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

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW R 1200 GS (K50)

Adventure
Kawasaki

Kawasaki Z 1000 SX

Sporttourer

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2013 bis 2018
Built von 2011 bis 2019
RRP 15.300 €
RRP 12.995 €
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Pros:
  • has neat Wums
  • extensive electronic helpers
  • significantly more off-road capability than the standard version of the GS
Pros:
  • Performance
  • Comfort
  • Equipment
  • Value for money
Cons:
  • Price mainly with full equipment
Cons:
  • Transmission very short gear ratio

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 : 1.185 mm
Seat :
815 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: Number 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: 247 km/h
Performance: 142 HP at 10.000 U/Min
Torque: 111 NM bei 7.300 U/Min
Tank contents: 19 Litre
Consumption:
6 l
Reach:
327 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:
Mono strut (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 disc ( 300 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 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!

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

SX instead of Adventure

The Kawa is an interpretation of the theme of sports tourers with a clear focus on the sport. The live high, and so the SX competition grows from the own house in the form of the Versys 1000. This is more comfortable and equipped as an adventure bike with an upright sitting position. This is how most customers interpret the topic of touring bikes today.

The SX is aimed at a clientele that can't do anything with the high-legged adventures. They are looking for a super athlete who is suitable for travel. The Kawa is a top-notch offer: Very sporty and thanks to good, triple-adjustable windprotection and full cladding, it eats kilometres to the finish. If this is a winding pass – don't worry, she'll do it all.

The Ducati SuperSport, for example, does not have to hide behind the competition – and has around 30 hp more under the tank compared to this one.

The test bike was provided to us by Heller & Soltau in St. Michaelisdonn.

Price / Availability / Colours / Years of Construction

  • Price: 12.995€
  • Used (3 years old): 8,000€
  • Years of construction: since 2011
  • Availability: good
  • Colours: green, black, blue