2018 Honda Gold Wing vs 2019 BMW R 1250GS HP

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles

Differences only

2018 Honda Gold Wing

Touring

Engine

Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke

Power

N/A

Top Speed

N/A

Weight

787.0 pounds

2019 BMW R 1250GS HP

Touring

Engine

Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, with two overhead, spur gear driven camshafts , a counterbalance shaft and variable intake camshaft control system BMW ShiftCam, 4 valves per cylinder, Intake 40mm, outlet 34 mm

Power

136 hp / 100 kW @ 7750 rpm

Top Speed

N/A

Weight

249 kg / 549 lbs

Full Specifications

Differs Same

General
Comments	Model ID: GL1800	-
Year	-	2019
Colours	Candy Ardent Red, Matte Majestic Silver, Pearl Stallion Brown	-
Make Model	-	BMW R 1250GS HP
Warranty	Transferable, unlimited-mileage limited warranty; extended coverage available with a Honda Protection Plan.	-
Dimensions
Storage	Saddle bags, top box, glovebox	-
Seat Height	744 mm / 29.3 in.	Standard Seat 850 mm to 870 mm / 33.5 in to 34.3 in Lowered Seat 800 mm to 900 mm / 31.5 in to 35.4 in - Optional
Wheelbase	1,694 mm / 66.7 in.	1525 mm / 60 in
Length	-	2207 mm / 86.9 in
Width	-	952.5 mm / 37.5 in
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity	21.01 litres / 5.55 gallons	20 Litres / 5.3 US gal
Max Load	-	465 kg / 1025 lbs
Wet Weight	357.0 kg / 787.0 lbs	249 kg / 549 lbs
Performance
Max Power	-	136 hp / 100 kW @ 7750 rpm
Max Torque	167.00 Nm (17.0 kgf-m or 123.2 ft.lbs) @ 4000 Revolutions	143 Nm / 105.4 lb-ft @ 6250 rpm
Engine
Bore x Stroke (mm)	73.0 x 73.0 mm	-
Bore x Stroke (in,)	2.9 x 2.9 inches	-
Fuel Control	Single Overhead Cams (SOHC)	-
Engine Type	Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke	-
Displacement	-	1254 cc / 76.5 cu-in
Engine Detail	-	Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, with two overhead, spur gear driven camshafts , a counterbalance shaft and variable intake camshaft control system BMW ShiftCam, 4 valves per cylinder, Intake 40mm, outlet 34 mm
Fuel System	Injection. Programmed Fuel Injection	-
Bore x Stroke	-	102.5 x 76 mm
Compression Ratio	10.5:1	12.5:1
Cooling System	-	Liquid / Air cooled
Emissions	Meets current California Air Resources Board (CARB) and EPA standards.	Closed-loop three-way catalytic converter, exhaust standard , Euro 4
Engine Management	-	BMS-O
Fuel Induction	-	Electronic intake pipe injection, 52mm Ø throttle valve
Fuel Type	-	Unleaded super, octane number 95 (RON)
Ignition	Computer-controlled digital with three-dimensional mapping	-
Starter	Electric	Electric
Valve System	4	-
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity	-	V/Ah 12/11.8 12/16
Drivetrain
Clutch	Multi-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath	Wet clutch with anti-hopping function, hydraulically activated
Final Drive	Shaft drive (cardan)	Shaft
Gear Ratios	-	1st (2.438) 2nd 1.714 3rd. 1.296 4th 1.059 5th 0.943 6th 0.848
Gearbox	6-speed	-
Primary Drive Ratios	-	1.650
Secondary Drive Ratio	-	1.061
Transmission / Drive	-	Constant mesh 6-speed gearbox with helical gearing system
Chassis
Frame Type	-	Two-section frame concept consisting of main frame with bolt-on rear frame, load-bearing engine
Suspension - Front	Double Wishbone Type; 4.3 inches travel	BMW Motorrad 37mm Telelever, central spring strut
Suspension - Rear	Pro Arm® single-side swingarm with Pro-Link® single shock; 4.1 inches travel	Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever, WAD spring strut, continuously adjustable spring preload by means of hand wheel, rebound-stage damping adjustable by hand wheel (Option: Dynamic ESA)
Rake	30.5°	-
Seat	Urethane. Waterproof cover.	-
Steering Angle	-	62.9°
Trail	109 mm / 4.3 in.	109 mm / 4.3 in
Wheel Travel - Front	-	190 mm / 7.4 in
Wheel Travel - Rear	-	200 mm / 7.8 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)	316 mm	-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)	12.4 inches	-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)	320 mm	-
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)	12.6 inches	-
Brakes - Front	Double disc. Floating discs. CBS three-piston calipers	2x 305mm floating discs, 4-piston radial brake calipers
Brakes - Rear	Single disc. CBS three-piston calipers.	Single 276mm disc, 2-piston floating caliper
ABS	-	BMW Motorrad Integral ABS as standard (part integral), disengageable
Tyres - Front	130/70-18	120/70 R19
Tyres - Rear	200/55-16	170/60 R17
Wheels	-	Die-cast aluminium wheels
Wheels - Front	-	3.00 x 19″
Wheels - Rear	-	4.50 x 17″

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2018 Honda Gold Wing and the 2019 BMW R 1250GS HP 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

2018 Honda Gold Wing - Advantages

Lower seat height: 744 mm vs Standard Seat 850 mm to 870 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2019 BMW R 1250GS HP - Advantages

Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.

2018 Honda Gold Wing vs 2019 BMW R 1250GS HP - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2018 Honda Gold Wing and 2019 BMW R 1250GS HP?

The 2018 Honda Gold Wing uses Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke, while the 2019 BMW R 1250GS HP is powered by Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, with two overhead, spur gear driven camshafts , a counterbalance shaft and variable intake camshaft control system BMW ShiftCam, 4 valves per cylinder, Intake 40mm, outlet 34 mm.

Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2018 Honda Gold Wing or the 2019 BMW R 1250GS HP?

The 2018 Honda Gold Wing has the lower seat at 744 mm, making it more accessible. The 2019 BMW R 1250GS HP sits higher at Standard Seat 850 mm to 870 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.

Does the 2018 Honda Gold Wing or 2019 BMW R 1250GS HP have ABS?

The 2019 BMW R 1250GS HP is listed with ABS as standard. The 2018 Honda Gold Wing does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.

Which should I buy, the 2018 Honda Gold Wing or the 2019 BMW R 1250GS HP?

Both are strong choices. The 2018 Honda Gold Wing has the edge in lower seat height and dual front discs, while the 2019 BMW R 1250GS HP stands out for liquid cooling and standard ABS. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.

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