2024 BMW R 1300 GS vs KAWASAKI Z900

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Scores, summary & seat (optional) Estimates and auto text from specs — open if you want them.

Technical score (estimate)

Weighted mix of power, torque, power-to-weight, top speed and lighter weight within this comparison only. Not a real-world verdict — riding style and roads matter.

Top on paper
2024 BMW R 1300 GS
78.5 pts
KAWASAKI Z900
21.5 pts

Usage fit (estimate)

Rough scores for city riding, touring, sporty riding and new riders — mix of specs and bike category. Same caveats as the technical score: traffic, skill and tyres matter.

City / commute

2024 BMW R 1300 GS
38.5 pts
Best fit here
KAWASAKI Z900
67.8 pts

Touring / long rides

Best fit here
2024 BMW R 1300 GS
87.5 pts
KAWASAKI Z900
33.3 pts

Sporty riding

Best fit here
2024 BMW R 1300 GS
79.6 pts
KAWASAKI Z900
24.6 pts

New rider friendly

2024 BMW R 1300 GS
13.5 pts
Best fit here
KAWASAKI Z900
87.5 pts

Seat height (cm)

Figures are as in the database; boots, suspension sag and road surface change how tall the bike feels.

  • 2024 BMW R 1300 GS 85 cm Tallest seat here
  • KAWASAKI Z900 82 cm Lowest seat here

Spread in this comparison: about 3 cm.

Rough guide: comfortable flat-foot reach often needs inseam roughly in the same ballpark as seat height (varies a lot by ergonomics).

Auto summary from specs

Generated from the numbers in the comparison — not a review.

  • Power spans 125 hp (KAWASAKI Z900) up to 145 hp (2024 BMW R 1300 GS).
  • Torque spans 98.6 Nm (KAWASAKI Z900) up to 149 Nm (2024 BMW R 1300 GS).
  • Weight spans 212 kg (KAWASAKI Z900) to 237 kg (2024 BMW R 1300 GS).
  • Displacement spans 900 cc (KAWASAKI Z900) to 1100 cc (2024 BMW R 1300 GS).
Specification BMW R 1300 GS KAWASAKI Z900
Brand BMW KAWASAKI
Model BMW R 1300 GS KAWASAKI Z900
Engine size Above 1000cc 900cc
Power 145hp 125hp
Torque 149nm. 98.6nm.
Cylinders / valves Twin cylinder, 8 valves 4 cylinders, 16 valves
Weight 237kg 212kg
Front brake Dual disc brakes, semi-floating type brake discs, 310 mm diameter, 4-piston radial brake calipers. 300 mm dual disc, 4-piston caliper
Rear brake Single disc brake, 285 mm diameter, 2-piston floating caliper 250 mm single disc, single-piston caliper
Seat height (cm) 85cm 82cm
Front tyre 120/70 x R19 120/70ZR17
Rear tyre 170/60 x R17 180/55ZR17
Cooling Liquid cooling Liquid cooling
Front suspension BMW Motorrad EVO Telelever, handlebar tilt decoupling via flexible element, central suspension spring. 41 mm inverted fork, continuously adjustable compression and rebound damping, and spring preload adjustable
Rear suspension BMW Motorrad EVO Paralever, cast aluminum single-sided swingarm, swingarm pivot axle, central WAD spring connection, continuously adjustable spring preload. Horizontal back-link, continuously adjustable rebound damping, spring preload, and preload adjustability
Motorcycle type Adventure Adventure
Top speed 240km/h 240km/h
Fuel capacity / consumption 19 L – 5 L/100km 17 L – 6 L/100km
Service network
Service quality
Parts availability
Price $18895 $9899
Brand price lists View BMW price list View KAWASAKI price list
Extra features

-BMW Motorrad Connectivity with TFT display Matrix LED headlights Daytime running lights Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)

-BMW Motorrad Fully Integrated ABS Pro 4 riding modes (Eco, Rain, Road, Enduro) Hill Start Control (HSC) Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) 

-Dynamic Cruise Control (DCC) Motor drag torque control (MSR) Tire Pressure Control (RDC) Keyless Ride Heated grips Smartphone charging compartment with USB charging socket Handguard protection with integrated turn signal indicators

-Assist Slipper Clutch

-Economical Riding Indicator

Opinions

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2024 BMW R 1300 GS vs 2023 KAWASAKI Z900: Which One is Better for You?

2024 BMW R 1300 GS and 2023 KAWASAKI Z900 offer comparable performance in terms of engine capacity, but usage preferences and driving styles could influence the choice. Additionally, 2024 BMW R 1300 GS, with its 145hp, stands out for users seeking speed and performance.

1. Cylinder Capacity and Performance

2024 BMW R 1300 GS and 2023 KAWASAKI Z900 are close in engine capacity. 2024 BMW R 1300 GS, with its 1100cc, provides slightly better performance, while 2023 KAWASAKI Z900, with its 900cc, offers a more economical and balanced option.2024 BMW R 1300 GS, with its 1100cc engine capacity, is ideal for users seeking high performance and acceleration. Designed for performance-focused users and professionals.

2. Torque Power

2024 BMW R 1300 GS, with its 149Nm torque, delivers powerful performance. A high torque value ensures superior acceleration and advantage on steep inclines. 2023 KAWASAKI Z900, with its 98.6Nm torque, offers a more balanced ride for city use. 2024 BMW R 1300 GS is ideal for users requiring rapid acceleration. High torque power offers significant advantages in heavy load carrying, off-road driving, or situations requiring high speed.

3. Top Speed

2024 BMW R 1300 GS (Adventure) and 2023 KAWASAKI Z900 (Adventure) deliver the same performance with a maximum speed of 240 km/h. In this case, it would be more logical to base your decision on the type of motorcycle and other features rather than speed.

4. Cooling System

2024 BMW R 1300 GS features a Liquid-Cooled system, while 2023 KAWASAKI Z900 offers a Liquid-Cooled system. Both models deliver equal performance in their cooling systems.

5. Design and Comfort

2024 BMW R 1300 GS and 2023 KAWASAKI Z900 are close in weight, offering similar experiences for different usage scenarios. Additionally, 2024 BMW R 1300 GS, with a seat height of 85cm, is more suitable for taller riders, offering greater comfort.2023 KAWASAKI Z900, with a seat height of 82cm, provides a more ergonomic ride for average-height riders.

Conclusion

2023 KAWASAKI Z900 emerges as the winner of this comparison based on total points. 2024 BMW R 1300 GS and 2023 KAWASAKI Z900 offer comparable performance in terms of engine capacity. 2024 BMW R 1300 GS, with higher torque, excels in rapid acceleration and steep climbs. 2024 BMW R 1300 GS and 2023 KAWASAKI Z900 deliver identical top speed performance. Both models have similar cooling systems, offering comparable performance for long journeys. In conclusion, 2023 KAWASAKI Z900 stands out in terms of technical specifications and overall performance. However, depending on your riding preferences and usage needs, both models offer unique advantages.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the top speed of BMW R 1300 GS vs KAWASAKI Z900?

Both are listed at 240 km/h top speed in our specification data.

Which has more horsepower, BMW R 1300 GS or KAWASAKI Z900?

BMW R 1300 GS has 145 hp compared with 125 hp on the KAWASAKI Z900.

Which is better, BMW R 1300 GS or KAWASAKI Z900?

It depends on your riding style. Compare top speed, weight, fuel use and price in the table on this page, then vote for the bike you prefer.