Kawasaki Z900 2020 vs. BMW S 1000 R 2015

Kawasaki Z900 2020

Kawasaki Z900 2020

BMW S 1000 R 2015

BMW S 1000 R 2015

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Overview - Kawasaki Z900 2020 vs BMW S 1000 R 2015

The Kawasaki Z900 2020 and the BMW S 1000 R 2015 are both naked bikes with inline four-cylinder engines. However, there are several notable differences between the two models.

In terms of engine power, the BMW S 1000 R 2015 has a clear advantage with 160 HP compared to the Kawasaki Z900 2020's 125.4 HP. This means that the BMW offers more acceleration and top speed potential. The torque figures also favor the BMW, with 112 Nm compared to the Kawasaki's 98.6 Nm.

Both bikes have a similar suspension setup, with upside-down telescopic forks at the front and a swing arm with a monoshock at the rear. However, the BMW S 1000 R 2015 has the added advantage of dynamic suspension, which enhances the bike's handling and comfort.

Kawasaki Z900 2020

Kawasaki Z900 2020

In terms of chassis, the Kawasaki Z900 2020 features a steel frame, while the BMW S 1000 R 2015 has an aluminum frame. The aluminum frame offers a lighter weight and better handling characteristics. The BMW also has a twin tube frame, which further enhances stability and precision in cornering.

Both bikes have double disk brakes at the front with four pistons, but the BMW S 1000 R 2015 has the advantage of radial technology, which provides better braking performance.

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, both bikes offer ABS, riding modes, ride by wire, and traction control. However, the BMW S 1000 R 2015 has the additional feature of dynamic suspension, which adjusts the suspension settings based on the riding conditions.

BMW S 1000 R 2015

BMW S 1000 R 2015

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Kawasaki Z900 2020 has a slightly larger wheelbase at 1450 mm compared to the BMW S 1000 R 2015's 1439 mm. The seat height is also slightly lower on the Kawasaki at 795 mm compared to the BMW's 814 mm. The kerb weight with ABS is slightly higher on the Kawasaki at 210 kg compared to the BMW's 207 kg.

In terms of strengths, the Kawasaki Z900 2020 offers a powerful four-cylinder engine, great handling, good equipment, aggressive looks, and value for money. On the other hand, the BMW S 1000 R 2015 has a powerful and well-controllable engine, a powerful braking system, and a comparatively comfortable seating position.

In terms of weaknesses, the Kawasaki Z900 2020 has a somewhat tiring menu navigation and lacks the option for a quickshifter. The BMW S 1000 R 2015 has expensive optional extras, a hard chassis, and vibrations in the handlebars.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Z900 2020 compared to BMW S 1000 R 2015

Kawasaki Z900 2020
BMW S 1000 R 2015

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore73.4 mmBore80 mm
StrokeStroke56 mmStroke49.7 mm
Engine powerEngine power125.4 HPEngine power160 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power9,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power11,000 rpm
TorqueTorque98.6 NmTorque112 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,700 rpmRpm at Torque9,250 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio11.8 Compression Ratio12
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath, Antihopping
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders4Cylinders4
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
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 SystemsABS, Riding modes, Ride by Wire, Traction controlAdvanced 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)207 kg
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Z900 2020

Kawasaki Z900 2020

In terms of price-performance, the Kawasaki Z900 is hard to beat at the moment. With the perfectly tuned engine, the high-quality chassis components and the electronics added for 2020, this naked bike offers everything that sporty riders will be looking for. There is really nothing to complain about, even if the option of a quickshifter would have been a nice extra. Apart from that: great shot, Kawasaki!

powerful four-cylinder

great handling

good equipment

aggressive looks

value for money

Menu navigation somewhat tiring

missing quickshifter option

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

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

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Z900 2020 and a BMW S 1000 R 2015. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW S 1000 R 2015 is about 18% higher. Compared to BMW S 1000 R 2015 there are more Kawasaki Z900 2020 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 34 compared to 12. It takes less time to sell a BMW S 1000 R with 61 days compared to 124 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

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