BMW R 1200 GS (K50) versus Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE

BMW R 1200 GS (K50)

Adventure

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE

Crossover

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

More electronics, more functions, more comfort

"Whether solo or in pairs, whether around the corner or through the whole world: The combination of the high-revving in-line four-cylinder engine tuned for flexibility and the agile chassis with dynamic suspension of this sports motorcycle ensures great driving pleasure.... weiter

KAWASAKI VERSYS 1000 / VERSYS 1000 SE Crossover GrandTourer

Gallery

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2013 bis 2018

Built von 2021 bis 2024~

RRP 15.300 €

RRP 17.245 €

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:

extensive equipment
successful semi-active chassis (KECS)
Combination of pointer instrument and TFT well solved and easy to read

Cons:

Price mainly with full equipment

Cons:

quite high weight
Windscreen only manual and adjustable with both hands
relatively high price

Dimensions & Weight

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

Wheelbase: 1.520 mm
Length : 2.270 mm Height : 1.490 mm
Seat : 840 mm
Weight : 257 (max: 459 ) 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: 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: 226 km/h
Performance: 120 HP at 9.000 U/Min
Torque: 102 NM bei 7.500 U/Min

Tank contents: 21 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 404 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:
43 mm upside-down fork (travel 150 mm)

Rear suspension:
Horizontally arranged back-link gas pressure central strut (travel 152 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm

Tyres at the front: 120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
Rear tyres: 180/55ZR17M/C (73W)

Brakes

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

Front brake
Semi-floating 310mm double petal brake discs. Brake caliper: Double radially mounted, monobloc, opposite 4 pistons (∅ 310 mm) Rear brake
Single petal brake disc. Brake caliper: 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!