Kawasaki Z900 2021 vs. BMW S 1000 R 2017

Kawasaki Z900 2021

Kawasaki Z900 2021

BMW S 1000 R 2017

BMW S 1000 R 2017

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Overview - Kawasaki Z900 2021 vs BMW S 1000 R 2017

The Kawasaki Z900 2021 and the BMW S 1000 R 2017 are both naked bikes with similar engine types, inline four-cylinder engines. However, there are some notable differences between the two models.

In terms of engine power, the BMW S 1000 R 2017 has a significant advantage with 165 HP compared to the Kawasaki Z900 2021's 125.4 HP. The BMW also has a higher torque of 114 Nm compared to the Kawasaki's 98.6 Nm. This means that the BMW offers more power and acceleration, making it a more thrilling ride.

Both bikes have fuel injection systems and liquid cooling, ensuring efficient performance and temperature regulation. They also have the same number of cylinders, four, which contributes to their smooth power delivery.

Kawasaki Z900 2021

Kawasaki Z900 2021

In terms of suspension, both bikes feature upside-down telescopic forks at the front and swing arm suspension at the rear. The shock absorbers are also monoshocks on both models. However, the BMW S 1000 R 2017 has the advantage of a twin tube aluminum frame, which is lighter and offers better handling compared to the steel frame of the Kawasaki Z900 2021.

When it comes to braking, both bikes have double disk brakes at the front with four pistons. However, the BMW S 1000 R 2017 has the advantage of radial technology, which provides better braking performance and control.

In terms of rider assistance systems, both bikes offer advanced features such as ABS, riding modes, ride by wire, and traction control. However, the BMW S 1000 R 2017 has the additional advantage of dynamic suspension, which adjusts the suspension settings automatically based on riding conditions.

In terms of dimensions and weights, both bikes have similar front tire widths and diameters. However, the BMW S 1000 R 2017 has a wider rear tire width of 190 mm compared to the Kawasaki Z900 2021's 180 mm. The BMW also has a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1439 mm compared to the Kawasaki's 1450 mm. The seat height is also slightly higher on the BMW at 814 mm compared to the Kawasaki's 795 mm. In terms of weight, the BMW is slightly lighter at 205 kg compared to the Kawasaki's 210 kg.

BMW S 1000 R 2017

BMW S 1000 R 2017

In terms of strengths, the Kawasaki Z900 2021 is praised for its powerful four-cylinder engine, intuitive handling, good equipment, aggressive looks, and value for money. On the other hand, the BMW S 1000 R 2017 is praised for its best shift assistant in the nakedbike league, powerful engine, awesome sound, great handling, wide range of equipment and accessory options, powerful brakes, and semi-active suspension that eliminates the need for manual setup adjustments.

In terms of weaknesses, the Kawasaki Z900 2021 lacks a quickshifter option and is considered to be behind competitors with 6-axis IMU technology. The BMW S 1000 R 2017 has original equipment tires that are not considered premium and an inactive seating position on the racetrack.

Overall, the BMW S 1000 R 2017 offers more power, better handling, and a wider range of features and options compared to the Kawasaki Z900 2021. However, the Kawasaki offers good value for money and aggressive looks. Ultimately, the choice between the two models will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Z900 2021 compared to BMW S 1000 R 2017

Kawasaki Z900 2021
BMW S 1000 R 2017

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore73.4 mmBore80 mm
StrokeStroke56 mmStroke49.7 mm
Engine powerEngine power125.4 HPEngine power165 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power9,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power11,000 rpm
TorqueTorque98.6 NmTorque114 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,700 rpmRpm at Torque9,250 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio11.8 Compression Ratio12
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath, Antihopping
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders4Cylinders4
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
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)210 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)205 kg
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Z900 2021

Kawasaki Z900 2021

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 2017

BMW S 1000 R 2017

The BMW S 1000 R impresses across the board and is much more than just a naked version of the S 1000 RR. With its own character, more torque in the mid-range and first-class electronics, it sets new standards in the high-performance Naked segment. The overall package of brutal performance, excellent suspension and practical everyday use makes it one of the best naked bikes ever - and at a surprisingly fair price.

Brutal performance with 160 Horsepower

Outstanding DDC suspension

Amazing stability at high speeds for a naked bike

Perfect electronics with sensitive DTC

Good price/performance ratio

Character despite perfection

Driving mode display font too small

Too extreme appearance for BMW traditionalists

Without equipment packages, important electronic features are missing

The price advantage is lost with full features

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

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Z900 2021 and a BMW S 1000 R 2017. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW S 1000 R 2017 is about 42% higher. Compared to BMW S 1000 R 2017 there are more Kawasaki Z900 2021 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 33 compared to 22. It takes less time to sell a BMW S 1000 R with 97 days compared to 107 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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