Kawasaki Vulcan S 2022 vs. BMW R 1250 GS 2022

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2022

BMW R 1250 GS 2022

Overview - Kawasaki Vulcan S 2022 vs BMW R 1250 GS 2022

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2022

BMW R 1250 GS 2022

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Vulcan S 2022 compared to BMW R 1250 GS 2022

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2022

BMW R 1250 GS 2022

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2022

BMW R 1250 GS 2022

Engine and Drive Train

Engine type	Engine type	In line	Engine type	Boxer
Bore	Bore	83 mm	Bore	102.5 mm
Stroke	Stroke	60 mm	Stroke	76 mm
Engine power	Engine power	61 HP	Engine power	136 HP
Rpm at Max. Power	Rpm at Max. Power	7,500 rpm	Rpm at Max. Power	7,750 rpm
Torque	Torque	62.4 Nm	Torque	143 Nm
Rpm at Torque	Rpm at Torque	6,600 rpm	Rpm at Torque	6,250 rpm
Compression Ratio	Compression Ratio	10.8	Compression Ratio	12.5
Starter	Starter	Electric	Starter	Electric
Clutch Type	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath	Clutch Type	Antihopping
Transmission	Transmission	Chain	Transmission	Prop shaft
Transmission Type	Transmission Type	Gearshift	Transmission Type	Gearshift
Number of gears	Number of gears	6	Number of gears	6
Cylinders	Cylinders	2	Cylinders	2
Strokes	Strokes	4-Stroke	Strokes	4-Stroke
Cooling	Cooling	liquid	Cooling	liquid-air
Displacement	Displacement	649 ccm	Displacement	1,254 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspension	Front suspension	Telescopic fork	Front suspension	Telelever
Diameter	Diameter	41 mm	Diameter	37 mm
Travel	Travel	130 mm	Travel	190 mm

Suspension Rear

Suspension	Suspension	Swing arm	Suspension	Single swing arm
Shock absorber	Shock absorber	Monoshock	Shock absorber	Monoshock
Travel	Travel	80 mm	Travel	200 mm
Adjustment	Adjustment	Preload	Adjustment	Preload, Rebound

Chassis

Frame	Frame	Steel	Frame	Steel
Frame type	Frame type	Perimeter	Frame type	Load-bearing engine
Trail	Trail	120 mm	Trail	109 mm

Brakes Front

Type	Type	Single disk	Type	Double disk
Diameter	Diameter	300 mm	Diameter	305 mm
Piston	Piston	Double piston	Piston	Four pistons

Brakes Rear

Type	Type	Disc	Type	Disc
Diameter	Diameter	250 mm	Diameter	276 mm
Piston	Piston	Single piston	Piston	Double piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	ABS	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	ABS, Anti-slipping control, Hill start assist, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Traction control

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre width	Front tyre width	120 mm	Front tyre width	120 mm
Front tyre height	Front tyre height	70 %	Front tyre height	70 %
Front tyre diameter	Front tyre diameter	18 inch	Front tyre diameter	19 inch
Rear tyre width	Rear tyre width	160 mm	Rear tyre width	170 mm
Rear tyre height	Rear tyre height	60 %	Rear tyre height	60 %
Rear tyre diameter	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch
Length	Length	2,310 mm	Length	2,207 mm
Width	Width	880 mm	Width	952.5 mm
Wheelbase	Wheelbase	1,575 mm	Wheelbase	1,525 mm
Seat Height	Seat Height	705 mm	Seat Height	850 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	229 kg	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	249 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity	Fuel Tank Capacity	14 l	Fuel Tank Capacity	20 l
License compliancy	License compliancy	A	License compliancy	A

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2022

No matter which platform Kawasaki puts the 650 cubic two-cylinder in, the result is always a great motorbike! Even though the engine is unusually rev-happy for a cruiser, it results in a cruiser that actually qualifies as a sports cruiser when paired with the sporty chassis set-up. The only brake is the limited lean angle clearance, but this will not deter lovers of hearty footrest grinding. With such a good bike, we hope that Kawasaki will follow suit - after all, the Vulcan S has been with us almost unchanged since 2015.

powerful engine

chassis tuning with sporty Kawasaki DNA

real cruiser seating position

easy-to-read display

potential in tuning

Appearance a little outdated

moderate wind protection

BMW R 1250 GS 2022

The BMW R 1250 GS presents itself as a very complete motorbike even in 2022. Confident and well-balanced, it convinces on intensive rides. The motorbike scores points with its wonderful engine, great ergonomics and practical riding aids including great app integration. However, in direct comparison with other touring enduros in the top league, it is now showing its first weaknesses in terms of equipment and the components installed. However, the 136 hp from the boxer engine is convincing in every situation.

Extremely torquey boxer engine

Comfortable seating position, suitable for long distances

Great app integration

Sophisticated operating concept

Great ergonomics

Many customisation options

Great handling with strong confidence in the front

Easy driveability.

Shifting is awkward at low revs

seat too lax

brakes and suspension no longer on a par with the strong competition.