Harley-Davidson Model K vs BMW R12 Single Carb (1953)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Harley-Davidson Model Kstacks up against the BMW R12 Single Carb. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | Harley-Davidson Model K | BMW R12 Single Carb |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 1953 | 1942 |
| Price | — | — |
| Engine | 743 cc | 745 cc |
| Horsepower | 30 hp | 18 hp |
| Weight | 181 kg | — |
| Fuel capacity | 4.5 L | 3.7 L |
| Fuel type | petrol | petrol |
| Transmission | 4-speed | — |
| Front brakes | Expanding brake (drum brake) | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Rear brakes | Expanding brake (drum brake) | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Tires | 3.25-19 / 3.25-19 | 3.5-19 / 3.5-19 |
Harley-Davidson Model K vs BMW R12 Single Carb — which should you buy?
Picking between the Harley-Davidson Model K and the BMW R12 Single Carb usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Harley-Davidson Model K brings 30 hp in a 181 kg package, while the BMW R12 Single Carb counters with 18 hp.
Our spec tables above highlight the winning number on each line. For the full rider-focused reviews including real-world fuel economy, service costs and available colors, click into either bike: