BMW R nineT Urban G/S versus Kawasaki Z 650 RS

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW R nineT Urban G/S

Retro
Kawasaki

Kawasaki Z 650 RS

Retro

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2017 bis 2023
Built von 2022 bis 2024~
RRP 14.750 €
RRP 8.345 €
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Pros:
  • Engine
  • Handling
  • Brake
  • Chassis
  • Impression of quality
  • Optics
Pros:
  • Optics & classical round instruments
  • Weight & Handling
  • good brakes at the front
  • comfortable sitting position
  • adjustable levers
Cons:
  • missing indicators for fuel level, engine speed and gear
  • Travel possibilities and wind protection not at GS level
Cons:
  • small tank
  • some features not 100% retro

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.527 mm
Length :
2.175 mm Height : 1.105 mm
Seat :
850 mm
Weight :
221 (max: 430 ) 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: Öl-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: 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
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:
Lattice tube (steel)
Front suspension:
Telescopic fork 43 mm (travel 125 mm)
Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 140 mm)
Rear suspension:
Paralever
Tyres at the front: ZR
Rear tyres: ZR
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 ( 265 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 sticks

Without question, Urban G/S is beguiling. Our tester Markus let himself be carried away to the remark that in his eyes it is currently the most beautiful motorcycle on the market. It is also a typical boxer child and high-quality workmanship from front to back. For those who do not constantly commute between Germany and Mongolia, the Urban G/S may even be better suited than a normal GS, because the Urban G/S is handier and weighs significantly less.
 
The test bike was provided to us by Bergmann & Söhne in Pinneberg for this test. There is exactly this bike as a demonstrator and is looking forward to a lot of test riders. So, let's go to Pinneberg near Hamburg!

Price/availability/colours/years of construction

  • Price: 14.320€
  • Used (3 years old): 12.000€
  • Years of construction: since 2017
  • Colours: black-red, blue, white

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