BMW F 850 GS 2022 vs. Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2022

BMW F 850 GS 2022

BMW F 850 GS 2022

Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2022

Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2022

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Overview - BMW F 850 GS 2022 vs Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2022

The BMW F 850 GS 2022 and the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2022 are both enduro motorcycles that offer a range of features and capabilities.

Starting with the engine and drive train, both motorcycles have an in-line engine configuration. However, the BMW F 850 GS has a slightly larger bore of 84 mm compared to the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S's 77 mm. The stroke of the BMW F 850 GS is 77 mm, while the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S has a stroke of 56 mm. In terms of power, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S has an advantage with 120 HP compared to the BMW F 850 GS's 95 HP. The torque of the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S is also higher at 102 Nm compared to the BMW F 850 GS's 92 Nm. Both motorcycles have an electric starter and a chain transmission. The BMW F 850 GS has 2 cylinders and a displacement of 853 ccm, while the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S has 4 cylinders and a displacement of 1043 ccm.

Moving on to the suspension, both motorcycles have upside-down telescopic forks in the front and a swing arm suspension in the rear. The BMW F 850 GS has a front suspension travel of 204 mm and a rear suspension travel of 219 mm. The suspension of the BMW F 850 GS can be adjusted for preload and rebound. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S has a front suspension travel of 150 mm and a rear suspension travel of 152 mm. The suspension of the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S can be adjusted for compression, preload, and rebound.

BMW F 850 GS 2022

BMW F 850 GS 2022

In terms of chassis, the BMW F 850 GS has a steel frame, while the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S has an aluminum frame. The rake of the BMW F 850 GS is 62 degrees, and the trail is 126 mm. The Kawasaki Versys 1000 S has a rake of 63 degrees and a trail of 106 mm.

Both motorcycles have double disk brakes in the front. The BMW F 850 GS does not have any additional advanced rider assistance systems, while the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S has ABS, ride by wire, and a quickshifter.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the BMW F 850 GS has a front tire diameter of 21 inches, a rear tire width of 150 mm, and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase of the BMW F 850 GS is 1593 mm, and the seat height is 860 mm. The kerb weight of the BMW F 850 GS with ABS is 229 kg, and the fuel tank capacity is 15 liters. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S has a front tire diameter of 17 inches, a rear tire width of 180 mm, and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase of the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S is 1520 mm, and the seat height is 840 mm. The kerb weight of the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S with ABS is 257 kg, and the fuel tank capacity is 21 liters.

Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2022

Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2022

Now, let's compare the strengths and weaknesses of each motorcycle. The BMW F 850 GS has good wind and weather protection, a well-thought-out operating concept, practical equipment, and very accessible operation and driveability in everyday use. It also offers good seat comfort and a great connectivity solution. However, it has some weaknesses such as vibrations in the upper rev range, a boring engine, a stiff quickshifter gearstick, and front damping that is too lax. The fork is not adjustable, and it has a ponderous feel. Additionally, the front brake could do with more bite.

On the other hand, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S has a smooth yet emotional engine, a high-quality chassis, terrific wind protection, and great seat comfort. It also offers effortless handling and completely neutral behavior when leaned over. However, it has some weaknesses such as a quickshifter that works poorly at low revs, a windshield adjustment that cannot be operated while driving, and a cruise control that takes some getting used to.

In summary, both the BMW F 850 GS 2022 and the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2022 are capable enduro motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The BMW F 850 GS offers good everyday usability and practicality, while the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S provides a smooth and emotional engine with excellent handling. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications BMW F 850 GS 2022 compared to Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2022

BMW F 850 GS 2022
Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2022

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore84 mmBore77 mm
StrokeStroke77 mmStroke56 mm
Engine powerEngine power95 HPEngine power120 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,250 rpmRpm at Max. Power9,000 rpm
TorqueTorque92 NmTorque102 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,250 rpmRpm at Torque7,500 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio12.7 Compression Ratio10.3
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders4
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement853 ccmDisplacement1,043 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
TravelTravel204 mmTravel150 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel219 mmTravel152 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameAluminium
RakeRake62 degreeRake63 degree
TrailTrail126 mmTrail106 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter305 mmDiameter310 mm
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonFour pistons
Shock mountShock mountFloating caliperShock mountSemi-Schwimmsattel

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter265 mmDiameter250 mm
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonSingle piston
Shock mountShock mountFloating caliperShock mountFixed caliper

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABSAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Ride by Wire, Quickshifter

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width90 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height90 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter21 inchFront tyre diameter17 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width150 mmRear tyre width180 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height70 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,305 mmLength2,240 mm
WidthWidth922 mmWidth950 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,593 mmWheelbase1,520 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height860 mmSeat Height840 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)229 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)257 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity15 lFuel Tank Capacity21 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

BMW F 850 GS 2022

BMW F 850 GS 2022

The BMW F 850 GS also scores points in 2022 with its pleasant ergonomics and accessible character. Operation is easy and you quickly feel comfortable on the motorbike. The longer the tour, the more you miss the finesse in the details. The damping of the fork is too lax and not adjustable. The engine gets a bit boring in the long run, and the gearstick and quickshifter are always stiff. In direct comparison with other touring enduros, it is always somewhat overshadowed by more exciting models.

Good wind and weather protection

well thought-out operating concept

practical equipment

very accessible operation and driveability in everyday use

good seat comfort

great connectivity solution

Vibrations in the upper rev range

boring engine

stiff quickshifter gearstick

front damping too lax

fork not adjustable

ponderous feel

front brake could do with more bite.

Read the full article on 1000PS.com

Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2022

Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2022

Versys stands for "versatile system" and that is exactly what the Kawasaki tourer actually represents. Comfort and sportiness, slow and fast, short and long - the Versys can do it all. The chassis responds superbly, the handling is absolutely effortless, the engine emotional and at the same time sensible. In this price range, it is hard to impossible to find a better compromise.

Engine is smooth yet emotional

high-quality chassis

terrific wind protection

great seat comfort

effortless handling

completely neutral behaviour when leaned over

Quickshifter works poorly at low revs

windshield adjustment cannot be operated while driving

cruise control takes some getting used to.

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price BMW F 850 GS vs Kawasaki Versys 1000 S

There are a few key differences between a BMW F 850 GS 2022 and a Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2022. In terms of price, the actual average prices of both motorbikes are almost the same. Compared to Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2022 there are less BMW F 850 GS 2022 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 6 compared to 8. It takes less time to sell a BMW F 850 GS with 105 days compared to 195 days for a Kawasaki Versys 1000 S. Since model year 2018 1000PS.de editors have written 31 reviews for the BMW F 850 GS and 5 reviews for the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S since model year 2021. The first review for the BMW F 850 GS was published on 11/21/2017 and now has more than 69,800 views. This compares to more than 49,600 views for the first review on Kawasaki Versys 1000 S published on 11/4/2020.

Price BMW F 850 GS

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Kawasaki Versys 1000 S

Model year
Current average market prices

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