW R 1200R?
The 2014 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special has the lower seat at 650 mm, making it more accessible. The 2013 BMW R 1200R sits higher at 800mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2014 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special or the 2013 BMW R 1200R?
Both are strong choices. The 2014 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special has the edge in lower seat height, while the 2013 BMW R 1200R stands out for dual front discs. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.