KAWASAKI Versys 1000 vs BMW R 1250 RS
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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.
- KAWASAKI Versys 1000 84 cm Tallest seat here
- BMW R 1250 RS 82 cm Lowest seat here
Spread in this comparison: about 2 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) up to 136 hp (BMW R 1250 RS).
- Torque spans 102 Nm (KAWASAKI Versys 1000) up to 143 Nm (BMW R 1250 RS).
- Weight spans 243 kg (BMW R 1250 RS) to 253 kg (KAWASAKI Versys 1000).
- Displacement spans 1000 cc (KAWASAKI Versys 1000) to 1100 cc (BMW R 1250 RS).
Reader votes so far — total 3: KAWASAKI Versys 1000 (0); BMW R 1250 RS (3).
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| Specification | KAWASAKI Versys 1000 | BMW R 1250 RS |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | KAWASAKI | BMW |
| Model | KAWASAKI Versys 1000 | BMW R 1250 RS |
| Engine size | 1000cc | Above 1000cc |
| Power | 120hp | 136hp |
| Torque | 102nm. | 143nm. |
| Cylinders / valves | 4 cylinders, 16 valves | Twin cylinder, 8 valves |
| Weight | 253kg | 243kg |
| Front brake | 310 mm dual discs, radially mounted monoblock 4-piston caliper | Twin disc brake, floating brake discs, diameter 320 mm, 4-piston radial brake caliper |
| Rear brake | 250 mm single disc, single-piston caliper | Single disc brake, diameter 276 mm, 2-piston floating caliper |
| Seat height (cm) | 84cm | 82cm |
| Front tyre | 120/70ZR17 58W | 120/70 ZR17 |
| Rear tyre | 180/55ZR17 73W | 180/55 ZR17 |
| Cooling | Liquid cooling | Liquid cooling |
| Front suspension | 43 mm inverted fork, rebound damping (right side) and spring preload adjustable | Upside-down telescopic fork |
| Rear suspension | Horizontal Back-link, gas-charged, rebound damping, and spring preload adjustable | Cast aluminum single-sided swingarm with BMW Motorrad Paralever, WAD shock absorber, spring preload continuously adjustable hydraulically by handwheel, rebound damping adjustable by handwheel |
| Motorcycle type | Adventure | Touring |
| Top speed | 240km/h | 230km/h |
| Fuel capacity / consumption | 21 L – 6 L/100km | 18 L – 5.5 L/100km |
| Service network | ||
| Service quality | ||
| Parts availability | ||
| Price | $15489 | $15695 |
| Brand price lists | View KAWASAKI price list | View BMW price list |
| Extra features | -KCMF (Kawasaki Cornering Management Function) -Electronic Throttle Valves, -Adjustable Windscreen -Slipper Clutch, -DC Socket -Electronic Cruise Control, -KTRC (3 modes) -Power Modes |
-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 |
Opinions
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2023 KAWASAKI Versys 1000 vs 2023 BMW R 1250 RS: Which One is Better for You?
2023 KAWASAKI Versys 1000 and 2023 BMW R 1250 RS are very similar in terms of engine capacity and power. In this case, design, driving comfort, and personal preferences may take precedence. Additionally, 2023 BMW R 1250 RS, with its 136hp, stands out for users seeking speed and performance.
1. Cylinder Capacity and Performance
2023 KAWASAKI Versys 1000 and 2023 BMW R 1250 RS 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 Versys 1000, with its 102Nm 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 Versys 1000 (Adventure) and 2023 BMW R 1250 RS (Touring) have very similar maximum speed values. 2023 KAWASAKI Versys 1000 offers a slight advantage with a top speed of 240 km/h. However, this difference might not be noticeable for most users.
4. Cooling System
2023 KAWASAKI Versys 1000 features a Liquid-Cooled system, while 2023 BMW R 1250 RS offers a Liquid-Cooled system. Both models deliver equal performance in their cooling systems.
5. Design and Comfort
2023 KAWASAKI Versys 1000 and 2023 BMW R 1250 RS are close in weight, offering similar experiences for different usage scenarios. Additionally, 2023 KAWASAKI Versys 1000, with a seat height of 84cm, 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 BMW R 1250 RS emerges as the winner of this comparison based on total points. 2023 KAWASAKI Versys 1000 and 2023 BMW R 1250 RS have nearly identical engine capacities. 2023 BMW R 1250 RS, with higher torque, excels in rapid acceleration and steep climbs. 2023 KAWASAKI Versys 1000 and 2023 BMW R 1250 RS offer very similar top speed values. Both models have similar cooling systems, offering comparable performance for long journeys. In conclusion, 2023 BMW R 1250 RS 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 KAWASAKI Versys 1000 vs BMW R 1250 RS?
KAWASAKI Versys 1000 is listed at 240 km/h vs 230 km/h for BMW R 1250 RS.
Which has more horsepower, KAWASAKI Versys 1000 or BMW R 1250 RS?
BMW R 1250 RS has 136 hp compared with 120 hp on the KAWASAKI Versys 1000.
Which is better, KAWASAKI Versys 1000 or BMW R 1250 RS?
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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