BMW S 1000 R vs KAWASAKI Z H2 SE
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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 SE 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 SE).
- Torque spans 114 Nm (BMW S 1000 R) up to 137 Nm (KAWASAKI Z H2 SE).
- Weight spans 208 kg (BMW S 1000 R) to 240 kg (KAWASAKI Z H2 SE).
- Engine sizes are very close.
All values look the same; turn off the filter.
| Specification | BMW S 1000 R | KAWASAKI Z H2 SE |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | BMW | KAWASAKI |
| Model | BMW S 1000 R | KAWASAKI Z H2 SE |
| Engine size | 1000cc | 1000cc |
| Power | 165hp | 200hp |
| Torque | 114nm. | 137nm. |
| Cylinders / valves | 4 cylinders, 16 valves | 4 cylinders, 16 valves |
| Weight | 208kg | 240kg |
| Front brake | Twin-disc brake with a diameter of 320 mm, four-piston fixed calliper | 320 mm Brembo Stylema monoblock caliper with dual radial-mounted 4-piston, dual disc |
| Rear brake | Single disc brake with a diameter of 220 mm, one-piston floating calliper | 260 mm single disc with 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 | Showa 43 mm inverted fork (SFF-CA) with KECS-controlled compression and rebound damping, manually adjustable spring preload, and top-out springs. |
| Rear suspension | Aluminium underbeam swinging arm, Full-Floater Pro, central shock absorber, adjustable rebound and compression damping and adjustable spring preload | New Uni-Trak with piggyback reservoir BFRC lite gas-charged shock, KECS-controlled compression and rebound damping, manually adjustable spring preload, and top-out springs. |
| 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 | $19500 |
| 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 |
Other Features: Full-color TFT LCD Display Electronic Cruise Control Assist & Slipper Clutch Advanced Electronic Systems Supporting Vehicle Control |
Opinions
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2023 BMW S 1000 R vs 2023 KAWASAKI Z H2 SE: listed specifications
The 2023 BMW S 1000 R and 2023 KAWASAKI Z H2 SE are closely matched in displacement, while the S 1000 R has a lower listed weight, and the Z H2 SE has more peak power and torque, and the higher listed top speed.
Engine displacement
S 1000 R and Z H2 SE have very similar engine displacement (1000 cc vs 1000 cc).
Peak power
Z H2 SE has a clear listed power advantage (200 hp vs 165 hp).
Torque
Z H2 SE has a clear listed torque advantage (137 Nm vs 114 Nm).
Listed top speed
Z H2 SE 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 240 kg). S 1000 R and Z H2 SE 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 SE?
KAWASAKI Z H2 SE 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 SE?
KAWASAKI Z H2 SE has 200 hp compared with 165 hp on the BMW S 1000 R.
Which is lighter, BMW S 1000 R or KAWASAKI Z H2 SE?
BMW S 1000 R is lighter at 208 kg vs 240 kg for KAWASAKI Z H2 SE.
Which is better, BMW S 1000 R or KAWASAKI Z H2 SE?
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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