KAWASAKI Z900 vs BMW S 1000 R
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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 Z900 82 cm Lowest seat here
- BMW S 1000 R 83 cm Tallest 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 125 hp (KAWASAKI Z900) up to 165 hp (BMW S 1000 R).
- Torque spans 98.6 Nm (KAWASAKI Z900) up to 114 Nm (BMW S 1000 R).
- Weight spans 208 kg (BMW S 1000 R) to 212 kg (KAWASAKI Z900).
- Displacement spans 900 cc (KAWASAKI Z900) to 1000 cc (BMW S 1000 R).
All values look the same; turn off the filter.
| Specification | KAWASAKI Z900 | BMW S 1000 R |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | KAWASAKI | BMW |
| Model | KAWASAKI Z900 | BMW S 1000 R |
| Engine size | 900cc | 1000cc |
| Power | 125hp | 165hp |
| Torque | 98.6nm. | 114nm. |
| Cylinders / valves | 4 cylinders, 16 valves | 4 cylinders, 16 valves |
| Weight | 212kg | 208kg |
| Front brake | 300 mm dual disc, 4-piston caliper | Twin-disc brake with a diameter of 320 mm, four-piston fixed calliper |
| Rear brake | 250 mm single disc, single-piston caliper | Single disc brake with a diameter of 220 mm, one-piston floating calliper |
| Seat height (cm) | 82cm | 83cm |
| Front tyre | 120/70ZR17 | 120/70 ZR 17 |
| Rear tyre | 180/55ZR17 | 190/55 ZR 17 |
| Cooling | Liquid cooling | Liquid cooling |
| Front suspension | 41 mm inverted fork, continuously adjustable compression and rebound damping, and spring preload adjustable | Upside-down telescopic fork with a diameter of 45 mm, spring preload and adjustable rebound and compression stage |
| Rear suspension | Horizontal back-link, continuously adjustable rebound damping, spring preload, and preload adjustability | Aluminium underbeam swinging arm, Full-Floater Pro, central shock absorber, adjustable rebound and compression damping and adjustable spring preload |
| Motorcycle type | Adventure | Naked |
| Top speed | 240km/h | 270km/h |
| Fuel capacity / consumption | 17 L – 6 L/100km | 16.5 L – 7 L/100km |
| Service network | ||
| Service quality | ||
| Parts availability | ||
| Price | $9899 | $13945 |
| Brand price lists | View KAWASAKI price list | View BMW price list |
| Extra features | -Assist Slipper Clutch -Economical Riding Indicator |
-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 |
Opinions
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2023 KAWASAKI Z900 vs 2023 BMW S 1000 R: Which One is Better for You?
2023 KAWASAKI Z900 and 2023 BMW S 1000 R 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 S 1000 R, with its 165hp, stands out for users seeking speed and performance.
1. Cylinder Capacity and Performance
2023 KAWASAKI Z900 and 2023 BMW S 1000 R 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 S 1000 R, with its 1000cc engine capacity, is ideal for users seeking high performance and acceleration. Designed for performance-focused users and professionals.
2. Torque Power
2023 BMW S 1000 R, with its 114Nm torque, delivers powerful performance. A high torque value ensures superior acceleration and advantage on steep inclines. 2023 KAWASAKI Z900, with its 98.6Nm torque, offers a more balanced ride for city use. 2023 BMW S 1000 R 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 BMW S 1000 R, as a Naked, can reach a maximum speed of 270 km/h. This speed feature can be considered an extra advantage for a motorcycle of this type. 2023 KAWASAKI Z900, as a Adventure, offers a lower maximum speed of 240 km/h, but this does not overshadow its other features.
4. Cooling System
2023 KAWASAKI Z900 features a Liquid-Cooled system, while 2023 BMW S 1000 R offers a Liquid-Cooled system. Both models deliver equal performance in their cooling systems.
5. Design and Comfort
2023 KAWASAKI Z900 and 2023 BMW S 1000 R are close in weight, offering similar experiences for different usage scenarios. Additionally, 2023 BMW S 1000 R, with a seat height of 83cm, is more suitable for taller riders, offering greater comfort.2023 KAWASAKI Z900, with a seat height of 82cm, provides a more ergonomic ride for average-height riders.
Conclusion
2023 BMW S 1000 R emerges as the winner of this comparison based on total points. 2023 KAWASAKI Z900 and 2023 BMW S 1000 R have nearly identical engine capacities. 2023 BMW S 1000 R, with higher torque, excels in rapid acceleration and steep climbs. 2023 BMW S 1000 R, with a top speed of 270 km/h, stands out for speed enthusiasts. Both models have similar cooling systems, offering comparable performance for long journeys. In conclusion, 2023 BMW S 1000 R 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 Z900 vs BMW S 1000 R?
BMW S 1000 R is listed at 270 km/h vs 240 km/h for KAWASAKI Z900.
Which has more horsepower, KAWASAKI Z900 or BMW S 1000 R?
BMW S 1000 R has 165 hp compared with 125 hp on the KAWASAKI Z900.
Which is better, KAWASAKI Z900 or BMW S 1000 R?
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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