BMW S 1000 R 2021 vs. Kawasaki Z900 2018

BMW S 1000 R 2021

BMW S 1000 R 2021

Kawasaki Z900 2018

Kawasaki Z900 2018

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Overview - BMW S 1000 R 2021 vs Kawasaki Z900 2018

The BMW S 1000 R 2021 and the Kawasaki Z900 2018 are both naked bikes with inline engines and similar displacement. However, there are several differences between the two models.

In terms of engine power, the BMW S 1000 R 2021 has a clear advantage with 165 HP compared to the Kawasaki Z900 2018's 125.4 HP. This makes the BMW more powerful and capable of delivering a thrilling riding experience.

Both bikes have fuel injection systems and liquid cooling, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency. However, the BMW S 1000 R 2021 has a higher torque of 114 Nm compared to the Kawasaki Z900 2018's 98.6 Nm, which translates to better acceleration and overall performance.

When it comes to suspension, both bikes feature upside-down telescopic forks at the front and swing arm suspension at the rear. However, the BMW S 1000 R 2021 offers more adjustability with compression, preload, and rebound adjustments for both the front and rear suspension. The Kawasaki Z900 2018 only allows for preload and rebound adjustments.

BMW S 1000 R 2021

BMW S 1000 R 2021

In terms of chassis, the BMW S 1000 R 2021 has an aluminum frame, which is lighter and provides better handling compared to the steel frame of the Kawasaki Z900 2018. The BMW's frame type is also a twin tube, further enhancing its rigidity and stability.

Both bikes have double disk brakes at the front with four pistons, but the BMW S 1000 R 2021 has larger diameter disks at 320 mm compared to the Kawasaki Z900 2018's 300 mm. The BMW also features radial technology, which improves braking performance and feel.

When it comes to advanced rider assistance systems, the BMW S 1000 R 2021 offers a wide range of features including ABS, hill start assist, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, traction control, and anti-wheelie. The Kawasaki Z900 2018 only has ABS.

Kawasaki Z900 2018

Kawasaki Z900 2018

In terms of dimensions and weights, both bikes have similar front and rear tire widths and diameters. They also share the same wheelbase of 1450 mm. However, the BMW S 1000 R 2021 has a higher seat height of 830 mm compared to the Kawasaki Z900 2018's 795 mm. The BMW is also lighter with a kerb weight of 199 kg compared to the Kawasaki's 210 kg.

In terms of strengths, the BMW S 1000 R 2021 stands out with its powerful engine, good brakes, comfortable ergonomics, and high-performance optional extras. It is also praised for being a great all-rounder. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 2018 is praised for its powerful and smooth engine, great sound, sharp and sporty look, low seating position, and easy handling and maneuverability.

In terms of weaknesses, the BMW S 1000 R 2021 is criticized for its quickshifter not being perfect and its sound being slightly intrusive. It also has some vibrations in the handlebars. The Kawasaki Z900 2018 lacks traction control and the knee angle can be strenuous for tall riders on long rides.

In conclusion, the BMW S 1000 R 2021 offers more power, better suspension adjustability, a lighter frame, and a wider range of advanced rider assistance systems compared to the Kawasaki Z900 2018. However, the Kawasaki has its own strengths in terms of engine smoothness, sound, and handling. Ultimately, the choice between the two models will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications BMW S 1000 R 2021 compared to Kawasaki Z900 2018

BMW S 1000 R 2021
Kawasaki Z900 2018

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore80 mmBore73.4 mm
StrokeStroke49.7 mmStroke56 mm
Engine powerEngine power165 HPEngine power125.4 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power11,000 rpmRpm at Max. Power9,500 rpm
TorqueTorque114 NmTorque98.6 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque9,250 rpmRpm at Torque7,700 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio12.5 Compression Ratio11.8
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
Throttle BoreThrottle Bore48 mmThrottle Bore36 mm
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath, AntihoppingClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders4Cylinders4
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHC, Drag leverValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement999 ccmDisplacement948 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
DiameterDiameter45 mmDiameter41 mm
TravelTravel120 mmTravel120 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel117 mmTravel140 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload, Rebound

Chassis

FrameFrameAluminiumFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeTwin TubeFrame typeDouble cradle
RakeRake66 degreeRake65 degree
TrailTrail96.3 mmTrail105 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter320 mmDiameter300 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
TechnologyTechnologyradialTechnologyPetal

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter220 mmDiameter250 mm
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonSingle piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Hill start assist, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Traction control, Anti-wheelieAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS

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 width190 mmRear tyre width180 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,090 mmLength2,070 mm
WidthWidth812 mmWidth820 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,450 mmWheelbase1,450 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height830 mmSeat Height795 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)199 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)210 kg
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

BMW S 1000 R 2021

BMW S 1000 R 2021

It's really impressive how BMW always manages to make good motorbikes even better. The sporty S 1000 R with M package and carbon rims looks a bit threatening at first. But even in 2021, the S 1000 R serves up high-tech and performance in a grandiose, usable dosage. The machine rides precisely, handles well but is not tippy. The engine fires out of the corners, but does not overtax. A damn fast motorbike!

Powerful engine

good brakes

comfortable ergonomics

high-priced but high-performance optional extras

simple operation but still very fast

great all-rounder.

Quickshifter good, but not perfect, sound still a bit intrusive

still with vibrations in handlebars

Kawasaki Z900 2018

Kawasaki Z900 2018

In the hotly contested naked bike segment, the Z900 plays right at the front. Above all, its engine is absolutely terrific, runs incredibly silky and offers rich power in all rev regions - as befits a Japanese four-cylinder. Its sporty, aggressive appearance matches this. It does without electronic bells and whistles, but still conveys a lot of confidence when chasing corners, braking and accelerating out of them. The low seat is especially beneficial for smaller riders, but taller riders might miss a flatter knee angle on long distances. The low weight and compactness make the Z900 particularly agile and easy to handle. A sporting cannon that is also extremely appealing in terms of price

Powerful and silky engine

great sound

chassis

sharp, sporty look

low seating position

easy handling and manoeuvrability.

Lack of traction control

Knee angle strenuous for tall riders in the long run

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

There are a few key differences between a BMW S 1000 R 2021 and a Kawasaki Z900 2018. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW S 1000 R 2021 is about 88% higher. Compared to Kawasaki Z900 2018 there are less BMW S 1000 R 2021 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 15 compared to 55. It takes less time to sell a BMW S 1000 R with 67 days compared to 112 days for a Kawasaki Z900. Since model year 2014 1000PS.de editors have written 62 reviews for the BMW S 1000 R and 46 reviews for the Kawasaki Z900 since model year 2017. The first review for the BMW S 1000 R was published on 03/11/2013 and now has more than 17,300 views. This compares to more than 93,200 views for the first review on Kawasaki Z900 published on 11/11/2016.

Price BMW S 1000 R

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Kawasaki Z900

Model year
Current average market prices

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