BMW R 1200 GS 2015 vs. Kawasaki Versys 1000 2015

BMW R 1200 GS 2015

BMW R 1200 GS 2015

Kawasaki Versys 1000 2015

Kawasaki Versys 1000 2015

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Overview - BMW R 1200 GS 2015 vs Kawasaki Versys 1000 2015

The BMW R 1200 GS 2015 is equipped with a Boxer engine, which provides a powerful performance with 125 HP and 125 Nm of torque. This engine type is known for its smooth power delivery and low fuel consumption. The bike has a transmission system that uses a prop shaft, ensuring efficient power transfer to the wheels. With a displacement of 1170 ccm and 2 cylinders, the R 1200 GS offers a strong and reliable performance.

In terms of suspension, the R 1200 GS features a strut front suspension with preload adjustment, providing a comfortable and stable ride. The rear suspension also has preload adjustment, allowing riders to fine-tune the bike's handling to their preferences. The frame of the R 1200 GS is made of steel, ensuring durability and strength.

The braking system of the R 1200 GS consists of double disk brakes at the front, providing excellent stopping power. The bike has a 19-inch front tyre diameter and a 17-inch rear tyre diameter, offering good traction and stability on various terrains. The seat height is 850 mm, providing a comfortable seating position for riders of different heights. With a kerb weight of 238 kg and a fuel tank capacity of 20 l, the R 1200 GS is a relatively lightweight and fuel-efficient motorcycle.

BMW R 1200 GS 2015

BMW R 1200 GS 2015

On the other hand, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 2015 is equipped with an in-line four-cylinder engine, delivering 120 HP and 102 Nm of torque. This engine provides a powerful and refined performance, suitable for both city riding and long-distance touring. The bike has a chain transmission system, which is known for its efficiency and durability. With a displacement of 1043 ccm and 4 cylinders, the Versys 1000 offers a smooth and responsive power delivery.

The suspension system of the Versys 1000 consists of an upside-down telescopic fork at the front, offering excellent handling and stability. The front suspension has adjustable compression, preload, and rebound settings, allowing riders to customize the bike's suspension to their liking. The rear suspension also has adjustable compression, preload, and rebound settings, further enhancing the bike's handling capabilities. The frame of the Versys 1000 is made of aluminium, providing a lightweight and rigid chassis.

The braking system of the Versys 1000 features double disk brakes at the front, ensuring strong and controlled braking performance. The bike has a 17-inch front tyre diameter and a 17-inch rear tyre diameter, offering good grip and stability on different road surfaces. The seat height is 840 mm, providing a comfortable riding position for riders of various sizes. With a kerb weight of 250 kg and a fuel tank capacity of 21 l, the Versys 1000 is slightly heavier than the R 1200 GS but still offers good fuel efficiency.

Kawasaki Versys 1000 2015

Kawasaki Versys 1000 2015

In terms of strengths, the BMW R 1200 GS 2015 is known for its powerful engine, low fuel consumption, comfortable seating position, and off-road capabilities. It also has a high reputation in the motorcycle industry. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 2015 has a sporty look, comfortable seating position, powerful engine, adjustable windshield, stable chassis, well-controlled braking system, and a clever range of accessories. It is also comparatively priced lower than the R 1200 GS.

However, the R 1200 GS has some weaknesses, including a long and expensive surcharge side and a Telelever front suspension that may take some getting used to. The brakes on the R 1200 GS are also known to be very sharp. On the other hand, the Versys 1000's windshield can only be adjusted when stationary, and the gear indicator costs extra.

Overall, both the BMW R 1200 GS 2015 and the Kawasaki Versys 1000 2015 offer strong performances and comfortable riding experiences. The choice between the two will depend on individual preferences, such as riding style, terrain, and budget.

Technical Specifications BMW R 1200 GS 2015 compared to Kawasaki Versys 1000 2015

BMW R 1200 GS 2015
Kawasaki Versys 1000 2015

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeBoxerEngine typeIn line
BoreBore101 mmBore77 mm
StrokeStroke73 mmStroke56 mm
Engine powerEngine power125 HPEngine power120 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,700 rpmRpm at Max. Power9,000 rpm
TorqueTorque125 NmTorque102 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,500 rpmRpm at Torque7,500 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio12.5 Compression Ratio10.3
Clutch TypeClutch TypeAntihoppingClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionProp shaftTransmissionChain
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders4
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
CoolingCoolingAirCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement1,170 ccmDisplacement1,043 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionStrutFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameAluminium

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
Shock mountShock mountFixed caliperShock mountSemi-Schwimmsattel

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonSingle piston
Shock mountShock mountFloating caliperShock mountFixed caliper

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 mmLength2,240 mm
WidthWidth953 mmWidth895 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,507 mmWheelbase1,520 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height840 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)238 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)250 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity20 lFuel Tank Capacity21 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

BMW R 1200 GS 2015

BMW R 1200 GS 2015

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 when braking, fits perfectly into the overall package on the GS and can only slightly detract from its sporty character.

Powerful engine

low fuel 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 Versys 1000 2015

Kawasaki Versys 1000 2015

The new Kawasaki Versys 1000 is not a completely new model - even if it looks like one from the design point of view. The look has been cleverly adapted to the current aggressive Kawasaki line with two pointed headlights and many edges at the front. Technically, on the other hand, it has been cautiously upgraded - but quite sensibly. Two additional horsepower boost the output to 120 hp, which is excellent to ride thanks to the wonderful in-line four-cylinder characteristics. The chassis corresponds to the sporty demands of a Kawasaki, but the ergonomics and comfortable seating position allow for long journeys - just like a big enduro. With useful accessories such as a pannier set, top case, heated grips and additional headlights, the Versys 1000 becomes a serious long-distance tourer - the comparatively low base price makes these gimmicks quite affordable.

Sporty look

comfortable seating position

powerful and cultivated in-line four-cylinder engine

adjustable windshield

stable chassis

well-controlled braking system

clever range of accessories

comparatively low price.

Windshield only adjustable when stationary

gear indicator costs extra

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price BMW R 1200 GS vs Kawasaki Versys 1000

There are a few key differences between a BMW R 1200 GS 2015 and a Kawasaki Versys 1000 2015. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1200 GS 2015 is about 42% higher. Compared to Kawasaki Versys 1000 2015 there are more BMW R 1200 GS 2015 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 47 compared to 6. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1200 GS with 66 days compared to 86 days for a Kawasaki Versys 1000. Since model year 2005 1000PS.de editors have written 98 reviews for the BMW R 1200 GS and 19 reviews for the Kawasaki Versys 1000 since model year 2012. The first review for the BMW R 1200 GS was published on 1/20/2004 and now has more than 19,100 views. This compares to more than 8,400 views for the first review on Kawasaki Versys 1000 published on 11/7/2011.

Price BMW R 1200 GS

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Kawasaki Versys 1000

Model year
Current average market prices

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