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

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021

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

The Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021 and the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021 are both enduro motorcycles that offer a range of features and capabilities.

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021

Starting with the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021, it boasts a comfortable seating position, making it ideal for long rides. It is equipped with a refined in-line four-cylinder engine that delivers a smooth and powerful performance. The bike also comes with a comprehensive electronics package, including ABS, ride by wire, and a quickshifter. The adjustable windshield allows riders to customize their riding experience, while the electronically adjustable Showa suspension ensures a comfortable and controlled ride. The braking system is well-controlled, providing reliable stopping power. Additionally, the Versys 1000 SE has a distinctive look that sets it apart from other motorcycles in its class. However, one drawback of this model is that the windshield cannot be adjusted with one hand, which may be inconvenient for some riders.

On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021 offers practical details that cater to frequent riders. It boasts a large fuel tank capacity, providing a gigantic range and remarkably low fuel consumption. The bike offers good wind and weather protection, making it suitable for various riding conditions. The ride comfort is excellent, thanks to the powerful engine and the suspension system that can be electronically adjusted. The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure also comes with a range of riding aids, such as ABS, anti-slipping control, and hill start assist, ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride. The bike features great connectivity through its app, allowing riders to stay connected while on the road. The display is easy to read, providing essential information at a glance. The seating position is pleasant for both the rider and the pillion passenger, and the ergonomics are well-suited for tall people. The headlights are of high quality, ensuring excellent visibility in low-light conditions. However, the bike's high weight can be a challenge when maneuvering, and the gearshifts may feel somewhat stiff at low revs. Additionally, some riders may find the bike's appearance to be jagged with little elegance.

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021

In summary, both the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021 and the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021 offer a range of features and capabilities that make them suitable for enduro riding. The Versys 1000 SE excels in its comfortable seating position, refined engine, full electronics package, adjustable windshield, and well-controlled braking system. On the other hand, the R 1250 GS Adventure stands out with its practical details, large fuel tank capacity, great wind and weather protection, powerful engine, connectivity app, easy-to-read display, and comfortable seating position for both the rider and pillion passenger. However, the Versys 1000 SE has the drawback of a non-adjustable windshield, while the R 1250 GS Adventure may be challenging to maneuver due to its high weight and has a jagged appearance with little elegance.

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

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021
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
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
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
TravelTravel150 mmTravel210 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSingle swing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel152 mmTravel220 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload, Rebound

Chassis

FrameFrameAluminiumFrameSteel
RakeRake63 degreeRake65.1 degree
TrailTrail106 mmTrail95.4 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter310 mmDiameter305 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
TechnologyTechnologyradial, PetalTechnologyradial

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter250 mmDiameter276 mm
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
WidthWidth950 mmWidth952 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,520 mmWheelbase1,504 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height840 mmSeat Height890 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)257 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 2021

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021

The Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE is more than equipped for the big journey: The many features pull together, because everything good about the SE is aimed at comfort and safety. Whether it's the semi-active electronic Skyhook suspension from Showa, the KIBS cornering ABS, the Kawasaki Cornering Management Function (KMCF), the cornering lights or the easy-to-read TFT colour display, the electronics leave nothing to be desired. Coupled with the comfortable seating position and the high, adjustable windshield, long stages are a pleasure. The engine is certainly not the most powerful, the weight certainly not the lowest, but overall the Versys 1000 SE is an optimal touring motorbike.

Very comfortable seating position

cultivated in-line four-cylinder engine

full electronics package

adjustable windshield

superb electronically adjustable Showa suspension

well-controlled braking system

distinctive look

Windshield not adjustable with one hand

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 2021 and a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure with 51 days compared to 86 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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