Kawasaki Z 500 SE 2026 vs. BMW F 900 R 2026

Kawasaki Z 500 SE 2026

Kawasaki Z 500 SE 2026

BMW F 900 R 2026

BMW F 900 R 2026

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Technical Specifications Kawasaki Z 500 SE 2026 compared to BMW F 900 R 2026

Kawasaki Z 500 SE 2026
BMW F 900 R 2026

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore70 mmBore86 mm
StrokeStroke58.6 mmStroke77 mm
Engine powerEngine power45.4 HPEngine power105 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power9,000 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,500 rpm
TorqueTorque42.6 NmTorque93 Nm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio11.3 Compression Ratio13.1
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
Throttle BoreThrottle Bore32 mmThrottle Bore48 mm
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath, AntihoppingClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
LubricationLubricationForcedLubricationDry sump
DisplacementDisplacement451 ccmDisplacement895 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionTelescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
DiameterDiameter41 mmDiameter43 mm
TravelTravel120 mmTravel135 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel130 mmTravel142 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentPreload, Rebound

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeTubularFrame typeTwin Tube, Load-bearing engine
RakeRake63 degreeRake64 degree
TrailTrail92 mmTrail114 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeSingle diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter310 mmDiameter320 mm
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonFour pistons

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter220 mmDiameter265 mm
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonSingle piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABSAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Anti-slipping control, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Engine drag torque control, Ride by Wire, Traction control, Modern electronics, Comfort

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width110 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 width150 mmRear tyre width180 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height60 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength1,995 mmLength2,140 mm
WidthWidth800 mmWidth870 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,375 mmWheelbase1,514 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height785 mmSeat Height760 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)172 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)208 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity14 lFuel Tank Capacity13 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyA2License compliancyA
Combined CO2 emissionsCombined CO2 emissions89.01 g/kmCombined CO2 emissions99 g/km

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentConnectivity, LED-Headlights, TFT displayEquipmentLED daytime running lights, LED-Headlights, TFT display, Modern electronics, Lighting

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Z 500 SE 2026

Kawasaki Z 500 SE 2026

The Kawasaki Z500 SE is an impressive naked bike that impresses with its powerful two-cylinder engine and sporty suspension. Although the seating position for taller riders and the limited electronic Advanced Rider Assistance Systems have been criticised, the Z500 offers a sporty and fun riding experience. The smooth transmission and soft clutch contribute significantly to the riding pleasure. Overall, the Z500 is an excellent bike for those looking for an agile naked bike that stands out in its class. Finally a bike that is lightweight but doesn't look cheap and puny. Really cool!

Engine appears sufficiently dimensioned and really grown-up

Playful handling

Pleasant ergonomics for smaller riders

Balanced and firm suspension

Smooth clutch

Good stability and precise feedback

Good power in all rev ranges

Buttery smooth clutch and gearstick

Uncomfortable seating position for taller riders

Annoying vibrations from 4000 rpm - audible plastic parts reduce the feeling of value

Brakes are less sporty than the engine - be careful on long and sporty passages

Conservative ABS that intervenes too early

Display difficult to adjust - you always have to take your hand off the handlebars to fiddle with the display

Tight suspension can be uncomfortable on longer journeys

No traction control

BMW F 900 R 2026

BMW F 900 R 2026

The BMW F 900 R remains a prime example of common sense on two wheels in 2025. It does not impress with radical looks or a brute engine - but that is precisely its strength. If you are looking for a reliable, versatile naked bike suitable for everyday use that offers solid technology, modern safety features and a fair price-performance ratio, this is the bike for you. The model upgrade brings sensible improvements to details without overloading the tried and tested concept.

Price-performance ratio

Riding modes incl. Dynamic mode as standard

New, adjustable fork

ABS Pro and DTC as standard

Revised ergonomics: sporty but comfortable

Pleasant handling, accessible riding dynamics

Good workmanship, solid technology

Design still rather restrained, not very emotional

Quickshifter is stiff at low revs

Suspension set-up at the rear more geared towards comfort than sport

Price Comparison Average Market Price Kawasaki Z 500 SE vs BMW F 900 R

Price Kawasaki Z 500 SE

Model year
Current average market prices

Price BMW F 900 R

Model year
Current average market prices

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