Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2019 vs. BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2019

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2019

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021

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Overview - Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2019 vs BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021

When comparing the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2019 and the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021, it is important to consider their technical specifications and strengths and weaknesses.

In terms of engine and drive train, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2019 features an in-line engine with a displacement of 1043ccm, producing 120 horsepower and 102 Nm of torque. It has a chain transmission and four cylinders. On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021 has a boxer engine with a displacement of 1254ccm, producing 136 horsepower and 143 Nm of torque. It has a prop shaft transmission and two cylinders. The BMW has a slightly more powerful engine compared to the Kawasaki.

In terms of suspension, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2019 has an upside-down telescopic fork for the front suspension, with adjustments for compression, preload, and rebound. The rear suspension also has adjustments for compression, preload, and rebound. The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021, on the other hand, has a telelever front suspension with preload adjustment and a rear suspension with adjustments for preload and rebound. Both motorcycles offer adjustable suspensions, providing riders with the ability to customize their riding experience.

When it comes to chassis, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2019 has an aluminum frame, while the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021 has a steel frame. The choice of materials may impact the overall weight and handling of the motorcycles.

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2019

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2019

In terms of brakes, both motorcycles have double disk brakes at the front. This ensures strong and reliable stopping power.

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, both motorcycles are equipped with ABS. The Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2019 also has ride by wire and a quickshifter, while the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021 offers additional features such as anti-slipping control, hill start assist, electronically adjustable suspension, riding modes, and cornering ABS. These systems enhance safety and improve the overall riding experience.

When considering dimensions and weights, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021 has a larger fuel tank capacity of 30 liters compared to the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2019's 21 liters. The BMW also has a slightly higher seat height at 890mm compared to the Kawasaki's 840mm. However, the BMW is also heavier with a kerb weight of 268kg compared to the Kawasaki's 250kg.

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021

In terms of equipment, both motorcycles offer various features. The Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2019 comes with heated grips, cornering lights, and LED headlights. The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021 offers additional features such as cornering lights, LED daytime running lights, a heated seat, TFT display, and an adjustable windscreen. These features enhance comfort and visibility during rides.

In terms of strengths, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2019 is praised for its impeccable engine response, great electronics package, comfortable seating position, top wind protection, and a fantastic in-line four-cylinder engine. On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021 is commended for its practical details, low fuel consumption, great ride comfort, powerful engine, connectivity app, easy-to-read display, and great ergonomics for tall people.

However, both motorcycles have their weaknesses. The Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2019 is criticized for its high cost due to the amount of technology it offers and its windshield not being optimally adjustable. The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021 is noted for its high weight, somewhat stiff gearshifts at low revs, and a jagged appearance with little elegance.

In conclusion, both the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2019 and the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021 offer impressive features and performance. The choice between the two will depend on individual preferences, such as desired power, handling, comfort, and available budget.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2019 compared to BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2019
BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeBoxer
BoreBore77 mmBore102.5 mm
StrokeStroke56 mmStroke76 mm
Engine powerEngine power120 HPEngine power136 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power9,000 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,750 rpm
TorqueTorque102 NmTorque143 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,500 rpmRpm at Torque6,250 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio10.3 Compression Ratio12.5
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeAntihopping
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionProp shaft
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders4Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid-air
DisplacementDisplacement1,043 ccmDisplacement1,254 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionTelelever
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload

Suspension Rear

AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload, Rebound

Chassis

FrameFrameAluminiumFrameSteel

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
TechnologyTechnologyradial, PetalTechnologyradial

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonDouble piston
Shock mountShock mountFixed caliperShock mountFloating caliper

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Ride by Wire, QuickshifterAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Anti-slipping control, Hill start assist, Suspension electronically adjustable, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter17 inchFront tyre diameter19 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width180 mmRear tyre width170 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height60 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,240 mmLength2,270 mm
WidthWidth895 mmWidth952 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,520 mmWheelbase1,504 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height840 mmSeat Height890 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)250 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)268 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity21 lFuel Tank Capacity30 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentHeated grips, Cornering lights, LED-HeadlightsEquipmentCornering lights, LED daytime running lights, LED-Headlights, Heated seat, TFT display, Windscreen adjustable

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2019

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2019

Kawa's solution, conceived in the adventure sector, is an uncompromising all-purpose weapon in the sport-touring sector. The machine's greatest strength: maximum comfort paired with state-of-the-art technology and the right amount of sportiness. The Ride-By-Wire in combination with the KECS and the electronic equipment ensure super responsiveness with maximum touring capability at the same time. The finely adjustable throttle, the smooth clutch and the electronic chassis ensure an almost majestic glide on the road. At the same time, the great seating position with the matching, if not the most beautiful, windshield ensures top aerodynamics - bravo!

The Ride-By-Wire works great and provides impeccable engine response

Great electronics package that should make the rider happy

Great electronic suspension that is easy to adjust

Fantastic in-line four-cylinder engine with top response

Very comfortable seating position

Top wind protection

A lot of technology unfortunately also costs accordingly...

windshield not optimally adjustable

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021

The Adventure is the ultimate touring machine. The high seat height limits the target group, as does the high price. But if you overcome these two hurdles, you get a magnificent mile-eater. The engine shakes all kinds of driving fun out of its sleeves. The low fuel consumption in combination with the gigantic 30-litre tank ensures an incredibly long range.

Practical details for frequent riders on board

Gigantic range

Amazingly low fuel consumption

Good wind and weather protection

Great ride comfort

Powerful engine

Great connectivity app

Easy-to-read display

Great ride comfort

Confident feeling in the saddle

Pleasant seating position for pillion passenger

Practical riding aids

Great headlights

Great ergonomics for tall people

Easy to ride

High weight strains when manoeuvring

gearshifts somewhat stiff at low revs

jagged appearance with little elegance

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE vs BMW R 1250 GS Adventure

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2019 and a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021 is about 60% higher. A Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2019 experiences a loss of 1,090 GBP in one year of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 670 GBP for a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021. Compared to BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021 there are less Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2019 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 10 compared to 17. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure with 51 days compared to 107 days for the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE. Since model year 2019 1000PS.de editors have written 12 reviews for the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE and 30 reviews for the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure since model year 2019. The first review for the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE was published on 06/11/2018 and now has more than 25,500 views. This compares to more than 43,300 views for the first review on BMW R 1250 GS Adventure published on 06/11/2018.

Price Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE

Model year
Current average market prices

Price BMW R 1250 GS Adventure

Model year
Current average market prices

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