BMW R 1200 GS 2010 vs. Kawasaki Versys 1000 2012

BMW R 1200 GS 2010

BMW R 1200 GS 2010

Kawasaki Versys 1000 2012

Kawasaki Versys 1000 2012

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Overview - BMW R 1200 GS 2010 vs Kawasaki Versys 1000 2012

The BMW R 1200 GS 2010 and the Kawasaki Versys 1000 2012 are both enduro motorcycles that offer a combination of off-road capability and on-road comfort. While they have some similarities in terms of engine power and suspension, they also have distinct differences that set them apart.

In terms of engine and drive train, the BMW R 1200 GS 2010 features a Boxer engine with a bore of 101 mm and a stroke of 73 mm. It delivers 110 HP of power and 120 Nm of torque. The transmission is a prop shaft, and it has 2 cylinders with a displacement of 1170 ccm. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 2012 has an in-line engine with a bore of 77 mm and a stroke of 56 mm. It offers slightly more power with 118 HP and 102 Nm of torque. The transmission is a chain, and it has 4 cylinders with a displacement of 1043 ccm.

BMW R 1200 GS 2010

BMW R 1200 GS 2010

In terms of suspension, the BMW R 1200 GS 2010 has a front suspension with a strut design and preload adjustment. The rear suspension also has preload adjustment. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 2012 features an upside-down telescopic fork for the front suspension, with compression, preload, and rebound adjustment. The rear suspension also has compression, preload, and rebound adjustment.

Both motorcycles have double disk brakes at the front, providing reliable stopping power. The rear tire width of the BMW R 1200 GS 2010 is 110 mm, while the Kawasaki Versys 1000 2012 has a wider rear tire width of 180 mm. The wheelbase of the BMW is 1507 mm, slightly shorter than the 1520 mm wheelbase of the Kawasaki. The seat height is also slightly higher on the BMW at 850 mm compared to the 845 mm of the Kawasaki. Both motorcycles have a fuel tank capacity of around 20-21 liters.

In terms of strengths, the BMW R 1200 GS 2010 has a sporty look and is well-equipped, with enough storage space for longer trips. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 2012 offers a silky running powerplant, a sporty yet comfortable chassis, efficient wind protection, and a cushioned seat.

Kawasaki Versys 1000 2012

Kawasaki Versys 1000 2012

However, the BMW R 1200 GS 2010 has a weakness in that the technology of the conversion may take some getting used to. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 2012 has a slight tipping in curves that may take some getting used to, and its design may be subject to personal preference.

Overall, both the BMW R 1200 GS 2010 and the Kawasaki Versys 1000 2012 are capable enduro motorcycles with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and intended use when choosing between the two.

Technical Specifications BMW R 1200 GS 2010 compared to Kawasaki Versys 1000 2012

BMW R 1200 GS 2010
Kawasaki Versys 1000 2012

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeBoxerEngine typeIn line
BoreBore101 mmBore77 mm
StrokeStroke73 mmStroke56 mm
Engine powerEngine power110 HPEngine power118 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,750 rpmRpm at Max. Power9,000 rpm
TorqueTorque120 NmTorque102 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,000 rpmRpm at Torque7,700 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio12 Compression Ratio10.3
Clutch TypeClutch TypeToughened, DryClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionProp shaftTransmissionChain
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders4
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
CoolingCoolingOil-airCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement1,170 ccmDisplacement1,043 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionStrutFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
Shock mountShock mountFixed caliperShock mountSemi-Schwimmsattel

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonSingle piston
Shock mountShock mountFloating caliperShock mountFixed caliper

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width110 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height80 %Front tyre height70 %
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width110 mmRear tyre width180 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height80 %Rear tyre height55 %
LengthLength2,210 mmLength2,235 mm
WidthWidth915 mmWidth900 mm
HeightHeight1,450 mmHeight1,405 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,507 mmWheelbase1,520 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height845 mm
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity20 lFuel Tank Capacity21 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

BMW R 1200 GS 2010

BMW R 1200 GS 2010

A GS Adventure has practically everything you need for the big trip. But firstly, Touratech manufactures some parts for BMW anyway and secondly, it doesn't stop with the optional extras offered by the Bavarians.

Sporty look

well equipped

enough storage space

The technology of the conversion takes some getting used to

Kawasaki Versys 1000 2012

Kawasaki Versys 1000 2012

With no other Bigenduro can you ride so hard on the knee and therefore end up way ahead on the grid. If you often feel attacked on your holiday trip, you should fight back with the Versys 1000. Which proves that big enduros and four-cylinders do get along.

Silky running powerplant

sporty, comfortable chassis

efficient wind protection

cushioned seat.

Slight tipping in curves takes some getting used to

arguable design

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price BMW R 1200 GS vs Kawasaki Versys 1000

There are a few key differences between a BMW R 1200 GS 2010 and a Kawasaki Versys 1000 2012. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1200 GS 2010 is about 36% higher. A BMW R 1200 GS 2010 experiences a loss of 400 GBP in one year and 1,170 GBP in two years of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 270 GBP and 1,320 GBP for a Kawasaki Versys 1000 2012. Compared to Kawasaki Versys 1000 2012 there are more BMW R 1200 GS 2010 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 16 compared to 10. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1200 GS with 64 days compared to 87 days for a Kawasaki Versys 1000. Since model year 2005 1000PS.de editors have written 98 reviews for the BMW R 1200 GS and 19 reviews for the Kawasaki Versys 1000 since model year 2012. The first review for the BMW R 1200 GS was published on 20/01/2004 and now has more than 19,100 views. This compares to more than 8,400 views for the first review on Kawasaki Versys 1000 published on 07/11/2011.

Price BMW R 1200 GS

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Kawasaki Versys 1000

Model year
Current average market prices

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