Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021 vs. BMW R 1250 GS 2020

Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021

Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

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Overview - Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021 vs BMW R 1250 GS 2020

When comparing the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021 and the BMW R 1250 GS 2020, it is important to consider their technical specifications and strengths and weaknesses.

Starting with the technical specifications, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021 is equipped with an in-line four-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1043ccm. It produces 120 horsepower and 102 Nm of torque. The engine is started electrically and power is transmitted to the wheels via a chain transmission. The front suspension consists of an upside-down telescopic fork with a travel of 150mm, while the rear suspension features a swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 152mm. The frame is made of aluminum and the bike weighs 257kg with ABS. It has a fuel tank capacity of 21 liters and is equipped with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, ride by wire, and a quickshifter. The front and rear tires have diameters of 17 inches and widths of 180mm and 17 inches, respectively.

Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021

Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021

On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 is powered by a boxer engine with a displacement of 1254ccm. It delivers 136 horsepower and 143 Nm of torque. The engine is also started electrically, but power is transmitted to the wheels via a prop shaft. The front suspension consists of a telelever with a travel of 190mm, while the rear suspension features a single swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 200mm. The frame is made of steel and the bike weighs 249kg with ABS. It has a fuel tank capacity of 20 liters and is equipped with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, anti-slipping control, riding modes, and ride by wire. The front and rear tires have diameters of 19 inches and 17 inches, respectively, with a width of 170mm for the rear tire.

In terms of strengths, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021 offers a very comfortable seating position, thanks to its adjustable windshield and well-controllable braking system. The in-line four-cylinder engine provides a smooth and cultivated power delivery, and the bike comes with a full electronics package, including features such as ABS, ride by wire, and a quickshifter. Additionally, the Versys 1000 S has a distinctive look that sets it apart from other motorcycles in its class.

On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 boasts an extremely high-torque boxer engine that delivers a good sound and provides excellent performance. The bike offers a comfortable seating position, making it suitable for long distances, and it comes with stable braking performance. It also provides good weather protection and features a color TFT display as standard, along with LED headlights.

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

However, both motorcycles have their weaknesses. The Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021's windshield is not adjustable with one hand, which may be inconvenient for some riders. On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 has a manageable standard equipment and a long surcharge list, which means that additional features come at an extra cost. Additionally, some may find the R 1250 GS's appearance to be jagged and lacking elegance.

In conclusion, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021 and the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 are both capable enduro motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Versys 1000 S offers a comfortable riding experience and a distinctive look, while the R 1250 GS provides a powerful and torquey engine along with good weather protection. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021 compared to BMW R 1250 GS 2020

Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021
BMW R 1250 GS 2020

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeBoxer
BoreBore77 mmBore102.5 mm
StrokeStroke56 mmStroke76 mm
Engine powerEngine power120 HPEngine power136 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power9,000 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,750 rpm
TorqueTorque102 NmTorque143 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,500 rpmRpm at Torque6,250 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio10.3 Compression Ratio12.5
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeAntihopping
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionProp shaft
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders4Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid-air
DisplacementDisplacement1,043 ccmDisplacement1,254 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionTelelever
TravelTravel150 mmTravel190 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSingle swing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel152 mmTravel200 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload, Rebound

Chassis

FrameFrameAluminiumFrameSteel
RakeRake63 degreeRake62.9 degree
TrailTrail106 mmTrail109 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter310 mmDiameter305 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
TechnologyTechnologyradial, PetalTechnologyradial

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter250 mmDiameter276 mm
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonDouble piston
Shock mountShock mountFixed caliperShock mountFloating caliper

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Ride by Wire, QuickshifterAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Anti-slipping control, Riding modes, Ride by Wire

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter17 inchFront tyre diameter19 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width180 mmRear tyre width170 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height60 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,240 mmLength2,207 mm
WidthWidth950 mmWidth952.5 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,520 mmWheelbase1,525 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height840 mmSeat Height850 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)257 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)249 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity21 lFuel Tank Capacity20 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentHeated grips, Cornering lights, LED-HeadlightsEquipmentLED-Headlights, Windscreen adjustable

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021

Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021

The supposedly less well-equipped Versys 1000 S merely dispenses with the electronically adjustable chassis of the SE - and thus offers almost the same performance as the top model. This means that the S also has all the comfort features on board that make a long journey not only bearable, but really enjoyable. You don't necessarily feel the few kilos less than the SE, but the S is also an ideal companion on long tours when comfort and uncomplicated handling are paramount.

Very comfortable seating position

cultivated in-line four-cylinder engine

full electronics package

adjustable windshield

well controllable braking system

distinctive look

Windshield not adjustable with one hand

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

The BMW R 1250 GS is the logical further development of the R 1200 GS - logical above all because one should not expect such a popular motorbike to be radically changed. Accordingly, the design has been changed cautiously, and the familiar options for the chassis and electronics have been retained. The new name R 1250 GS, however, promises a new engine - and it really is something! 136 hp at 7750 rpm and a whopping 143 Newton metres of maximum torque at 6250 rpm are an absolute blast! BMW has thus renovated the big GS almost perfectly: it remains clearly recognisable, has a little more electronics as standard, a still long list of surcharges (which customers like to tick from A to Z) and a now even better and more sovereign power plant - what more could you want?!

extremely high-torque boxer engine

good sound

comfortable seating position, suitable for long distances

stable braking performance

good weather protection

colour TFT display standard

LED headlights

Manageable standard equipment, long surcharge list

jagged appearance with little elegance

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Kawasaki Versys 1000 S vs BMW R 1250 GS

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021 and a BMW R 1250 GS 2020. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1250 GS 2020 is about 39% higher. Compared to BMW R 1250 GS 2020 there are less Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 8 compared to 71. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1250 GS with 43 days compared to 93 days for the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S. Since model year 2021 1000PS.de editors have written 5 reviews for the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S and 50 reviews for the BMW R 1250 GS since model year 2019. The first review for the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S was published on 11/4/2020 and now has more than 49,600 views. This compares to more than 305,600 views for the first review on BMW R 1250 GS published on 9/19/2018.

Price Kawasaki Versys 1000 S

Model year
Current average market prices

Price BMW R 1250 GS

Model year
Current average market prices

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