Kawasaki Z900 2020 vs. BMW R 1250 GS 2021

Kawasaki Z900 2020

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

Overview - Kawasaki Z900 2020 vs BMW R 1250 GS 2021

Kawasaki Z900 2020

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

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Details

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Z900 2020 compared to BMW R 1250 GS 2021

Kawasaki Z900 2020

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

Kawasaki Z900 2020

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

Engine and Drive Train

Engine type	Engine type	In line	Engine type	Boxer
Bore	Bore	73.4 mm	Bore	102.5 mm
Stroke	Stroke	56 mm	Stroke	76 mm
Engine power	Engine power	125.4 HP	Engine power	136 HP
Rpm at Max. Power	Rpm at Max. Power	9,500 rpm	Rpm at Max. Power	7,750 rpm
Torque	Torque	98.6 Nm	Torque	143 Nm
Rpm at Torque	Rpm at Torque	7,700 rpm	Rpm at Torque	6,250 rpm
Compression Ratio	Compression Ratio	11.8	Compression Ratio	12.5
Fuel system	Fuel system	Injection	Fuel system	Injection
Throttle Bore	Throttle Bore	36 mm	Throttle Bore	52 mm
Clutch Type	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath	Clutch Type	Antihopping
Transmission	Transmission	Chain	Transmission	Prop shaft
Transmission Type	Transmission Type	Gearshift	Transmission Type	Gearshift
Number of gears	Number of gears	6	Number of gears	6
Cylinders	Cylinders	4	Cylinders	2
Strokes	Strokes	4-Stroke	Strokes	4-Stroke
Valves per cylinder	Valves per cylinder	4	Valves per cylinder	4
Valves	Valves	DOHC	Valves	DOHC
Cooling	Cooling	liquid	Cooling	liquid-air
Displacement	Displacement	948 ccm	Displacement	1,254 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspension	Front suspension	Upside-Down telescopic fork	Front suspension	Telelever
Diameter	Diameter	41 mm	Diameter	37 mm
Travel	Travel	120 mm	Travel	190 mm
Adjustment	Adjustment	Preload, Rebound	Adjustment	Preload

Suspension Rear

Suspension	Suspension	Swing arm	Suspension	Single swing arm
Shock absorber	Shock absorber	Monoshock	Shock absorber	Monoshock
Travel	Travel	140 mm	Travel	200 mm
Adjustment	Adjustment	Preload, Rebound	Adjustment	Preload, Rebound
Material	Material	Aluminium	Material	Aluminium

Chassis

Frame	Frame	Steel	Frame	Steel
Frame type	Frame type	Double cradle	Frame type	Load-bearing engine
Rake	Rake	65 degree	Rake	62.9 degree
Trail	Trail	105 mm	Trail	109 mm

Brakes Front

Type	Type	Double disk	Type	Double disk
Diameter	Diameter	300 mm	Diameter	305 mm
Piston	Piston	Four pistons	Piston	Four pistons
Actuation	Actuation	Hydraulic	Actuation	Hydraulic
Technology	Technology	Petal	Technology	radial

Brakes Rear

Type	Type	Disc	Type	Disc
Diameter	Diameter	250 mm	Diameter	276 mm
Piston	Piston	Single piston	Piston	Double piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	ABS, Riding modes, Ride by Wire, Traction control	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	ABS, Anti-slipping control, Hill start assist, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Traction control

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre width	Front tyre width	120 mm	Front tyre width	120 mm
Front tyre height	Front tyre height	70 %	Front tyre height	70 %
Front tyre diameter	Front tyre diameter	17 inch	Front tyre diameter	19 inch
Rear tyre width	Rear tyre width	180 mm	Rear tyre width	170 mm
Rear tyre height	Rear tyre height	55 %	Rear tyre height	60 %
Rear tyre diameter	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch
Length	Length	2,070 mm	Length	2,207 mm
Width	Width	820 mm	Width	952.5 mm
Wheelbase	Wheelbase	1,450 mm	Wheelbase	1,525 mm
Seat Height	Seat Height	795 mm	Seat Height	850 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	210 kg	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	249 kg
License compliancy	License compliancy	A	License compliancy	A

Equipment

Equipment	Equipment	LED daytime running lights, LED-Headlights, TFT display	Equipment	Cornering lights, LED-Headlights, Windscreen adjustable

Pros and Cons in comparison

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 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