BMW S 1000 R vs KAWASAKI Z H2
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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.
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
Touring / long rides
Sporty riding
New rider friendly
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 Z H2 83 cm Lowest seat here
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 200 hp (KAWASAKI Z H2).
- Torque spans 114 Nm (BMW S 1000 R) up to 137 Nm (KAWASAKI Z H2).
- Weight spans 208 kg (BMW S 1000 R) to 239 kg (KAWASAKI Z H2).
- Engine sizes are very close.
Reader votes so far — total 1: BMW S 1000 R (0); KAWASAKI Z H2 (1).
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| Specification | BMW S 1000 R | KAWASAKI Z H2 |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | BMW | KAWASAKI |
| Model | BMW S 1000 R | KAWASAKI Z H2 |
| Engine size | 1000cc | 1000cc |
| Power | 165hp | 200hp |
| Torque | 114nm. | 137nm. |
| Cylinders / valves | 4 cylinders, 16 valves | 4 cylinders, 16 valves |
| Weight | 208kg | 239kg |
| Front brake | Twin-disc brake with a diameter of 320 mm, four-piston fixed calliper | 290 mm Brembo dual disc, dual radial-mounted 4-piston Brembo monoblock caliper |
| Rear brake | Single disc brake with a diameter of 220 mm, one-piston floating calliper | 226 mm single disc, single-piston caliper |
| Seat height (cm) | 83cm | 83cm |
| Front tyre | 120/70 ZR 17 | 120/70ZR17 |
| Rear tyre | 190/55 ZR 17 | 200/55ZR17 |
| 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 | 43 mm inverted fork, 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 | Uni-Trak, gas-charged, compression damping, rebound damping, and spring preload adjustable. |
| Motorcycle type | Naked | Naked |
| Top speed | 270km/h | 300km/h |
| Fuel capacity / consumption | 16.5 L – 7 L/100km | 19 L – 7 L/100km |
| Service network | ||
| Service quality | ||
| Parts availability | ||
| Price | $13945 | $18500 |
| 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 |
Enhanced Electronic Systems for Vehicle Control: Electronic Cruise Control Colorful TFT LCD Display Assisted Slipping Clutch |
Opinions
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2023 BMW S 1000 R vs 2023 KAWASAKI Z H2: listed specifications
The 2023 BMW S 1000 R and 2023 KAWASAKI Z H2 are closely matched in displacement, while the S 1000 R has a lower listed weight, and the Z H2 has more peak power and torque, and the higher listed top speed.
Engine displacement
S 1000 R and Z H2 have very similar engine displacement (1000 cc vs 1000 cc).
Peak power
Z H2 has a clear listed power advantage (200 hp vs 165 hp).
Torque
Z H2 has a clear listed torque advantage (137 Nm vs 114 Nm).
Listed top speed
Z H2 has a clear listed top-speed advantage (300 km/h vs 270 km/h).
Cooling
Both motorcycles are listed as liquid-cooled.
Weight and seat height
S 1000 R is notably lighter on the listed weight (208 kg vs 239 kg). S 1000 R and Z H2 have very similar seat heights (83 cm vs 83 cm).
Conclusion
The measurable differences are therefore concentrated in peak power, torque, listed top speed and weight, while displacement and seat height remain relatively close.
Frequently asked questions
What is the top speed of BMW S 1000 R vs KAWASAKI Z H2?
KAWASAKI Z H2 is listed at 300 km/h (186 mph) vs 270 km/h (168 mph) for BMW S 1000 R.
Which has more horsepower, BMW S 1000 R or KAWASAKI Z H2?
KAWASAKI Z H2 has 200 hp compared with 165 hp on the BMW S 1000 R.
Which is lighter, BMW S 1000 R or KAWASAKI Z H2?
BMW S 1000 R is lighter at 208 kg vs 239 kg for KAWASAKI Z H2.
Which is better, BMW S 1000 R or KAWASAKI Z H2?
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.
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