Honda XL 185 S vs BMW R20 (1983)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Honda XL 185 Sstacks up against the BMW R20. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecHonda XL 185 SBMW R20
Model year19831938
Price
Engine180 cc192 cc
Horsepower16 hp8 hp
Fuel capacity1.9 L3.2 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission5-speed3-speed
Front brakesExpanding brakeExpanding brake (drum brake)
Rear brakesExpanding brakeExpanding brake (drum brake)
Tires2.75-21 / 4.10-18 2.99-19 / 2.99-19

Honda XL 185 S vs BMW R20 — which should you buy?

Picking between the Honda XL 185 S and the BMW R20 usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Honda XL 185 S brings 16 hp, while the BMW R20 counters with 8 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: