Kawasaki Z900 2017 vs. BMW S 1000 R 2017

Kawasaki Z900 2017

Kawasaki Z900 2017

BMW S 1000 R 2017

BMW S 1000 R 2017

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Overview - Kawasaki Z900 2017 vs BMW S 1000 R 2017

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

In terms of engine power, the BMW S 1000 R has a significant advantage with 165 HP compared to the Kawasaki Z900's 125.4 HP. The BMW also has a higher torque of 114 Nm compared to the Z900's 98.6 Nm. This means that the BMW S 1000 R will have more power and acceleration, making it a more thrilling ride.

Both bikes have fuel injection systems and liquid cooling, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency. The Kawasaki Z900 has a slightly larger displacement of 948cc compared to the BMW S 1000 R's 999cc.

In terms of suspension, both bikes have upside-down telescopic forks in the front and swing arm suspension with a monoshock in the rear. This provides a smooth and comfortable ride for both models.

Kawasaki Z900 2017

Kawasaki Z900 2017

The chassis of the Kawasaki Z900 is made of steel and has a double cradle frame, while the BMW S 1000 R has an aluminum frame with a twin tube design. The aluminum frame of the BMW makes it lighter and potentially more agile than the Z900.

Both bikes have double disc brakes in the front with four-piston calipers. However, the BMW S 1000 R has radial brakes, which provide better braking performance and control compared to the petal brakes of the Z900.

In terms of rider assistance systems, both bikes have ABS. However, the BMW S 1000 R also has dynamic suspension, which adjusts the suspension settings in real-time based on the riding conditions. This makes setup adjustments unnecessary and enhances the bike's performance.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Kawasaki Z900 has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1450mm compared to the BMW S 1000 R's 1439mm. The seat height of the Z900 is also slightly lower at 795mm compared to the BMW's 814mm. The BMW S 1000 R is slightly lighter with a kerb weight of 205kg compared to the Z900's 210kg.

BMW S 1000 R 2017

BMW S 1000 R 2017

In terms of strengths, the Kawasaki Z900 is praised for its ingenious naked bike chassis, superb looks, and a well-balanced engine with a good torque curve. It is also considered a great value for money option.

On the other hand, the BMW S 1000 R is praised for its best shift assistant in the naked bike league, powerful engine with an awesome sound, great handling, and a wide range of equipment and accessory options. It also has very powerful brakes and a semi-active suspension system that eliminates the need for manual setup adjustments.

As for weaknesses, the Kawasaki Z900 is criticized for its narrow knee angle, which may be uncomfortable for taller riders. The BMW S 1000 R's weaknesses include its original equipment tires not being of the highest quality and an inactive seating position on the racetrack.

In conclusion, while both the Kawasaki Z900 2017 and the BMW S 1000 R 2017 are powerful naked bikes, the BMW S 1000 R offers superior performance and more advanced features such as dynamic suspension. However, the Kawasaki Z900 provides a great balance between performance, price, and practicality. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

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

Kawasaki Z900 2017
BMW S 1000 R 2017

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
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath, Antihopping
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders4Cylinders4
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement948 ccmDisplacement999 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
DiameterDiameter41 mmDiameter46 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameAluminium
Frame typeFrame typeDouble cradleFrame typeTwin Tube

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
TechnologyTechnologyPetalTechnologyradial

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonSingle piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABSAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsDynamic suspension

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 mmLength2,057 mm
WidthWidth820 mmWidth845 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,450 mmWheelbase1,439 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height795 mmSeat Height814 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)210 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)205 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 2017

BMW S 1000 R 2017

BMW's universal talent also got better in 2017. The BMW offers the widest range of use and an exceptionally cultivated engine, a perfect gearbox and the best shift assistant in the field. It drives simply but quickly. You sit rather low in the vehicle.

Best shift assistant in the nakedbike league

Universal motorbike without any real weaknesses

Powerful engine, awesome sound, great handling

On the racetrack a slightly too inactive riding position

Very wide range of equipment and accessory options

Very powerful brakes

Semi-active suspension makes setup fiddling superfluous

Original equipment tyres not the finest premium goods

Inactive seating position on racetrack

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 2017. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW S 1000 R 2017 is about 40% higher. Compared to BMW S 1000 R 2017 there are more Kawasaki Z900 2017 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 43 compared to 22. It takes less time to sell a Kawasaki Z900 with 85 days compared to 97 days for a BMW S 1000 R. 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

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