Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2022 vs. BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2022

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2022

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019

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Overview - Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2022 vs BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019

When comparing the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2022 and the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019, there are several key differences to consider.

In terms of engine and drive train, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2022 features an in-line four-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1043ccm, producing 120 HP of power and 102 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 has a boxer twin-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1254ccm, delivering 136 HP of power and 143 Nm of torque. Both motorcycles have electric starters, but the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2022 utilizes a chain transmission, while the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 employs a prop shaft transmission.

In terms of suspension, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2022 features an upside-down telescopic fork front suspension with 150mm of travel and adjustable compression, preload, and rebound settings. The rear suspension consists of a swing arm with a monoshock and offers 152mm of travel with the same adjustable settings. On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 utilizes a telelever front suspension with 210mm of travel and adjustable preload. The rear suspension is a single swing arm with a monoshock, providing 220mm of travel with adjustable preload and rebound settings.

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2022

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2022

In terms of chassis, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2022 has an aluminum frame with a rake of 63 degrees and a trail of 106mm. The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019, on the other hand, features a steel frame with a slightly steeper rake of 65.1 degrees and a trail of 95.4mm.

Both motorcycles have double disk front brakes, providing excellent stopping power. The Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2022 is equipped with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, ride by wire, and a quickshifter. The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 also features ABS, along with anti-slipping control, riding modes, and ride by wire technology.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2022 has a front tire diameter of 17 inches, a rear tire width of 180mm, and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. It has a wheelbase of 1520mm, a seat height of 840mm, a kerb weight of 257kg (with ABS), and a fuel tank capacity of 21 liters. On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 has a front tire diameter of 19 inches, a rear tire width of 170mm, and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. It has a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1504mm, a higher seat height of 890mm, a higher kerb weight of 268kg (with ABS), and a larger fuel tank capacity of 30 liters.

In terms of equipment, both motorcycles feature LED headlights. The Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2022 is equipped with heated grips, cornering lights, and an adjustable windshield. The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 has an adjustable windscreen for improved weather protection.

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019

In terms of strengths, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2022 offers a very comfortable seating position, a refined in-line four-cylinder engine, a full electronics package, and superb electronically adjustable Showa suspension. It also has a well-controlled braking system and a distinctive look. On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 provides great ride comfort, an extreme range, good ergonomics, excellent weather protection, and a bulbous torque with clean response. It also offers customization options for personalization.

In terms of weaknesses, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2022 has a non-adjustable windshield with one hand, which may be inconvenient for some riders. The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 has a high weight that can be noticeable in the braking zone and a higher price compared to the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2022.

Overall, both the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2022 and the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 are capable and well-equipped enduro motorcycles, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The choice between the two would ultimately depend on the rider's preferences and priorities, such as seating position, engine characteristics, suspension setup, and budget.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2022 compared to BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2022
BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019

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 mmTravel210 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSingle swing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel152 mmTravel220 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload, Rebound

Chassis

FrameFrameAluminiumFrameSteel
RakeRake63 degreeRake65.1 degree
TrailTrail106 mmTrail95.4 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 mmLength2,270 mm
WidthWidth950 mmWidth952 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,520 mmWheelbase1,504 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height840 mmSeat Height890 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)257 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)268 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity21 lFuel Tank Capacity30 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 SE 2022

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2022

The Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE is more than equipped for the big journey: The many features pull together, because everything good about the SE is aimed at comfort and safety. Whether it's the semi-active electronic Skyhook suspension from Showa, the KIBS cornering ABS, the Kawasaki Cornering Management Function (KMCF), the cornering lights or the easy-to-read TFT colour display, the electronics leave nothing to be desired. Coupled with the comfortable seating position and the high, adjustable windshield, long stages are a pleasure. The engine is certainly not the most powerful, the weight certainly not the lowest, but overall the Versys 1000 SE is an optimal touring motorbike.

Very comfortable seating position

cultivated in-line four-cylinder engine

full electronics package

adjustable windshield

superb electronically adjustable Showa suspension

well-controlled braking system

distinctive look

Windshield not adjustable with one hand

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019

The all-purpose weapon from Bavaria that can also handle ambitious off-road rides with ease. Thanks to an extra 2 centimetres of suspension travel and 10 litres more fuel in the tank, no tour is too far and no challenge too great. The comparatively low centre of gravity helps with handling and the more powerful engine brings it much closer to the normal R 1250 GS in terms of riding dynamics. In the new 1250 model generation, it offers not only the revised engine, which brings even better rideability, but also a plus in standard equipment and safety. The fiercest competitor for the Adventure is nevertheless lurking in its own house, because even the conventional, less expensive GS is already a fine all-rounder.

Great ride comfort

extreme range

good ergonomics

excellent weather protection

bulbous torque

clean response

generally good rideability due to low centre of gravity

customisation options.

High weight noticeable in the braking zone

high price

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

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2022 and a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 is about 23% higher. A Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2022 experiences a loss of 1,880 GBP in one year of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 780 GBP for a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019. Compared to BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 there are less Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2022 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 12 compared to 24. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure with 51 days compared to 145 days for the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE. Since model year 2019 1000PS.de editors have written 12 reviews for the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE and 30 reviews for the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure since model year 2019. The first review for the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE was published on 06/11/2018 and now has more than 25,500 views. This compares to more than 43,300 views for the first review on BMW R 1250 GS Adventure published on 06/11/2018.

Price Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE

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Current average market prices

Price BMW R 1250 GS Adventure

Model year
Current average market prices

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