BMW R 1200 GS 2013 vs. Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020

BMW R 1200 GS 2013

BMW R 1200 GS 2013

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020

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Overview - BMW R 1200 GS 2013 vs Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020

The BMW R 1200 GS 2013 and the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020 are both enduro motorcycles that offer a range of features and capabilities.

Starting with the engine and drive train, the BMW R 1200 GS 2013 is equipped with a Boxer engine that has a bore of 101 mm and a stroke of 73 mm. It delivers a power output of 125 HP and a torque of 125 Nm. 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 SE 2020 has an in-line engine with a bore of 77 mm and a stroke of 56 mm. It produces a power output of 120 HP and a torque of 102 Nm. The transmission is a chain and it has 4 cylinders with a displacement of 1043 ccm.

In terms of suspension, the BMW R 1200 GS 2013 features a front suspension with a strut design and preload adjustment. The rear suspension is a single swing arm with preload adjustment. The chassis is made of steel. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020 has an upside-down telescopic fork front suspension with compression, preload, and rebound adjustment. The rear suspension is a swing arm with compression, preload, and rebound adjustment. The chassis is made of aluminum.

BMW R 1200 GS 2013

BMW R 1200 GS 2013

When it comes to brakes, both motorcycles have double disk brakes at the front.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the BMW R 1200 GS 2013 has a front tire diameter of 19 inches and a rear tire width of 170 mm with a diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase is 1507 mm and the seat height is 850 mm. The kerb weight, including ABS, is 238 kg and the fuel tank capacity is 20 liters. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020 has a front tire diameter of 17 inches and a rear tire width of 180 mm with a diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase is 1520 mm and the seat height is 840 mm. The kerb weight, including ABS, is 257 kg and the fuel tank capacity is 21 liters.

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020

In terms of strengths, the BMW R 1200 GS 2013 is praised for its new engine, top chassis, high comfort, and suitability for both traveling and everyday use. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020 is commended for its high riding comfort for both the rider and passenger, great wind and weather protection, high-quality chassis that can be adjusted precisely to requirements, and a well-controllable and rev-happy engine with strong pull.

As for weaknesses, the BMW R 1200 GS 2013 does not have any listed weaknesses. However, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020 is noted to have a generously dimensioned standard windshield that may not provide enough wind at the lowest setting, especially at high temperatures. Additionally, its display and mobile phone app are said to be lacking compared to the competition.

In conclusion, the BMW R 1200 GS 2013 and the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020 are both capable enduro motorcycles with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The BMW offers a new engine and high comfort, while the Kawasaki provides high riding comfort, precise chassis adjustment, and a well-controlled engine.

Technical Specifications BMW R 1200 GS 2013 compared to Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020

BMW R 1200 GS 2013
Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeBoxerEngine typeIn line
BoreBore101 mmBore77 mm
StrokeStroke73 mmStroke56 mm
Engine powerEngine power125 HPEngine power120 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,700 rpmRpm at Max. Power9,000 rpm
TorqueTorque125 NmTorque102 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,500 rpmRpm at Torque7,500 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio12.5 Compression Ratio10.3
Clutch TypeClutch TypeAntihoppingClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionProp shaftTransmissionChain
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders4
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
CoolingCoolingAirCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement1,170 ccmDisplacement1,043 ccm

Suspension Front

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

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSingle swing armSuspensionSwing arm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameAluminium

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 width120 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter19 inchFront tyre diameter17 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width170 mmRear tyre width180 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height60 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,207 mmLength2,240 mm
WidthWidth953 mmWidth950 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,507 mmWheelbase1,520 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height840 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)238 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)257 kg
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 2013

BMW R 1200 GS 2013

There are hardly any real points of attack in the market leader, which has become even more versatile - and faster.

New engine

Top chassis

High comfort

Suitable for travelling

Suitable for everyday use

Nix

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020

The Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE is a particularly well-designed representative of a type that is so difficult to categorise. In the end, it is simply a very good and universal motorbike. At the regulars' table, it will hardly score points with 120 hp. But in practice, all elements of the motorbike are designed and dimensioned in such a way that you enjoy riding it for a long time. On long tours, it has sufficient power, offers dynamic handling and high riding comfort. Compared to the competition, you hardly miss the power. Kawasaki should improve on the integration of a Navigatinos app in the display.

High riding comfort for rider and passenger

Great wind and weather protection

High-quality chassis can be adjusted very precisely to the requirements

Well controllable and rev-happy engine

Strong pull from the engine

At high temperatures, the standard windshield is too generously dimensioned - even at the lowest setting, you hardly get any wind at all

display and mobile phone app cannot keep up with the competition.

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

There are a few key differences between a BMW R 1200 GS 2013 and a Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020 is about 29% higher. Compared to Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2020 there are more BMW R 1200 GS 2013 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 44 compared to 8. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1200 GS with 60 days compared to 156 days for a Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE. Since model year 2005 1000PS.de editors have written 98 reviews for the BMW R 1200 GS and 12 reviews for the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE since model year 2019. 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 25,500 views for the first review on Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE published on 06/11/2018.

Price BMW R 1200 GS

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE

Model year
Current average market prices

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