BMW S 1000 R 2022 vs. Kawasaki Z900 2020

BMW S 1000 R 2022

BMW S 1000 R 2022

Kawasaki Z900 2020

Kawasaki Z900 2020

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Overview - BMW S 1000 R 2022 vs Kawasaki Z900 2020

The BMW S 1000 R 2022 and the Kawasaki Z900 2020 are both naked bikes with similar engine types, inline four-cylinder engines. However, the BMW S 1000 R has a larger engine displacement of 999cc compared to the Kawasaki Z900's 948cc. This results in the BMW S 1000 R producing more power with 165 HP compared to the Kawasaki Z900's 125.4 HP. The BMW S 1000 R also has a higher torque output of 114 Nm compared to the Kawasaki Z900's 98.6 Nm.

In terms of cooling, both bikes feature liquid cooling systems. However, the BMW S 1000 R has a slight advantage with its liquid cooling system, which helps maintain optimal engine temperature during extended rides.

Both bikes have upside-down telescopic forks for the front suspension, providing good stability and control. The BMW S 1000 R offers additional adjustment options for compression, preload, and rebound, allowing riders to fine-tune the suspension to their preferences. The Kawasaki Z900, on the other hand, only offers preload and rebound adjustment.

BMW S 1000 R 2022

BMW S 1000 R 2022

For the rear suspension, both bikes feature swing arms with monoshock absorbers. Similar to the front suspension, the BMW S 1000 R offers more adjustment options for compression, preload, and rebound, providing a more customizable riding experience compared to the Kawasaki Z900.

In terms of braking, both bikes have double disk brakes at the front with four-piston calipers. However, the BMW S 1000 R has larger diameter disks at 320mm compared to the Kawasaki Z900's 300mm. The BMW S 1000 R also utilizes radial brake technology, which enhances braking performance and provides better control during aggressive riding.

Both bikes come equipped with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, and traction control. The BMW S 1000 R offers additional features like hill start assist, cornering ABS, ride by wire, quickshifter, and anti-wheelie control, providing enhanced safety and performance.

In terms of dimensions and weights, both bikes have similar front and rear tire widths and diameters. They also share the same wheelbase length of 1450mm. However, the BMW S 1000 R has a slightly higher seat height of 830mm compared to the Kawasaki Z900's 795mm. Additionally, the BMW S 1000 R is lighter with a kerb weight of 199kg compared to the Kawasaki Z900's 210kg.

Kawasaki Z900 2020

Kawasaki Z900 2020

In terms of strengths, the BMW S 1000 R excels in its powerful engine, strong brakes, comfortable ergonomics, good standard equipment, and extensive range of accessories. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 is praised for its powerful four-cylinder engine, great handling, good equipment, aggressive looks, and value for money.

As for weaknesses, the BMW S 1000 R has been criticized for its sluggish shift assistant and slightly inconsistent optics. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 has been noted for its somewhat tiring menu navigation and the absence of a quickshifter option.

Overall, both the BMW S 1000 R 2022 and the Kawasaki Z900 2020 are impressive naked bikes with their own strengths and weaknesses. The BMW S 1000 R offers more power, advanced rider assistance systems, and a lighter weight, while the Kawasaki Z900 provides great handling, good equipment, and a more affordable price point. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications BMW S 1000 R 2022 compared to Kawasaki Z900 2020

BMW S 1000 R 2022
Kawasaki Z900 2020

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeIn line
BoreBore80 mmBore73.4 mm
StrokeStroke49.7 mmStroke56 mm
Engine powerEngine power165 HPEngine power125.4 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power11,000 rpmRpm at Max. Power9,500 rpm
TorqueTorque114 NmTorque98.6 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque9,250 rpmRpm at Torque7,700 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio12.5 Compression Ratio11.8
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
Throttle BoreThrottle Bore48 mmThrottle Bore36 mm
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath, AntihoppingClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders4Cylinders4
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHC, Drag leverValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement999 ccmDisplacement948 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
DiameterDiameter45 mmDiameter41 mm
TravelTravel120 mmTravel120 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel117 mmTravel140 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload, Rebound

Chassis

FrameFrameAluminiumFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeTwin TubeFrame typeDouble cradle
RakeRake65.8 degreeRake65 degree
TrailTrail96 mmTrail105 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter320 mmDiameter300 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
Shock mountShock mountFixed caliperShock mountFixed caliper
TechnologyTechnologyradialTechnologyPetal

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter220 mmDiameter250 mm
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonSingle piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Hill start assist, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Quickshifter, Traction control, Anti-wheelieAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, 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 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
LengthLength2,090 mmLength2,070 mm
WidthWidth812 mmWidth820 mm
HeightHeight1,115 mmHeight1,065 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,450 mmWheelbase1,450 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height830 mmSeat Height795 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)199 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)210 kg
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

BMW S 1000 R 2022

BMW S 1000 R 2022

The seating position is sporty, but by no means uncomfortable, the brakes are powerful and the engine of the S 1000 R is at its best - perhaps even a little too homogeneous. There is also nothing to complain about on the riding side. Based on the pure performance data and the installed electronic features, the BMW probably has what it takes for the fastest lap time. And that on any kind of surface, because with the semi-active suspension you can eat up kilometre after kilometre on bad roads littered with potholes. Unfortunately, this feeling of superiority never really spilled over to the driver. Probably the downside of too much balance in all areas - at least in my Italophile eyes. The BMW lacked that certain something, the charisma, which is difficult to explain but arouses genuine emotions.

powerful engine

strong brakes

comfortable ergonomics

good standard equipment

extensive range of accessories

Sluggish shift assistant

optics not 100% coherent

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

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

There are a few key differences between a BMW S 1000 R 2022 and a Kawasaki Z900 2020. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW S 1000 R 2022 is about 96% higher. Compared to Kawasaki Z900 2020 there are less BMW S 1000 R 2022 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 22 compared to 34. It takes less time to sell a BMW S 1000 R with 71 days compared to 124 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 11/3/2013 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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