2018 Honda Gold Wing vs 2019 BMW R 1250R

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2018 Honda Gold Wing 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 1250R 2019 BMW R 1250R

Touring

Engine
Twin, four-stroke
Power
136 hp / 100 kW @ 7750 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
526.9 pounds
Full Specifications
General
CommentsModel ID: GL1800-
Year-2019
ColoursCandy Ardent Red, Matte Majestic Silver, Pearl Stallion BrownBlack Storm Metallic, Style HP, Style Exclusive, Option 719 Stardust Metallic
Make Model-BMW R 1250R
WarrantyTransferable, unlimited-mileage limited warranty; extended coverage available with a Honda Protection Plan.-
Dimensions
StorageSaddle bags, top box, gloveboxSaddle bags
Seat Height744 mm / 29.3 in.820 mm / 32.3 in OE low seat: 760 mm / 29.9 in OE sport seat: 840 mm / 33.0 in
Wheelbase1,694 mm / 66.7 in.1515 mm / 59.6 in
Height-1300 mm / 51.1 in
Length-2165 mm / 85.2 in
Width-880 mm / 34.6 in
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity21.01 litres / 5.55 gallons18 Litres / 4.7 US gal
Wet Weight357.0 kg / 787.0 lbs239 kg / 526.9 lbs
Performance
Max Power-136 hp / 100 kW @ 7750 rpm
Max Torque167.00 Nm (17.0 kgf-m or 123.2 ft.lbs) @ 4000 Revolutions143 Nm / 105.4 lb-ft @ 6250 rpm
Engine
Bore x Stroke (in,)2.9 x 2.9 inches-
Fuel ControlSingle Overhead Cams (SOHC)Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
CO2-109.0 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Engine TypeSix cylinder boxer, four-strokeTwin, four-stroke
Bore x Stroke (mm)73.0 x 73.0 mm-
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
Fuel SystemInjection. Programmed Fuel InjectionInjection. Digital engine management, electronic intake pipe fuel injection
Bore x Stroke-102.5 x 76 mm
Compression Ratio10.5:112.5:1
Cooling System-Liquid / Air cooled
EmissionsMeets current California Air Resources Board (CARB) and EPA standards.Closed-loop three-way catalytic converter, exhaust standard , Euro 4
Engine Lubrication-Wet sump
Engine Management-BMS-O
Fuel Consumption-4.70 litres/100 km (21.3 km/l or 50.05 mpg)
Fuel Induction-Electronic intake pipe injection, 52mm Ø throttle valve
Fuel Reserve-4.00 litres / 1.06 US gallons
Fuel Type-Premium unleaded, 95 (RON)
IgnitionComputer-controlled digital with three-dimensional mapping-
StarterElectricElectric 900W
Valve System44
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity-12V/12Ah
Drivetrain
ClutchMulti-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bathWet clutch with anti-hopping function, hydraulically activated
Final DriveShaft drive (cardan)Shaft
Gearbox6-speed6-speed
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 - FrontDouble Wishbone Type; 4.3 inches travelTelescopic Upside-Down fork; stanchion diameter 45 mm
Suspension - RearPro Arm® single-side swingarm with Pro-Link® single shock; 4.1 inches travelCast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; WAD strut (travel- related damping), spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) at handwheel, rebound damping adjustable at handwheel
Rake30.5°26.4°
SeatUrethane. Waterproof cover.-
Steering Angle-62.3°
Trail109 mm / 4.3 in.125.6 mm / 4.9 in
Wheel Travel - Front-140 mm / 5.5 in
Wheel Travel - Rear-140 mm / 5.5 in
Electrical Systems
Alternator-Three-phase alternator 508 W (nominal power)
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.6 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)320 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)12.4 inches-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)316 mm-
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. Floating discs. CBS three-piston calipers2x 320mm floating discs, 4-piston radial brake calipers
Brakes - RearSingle disc. CBS three-piston calipers.Single 276mm disc, 2-piston floating caliper
ABS-BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part integral), disengageable
Rims-Cast aluminium
Tyres - Front130/70-18120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear200/55-16180/55 ZR17
Wheels-Cast aluminium wheels
Wheels - Front-3.50 x 17 in
Wheels - Rear-5.50 x 17 in

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2018 Honda Gold Wing and the 2019 BMW R 1250R 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 820 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 1250R - 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 1250R - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2018 Honda Gold Wing and 2019 BMW R 1250R?
The 2018 Honda Gold Wing uses Six cylinder boxer, four-stroke, while the 2019 BMW R 1250R is powered by Twin, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2018 Honda Gold Wing or the 2019 BMW R 1250R?
The 2018 Honda Gold Wing has the lower seat at 744 mm, making it more accessible. The 2019 BMW R 1250R sits higher at 820 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 1250R have ABS?
The 2019 BMW R 1250R 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 1250R?
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 1250R 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.