BMW R 1200 GS (K50) versus Kawasaki ER-6N

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW R 1200 GS (K50)

Adventure
Kawasaki

Kawasaki ER-6N

Naked

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2013 bis 2018
Built von 2006 bis 2016
RRP 15.300 €
RRP
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Pros:
  • has neat Wums
  • extensive electronic helpers
  • significantly more off-road capability than the standard version of the GS
Pros:
  • Agile
  • Engine sufficiently powerful
  • suitable for beginners
Cons:
  • Price mainly with full equipment
Cons:
  • Windbreak

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.507 mm
Length :
2.207 mm Height : 1.412 mm
Seat :
850 mm
Weight :
244 (max: 460 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.410 mm
Length :
2.110 mm
Seat :
805 mm
Weight :
206 (max: 382 ) kg

Engine

Motor design: Boxer 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.170 ccm
Hub: 73 mm
Hole: 101 mm
Cooling: Luft
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6
Motor design: Two-cylinder series 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 649 ccm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 219 km/h
Performance: 125 HP at 7.700 U/Min
Torque: 125 NM bei 6.500 U/Min
Tank contents: 20 Litre
Consumption:
5 l
Reach:
403 km
Maximum speed: 200 km/h
Performance: 72 HP at 8.500 U/Min
Torque: 64 NM bei 7.000 U/Min
Tank contents: 16 Litre
Consumption:
4 l
Reach:
372 km

Chassis

Frame type:
Bridges, motor supporting (steel)
Front suspension:
Telescopic fork 37 mm (travel 190 mm)
Front suspension:
Shock
Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 200 mm)
Rear suspension:
Single-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70 R 19
Rear tyres: 170/60 R 17
Frame type:
Tubular space frame (steel)
Front suspension:
Telescopic fork (travel 125 mm)
Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 130 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 160/60 ZR 17

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc ( 305 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 376 mm)
Front brake
Double piston floating calipers ( 300 mm) Rear brake
Single-piston floating caliper ( 220 mm)

Conclusion - what gets stuck

No, our high expectations were by no means disappointed – not even a bit! The R 1200 GS Rally not only made us very good, but it makes it really difficult for us to find criticisms. Well, it's quite expensive. But quality has a price. And if you look at the prices on the second-hand market, you have to say that gs keeps its value quite long. In addition, it is of course up to everyone to decide whether they really need all the equipment packages. Clearly all do their tasks reliably and well, however, drive up the price again neatly. And already in the basic equipment we have to deal with a mature, great bike!

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • Price: 15,000-20,000€ depending on the equipment
  • used so far only marginally cheaper
  • Years built: 2017-2018
  • Availability: from 12/2017
  • Colors: Rally design in blue, silver, red, black

Conclusion - what gets stuck

The Kawasaki ER-6N is a motorcycle that is above average often bought as the first bike ever, including many women. In short, they are doing nothing wrong. The Kawa does not present any problems (at least with the serial exhaust) and makes the acclimatization easy. If you just want to do a lap every now and then, if you can't or don't want to spend 20,000 euros on a motorcycle, if you're on the road without a technical frill - folks, this is your motorcycle. No one needs more. And you saved a lot of money, too.
Once to the trader and good is forever - life can be so simple.

Price / Availability / Colours / Years of Construction

  • Used (3 years old): 4,500€, without M/O limit from 1,500€
  • Years built: 2006-2016
  • Availability: very good
  • Colours: almost all colours available over the years of construction