BMW R nineT Scrambler versus Kawasaki Z 650 RS
BMW R nineT Scrambler
Kawasaki Z 650 RS
Year of construction / RRP / Test report
Competitors
- Quality
- Pulling power
- Details
- Value for money
- Optics & classical round instruments
- Weight & Handling
- good brakes at the front
- comfortable sitting position
- adjustable levers
- Long-distance comfort
- Willingness to turn
- small tank
- some features not 100% retro
Dimensions & Weight
Length : 2.175 mm Height : 1.330 mm
Seat : 820 mm
Weight : 220 (max: 430 ) kg
Length : 2.065 mm Height : 1.115 mm
Seat : 820 mm
Weight : 187 kg
Engine
Displacement: 1.170 ccm
Hub: 73 mm
Hole: 101 mm
Cooling: Öl-Luft
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6
Displacement: 649 ccm
Hub: 60 mm
Hole: 83 mm
Cooling: flüssigkeitsgekühlt
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Performance
Performance: 110 HP at 7.750 U/Min
Torque: 116 NM bei 6.000 U/Min Tank contents: 17 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 321 km
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
Lattice tube (steel) Front suspension:
Telescopic fork 43 mm (travel 125 mm) Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 140 mm)
Rear suspension:
Paralever Tyres at the front: 120/70 R 19
Rear tyres: 170/60 R 17
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
Double disc (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 265 mm)
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)
Relaxed Cruiser
If you overlook this, getting around with the BMW is a very enjoyable hobby. Let it be with the hustle and bustle, the appropriate movement of the BMW automatically leads to a flowing driving style, without corners or edges. The faster you drive, the more steering momentum would be needed, so at some point you let it be easy – well.
Compared to the competition, the BMW convinces with its bullish start and the gnarled, authentic nature. She is equal with the consistency of her design as well as the crisp sound and loving details. Although the comfort on long distances may not be the best, you are well dressed with the BMW everywhere.
Although the BMW nineT Scrambler is actually 1,900 euros cheaper than its heritage sister, who would have thought that, you shouldn't do without an extra: The beautiful spoke wheels (395 euros) are excellent. BMW was the last to ride the Scrambler wave for the time being, but with a convincing model.
Was there anything else? Oh yes, the off-road suitability. Oh no, there was nothing – just like the Scrambler models of the competition.
The test bike was provided to us by Bergmann & Söhne in Pinneberg.
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.
