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

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

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

The Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021 and the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 are both powerful and versatile enduro motorcycles. They have several similarities in terms of engine power, torque, and advanced rider assistance systems. However, there are also notable differences in their technical specifications and strengths.

The Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021 is equipped with an in-line four-cylinder engine that delivers 120 HP of power and 102 Nm of torque. It features a chain transmission and has a displacement of 1043 ccm. The bike's engine is known for its smooth and refined performance. It also has a full electronics package, including ABS, ride by wire, and a quickshifter, which enhance the overall riding experience.

In terms of suspension, the Versys 1000 SE 2021 comes with an upside-down telescopic fork at the front with a travel of 150 mm and adjustable compression, preload, and rebound settings. The rear suspension consists of a swing arm with a monoshock and offers a travel of 152 mm. The bike's aluminum frame provides stability and agility on various terrains.

The BMW R 1250 GS 2021, on the other hand, features a boxer engine with a displacement of 1254 ccm. It delivers a higher power output of 136 HP and torque of 143 Nm. The bike has a prop shaft transmission, which provides a smooth and efficient power transfer. The R 1250 GS 2021 also offers advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, anti-slipping control, hill start assist, riding modes, and traction control.

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021

In terms of suspension, the R 1250 GS 2021 is equipped with a telelever front suspension with a travel of 190 mm and adjustable preload settings. The rear suspension consists of a single swing arm with a monoshock and offers a travel of 200 mm. The bike's steel frame provides durability and stability on various terrains.

Both motorcycles have similar front brake systems with double disk brakes. They also have advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS and LED headlights. The Versys 1000 SE 2021 comes with heated grips and cornering lights, while the R 1250 GS 2021 features cornering lights, LED headlights, and an adjustable windscreen.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Versys 1000 SE 2021 has a front tire diameter of 17 inches, a rear tire width of 180 mm, and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. It has a wheelbase of 1520 mm, a seat height of 840 mm, and a kerb weight of 257 kg with ABS. The fuel tank capacity is 21 liters.

The R 1250 GS 2021, on the other hand, has a front tire diameter of 19 inches, a rear tire width of 170 mm, and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. It has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1525 mm and a slightly higher seat height of 850 mm. The kerb weight with ABS is slightly lighter at 249 kg, and the fuel tank capacity is 20 liters.

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

In terms of strengths, the Versys 1000 SE 2021 offers a very comfortable seating position, a cultivated in-line four-cylinder engine, a full electronics package, and a distinctive look. It also has a superb electronically adjustable Showa suspension and a well-controlled braking system.

The R 1250 GS 2021, on the other hand, offers great ride comfort and great ergonomics. It has a powerful engine, a great connectivity app, and an easy-to-read display. The bike provides a confident feel in the saddle and comes with practical riding aids. Its versatile chassis accommodates every route, making it easy to ride.

In terms of weaknesses, the Versys 1000 SE 2021 has a windshield that is not adjustable with one hand, which may be inconvenient for some riders. The R 1250 GS 2021 has a rough overall appearance and gearshifts at low revs can be somewhat clumsy.

Overall, both the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021 and the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 are impressive enduro motorcycles with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Riders should consider their specific preferences and requirements to choose the one that best suits their needs.

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

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021
BMW R 1250 GS 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 mmTravel190 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSingle swing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel152 mmTravel200 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload, Rebound

Chassis

FrameFrameAluminiumFrameSteel
RakeRake63 degreeRake62.9 degree
TrailTrail106 mmTrail109 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, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Traction control

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 mmLength2,207 mm
WidthWidth950 mmWidth952.5 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,520 mmWheelbase1,525 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height840 mmSeat Height850 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)257 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)249 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity21 lFuel Tank Capacity20 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentHeated grips, Cornering lights, LED-HeadlightsEquipmentCornering lights, LED-Headlights, 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 2021

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

The GS also impressed us with its versatility during the test in November 2021. We rode the bike on a wide variety of terrain and were once again very satisfied. The motorbike convinces in every situation with its easy handling and practicality. On the other hand, it can also be ridden delightfully irrationally.

Great ride comfort and great ergonomics

Powerful engine

Great connectivity app

Easy-to-read display

Confident feel in the saddle

Practical riding aids

Versatile chassis accommodates every route

Easy to ride

Rough overall appearance

gearshifts at low revs somewhat clumsy

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE vs BMW R 1250 GS

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE 2021 and a BMW R 1250 GS 2021. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1250 GS with 55 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 50 reviews for the BMW R 1250 GS since model year 2019. The first review for the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE was published on 11/6/2018 and now has more than 25,500 views. This compares to more than 305,600 views for the first review on BMW R 1250 GS published on 9/19/2018.

Price Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE

Model year
Current average market prices

Price BMW R 1250 GS

Model year
Current average market prices

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