Kawasaki Z900 2020 vs. BMW S 1000 R 2017

Kawasaki Z900 2020

Kawasaki Z900 2020

BMW S 1000 R 2017

BMW S 1000 R 2017

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Overview - Kawasaki Z900 2020 vs BMW S 1000 R 2017

The Kawasaki Z900 2020 and the BMW S 1000 R 2017 are both naked bikes with similar engine types, inline four-cylinder engines. However, there are several differences in their technical specifications and strengths.

In terms of engine power, the BMW S 1000 R 2017 has a clear advantage with 165 HP compared to the Kawasaki Z900 2020's 125.4 HP. The BMW also has a higher torque of 114 Nm compared to the Z900's 98.6 Nm. This difference in power and torque translates to a more aggressive and thrilling riding experience on the BMW.

Both bikes have fuel injection systems and liquid cooling, ensuring efficient performance and temperature control. The BMW has a slightly larger engine displacement of 999cc compared to the Z900's 948cc.

Kawasaki Z900 2020

Kawasaki Z900 2020

In terms of suspension, both bikes feature upside-down telescopic forks in the front and swing arm suspension with a monoshock at the rear. The BMW has the advantage of a twin tube aluminum frame, which provides better rigidity and handling compared to the Z900's steel double cradle frame.

When it comes to braking, both bikes have double disc brakes with four-piston calipers at the front. However, the BMW's front brakes have radial technology, which offers better braking performance and control.

In terms of rider assistance systems, both bikes have ABS, riding modes, ride by wire, and traction control. The BMW has the additional feature of dynamic suspension, which adjusts the suspension settings based on riding conditions.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the BMW has a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1439mm compared to the Z900's 1450mm. The BMW also has a higher seat height of 814mm compared to the Z900's 795mm. However, the BMW is slightly lighter with a kerb weight of 205kg compared to the Z900's 210kg.

BMW S 1000 R 2017

BMW S 1000 R 2017

In terms of strengths, the Kawasaki Z900 2020 is praised for its powerful four-cylinder engine, great handling, good equipment, aggressive looks, and value for money. On the other hand, the BMW S 1000 R 2017 is praised for having the best shift assistant in the naked bike league, a powerful engine with an awesome sound, great handling, a wide range of equipment and accessory options, powerful brakes, and a semi-active suspension that eliminates the need for setup adjustments.

As for weaknesses, the Kawasaki Z900 2020 is criticized for its somewhat tiring menu navigation and the lack of a quickshifter option. The BMW S 1000 R 2017 is criticized for its original equipment tires not being of the finest premium quality and its inactive seating position on the racetrack.

Overall, both bikes offer impressive performance and features, but the BMW S 1000 R 2017 stands out with its higher power, superior braking technology, and wider range of equipment options. However, the Kawasaki Z900 2020 offers good value for money and a more comfortable riding position.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Z900 2020 compared to BMW S 1000 R 2017

Kawasaki Z900 2020
BMW S 1000 R 2017

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore73.4 mmBore80 mm
StrokeStroke56 mmStroke49.7 mm
Engine powerEngine power125.4 HPEngine power165 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power9,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power11,000 rpm
TorqueTorque98.6 NmTorque114 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,700 rpmRpm at Torque9,250 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio11.8 Compression Ratio12
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath, Antihopping
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders4Cylinders4
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement948 ccmDisplacement999 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
DiameterDiameter41 mmDiameter46 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameAluminium
Frame typeFrame typeDouble cradleFrame typeTwin Tube

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
TechnologyTechnologyPetalTechnologyradial

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonSingle piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Ride by Wire, Traction controlAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsDynamic suspension

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 diameter17 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width180 mmRear tyre width190 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,070 mmLength2,057 mm
WidthWidth820 mmWidth845 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,450 mmWheelbase1,439 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height795 mmSeat Height814 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)210 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)205 kg
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Z900 2020

Kawasaki Z900 2020

The Kawasaki Z900 may not be up to scratch when it comes to modern, lean angle-dependent electronic features, but it's relatively cheap and you shouldn't underestimate the fan base of the good old inline four - the Z900 is one of the cheapest ways to own such a great engine with just under a litre of displacement in a sporty naked bike! The higher weight is noticeable, but not massively annoying, because the handling and stability are quite alright. In terms of "outdated" electronics, the most annoying thing is the missing shift assistant, which is not even available as an option. Overall, however, the Z900 is a great naked bike with a great price-performance ratio.

Light and natural handling with high stability

silky engine with full pull from low revs

high chassis transparency, great feedback

seating position with feel-good factor

absolutely fair price.

Relatively cumbersome operation of the menu

no slope-dependent assistance systems

high weight

BMW S 1000 R 2017

BMW S 1000 R 2017

The BMW S 1000 R impresses across the board and is much more than just a naked version of the S 1000 RR. With its own character, more torque in the mid-range and first-class electronics, it sets new standards in the high-performance Naked segment. The overall package of brutal performance, excellent suspension and practical everyday use makes it one of the best naked bikes ever - and at a surprisingly fair price.

Brutal performance with 160 Horsepower

Outstanding DDC suspension

Amazing stability at high speeds for a naked bike

Perfect electronics with sensitive DTC

Good price/performance ratio

Character despite perfection

Driving mode display font too small

Too extreme appearance for BMW traditionalists

Without equipment packages, important electronic features are missing

The price advantage is lost with full features

Price Comparison Average Market Price Kawasaki Z900 vs BMW S 1000 R

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Z900 2020 and a BMW S 1000 R 2017. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW S 1000 R 2017 is about 41% higher. Compared to BMW S 1000 R 2017 there are more Kawasaki Z900 2020 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 34 compared to 22. It takes less time to sell a BMW S 1000 R with 97 days compared to 124 days for the Kawasaki Z900. Since model year 2017 1000PS.de editors have written 46 reviews for the Kawasaki Z900 and 62 reviews for the BMW S 1000 R since model year 2014. The first review for the Kawasaki Z900 was published on 11/11/2016 and now has more than 93,200 views. This compares to more than 17,300 views for the first review on BMW S 1000 R published on 03/11/2013.

Price Kawasaki Z900

Model year
Current average market prices

Price BMW S 1000 R

Model year
Current average market prices

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