BMW R 1250 GS 2023 vs. Kawasaki Z650 2024

BMW R 1250 GS 2023

Kawasaki Z650 2024

Technical Specifications BMW R 1250 GS 2023 compared to Kawasaki Z650 2024

BMW R 1250 GS 2023

Kawasaki Z650 2024

BMW R 1250 GS 2023

Kawasaki Z650 2024

Engine and Drive Train

Bore	Bore	102.5 mm	Bore	83 mm
Stroke	Stroke	76 mm	Stroke	60 mm
Engine power	Engine power	136 HP	Engine power	68 HP
Rpm at Max. Power	Rpm at Max. Power	7,750 rpm	Rpm at Max. Power	8,000 rpm
Torque	Torque	143 Nm	Torque	65.7 Nm
Rpm at Torque	Rpm at Torque	6,250 rpm	Rpm at Torque	7,000 rpm
Compression Ratio	Compression Ratio	12.5	Compression Ratio	10.8
Throttle Bore	Throttle Bore	52 mm	Throttle Bore	36 mm
Displacement	Displacement	1,254 ccm	Displacement	649 ccm

Suspension Front

Diameter	Diameter	37 mm	Diameter	41 mm
Travel	Travel	190 mm	Travel	125 mm

Suspension Rear

Travel	Travel	200 mm	Travel	130 mm

Chassis

Rake	Rake	62.9 degree	Rake	65.5 degree
Trail	Trail	109 mm	Trail	100 mm

Brakes Front

Diameter	Diameter	305 mm	Diameter	300 mm

Brakes Rear

Diameter	Diameter	276 mm	Diameter	220 mm

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre width	Front tyre width	120 mm	Front tyre width	120 mm
Front tyre height	Front tyre height	70 %	Front tyre height	70 %
Front tyre diameter	Front tyre diameter	19 inch	Front tyre diameter	17 inch
Rear tyre width	Rear tyre width	170 mm	Rear tyre width	160 mm
Rear tyre height	Rear tyre height	60 %	Rear tyre height	60 %
Rear tyre diameter	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch
Length	Length	2,207 mm	Length	2,055 mm
Wheelbase	Wheelbase	1,525 mm	Wheelbase	1,410 mm
Seat Height	Seat Height	850 mm	Seat Height	790 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	249 kg	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	187.1 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity	Fuel Tank Capacity	20 l	Fuel Tank Capacity	15 l

Pros and Cons in comparison

BMW R 1250 GS 2023

The BMW R 1250 GS presents itself as a very complete motorbike even in 2022. Confident and well-balanced, it convinces on intensive rides. The motorbike scores points with its wonderful engine, great ergonomics and practical riding aids including great app integration. However, in direct comparison with other touring enduros in the top league, it is now showing its first weaknesses in terms of equipment and the components installed. However, the 136 hp from the boxer engine is convincing in every situation.

Extremely torquey boxer engine

Comfortable seating position, suitable for long distances

Great app integration

Sophisticated operating concept

Great ergonomics

Many customisation options

Great handling with strong confidence in the front

Easy driveability.

Shifting is awkward at low revs

seat too lax

brakes and suspension no longer on a par with the strong competition.

Kawasaki Z650 2024

The Kawasaki Z 650 is probably the most docile motorbike in the naked bike segment. And that is to be understood in an absolutely positive way - as long as you are not particularly tall and heavy. It is slim, light, agile and accessible. All the controls, but also the engine, do not overwhelm. If you are looking for spectacular performance, you should go for the Z 900, but if you are looking for a nimble and easy-to-ride motorbike, you will be satisfied.

Very accessible handling

Very compact and easy to manoeuvre

Motorcycle appears light and compact

Gives small riders a lot of confidence

Adjustable levers

Not enough space on the bike for tall riders

bike looks a class smaller than 650cc overall

engine looks a bit tame

very defensive seating position

handlebars too narrow and cranked too much for a naked bike.

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price BMW R 1250 GS vs Kawasaki Z650

Price BMW R 1250 GS

Model year

Average market price

Current average market prices

Price Kawasaki Z650

Model year

Average market price

Current average market prices