BMW R 1200 R versus Kawasaki Ninja 400

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW R 1200 R

Naked
Kawasaki

Kawasaki Ninja 400

Supersport

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2007 bis 2017
Built von 2018 bis 2024~
RRP 13.100 €
RRP 6.745 €
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Pros:
  • relatively light for a boxer machine
  • powerful engine with character
  • upgradeable as an agile tourer
  • no technical overload
  • safe driving experience
Pros:
  • Precise chassis
  • Motor
  • light
Cons:
  • not cheap
  • Windbreak underground
Cons:
  • Comfort

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.515 mm
Length :
2.165 mm Height : 1.300 mm
Seat :
790 mm
Weight :
232 (max: 450 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.370 mm
Length :
1.990 mm Height : 1.120 mm
Seat :
785 mm
Weight :
168 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 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 399 ccm
Hub: 52 mm
Hole: 70 mm
Cooling: flüssigkeitsgekühlt
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 220 km/h
Performance: 125 HP at 7.750 U/Min
Torque: 125 NM bei 6.500 U/Min
Tank contents: 18 Litre
Consumption:
5 l
Reach:
363 km
Maximum speed: 195 km/h
Performance: 45 HP at 10.000 U/Min
Torque: 38 NM bei 8.000 U/Min
Tank contents: 14 Litre
Consumption:
4 l
Reach:
358 km

Chassis

Frame type:
two-part frame concept consisting of the main frame and the rear frame bolted to it, supporting engine (steel)
Front suspension:
Upside-down 45 mm (travel 140 mm)
Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 140 mm)
Rear suspension:
Paralever
Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 180/55 ZR 17
Frame type:
Tubular space frame (steel)
Front suspension:
41 mm telescopic fork (travel 120 mm)
Rear suspension:
Gas pressure shock absorbers (travel 130 mm)
Rear suspension:
Bottom-Link Uni-Trak
Tyres at the front: 110/70R17 M/C 54H
Rear tyres: 150/60R17 M/C 66H

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 276 mm)
Front brake
Single Petal Brake Disc ( 310 mm) Rear brake
Single Petal Brake Disc ( 220 mm)

Conclusion - what gets stuck

Wonderful, this BMW R1200 R. Not only beautiful, fast and safe, but also potent enough for an Alpine tour. Of course, this requires a suitcase system, which goes quite well into the money at BMW. And just a touring disc, which is to be used in the secondary market (e.B. MRA) for about 150 euros. In the mountains you should ride the other bikers quite nicely around the ears, because the 1200s brings everything you need: strength, agility, agility and above all the feeling of security that you can't really do much with this bike.

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • Price: 12,000€
  • Used (7 years old): 8,000€
  • Years built: 2006-2014
  • Colours: white, matt grey, black, blue, red

It works - but not for everyone

So does that work, 45 hp and super sportsmen? Yes, it works. As far as you can not only define the pure driving performance in sport, but can enjoy the manoeuvrability. If everything else is somehow too high, too big and heavy, then the Kawasaki Ninja 400 fits.

And only then does it make sense, because one thing is clear: at around 6,400 euros, it is not a bargain. It is not cheap and does not want to be it. But a motorcycle that can surprise. And that works.

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

Price / Availability / Colours / Years of Construction

  • Price: 6.429€
  • Used (2 years old): 5.100€
  • Years of construction: since 2018
  • Availability: good
  • Colours: green, black