BMW R 1200 GS (K50) versus Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX

BMW R 1200 GS (K50)

Adventure

Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX

Sporttourer

The rally version of the BMW 1200 GS - not just pretty to look at.

Wild Bavarian woman in a smart rally dirndl The BMW R 1200 GS was a particularly eagerly awaited test object for us. And not only because the GS gave hope for numerous interested parties for our test report due to its popularity. No, above all, we were all really keen on... weiter

BMW R 1200 GS Rallye

Gallery

Mature sports tourer without weaknesses - the Ninja 1000 SX can do almost everything.

What happens if a manufacturer consistently develops a machine further and is not influenced by any fashion trends? Exactly, the bike just keeps getting better. An example of this is the Kawasaki... weiter

Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX im Test

Gallery

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2013 bis 2018

Built von 2020 bis 2024~

RRP 15.300 €

RRP 14.995 €

Ausführliches Test-Video von Motorradtest.de

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Competitors

Pros:

has neat Wums
extensive electronic helpers
significantly more off-road capability than the standard version of the GS

Pros:

mega-mature machine
silky 4-cylinder with punch and enormous elasticity
soft seating position, also suitable for longer distances with pillion passenger
Technically very well equipped

Cons:

Price mainly with full equipment

Cons:

partial noise depending on the setting of the windscreen
minor vibrations

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.507 mm
Length : 2.207 mm Height : 1.412 mm
Seat : 850 mm
Weight : 244 (max: 460 ) kg

Wheelbase: 1.440 mm
Length : 2.100 mm Height : 1.190 mm
Seat : 835 mm
Weight : 235 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: Four-stroke in-line four-cylinder 4 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.043 ccm
Hub: 56 mm
Hole: 77 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: O-Ring 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: 247 km/h
Performance: 142 HP at 10.000 U/Min
Torque: 111 NM bei 8.000 U/Min

Tank contents: 19 Litre
Consumption: 6 l
Reach: 328 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:
Double profile frame (aluminium)

Front suspension:
41 mm upside-down fork (travel 120 mm)

Rear suspension:
Horizontal backlink gas pressure shock absorber (travel 144 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm

Tyres at the front: 120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
Rear tyres: 190/50ZR17M/C (73W)

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc (∅ 305 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 376 mm)

Front brake
Double Petal Brake Discs, Double Radial Mounted, 4 Pistons (∅ 300 mm) Rear brake
Single petal brake disc, single piston (∅ 250 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!

Conclusion - what sticks

This machine is just great! Volker and Dietmar didn't want to be relegated anymore, that's rare. You can see the bike's maturity everywhere. Everything works easily and simply and the machine gives the pilot full confidence right from the start. It is guaranteed not to break so quickly, at least that's what it radiates. It is suitable for all those who want to be sporty during a longer tour - also with a passenger, because he also feels at home on the SX.

Kawa himself says about the Ninja 1000 SX: "Tours and sports – the Ninja 1000SX offers the best of both worlds". Usually we laugh at these marketing slogans, but in this case it hits the nail on the head.

The test machine was kindly provided by Heller & Soltau,by far the best Kawasaki dealer in Northern Germany! Our tip for the Ninja 1000 SX: Definitely test drive.