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: listed specifications
The 2023 KAWASAKI Z900 and 2023 BMW S 1000 R are closely matched in weight, while the S 1000 R has more displacement, peak power and torque, and the higher listed top speed.
Engine displacement
S 1000 R has a larger listed engine displacement (1000 cc vs 900 cc).
Peak power
S 1000 R has a clear listed power advantage (165 hp vs 125 hp).
Torque
S 1000 R has a clear listed torque advantage (114 Nm vs 98.6 Nm).
Listed top speed
S 1000 R has a clear listed top-speed advantage (270 km/h vs 240 km/h).
Cooling
Both motorcycles are listed as liquid-cooled.
Weight and seat height
Z900 and S 1000 R have very similar listed weights (212 kg vs 208 kg). Z900 and S 1000 R have very similar seat heights (82 cm vs 83 cm).
Conclusion
The measurable differences are therefore concentrated in displacement, peak power, torque and listed top speed, while weight and seat height remain relatively close.
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 (168 mph) vs 240 km/h (149 mph) 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 lighter, KAWASAKI Z900 or BMW S 1000 R?
BMW S 1000 R is lighter at 208 kg vs 212 kg for 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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