2024 BMW R 1300 GS vs KAWASAKI Versys 1000 S
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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.
- 2024 BMW R 1300 GS 85 cm Tallest seat here
- KAWASAKI Versys 1000 S 84 cm Lowest seat here
Spread in this comparison: about 1 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 120 hp (KAWASAKI Versys 1000 S) up to 145 hp (2024 BMW R 1300 GS).
- Torque spans 102 Nm (KAWASAKI Versys 1000 S) up to 149 Nm (2024 BMW R 1300 GS).
- Weight spans 237 kg (2024 BMW R 1300 GS) to 255 kg (KAWASAKI Versys 1000 S).
- Displacement spans 1000 cc (KAWASAKI Versys 1000 S) to 1100 cc (2024 BMW R 1300 GS).
All values look the same; turn off the filter.
| Specification | BMW R 1300 GS | KAWASAKI Versys 1000 S |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | BMW | KAWASAKI |
| Model | BMW R 1300 GS | KAWASAKI Versys 1000 S |
| Engine size | Above 1000cc | 1000cc |
| Power | 145hp | 120hp |
| Torque | 149nm. | 102nm. |
| Cylinders / valves | Twin cylinder, 8 valves | 4 cylinders, 16 valves |
| Weight | 237kg | 255kg |
| Front brake | Dual disc brakes, semi-floating type brake discs, 310 mm diameter, 4-piston radial brake calipers. | 310 mm dual discs, radially mounted monoblock 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 | 84cm |
| Front tyre | 120/70 x R19 | 120/70ZR17 58W |
| Rear tyre | 170/60 x R17 | 180/55ZR17 73W |
| Cooling | Liquid cooling | Liquid cooling |
| Front suspension | BMW Motorrad EVO Telelever, handlebar tilt decoupling via flexible element, central suspension spring. | 43 mm inverted fork, rebound damping (right side) and adjustable spring preload |
| 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, gas-charged, rebound damping, and adjustable spring preload |
| Motorcycle type | Adventure | Adventure |
| Top speed | 240km/h | 250km/h |
| Fuel capacity / consumption | 19 L – 5 L/100km | 21 L – 6 L/100km |
| Service network | ||
| Service quality | ||
| Parts availability | ||
| Price | $18895 | $16489 |
| 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 |
-KTRC (Kawasaki Traction Control) -Adjustable Windscreen -Grip Heaters -LED Cornering Lights -Handy Power Source (DC Socket) -Electronic Throttle Valves -(KQS) Kawasaki Quick Shifter -Integrated Riding Modes, -KCMF (Kawasaki Cornering Management Function) |
Opinions
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2024 BMW R 1300 GS vs 2023 KAWASAKI Versys 1000 S: listed specifications
The 2024 BMW R 1300 GS and 2023 KAWASAKI Versys 1000 S differ on the listed specifications: the R 1300 GS has more displacement, peak power and torque, and a lower listed weight, and the Versys 1000 S has the higher listed top speed.
Engine displacement
R 1300 GS has a larger listed engine displacement (1100 cc vs 1000 cc).
Peak power
R 1300 GS has a clear listed power advantage (145 hp vs 120 hp).
Torque
R 1300 GS has a clear listed torque advantage (149 Nm vs 102 Nm).
Listed top speed
Versys 1000 S has a modest listed top-speed advantage (250 km/h vs 240 km/h).
Cooling
Both motorcycles are listed as liquid-cooled.
Weight and seat height
R 1300 GS has a modest listed weight advantage (237 kg vs 255 kg). R 1300 GS and Versys 1000 S have very similar seat heights (85 cm vs 84 cm).
Conclusion
The measurable differences are therefore concentrated in displacement, peak power, torque, listed top speed and weight, while seat height remains relatively close.
Frequently asked questions
What is the top speed of BMW R 1300 GS vs KAWASAKI Versys 1000 S?
KAWASAKI Versys 1000 S is listed at 250 km/h (155 mph) vs 240 km/h (149 mph) for BMW R 1300 GS.
Which has more horsepower, BMW R 1300 GS or KAWASAKI Versys 1000 S?
BMW R 1300 GS has 145 hp compared with 120 hp on the KAWASAKI Versys 1000 S.
Which is lighter, BMW R 1300 GS or KAWASAKI Versys 1000 S?
BMW R 1300 GS is lighter at 237 kg vs 255 kg for KAWASAKI Versys 1000 S.
Which is better, BMW R 1300 GS or KAWASAKI Versys 1000 S?
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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