BMW R 1250 RS vs KAWASAKI Ninja 1000SX
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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 R 1250 RS 82 cm Lowest seat here
- KAWASAKI Ninja 1000SX 83.5 cm Tallest seat here
Spread in this comparison: about 1.5 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 136 hp (BMW R 1250 RS) up to 142 hp (KAWASAKI Ninja 1000SX).
- Torque spans 111 Nm (KAWASAKI Ninja 1000SX) up to 143 Nm (BMW R 1250 RS).
- Weight spans 235 kg (KAWASAKI Ninja 1000SX) to 243 kg (BMW R 1250 RS).
- Displacement spans 1000 cc (KAWASAKI Ninja 1000SX) to 1100 cc (BMW R 1250 RS).
Reader votes so far — total 2: BMW R 1250 RS (1); KAWASAKI Ninja 1000SX (1).
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| Specification | BMW R 1250 RS | KAWASAKI Ninja 1000SX |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | BMW | KAWASAKI |
| Model | BMW R 1250 RS | KAWASAKI Ninja 1000SX |
| Engine size | Above 1000cc | 1000cc |
| Power | 136hp | 142hp |
| Torque | 143nm. | 111nm. |
| Cylinders / valves | Twin cylinder, 8 valves | 4 cylinders, 16 valves |
| Weight | 243kg | 235kg |
| Front brake | Twin disc brake, floating brake discs, diameter 320 mm, 4-piston radial brake caliper | 300 mm dual disc, Radially mounted monoblock 4-piston caliper |
| Rear brake | Single disc brake, diameter 276 mm, 2-piston floating caliper | 250 mm single disc, Single-piston caliper |
| Seat height (cm) | 82cm | 83.5cm |
| Front tyre | 120/70 ZR17 | 120/70ZR17M/C (58W) |
| Rear tyre | 180/55 ZR17 | 190/55ZR17M/C (75W) |
| Cooling | Liquid cooling | Liquid cooling |
| Front suspension | Upside-down telescopic fork | 41 mm inverted fork, stepless compression and rebound damping, spring preload adjustable |
| Rear suspension | Cast aluminum single-sided swingarm with BMW Motorrad Paralever, WAD shock absorber, spring preload continuously adjustable hydraulically by handwheel, rebound damping adjustable by handwheel | Horizontal back-link, gas-charged, stepless rebound damping, spring preload adjustable |
| Motorcycle type | Touring | Touring |
| Top speed | 230km/h | 280km/h |
| Fuel capacity / consumption | 18 L – 5.5 L/100km | 19 L – 6 L/100km |
| Service network | ||
| Service quality | ||
| Parts availability | ||
| Price | $15695 | $13699 |
| Brand price lists | View BMW price list | View KAWASAKI price list |
| Extra features | -TFT display with BMW Motorrad Connectivity, Full LED headlight, Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) -Integral ABS Pro (lean-optimised ABS), 3 riding modes (Eco, Rain, Road), Hill Start Control (HSC) -USB charging socket, Intelligent emergency call, Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) -4-way mechanically adjustable windscreen |
Additional Features:
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Opinions
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2023 BMW R 1250 RS vs 2023 KAWASAKI Ninja 1000SX: Which One is Better for You?
2023 BMW R 1250 RS and 2023 KAWASAKI Ninja 1000SX 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 1000SX, with its 142hp, stands out for users seeking speed and performance.
1. Cylinder Capacity and Performance
2023 BMW R 1250 RS and 2023 KAWASAKI Ninja 1000SX 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.2023 BMW R 1250 RS, with its 1100cc engine capacity, is ideal for users seeking high performance and acceleration. Designed for performance-focused users and professionals.
2. Torque Power
2023 BMW R 1250 RS, with its 143Nm torque, delivers powerful performance. A high torque value ensures superior acceleration and advantage on steep inclines. 2023 KAWASAKI Ninja 1000SX, with its 111Nm torque, offers a more balanced ride for city use. 2023 BMW R 1250 RS 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 1000SX, as a Touring, can reach a maximum speed of 280 km/h. This speed feature can be considered an extra advantage for a motorcycle of this type. 2023 BMW R 1250 RS, as a Touring, offers a lower maximum speed of 230 km/h, but this does not overshadow its other features.
4. Cooling System
2023 BMW R 1250 RS features a Liquid-Cooled system, while 2023 KAWASAKI Ninja 1000SX offers a Liquid-Cooled system. Both models deliver equal performance in their cooling systems.
5. Design and Comfort
2023 BMW R 1250 RS and 2023 KAWASAKI Ninja 1000SX are close in weight, offering similar experiences for different usage scenarios. Additionally, 2023 KAWASAKI Ninja 1000SX, with a seat height of 83.5cm, is more suitable for taller riders, offering greater comfort.2023 BMW R 1250 RS, with a seat height of 82cm, provides a more ergonomic ride for average-height riders.
Conclusion
2023 KAWASAKI Ninja 1000SX emerges as the winner of this comparison based on total points. 2023 BMW R 1250 RS and 2023 KAWASAKI Ninja 1000SX have nearly identical engine capacities. 2023 BMW R 1250 RS, with higher torque, excels in rapid acceleration and steep climbs. 2023 KAWASAKI Ninja 1000SX, with a top speed of 280 km/h, stands out for speed enthusiasts. Both models have similar cooling systems, offering comparable performance for long journeys. In conclusion, 2023 KAWASAKI Ninja 1000SX stands out in terms of technical specifications and overall performance. However, depending on your riding preferences and usage needs, both models offer unique advantages.
Frequently asked questions
What is the top speed of BMW R 1250 RS vs KAWASAKI Ninja 1000SX?
KAWASAKI Ninja 1000SX is listed at 280 km/h vs 230 km/h for BMW R 1250 RS.
Which has more horsepower, BMW R 1250 RS or KAWASAKI Ninja 1000SX?
KAWASAKI Ninja 1000SX has 142 hp compared with 136 hp on the BMW R 1250 RS.
Which is better, BMW R 1250 RS or KAWASAKI Ninja 1000SX?
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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