BMW S 1000 R 2015 vs. Kawasaki Z900 2018

BMW S 1000 R 2015

BMW S 1000 R 2015

Kawasaki Z900 2018

Kawasaki Z900 2018

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Overview - BMW S 1000 R 2015 vs Kawasaki Z900 2018

The BMW S 1000 R 2015 and the Kawasaki Z900 2018 are both naked bikes with similar engine configurations, as they both have an in-line 4-cylinder engine. However, there are several differences between the two models.

In terms of engine power, the BMW S 1000 R 2015 has a higher output with 160 HP compared to the Kawasaki Z900 2018's 125.4 HP. This gives the BMW an advantage in terms of acceleration and top speed. The BMW also has a higher torque of 112 Nm compared to the Kawasaki's 98.6 Nm, which contributes to its strong performance.

Both bikes have upside-down telescopic forks for the front suspension and swing arm with a monoshock for the rear suspension, providing a comfortable and stable ride. However, the BMW has the advantage of advanced rider assistance systems, specifically dynamic suspension, which enhances the bike's handling and stability.

BMW S 1000 R 2015

BMW S 1000 R 2015

In terms of chassis, the BMW S 1000 R 2015 has an aluminum frame with a twin tube design, while the Kawasaki Z900 2018 has a steel frame with a double cradle design. The aluminum frame of the BMW is lighter and provides better handling, while the steel frame of the Kawasaki offers more stability.

Both bikes have double disk brakes with four pistons in the front, providing strong and reliable stopping power. However, the BMW S 1000 R 2015 has radial technology for its front brakes, which improves brake performance and feel compared to the petal technology used in the Kawasaki Z900 2018.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the BMW S 1000 R 2015 has a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1439 mm compared to the Kawasaki Z900 2018's 1450 mm. The seat height of the BMW is also slightly higher at 814 mm compared to the Kawasaki's 795 mm. However, the weight of the BMW is slightly lighter at 207 kg compared to the Kawasaki's 210 kg.

Kawasaki Z900 2018

Kawasaki Z900 2018

In terms of strengths, the BMW S 1000 R 2015 has a powerful and well-controllable engine, a powerful braking system, and a comparatively comfortable seating position. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 2018 has a powerful and silky engine, great sound, a sharp and sporty look, a low seating position, and easy handling and maneuverability.

In terms of weaknesses, the BMW S 1000 R 2015 has irresistible but expensive optional extras, a hard chassis, and vibrations in the handlebars. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 2018 lacks traction control and the knee angle may be strenuous for tall riders in the long run.

In conclusion, both the BMW S 1000 R 2015 and the Kawasaki Z900 2018 are powerful naked bikes with their own strengths and weaknesses. The BMW offers a more powerful engine and advanced rider assistance systems, while the Kawasaki has a sportier look and easy handling. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications BMW S 1000 R 2015 compared to Kawasaki Z900 2018

BMW S 1000 R 2015
Kawasaki Z900 2018

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore80 mmBore73.4 mm
StrokeStroke49.7 mmStroke56 mm
Engine powerEngine power160 HPEngine power125.4 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power11,000 rpmRpm at Max. Power9,500 rpm
TorqueTorque112 NmTorque98.6 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque9,250 rpmRpm at Torque7,700 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio12 Compression Ratio11.8
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath, AntihoppingClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders4Cylinders4
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
DisplacementDisplacement999 ccmDisplacement948 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
DiameterDiameter46 mmDiameter41 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock

Chassis

FrameFrameAluminiumFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeTwin TubeFrame typeDouble cradle

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
TechnologyTechnologyradialTechnologyPetal

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonSingle piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsDynamic suspensionAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS

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 width190 mmRear tyre width180 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,057 mmLength2,070 mm
WidthWidth845 mmWidth820 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,439 mmWheelbase1,450 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height814 mmSeat Height795 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)207 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)210 kg
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

BMW S 1000 R 2015

BMW S 1000 R 2015

With the BMW S 1000 R, you notice both the close relationship to the S 1000 RR superbike and the endeavour to equip the machine with a high degree of comfort for country roads and everyday use. Accordingly, the 1000cc four-cylinder power unit is brute and yet easily controllable, and the seating position is correspondingly sporty and comfortable. The fact that the S 1000 R is one of the most affordable power naked bikes is surprising and very pleasing, although one must not get hold of the list of optional extras - because thanks to the many irresistible features, it will certainly be more expensive.

Powerful and well controllable engine

powerful braking system

comparatively comfortable seating position.

irresistible but expensive optional extras

hard chassis

vibrations in the handlebars

Kawasaki Z900 2018

Kawasaki Z900 2018

In the hotly contested naked bike segment, the Z900 plays right at the front. Above all, its engine is absolutely terrific, runs incredibly silky and offers rich power in all rev regions - as befits a Japanese four-cylinder. Its sporty, aggressive appearance matches this. It does without electronic bells and whistles, but still conveys a lot of confidence when chasing corners, braking and accelerating out of them. The low seat is especially beneficial for smaller riders, but taller riders might miss a flatter knee angle on long distances. The low weight and compactness make the Z900 particularly agile and easy to handle. A sporting cannon that is also extremely appealing in terms of price

Powerful and silky engine

great sound

chassis

sharp, sporty look

low seating position

easy handling and manoeuvrability.

Lack of traction control

Knee angle strenuous for tall riders in the long run

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

There are a few key differences between a BMW S 1000 R 2015 and a Kawasaki Z900 2018. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW S 1000 R 2015 is about 17% higher. A BMW S 1000 R 2015 experiences a loss of 260 GBP in one year and 610 GBP in two years of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 650 GBP and 530 GBP for a Kawasaki Z900 2018. Compared to Kawasaki Z900 2018 there are less BMW S 1000 R 2015 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 12 compared to 55. It takes less time to sell a BMW S 1000 R with 61 days compared to 112 days for a Kawasaki Z900. Since model year 2014 1000PS.de editors have written 62 reviews for the BMW S 1000 R and 46 reviews for the Kawasaki Z900 since model year 2017. The first review for the BMW S 1000 R was published on 03/11/2013 and now has more than 17,300 views. This compares to more than 93,200 views for the first review on Kawasaki Z900 published on 11/11/2016.

Price BMW S 1000 R

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Kawasaki Z900

Model year
Current average market prices

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