BMW S 1000 R vs KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-10R

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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.

BMW S 1000 R
0 pts
Top on paper
KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-10R
100 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

Best fit here
BMW S 1000 R
54 pts
KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-10R
52.7 pts

Touring / long rides

BMW S 1000 R
34.5 pts
Best fit here
KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-10R
71.5 pts

Sporty riding

BMW S 1000 R
19.8 pts
Best fit here
KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-10R
99 pts

New rider friendly

Best fit here
BMW S 1000 R
64.4 pts
KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-10R
33 pts

Seat height (cm)

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

  • BMW S 1000 R 83 cm Lowest seat here
  • KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-10R 83.5 cm Tallest seat here

Spread in this comparison: about 0.5 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 165 hp (BMW S 1000 R) up to 213 hp (KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-10R).
  • Torque spans 114 Nm (BMW S 1000 R) up to 114.9 Nm (KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-10R).
  • Weight spans 206 kg (KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-10R) to 208 kg (BMW S 1000 R).
  • Engine sizes are very close.
Specification BMW S 1000 R KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-10R
Brand BMW KAWASAKI
Model BMW S 1000 R KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-10R
Engine size 1000cc 1000cc
Power 165hp 213hp
Torque 114nm. 114.9nm.
Cylinders / valves 4 cylinders, 16 valves 4 cylinders, 16 valves
Weight 208kg 206kg
Front brake Twin-disc brake with a diameter of 320 mm, four-piston fixed calliper 330 mm Brembo dual disc, dual radial-mounted Brembo M50 monoblock, 4-piston caliper
Rear brake Single disc brake with a diameter of 220 mm, one-piston floating calliper 220 mm single disc, single-piston caliper
Seat height (cm) 83cm 83.5cm
Front tyre 120/70 ZR 17 120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
Rear tyre 190/55 ZR 17 190/55ZR17M/C (75W)
Cooling Liquid cooling Liquid cooling
Front suspension Upside-down telescopic fork with a diameter of 45 mm, spring preload and adjustable rebound and compression stage 43mm inverted fork with unbalanced external compression chamber, KECS-controlled rebound damping, compression damping, and spring preload adjustable.
Rear suspension Aluminium underbeam swinging arm, Full-Floater Pro, central shock absorber, adjustable rebound and compression damping and adjustable spring preload Horizontal, back-link, BFRC lite gas-charged shock with KECS-controlled compression damping, rebound damping, and spring preload adjustable. Additional Features:
Motorcycle type Naked Supersport
Top speed 270km/h 320km/h
Fuel capacity / consumption 16.5 L – 7 L/100km 17 L – 7 L/100km
Service network
Service quality
Parts availability
Price $13945 $17799
Brand price lists View BMW price list View KAWASAKI price list
Extra features

-Three riding modes (Rain, Road, Dynamic, incl. HSC), Six-axis sensor box incl. ABS Pro & DTC

-TFT display with connectivity, Adjustable handlebar position, Intelligent emergency call ECALL

Additional Features:

  • Titanium exhaust
  • Finger-Follower Valve Actuation
  • Electronic Steering Damper
  • KEBC (Kawasaki Engine Brake Control)
  • KLCM (Kawasaki Launch Control Mode)

Opinions

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2023 BMW S 1000 R vs 2023 KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-10R: Which One is Better for You?

2023 BMW S 1000 R and 2023 KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-10R are very similar in terms of engine capacity and power. In this case, design, driving comfort, and personal preferences may take precedence. Additionally, 2023 KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-10R, with its 213hp, stands out for users seeking speed and performance.

1. Cylinder Capacity and Performance

2023 BMW S 1000 R and 2023 KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-10R have almost identical engine capacities, offering similar performance. In this case, design, driving comfort, and other features will play a more significant role in your choice.Both models have an engine capacity of 1000cc. Designed for performance-focused users and professionals.

2. Torque Power

2023 BMW S 1000 R and 2023 KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-10R have almost identical torque values, offering similar traction power. This suggests that other features might play a more significant role in your choice regarding performance. 2023 KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-10R 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

2023 KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-10R, as a Süpersport, can reach a maximum speed of 320 km/h. This speed feature can be considered an extra advantage for a motorcycle of this type. 2023 BMW S 1000 R, as a Naked, offers a lower maximum speed of 270 km/h, but this does not overshadow its other features.

4. Cooling System

2023 BMW S 1000 R features a Liquid-Cooled system, while 2023 KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-10R offers a Liquid-Cooled system. Both models deliver equal performance in their cooling systems.

5. Design and Comfort

2023 BMW S 1000 R and 2023 KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-10R are close in weight, offering similar experiences for different usage scenarios. Additionally, 2023 KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-10R, with a seat height of 83.5cm, is more suitable for taller riders, offering greater comfort.2023 BMW S 1000 R, with a seat height of 83cm, provides a more ergonomic ride for average-height riders.

Conclusion

2023 KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-10R emerges as the winner of this comparison based on total points. 2023 BMW S 1000 R and 2023 KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-10R have nearly identical engine capacities. 2023 BMW S 1000 R and 2023 KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-10R have nearly identical torque values. 2023 KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-10R, with a top speed of 320 km/h, stands out for speed enthusiasts. Both models have similar cooling systems, offering comparable performance for long journeys. In conclusion, 2023 KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-10R 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 S 1000 R vs KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-10R?

KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-10R is listed at 320 km/h vs 270 km/h for BMW S 1000 R.

Which has more horsepower, BMW S 1000 R or KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-10R?

KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-10R has 213 hp compared with 165 hp on the BMW S 1000 R.

Which is better, BMW S 1000 R or KAWASAKI Ninja ZX-10R?

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.