BMW S 1000 R 2022 vs. Kawasaki Z900 2023

BMW S 1000 R 2022

BMW S 1000 R 2022

Kawasaki Z900 2023

Kawasaki Z900 2023

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Overview - BMW S 1000 R 2022 vs Kawasaki Z900 2023

The BMW S 1000 R 2022 and the Kawasaki Z900 2023 are both naked bikes that offer powerful performance and advanced rider assistance systems. However, there are several key differences between the two models.

In terms of engine power, the BMW S 1000 R 2022 takes the lead with 165 HP, while the Kawasaki Z900 2023 offers 125 HP. This gives the BMW a significant advantage in terms of acceleration and top speed. The BMW also has a higher torque of 114 Nm compared to the Kawasaki's 98.6 Nm, which further enhances its overall performance.

Both bikes feature in-line engines with four cylinders and liquid cooling, ensuring efficient and reliable performance. They also have fuel injection systems, providing precise fuel delivery and improved fuel efficiency.

When it comes to suspension, both bikes feature upside-down telescopic forks at the front and swing arm suspensions at the rear. However, the BMW S 1000 R 2022 offers more adjustability options with compression, preload, and rebound adjustments for both the front and rear suspension. The Kawasaki Z900 2023, on the other hand, only offers preload and rebound adjustments for its suspension.

BMW S 1000 R 2022

BMW S 1000 R 2022

In terms of chassis, the BMW S 1000 R 2022 features an aluminum frame with a twin-tube design, which provides a balance between rigidity and weight reduction. The Kawasaki Z900 2023, on the other hand, utilizes a steel frame with a double cradle design, which may offer slightly less rigidity compared to the BMW.

Both bikes come equipped with double disk brakes at the front, with the BMW featuring larger 320 mm diameter disks compared to the Kawasaki's 300 mm diameter disks. Both bikes also have four-piston calipers for improved braking performance. The BMW utilizes radial technology for its brakes, which provides enhanced braking feel and control.

In terms of rider assistance systems, both bikes offer ABS, riding modes, and ride-by-wire technology. The BMW S 1000 R 2022 goes a step further by offering additional features such as hill start assist, cornering ABS, quickshifter, traction control, and anti-wheelie control. The Kawasaki Z900 2023, however, lacks these slope-dependent assistance systems.

Kawasaki Z900 2023

Kawasaki Z900 2023

In terms of dimensions and weights, both bikes have similar front tire widths of 120 mm and front tire diameters of 17 inches. The BMW has a wider rear tire at 190 mm compared to the Kawasaki's 180 mm. Both bikes have the same wheelbase of 1450 mm, but the BMW has a higher seat height of 830 mm compared to the Kawasaki's 795 mm. The BMW also has a lower kerb weight of 199 kg with ABS, while the Kawasaki weighs slightly more at 212 kg.

In terms of strengths, the BMW S 1000 R 2022 offers a powerful engine, strong brakes, comfortable ergonomics, good standard equipment, and an extensive range of accessories. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 2023 boasts light and natural handling with high stability, a silky engine with full pull from low revs, high chassis transparency with great feedback, and a seating position that provides a feel-good factor. Additionally, the Kawasaki is praised for its fair price.

However, both bikes have their weaknesses. The BMW S 1000 R 2022 is criticized for its sluggish shift assistant and its optics, which some may find not completely coherent. The Kawasaki Z900 2023, on the other hand, has relatively cumbersome menu operation and lacks slope-dependent assistance systems. It is also heavier compared to the BMW.

In conclusion, while both the BMW S 1000 R 2022 and the Kawasaki Z900 2023 offer powerful naked bikes with advanced rider assistance systems, the BMW stands out with its higher engine power, more adjustable suspension, and additional features. However, the Kawasaki offers a more affordable option with light and natural handling and a comfortable seating position. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications BMW S 1000 R 2022 compared to Kawasaki Z900 2023

BMW S 1000 R 2022
Kawasaki Z900 2023

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore80 mmBore73.4 mm
StrokeStroke49.7 mmStroke56 mm
Engine powerEngine power165 HPEngine power125 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power11,000 rpmRpm at Max. Power9,500 rpm
TorqueTorque114 NmTorque98.6 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque9,250 rpmRpm at Torque7,700 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio12.5 Compression Ratio11.8
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
Throttle BoreThrottle Bore48 mmThrottle Bore36 mm
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath, AntihoppingClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders4Cylinders4
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHC, Drag leverValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement999 ccmDisplacement948 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
DiameterDiameter45 mmDiameter41 mm
TravelTravel120 mmTravel120 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel117 mmTravel140 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload, Rebound

Chassis

FrameFrameAluminiumFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeTwin TubeFrame typeDouble cradle
RakeRake65.8 degreeRake65 degree
TrailTrail96 mmTrail105 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter320 mmDiameter300 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
Shock mountShock mountFixed caliperShock mountFixed caliper
TechnologyTechnologyradialTechnologyPetal

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter220 mmDiameter250 mm
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonSingle piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Hill start assist, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Quickshifter, Traction control, Anti-wheelieAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Ride by Wire, Traction control

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 width190 mmRear tyre width180 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,090 mmLength2,070 mm
WidthWidth812 mmWidth820 mm
HeightHeight1,115 mmHeight1,065 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,450 mmWheelbase1,450 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height830 mmSeat Height795 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)199 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)212 kg
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

BMW S 1000 R 2022

BMW S 1000 R 2022

The seating position is sporty, but by no means uncomfortable, the brakes are powerful and the engine of the S 1000 R is at its best - perhaps even a little too homogeneous. There is also nothing to complain about on the riding side. Based on the pure performance data and the installed electronic features, the BMW probably has what it takes for the fastest lap time. And that on any kind of surface, because with the semi-active suspension you can eat up kilometre after kilometre on bad roads littered with potholes. Unfortunately, this feeling of superiority never really spilled over to the driver. Probably the downside of too much balance in all areas - at least in my Italophile eyes. The BMW lacked that certain something, the charisma, which is difficult to explain but arouses genuine emotions.

powerful engine

strong brakes

comfortable ergonomics

good standard equipment

extensive range of accessories

Sluggish shift assistant

optics not 100% coherent

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

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

There are a few key differences between a BMW S 1000 R 2022 and a Kawasaki Z900 2023. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW S 1000 R 2022 is about 71% higher. Compared to Kawasaki Z900 2023 there are less BMW S 1000 R 2022 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 22 compared to 187. It takes less time to sell a BMW S 1000 R with 71 days compared to 122 days for a Kawasaki Z900. Since model year 2014 1000PS.de editors have written 62 reviews for the BMW S 1000 R and 46 reviews for the Kawasaki Z900 since model year 2017. The first review for the BMW S 1000 R was published on 11/3/2013 and now has more than 17,300 views. This compares to more than 93,200 views for the first review on Kawasaki Z900 published on 11/11/2016.

Price BMW S 1000 R

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Kawasaki Z900

Model year
Current average market prices

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