Kawasaki Z900 2017 vs. BMW S 1000 R 2021

Kawasaki Z900 2017

Kawasaki Z900 2017

BMW S 1000 R 2021

BMW S 1000 R 2021

Loading...

Overview - Kawasaki Z900 2017 vs BMW S 1000 R 2021

The Kawasaki Z900 2017 and the BMW S 1000 R 2021 are both naked bikes with similar engine types, inline 4-cylinder engines, and liquid cooling systems. However, there are several notable differences between the two models.

In terms of engine power, the BMW S 1000 R 2021 has a significant advantage with 165 HP compared to the Kawasaki Z900 2017's 125.4 HP. This higher power output gives the BMW a more thrilling and exhilarating performance on the road.

Similarly, the torque of the BMW S 1000 R 2021 is also higher at 114 Nm compared to the Kawasaki Z900 2017's 98.6 Nm. This increased torque allows for better acceleration and overall performance.

Both bikes feature fuel injection systems and have 4 cylinders, ensuring smooth and efficient power delivery. Additionally, they both have upside-down telescopic forks for the front suspension and swing arm suspension with monoshock for the rear. However, the BMW S 1000 R 2021 offers more adjustability options for the suspension, including compression, preload, and rebound adjustments, compared to the Kawasaki Z900 2017's preload and rebound adjustments only.

Kawasaki Z900 2017

Kawasaki Z900 2017

In terms of chassis, the BMW S 1000 R 2021 features an aluminum frame, which is lighter and more rigid compared to the steel frame of the Kawasaki Z900 2017. This results in improved handling and maneuverability for the BMW.

Both bikes have double disk brakes at the front with four pistons, but the BMW S 1000 R 2021 has larger diameter disks at 320 mm compared to the Kawasaki Z900 2017's 300 mm disks. The BMW also utilizes radial technology for its front brakes, providing enhanced braking performance.

When it comes to advanced rider assistance systems, the BMW S 1000 R 2021 offers a more comprehensive range of features, including ABS, hill start assist, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, traction control, and anti-wheelie. The Kawasaki Z900 2017, on the other hand, only comes with ABS.

In terms of dimensions and weights, both bikes have similar front tire widths and diameters. However, the BMW S 1000 R 2021 has a wider rear tire at 190 mm compared to the Kawasaki Z900 2017's 180 mm. The seat height of the BMW is also higher at 830 mm compared to the Kawasaki's 795 mm. Additionally, the BMW S 1000 R 2021 is slightly lighter with a kerb weight of 199 kg compared to the Kawasaki Z900 2017's 210 kg.

BMW S 1000 R 2021

BMW S 1000 R 2021

In terms of strengths, the Kawasaki Z900 2017 is praised for its ingenious naked bike chassis, superb looks, and a responsive engine with a well-balanced torque. It is also considered to be a great intersection of performance, price, and practicality.

On the other hand, the BMW S 1000 R 2021 is commended for its powerful engine, good brakes, comfortable ergonomics, and a wide range of high-performance optional extras. It is also considered a great all-rounder with simple operation and impressive speed.

In terms of weaknesses, the Kawasaki Z900 2017 is criticized for its narrow knee angle, which may be uncomfortable for taller riders. On the other hand, the BMW S 1000 R 2021 is noted to have a quickshifter that is not perfect and a slightly intrusive sound. Some riders also experience vibrations in the handlebars.

Overall, the BMW S 1000 R 2021 offers a more powerful and technologically advanced package compared to the Kawasaki Z900 2017. However, the Kawasaki still holds its own with its attractive design, balanced performance, and practicality.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Z900 2017 compared to BMW S 1000 R 2021

Kawasaki Z900 2017
BMW S 1000 R 2021

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore73.4 mmBore80 mm
StrokeStroke56 mmStroke49.7 mm
Engine powerEngine power125.4 HPEngine power165 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power9,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power11,000 rpm
TorqueTorque98.6 NmTorque114 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,700 rpmRpm at Torque9,250 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio11.8 Compression Ratio12.5
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
Throttle BoreThrottle Bore36 mmThrottle Bore48 mm
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath, Antihopping
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders4Cylinders4
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesDOHC, Drag lever
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement948 ccmDisplacement999 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
DiameterDiameter41 mmDiameter45 mm
TravelTravel120 mmTravel120 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel140 mmTravel117 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameAluminium
Frame typeFrame typeDouble cradleFrame typeTwin Tube
RakeRake65 degreeRake66 degree
TrailTrail105 mmTrail96.3 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter300 mmDiameter320 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
TechnologyTechnologyPetalTechnologyradial

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter250 mmDiameter220 mm
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonSingle piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABSAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Hill start assist, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Traction control, Anti-wheelie

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 diameter17 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width180 mmRear tyre width190 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,070 mmLength2,090 mm
WidthWidth820 mmWidth812 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,450 mmWheelbase1,450 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height795 mmSeat Height830 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)210 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)199 kg
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Z900 2017

Kawasaki Z900 2017

An incredibly well-designed motorbike. A lot of test work and attention to detail went into it. It has exactly the right power, exactly the right chassis and exactly the right look. An all-round successful naked bike that will make you happy for a long time. If you like, you can ride it simply and faithfully, but if you want, you can also ride it really fast and it wheels like hell. Great!

Ingenious nakedbike chassis

superb looks

engine responds super fine, revs up willingly and has a perfectly dimensioned torque

optimum intersection of performance, price and practical use

Knee angle very narrow for tall people (order another seat!)

BMW S 1000 R 2021

BMW S 1000 R 2021

It's really impressive how BMW always manages to make good motorbikes even better. The sporty S 1000 R with M package and carbon rims looks a bit threatening at first. But even in 2021, the S 1000 R serves up high-tech and performance in a grandiose, usable dosage. The machine rides precisely, handles well but is not tippy. The engine fires out of the corners, but does not overtax. A damn fast motorbike!

Powerful engine

good brakes

comfortable ergonomics

high-priced but high-performance optional extras

simple operation but still very fast

great all-rounder.

Quickshifter good, but not perfect, sound still a bit intrusive

still with vibrations in handlebars

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Kawasaki Z900 vs BMW S 1000 R

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Z900 2017 and a BMW S 1000 R 2021. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW S 1000 R 2021 is about 88% higher. Compared to BMW S 1000 R 2021 there are more Kawasaki Z900 2017 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 43 compared to 15. It takes less time to sell a BMW S 1000 R with 67 days compared to 85 days for the Kawasaki Z900. Since model year 2017 1000PS.de editors have written 46 reviews for the Kawasaki Z900 and 62 reviews for the BMW S 1000 R since model year 2014. The first review for the Kawasaki Z900 was published on 11/11/2016 and now has more than 93,200 views. This compares to more than 17,300 views for the first review on BMW S 1000 R published on 03/11/2013.

Price Kawasaki Z900

Model year
Current average market prices

Price BMW S 1000 R

Model year
Current average market prices

Alternative Comparisons

1000PS Partner

LOUISContinental MotorradreifenSchuberthcalimoto GmbHMotorex AG