BMW R 1200 R 2015 vs. Kawasaki Z900 RS 2022

BMW R 1200 R 2015

BMW R 1200 R 2015

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2022

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2022

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Overview - BMW R 1200 R 2015 vs Kawasaki Z900 RS 2022

The BMW R 1200 R 2015 and the Kawasaki Z900 RS 2022 are both naked bikes that offer powerful engines and comfortable seating positions. However, there are several differences between the two models.

In terms of engine specifications, the BMW R 1200 R 2015 is equipped with a Boxer engine that produces 125 HP of power and 125 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 RS 2022 features an inline four-cylinder engine that generates 111 HP of power and 98.6 Nm of torque. While the BMW R 1200 R has a larger displacement of 1170 ccm, the Kawasaki Z900 RS has a slightly smaller displacement of 948 ccm. Both bikes have liquid cooling systems, but the BMW R 1200 R relies on air cooling as well.

In terms of suspension, the BMW R 1200 R 2015 is equipped with a telescopic fork at the front and a Paralever suspension at the rear. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 RS 2022 features an upside-down telescopic fork at the front and a swing arm suspension at the rear. Both bikes have steel frames, but the BMW R 1200 R has a load-bearing engine frame, while the Kawasaki Z900 RS has a tubular frame.

BMW R 1200 R 2015

BMW R 1200 R 2015

When it comes to braking, both bikes are equipped with double disc brakes at the front with four-piston calipers. This ensures powerful and reliable braking performance. In terms of tire dimensions, both bikes have a front tire width of 120 mm and a rear tire width of 180 mm. The tire diameters are also the same at 17 inches.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the BMW R 1200 R 2015 has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1515 mm compared to the Kawasaki Z900 RS 2022's wheelbase of 1470 mm. The seat height of the BMW R 1200 R is 790 mm, while the Kawasaki Z900 RS has a higher seat height of 835 mm. The BMW R 1200 R also has a higher kerb weight of 231 kg compared to the Kawasaki Z900 RS's weight of 215 kg. Both bikes have fuel tank capacities of 17-18 liters.

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2022

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2022

In terms of strengths, the BMW R 1200 R 2015 offers a sporty look, a powerful engine, a comfortable seating position, and standard features such as ABS and traction control. It also has two riding modes for added versatility. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 RS 2022 has a beautiful design, a powerful engine, stable handling, powerful brakes, and a comfortable seating position. It also features analogue displays and adjustable levers for added customization.

However, there are also some weaknesses to consider. The BMW R 1200 R 2015 has many cool features that are only available at an extra cost, and the rev counter is poorly readable. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 RS 2022 does not offer an optional quickshifter.

In conclusion, both the BMW R 1200 R 2015 and the Kawasaki Z900 RS 2022 have their own strengths and weaknesses. The BMW R 1200 R offers a sporty and powerful ride with additional features, while the Kawasaki Z900 RS provides a stylish design and comfortable riding experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two models will depend on individual preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications BMW R 1200 R 2015 compared to Kawasaki Z900 RS 2022

BMW R 1200 R 2015
Kawasaki Z900 RS 2022

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeBoxerEngine typeIn line
BoreBore101 mmBore73.4 mm
StrokeStroke73 mmStroke56 mm
Engine powerEngine power125 HPEngine power111 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,750 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,500 rpm
TorqueTorque125 NmTorque98.6 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,500 rpmRpm at Torque6,500 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio12.5 Compression Ratio10.8
Clutch TypeClutch TypeAntihoppingClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionProp shaftTransmissionChain
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders4
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
CoolingCoolingAirCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement1,170 ccmDisplacement948 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionTelescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionParaleverSuspensionSwing arm

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeLoad-bearing engineFrame typeTubular

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonSingle piston

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 width180 mmRear tyre width180 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,165 mmLength2,100 mm
WidthWidth880 mmWidth865 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,515 mmWheelbase1,470 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height790 mmSeat Height835 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)231 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)215 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity18 lFuel Tank Capacity17 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

BMW R 1200 R 2015

BMW R 1200 R 2015

The predecessor was already able to be ridden in a sporty manner as well as convincing on tours, the new R 1200 R can do even more - thanks to the pannier system (of course at extra cost), travelling is still no problem, but it masters sport even better. Thanks to the now partially water-cooled boxer twin-cylinder engine, it is wonderfully agile - 125 hp may not seem like much on paper, but the engine pushes incredibly and behaves in a cultivated manner to boot. The chassis and brakes also score highly and the seating position is sporty and upright, covering a wide spectrum from wonderful fun to long-distance touring. Unfortunately, BMW also understands the trick with the surcharge list perfectly. The basic model is well equipped with ABS that can be deactivated, traction control that can also be deactivated and two driving modes, but many interesting gimmicks are almost obligatory - and of course drive the price way up.

Sporty look

powerful engine

good sound, comfortable seating position

ABS and traction control standard

two riding modes

Many cool features only available at extra cost

poorly readable rev counter

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2022

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2022

The Z900 RS enjoys a large fan base and in 2022 it once again proves why it is so popular. The powerful engine scores with pulling power and a wonderful sound that is not too obtrusive. The handling feels natural and presents no challenges. Only a quickshifter would suit the bike - even if that doesn't quite fit the retro idea.

beautiful design

powerful engine

stable handling

powerful brake

comfortable seating position

analogue displays

adjustable levers

No optional quickshifter available

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price BMW R 1200 R vs Kawasaki Z900 RS

There are a few key differences between a BMW R 1200 R 2015 and a Kawasaki Z900 RS 2022. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Kawasaki Z900 RS 2022 is about 11% higher. Compared to Kawasaki Z900 RS 2022 there are more BMW R 1200 R 2015 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 23 compared to 22. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1200 R with 69 days compared to 127 days for a Kawasaki Z900 RS. Since model year 2007 1000PS.de editors have written 27 reviews for the BMW R 1200 R and 26 reviews for the Kawasaki Z900 RS since model year 2018. The first review for the BMW R 1200 R was published on 07/07/2006 and now has more than 14,900 views. This compares to more than 63,700 views for the first review on Kawasaki Z900 RS published on 06/09/2017.

Price BMW R 1200 R

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Kawasaki Z900 RS

Model year
Current average market prices

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