BMW R 1200 GS 2016 vs. Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018

BMW R 1200 GS 2016

BMW R 1200 GS 2016

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018

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Overview - BMW R 1200 GS 2016 vs Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018

BMW R 1200 GS 2016

BMW R 1200 GS 2016

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018

Technical Specifications BMW R 1200 GS 2016 compared to Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018

BMW R 1200 GS 2016
Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018

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. Power7,700 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 suspensionStrutFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSingle swing armSuspensionSwing arm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentPreload, Rebound

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeTwin Tube, Load-bearing engineFrame typeTubular

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
Shock mountShock mountFixed caliperShock mountFixed caliper

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 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 mmLength2,100 mm
WidthWidth953 mmWidth865 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,507 mmWheelbase1,470 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height835 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)238 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)215 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity20 lFuel Tank Capacity17 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

BMW R 1200 GS 2016

BMW R 1200 GS 2016

A GS is at home almost anywhere - but only to a limited extent on the racetrack. It's a pleasure to feel the power of the partially water-cooled boxer twin cylinder on the exit of the bend - 125 hp only seems much weaker on paper than 150 or even 160 hp on the competition. With 125 Newton metres of torque, the acceleration from the bottom is superb anyway and the GS, at 238 kilos ready to ride, does not carry too much flab despite its bulky appearance. In very tight corners, the low centre of gravity also has a positive effect - the BMW R 1200 GS is very hard to crack! Even the front telelever suspension, which suppresses the front wheel's tendency to sink in under braking, fits perfectly into the GS's overall package and only slightly detracts from its sporty character.

powerful engine

low consumption

comfortable seating position

can also be used off-road

high reputation

Long and expensive surcharge side

Telelever front suspension takes some getting used to

Brake very sharp.

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2018

Its four-cylinder is silky smooth while delivering enough power to make you grin under your helmet. It is also very easy to move, which should make it a great commuter bike in everyday life and serve as an iconic fun bike at the weekend. The looks find the perfect straddle of classic design and modern details to form a coherent retro package that is also a worthy tribute to Kawasaki history. It's a great naked bike with a snazzy look.

Powerful and smooth engine

good looks

comfortable seating position

easy to ride

balanced handling. Not nervous and not ponderous

no shift assistant

heavier than other retro bikes in this class

seat a little too soft on long tours

no wind protection

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

Price BMW R 1200 GS

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Kawasaki Z900 RS

Model year
Current average market prices

Alternative Comparisons

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