BMW F 850 GS versus Kawasaki Vulcan S
BMW F 850 GS
Adventure
Kawasaki Vulcan S
Cruiser
Year of construction / RRP / Test report
Built von 2018 bis 2023
Built von 2015 bis 2024~
RRP 13.000 €
RRP 8.595 €
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Competitors
Pros:
- raised seating position
- good handling on and off-road
- Wide range of extras and accessories
- successful appearance
Pros:
- Comfort
- Stability
- Processing
Cons:
- Windscreen could be slightly larger
- Price skyrockets with extras
- not quite as manoeuvrable
Cons:
- Short maintenance intervals
Dimensions & Weight
Wheelbase: 1.593 mm
Length : 2.305 mm Height : 1.356 mm
Seat : 860 mm until : 880 mm
Weight : 229 (max: 445 ) kg
Length : 2.305 mm Height : 1.356 mm
Seat : 860 mm until : 880 mm
Weight : 229 (max: 445 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.575 mm
Length : 2.310 mm Height : 1.100 mm
Seat : 705 mm
Weight : 229 kg
Length : 2.310 mm Height : 1.100 mm
Seat : 705 mm
Weight : 229 kg
Engine
Motor design: Number 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 853 ccm
Hub: 77 mm
Hole: 84 mm
Cooling: wassergekühlt
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Displacement: 853 ccm
Hub: 77 mm
Hole: 84 mm
Cooling: wassergekühlt
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Motor design: Number 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 649 ccm
Hub: 60 mm
Hole: 83 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Displacement: 649 ccm
Hub: 60 mm
Hole: 83 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Performance
Maximum speed: 204 km/h
Performance: 95 HP at 8.250 U/Min
Torque: 92 NM bei 6.250 U/Min Tank contents: 15 Litre
Consumption: 4 l
Reach: 341 km
Performance: 95 HP at 8.250 U/Min
Torque: 92 NM bei 6.250 U/Min Tank contents: 15 Litre
Consumption: 4 l
Reach: 341 km
Maximum speed: 176 km/h
Performance: 61 HP at 7.500 U/Min
Torque: 63 NM bei 6.600 U/Min Tank contents: 14 Litre
Consumption: 4 l
Reach: 311 km
Performance: 61 HP at 7.500 U/Min
Torque: 63 NM bei 6.600 U/Min Tank contents: 14 Litre
Consumption: 4 l
Reach: 311 km
Chassis
Frame type:
Steel bridge frame in shell construction (steel) Front suspension:
Upside-down fork, Ø 43 mm (travel 204 mm) Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 219 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 90/90 21
Rear tyres: 150/70 R17
Steel bridge frame in shell construction (steel) Front suspension:
Upside-down fork, Ø 43 mm (travel 204 mm) Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 219 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 90/90 21
Rear tyres: 150/70 R17
Frame type:
Perimeter (steel) Front suspension:
41 mm telescopic fork (travel 130 mm) Rear suspension:
Gas pressure shock absorbers (travel 80 mm) Tyres at the front: 120/70 R18M/C 59H
Rear tyres: 160/60 R17M/C 69H
Perimeter (steel) Front suspension:
41 mm telescopic fork (travel 130 mm) Rear suspension:
Gas pressure shock absorbers (travel 80 mm) Tyres at the front: 120/70 R18M/C 59H
Rear tyres: 160/60 R17M/C 69H
Brakes
Front brake
Double disc (∅ 305 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 265 mm)
Double disc (∅ 305 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 265 mm)
Front brake
Single disc (∅ 300 mm) Rear brake
Single disc (∅ 250 mm)
Single disc (∅ 300 mm) Rear brake
Single disc (∅ 250 mm)
Conclusion - a cruiser
What remains? The Kawasaki Vulcan S is definitely not an athlete, but it is also not a heavy, immovable being. Alpine passes do not worry her, while caring for the driver with adequate comfort despite her rather simple suspension. In the evening after work riding on her in the setting sun, this is cheesy, but somehow beautiful.
The Kawa-typical maintenance intervals, which are kept quite short at 6,000 kilometres, are a small drop in the right.
But otherwise? It doesn't have to be more motorcycle, the purchase recommendation is available.
The test bike was provided to us by Heller & Soltau in St. Michaelisdonn.
