BMW R 1200 R versus Kawasaki Z 650 RS

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW R 1200 R

Naked
Kawasaki

Kawasaki Z 650 RS

Retro

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2007 bis 2017
Built von 2022 bis 2024~
RRP 13.100 €
RRP 8.345 €
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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:
  • Optics & classical round instruments
  • Weight & Handling
  • good brakes at the front
  • comfortable sitting position
  • adjustable levers
Cons:
  • not cheap
  • Windbreak underground
Cons:
  • small tank
  • some features not 100% retro

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.515 mm
Length :
2.165 mm Height : 1.300 mm
Seat :
790 mm
Weight :
232 (max: 450 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.405 mm
Length :
2.065 mm Height : 1.115 mm
Seat :
820 mm
Weight :
187 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: Liquid-cooled four-stroke in-line two-cylinder 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 649 ccm
Hub: 60 mm
Hole: 83 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: 200 km/h
Performance: 68 HP at 8.000 U/Min
Torque: 64 NM bei 6.700 U/Min
Tank contents: 12 Litre
Consumption:
5 l
Reach:
357 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:
Lattice tube (steel)
Front suspension:
41 mm telescopic fork (travel 125 mm)
Rear suspension:
Horizontal back-link gas pressure shock absorber with adjustable spring base (travel 130 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
Rear tyres: 160/60ZR17M/C (69W)

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 276 mm)
Front brake
Double disc Semi-floating 300 mm double brake discs. Double piston brake caliper ( 300 mm) Rear brake
Single brake disc. Single piston brake caliper ( 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

Conclusion - what sticks

The Kawasaki Z 650 RS actually drove straight into our hearts. Nice that Kawasaki now offers the retro theme in a 2-cylinder with manageable performance at a fair price. So even novice drivers and lighter pilots will like to approach the topic of retro. But this does not mean that the Z650RS is not for old hands - on the contrary! There will definitely be many experienced bikers out there who are only too happy to get off their 250+ kilo monster and get on this light and really nice bike to ride.
 
The test bike was kindly provided by Heller & Soltau in St. Michaelisdonn. If you want to take a test drive or are interested in another Kawasaki (or Husqvarna), you should definitely consider a small trip to Dithmarschen. Beautiful country roads and a good coffee (!) await you.

Price/availability/colours/years of construction

  • Price: 8.400 € incl. transfer
  • Availability: from 02/2022
  • Colours: green, grey, black