BMW R 1200 GS 2015 vs. Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021

BMW R 1200 GS 2015

BMW R 1200 GS 2015

Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021

Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021

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Overview - BMW R 1200 GS 2015 vs Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021

The BMW R 1200 GS 2015 and the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021 are both popular enduro motorcycles with their own unique features and specifications.

Starting with the engine and drive train, the BMW R 1200 GS 2015 is equipped with a Boxer engine, while the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021 has an in-line four-cylinder engine. The BMW has a larger displacement of 1170ccm compared to the Kawasaki's 1043ccm. In terms of power, the BMW offers 125 HP, while the Kawasaki provides 120 HP. The torque output of the BMW is 125 Nm, while the Kawasaki generates 102 Nm of torque. Both motorcycles have different transmission systems, with the BMW using a prop shaft and the Kawasaki utilizing a chain.

In terms of suspension, the BMW R 1200 GS 2015 features a strut front suspension with preload adjustment, while the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021 is equipped with an upside-down telescopic fork front suspension with compression, preload, and rebound adjustment. For the rear suspension, the BMW has a single swing arm with preload adjustment, while the Kawasaki has a swing arm suspension with compression, preload, and rebound adjustment.

BMW R 1200 GS 2015

BMW R 1200 GS 2015

Moving on to the chassis, the BMW R 1200 GS 2015 has a steel frame, while the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021 features an aluminum frame. This difference in frame material can affect the overall weight and handling of the motorcycles.

In terms of braking, both motorcycles have double disk brakes at the front. The BMW R 1200 GS 2015 has a sharp braking system, which may require some getting used to. The Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021, on the other hand, is praised for its well-controllable braking system.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the BMW R 1200 GS 2015 has a front tire diameter of 19 inches, a rear tire width of 170 mm, and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. The Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021 has a front tire diameter of 17 inches and a rear tire width of 180 mm and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase of the BMW is 1507 mm, while the Kawasaki has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1520 mm. The seat height of the BMW is 850 mm, while the Kawasaki offers a slightly lower seat height of 840 mm. The kerb weight of the BMW with ABS is 238 kg, while the Kawasaki weighs 257 kg with ABS. Both motorcycles have a fuel tank capacity of around 20-21 liters.

Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021

Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021

In terms of strengths, the BMW R 1200 GS 2015 is known for its powerful engine, low fuel consumption, comfortable seating position, and its ability to be used off-road. It also has a high reputation in the market. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021 offers a very comfortable seating position, a cultivated in-line four-cylinder engine, a full electronics package, an adjustable windshield, a well-controllable braking system, and a distinctive look.

In terms of weaknesses, the BMW R 1200 GS 2015 has a long and expensive surcharge side, and its Telelever front suspension may take some getting used to. The brakes on the BMW are also known to be very sharp. The Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021, on the other hand, has a windshield that is not adjustable with one hand.

In conclusion, both the BMW R 1200 GS 2015 and the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021 offer their own unique features and strengths. The BMW is known for its powerful engine and off-road capabilities, while the Kawasaki offers a comfortable riding position and a full electronics package. Ultimately, the choice between these two motorcycles will depend on the rider's preferences and intended use.

Technical Specifications BMW R 1200 GS 2015 compared to Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021

BMW R 1200 GS 2015
Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021
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BMW R 1200 GS 2015
BMW R 1200 GS 2015
Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021
Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeBoxerEngine typeIn line
BoreBore101 mmBore77 mm
StrokeStroke73 mmStroke56 mm
Engine powerEngine power125 HPEngine power120 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,700 rpmRpm at Max. Power9,000 rpm
TorqueTorque125 NmTorque102 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,500 rpmRpm at Torque7,500 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio12.5 Compression Ratio10.3
Clutch TypeClutch TypeAntihoppingClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionProp shaftTransmissionChain
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders4
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
CoolingCoolingAirCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement1,170 ccmDisplacement1,043 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionStrutFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSingle swing armSuspensionSwing arm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameAluminium

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
Shock mountShock mountFixed caliperShock mountSemi-Schwimmsattel

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonSingle piston
Shock mountShock mountFloating caliperShock mountFixed caliper

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter19 inchFront tyre diameter17 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width170 mmRear tyre width180 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height60 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,207 mmLength2,240 mm
WidthWidth953 mmWidth950 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,507 mmWheelbase1,520 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height840 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)238 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)257 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity20 lFuel Tank Capacity21 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

BMW R 1200 GS 2015

BMW R 1200 GS 2015

A GS is at home almost anywhere - but only to a limited extent on the racetrack. It's a pleasure to feel the power of the partially water-cooled boxer twin cylinder on the exit of the bend - 125 hp only seems much weaker on paper than 150 or even 160 hp on the competition. With 125 Newton metres of torque, the acceleration from the bottom is superb anyway and the GS, at 238 kilos ready to ride, does not carry too much flab despite its bulky appearance. In very tight corners, the low centre of gravity also has a positive effect - the BMW R 1200 GS is very hard to crack! Even the front telelever suspension, which suppresses the front wheel's tendency to sink in when braking, fits perfectly into the overall package on the GS and can only slightly detract from its sporty character.

Powerful engine

low fuel consumption

comfortable seating position

can also be used off-road

high reputation

Long and expensive surcharge side

Telelever front suspension takes some getting used to

Brake very sharp.

Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021

Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021

The supposedly less well-equipped Versys 1000 S merely dispenses with the electronically adjustable chassis of the SE - and thus offers almost the same performance as the top model. This means that the S also has all the comfort features on board that make a long journey not only bearable, but really enjoyable. You don't necessarily feel the few kilos less than the SE, but the S is also an ideal companion on long tours when comfort and uncomplicated handling are paramount.

Very comfortable seating position

cultivated in-line four-cylinder engine

full electronics package

adjustable windshield

well controllable braking system

distinctive look

Windshield not adjustable with one hand

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price BMW R 1200 GS vs Kawasaki Versys 1000 S

There are a few key differences between a BMW R 1200 GS 2015 and a Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021 is about 5% higher. Compared to Kawasaki Versys 1000 S 2021 there are more BMW R 1200 GS 2015 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 47 compared to 8. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1200 GS with 66 days compared to 93 days for a Kawasaki Versys 1000 S. Since model year 2005 1000PS.de editors have written 98 reviews for the BMW R 1200 GS and 5 reviews for the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S since model year 2021. The first review for the BMW R 1200 GS was published on 1/20/2004 and now has more than 19,100 views. This compares to more than 49,600 views for the first review on Kawasaki Versys 1000 S published on 11/4/2020.

Price BMW R 1200 GS

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Price Kawasaki Versys 1000 S

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