Kawasaki Z900 2023 vs. BMW S 1000 R 2015

Kawasaki Z900 2023

Kawasaki Z900 2023

BMW S 1000 R 2015

BMW S 1000 R 2015

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Overview - Kawasaki Z900 2023 vs BMW S 1000 R 2015

The Kawasaki Z900 2023 and the BMW S 1000 R 2015 are both naked bikes with similar engine types, inline 4-cylinder engines. However, there are several differences between the two models.

In terms of engine power, the BMW S 1000 R 2015 has a higher output with 160 HP compared to the Kawasaki Z900 2023's 125 HP. The BMW also has a higher torque of 112 Nm compared to the Kawasaki's 98.6 Nm. This means that the BMW may have better acceleration and overall performance.

In terms of suspension, both bikes have upside-down telescopic forks at the front and swing arm suspension at the rear. They also both have monoshock absorbers. However, the BMW S 1000 R 2015 has an additional feature of dynamic suspension, which may provide better handling and comfort.

Kawasaki Z900 2023

Kawasaki Z900 2023

In terms of chassis, the Kawasaki Z900 2023 has a steel frame while the BMW S 1000 R 2015 has an aluminum frame. The BMW's frame type is also a twin tube, which may provide better rigidity and stability.

Both bikes have double disk brakes at the front with four pistons. The Kawasaki Z900 2023 uses petal technology for its brakes, while the BMW S 1000 R 2015 uses radial technology. The BMW may have more powerful and precise braking performance.

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, the Kawasaki Z900 2023 offers ABS, riding modes, ride by wire, and traction control. The BMW S 1000 R 2015, on the other hand, offers dynamic suspension. This means that the BMW may have better suspension control and adaptability to different riding conditions.

In terms of dimensions and weights, both bikes have similar front and rear tire widths and diameters. The Kawasaki Z900 2023 has a slightly longer wheelbase at 1450 mm compared to the BMW S 1000 R 2015's 1439 mm. The seat height of the BMW is also slightly higher at 814 mm compared to the Kawasaki's 795 mm. In terms of weight, the BMW is slightly lighter at 207 kg compared to the Kawasaki's 212 kg.

BMW S 1000 R 2015

BMW S 1000 R 2015

In terms of strengths, the Kawasaki Z900 2023 is praised for its light and natural handling, silky engine with good low-end power, high chassis transparency, and comfortable seating position. It is also considered to have a fair price. On the other hand, the BMW S 1000 R 2015 is praised for its powerful and controllable engine, strong braking system, and comparatively comfortable seating position.

In terms of weaknesses, the Kawasaki Z900 2023 is criticized for its relatively cumbersome menu operation, lack of slope-dependent assistance systems, and high weight. The BMW S 1000 R 2015 is noted for its expensive optional extras, hard chassis, and vibrations in the handlebars.

Overall, while the BMW S 1000 R 2015 may have a more powerful engine and better braking system, the Kawasaki Z900 2023 offers a more comfortable and affordable riding experience.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Z900 2023 compared to BMW S 1000 R 2015

Kawasaki Z900 2023
BMW S 1000 R 2015

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore73.4 mmBore80 mm
StrokeStroke56 mmStroke49.7 mm
Engine powerEngine power125 HPEngine power160 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power9,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power11,000 rpm
TorqueTorque98.6 NmTorque112 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,700 rpmRpm at Torque9,250 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio11.8 Compression Ratio12
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath, Antihopping
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders4Cylinders4
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
DisplacementDisplacement948 ccmDisplacement999 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
DiameterDiameter41 mmDiameter46 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameAluminium
Frame typeFrame typeDouble cradleFrame typeTwin Tube

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
TechnologyTechnologyPetalTechnologyradial

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonSingle piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Ride by Wire, Traction controlAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsDynamic suspension

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 width190 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,070 mmLength2,057 mm
WidthWidth820 mmWidth845 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,450 mmWheelbase1,439 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height795 mmSeat Height814 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)212 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)207 kg
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Z900 2023

Kawasaki Z900 2023

The Kawasaki Z900 may not be up to scratch when it comes to modern, lean angle-dependent electronic features, but it's relatively cheap and you shouldn't underestimate the fan base of the good old inline four - the Z900 is one of the cheapest ways to own such a great engine with just under a litre of displacement in a sporty naked bike! The higher weight is noticeable, but not massively annoying, because the handling and stability are quite alright. In terms of "outdated" electronics, the most annoying thing is the missing shift assistant, which is not even available as an option. Overall, however, the Z900 is a great naked bike with a great price-performance ratio.

Light and natural handling with high stability

silky engine with full pull from low revs

high chassis transparency, great feedback

seating position with feel-good factor

absolutely fair price.

Relatively cumbersome operation of the menu

no slope-dependent assistance systems

high weight

BMW S 1000 R 2015

BMW S 1000 R 2015

With the BMW S 1000 R, you notice both the close relationship to the S 1000 RR superbike and the endeavour to equip the machine with a high degree of comfort for country roads and everyday use. Accordingly, the 1000cc four-cylinder power unit is brute and yet easily controllable, and the seating position is correspondingly sporty and comfortable. The fact that the S 1000 R is one of the most affordable power naked bikes is surprising and very pleasing, although one must not get hold of the list of optional extras - because thanks to the many irresistible features, it will certainly be more expensive.

Powerful and well controllable engine

powerful braking system

comparatively comfortable seating position.

irresistible but expensive optional extras

hard chassis

vibrations in the handlebars

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

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Z900 2023 and a BMW S 1000 R 2015. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW S 1000 R 2015 is about 2% higher. Compared to BMW S 1000 R 2015 there are more Kawasaki Z900 2023 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 187 compared to 12. It takes less time to sell a BMW S 1000 R with 61 days compared to 122 days for the Kawasaki Z900. Since model year 2017 1000PS.de editors have written 46 reviews for the Kawasaki Z900 and 62 reviews for the BMW S 1000 R since model year 2014. The first review for the Kawasaki Z900 was published on 11/11/2016 and now has more than 93,200 views. This compares to more than 17,300 views for the first review on BMW S 1000 R published on 11/3/2013.

Price Kawasaki Z900

Model year
Current average market prices

Price BMW S 1000 R

Model year
Current average market prices

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