BMW R 1200 GS 2012 vs. Kawasaki Versys 1000 2018

BMW R 1200 GS 2012

Kawasaki Versys 1000 2018

Overview - BMW R 1200 GS 2012 vs Kawasaki Versys 1000 2018

BMW R 1200 GS 2012

Kawasaki Versys 1000 2018

Technical Specifications BMW R 1200 GS 2012 compared to Kawasaki Versys 1000 2018

BMW R 1200 GS 2012

Kawasaki Versys 1000 2018

BMW R 1200 GS 2012

Kawasaki Versys 1000 2018

Engine and Drive Train

Engine type	Engine type	Boxer	Engine type	In line
Bore	Bore	101 mm	Bore	77 mm
Stroke	Stroke	73 mm	Stroke	56 mm
Engine power	Engine power	110 HP	Engine power	120 HP
Rpm at Max. Power	Rpm at Max. Power	7,750 rpm	Rpm at Max. Power	9,000 rpm
Torque	Torque	120 Nm	Torque	102 Nm
Rpm at Torque	Rpm at Torque	6,000 rpm	Rpm at Torque	7,500 rpm
Compression Ratio	Compression Ratio	12	Compression Ratio	10.3
Clutch Type	Clutch Type	Toughened, Dry	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath
Transmission	Transmission	Prop shaft	Transmission	Chain
Number of gears	Number of gears	6	Number of gears	6
Cylinders	Cylinders	2	Cylinders	4
Strokes	Strokes	4-Stroke	Strokes	4-Stroke
Cooling	Cooling	Oil-air	Cooling	liquid
Displacement	Displacement	1,170 ccm	Displacement	1,043 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspension	Front suspension	Strut	Front suspension	Upside-Down telescopic fork
Adjustment	Adjustment	Preload	Adjustment	Compression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

Adjustment	Adjustment	Preload	Adjustment	Compression, Preload, Rebound

Brakes Front

Type	Type	Double disk	Type	Double disk
Piston	Piston	Four pistons	Piston	Four pistons
Shock mount	Shock mount	Fixed caliper	Shock mount	Semi-Schwimmsattel

Brakes Rear

Type	Type	Disc	Type	Disc
Piston	Piston	Double piston	Piston	Single piston
Shock mount	Shock mount	Floating caliper	Shock mount	Fixed caliper

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre width	Front tyre width	110 mm	Front tyre width	120 mm
Front tyre height	Front tyre height	80 %	Front tyre height	70 %
Rear tyre width	Rear tyre width	110 mm	Rear tyre width	180 mm
Rear tyre height	Rear tyre height	80 %	Rear tyre height	55 %
Length	Length	2,210 mm	Length	2,240 mm
Width	Width	915 mm	Width	895 mm
Height	Height	1,450 mm	Height	1,400 mm
Wheelbase	Wheelbase	1,507 mm	Wheelbase	1,520 mm
Seat Height	Seat Height	850 mm	Seat Height	840 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity	Fuel Tank Capacity	20 l	Fuel Tank Capacity	21 l
License compliancy	License compliancy	A	License compliancy	A

Pros and Cons in comparison

BMW R 1200 GS 2012

Either it was a stroke of luck or the best developers were at work - handlebars, geometry, seat, knee angle, footrests - it just fits really well for the majority of Central Europeans. All in all, there is still no motorbike that can kill the GS.

Optimal wind protection

comfortable seat

good posture

positive ergonomics

weather robust

quiet chassis.

Seat a little too low.