Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021 vs. BMW R 1200 GS Adventure 2018

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure 2018

Overview - Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021 vs BMW R 1200 GS Adventure 2018

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure 2018

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Perfect fit, premium quality – with Hepco&Becker accessories, your bike is ready for any adventure. Quality made in Germany.

Details

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021 compared to BMW R 1200 GS Adventure 2018

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure 2018

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure 2018

Engine and Drive Train

Engine type	Engine type	In line	Engine type	Boxer
Bore	Bore	77 mm	Bore	101 mm
Stroke	Stroke	56 mm	Stroke	73 mm
Engine power	Engine power	120 HP	Engine power	125 HP
Rpm at Max. Power	Rpm at Max. Power	9,000 rpm	Rpm at Max. Power	7,750 rpm
Torque	Torque	102 Nm	Torque	125 Nm
Rpm at Torque	Rpm at Torque	7,500 rpm	Rpm at Torque	6,500 rpm
Compression Ratio	Compression Ratio	10.3	Compression Ratio	12.5
Clutch Type	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath	Clutch Type	Toughened, Dry
Transmission	Transmission	Chain	Transmission	Prop shaft
Number of gears	Number of gears	6	Number of gears	6
Cylinders	Cylinders	4	Cylinders	2
Strokes	Strokes	4-Stroke	Strokes	4-Stroke
Cooling	Cooling	liquid	Cooling	Air
Displacement	Displacement	1,043 ccm	Displacement	1,170 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspension	Front suspension	Upside-Down telescopic fork	Front suspension	Strut

Suspension Rear

Suspension	Suspension	Swing arm	Suspension	Single swing arm

Chassis

Frame	Frame	Aluminium	Frame	Steel

Brakes Front

Type	Type	Double disk	Type	Double disk
Piston	Piston	Four pistons	Piston	Four pistons
Shock mount	Shock mount	Semi-Schwimmsattel	Shock mount	Fixed caliper

Brakes Rear

Type	Type	Disc	Type	Disc
Piston	Piston	Single piston	Piston	Double piston
Shock mount	Shock mount	Fixed caliper	Shock mount	Floating caliper

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	ABS, Ride by Wire, Quickshifter	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	Riding modes

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	17 inch	Front tyre diameter	19 inch
Rear tyre width	Rear tyre width	180 mm	Rear tyre width	170 mm
Rear tyre height	Rear tyre height	55 %	Rear tyre height	60 %
Rear tyre diameter	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch
Length	Length	2,240 mm	Length	2,255 mm
Width	Width	950 mm	Width	980 mm
Wheelbase	Wheelbase	1,520 mm	Wheelbase	1,510 mm
Seat Height	Seat Height	840 mm	Seat Height	910 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	257 kg	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	260 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity	Fuel Tank Capacity	21 l	Fuel Tank Capacity	30 l
License compliancy	License compliancy	A	License compliancy	A

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021

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 1200 GS Adventure 2018

As the most successful supplier of large-volume touring enduros, BMW has for years been highly successful in establishing the large R 1200 GS Adventure as the ultimate long-distance touring motorbike. Building on the driving dynamics and high off-road and touring competence of the conventional R 1200 GS, the Adventure represents the maximum solution for off-road touring riders. With its bulky fairing and 30-litre tank, the 125 hp engine has more to haul, but a high degree of agility is still maintained. Nothing is spared in terms of equipment, the big Adventure offers the full programme: ABS, ASC (Automatic Stability Control) and two riding modes "Rain" and "Road" are standard.

Powerful engine

relatively easy to ride

30 litre fuel tank

excellent ergonomics

stable brakes.

High weight

high price