BMW F 850 GS versus Kawasaki Z 650 RS
BMW F 850 GS
Adventure
Kawasaki Z 650 RS
Retro
Year of construction / RRP / Test report
Built von 2018 bis 2023
Built von 2022 bis 2024~
RRP 13.000 €
RRP 8.345 €
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Competitors
Pros:
- raised seating position
- good handling on and off-road
- Wide range of extras and accessories
- successful appearance
Pros:
- Optics & classical round instruments
- Weight & Handling
- good brakes at the front
- comfortable sitting position
- adjustable levers
Cons:
- Windscreen could be slightly larger
- Price skyrockets with extras
- not quite as manoeuvrable
Cons:
- small tank
- some features not 100% retro
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: 1.405 mm
Length : 2.065 mm Height : 1.115 mm
Seat : 820 mm
Weight : 187 kg
Length : 2.065 mm Height : 1.115 mm
Seat : 820 mm
Weight : 187 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: Liquid-cooled four-stroke in-line two-cylinder 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 649 ccm
Hub: 60 mm
Hole: 83 mm
Cooling: flüssigkeitsgekühlt
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Displacement: 649 ccm
Hub: 60 mm
Hole: 83 mm
Cooling: flüssigkeitsgekühlt
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: 200 km/h
Performance: 68 HP at 8.000 U/Min
Torque: 64 NM bei 6.700 U/Min Tank contents: 12 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 357 km
Performance: 68 HP at 8.000 U/Min
Torque: 64 NM bei 6.700 U/Min Tank contents: 12 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 357 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:
Lattice tube (steel) Front suspension:
41 mm telescopic fork (travel 125 mm) Rear suspension:
Horizontal back-link gas pressure shock absorber with adjustable spring base (travel 130 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
Rear tyres: 160/60ZR17M/C (69W)
Lattice tube (steel) Front suspension:
41 mm telescopic fork (travel 125 mm) Rear suspension:
Horizontal back-link gas pressure shock absorber with adjustable spring base (travel 130 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
Rear tyres: 160/60ZR17M/C (69W)
Brakes
Front brake
Double disc (∅ 305 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 265 mm)
Double disc (∅ 305 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 265 mm)
Front brake
Double disc Semi-floating 300 mm double brake discs. Double piston brake caliper (∅ 300 mm) Rear brake
Single brake disc. Single piston brake caliper (∅ 220 mm)
Double disc Semi-floating 300 mm double brake discs. Double piston brake caliper (∅ 300 mm) Rear brake
Single brake disc. Single piston brake caliper (∅ 220 mm)
Conclusion - what sticks
The Kawasaki Z 650 RS actually drove straight into our hearts. Nice that Kawasaki now offers the retro theme in a 2-cylinder with manageable performance at a fair price. So even novice drivers and lighter pilots will like to approach the topic of retro. But this does not mean that the Z650RS is not for old hands - on the contrary! There will definitely be many experienced bikers out there who are only too happy to get off their 250+ kilo monster and get on this light and really nice bike to ride.The test bike was kindly provided by Heller & Soltau in St. Michaelisdonn. If you want to take a test drive or are interested in another Kawasaki (or Husqvarna), you should definitely consider a small trip to Dithmarschen. Beautiful country roads and a good coffee (!) await you.
