BMW R nineT Urban G/S versus Kawasaki Z 650

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW R nineT Urban G/S

Retro
Kawasaki

Kawasaki Z 650

Naked

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2017 bis 2023
Built von 2017 bis 2024~
RRP 14.750 €
RRP 7.645 €
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Pros:
  • Engine
  • Handling
  • Brake
  • Chassis
  • Impression of quality
  • Optics
Pros:
Cons:
  • missing indicators for fuel level, engine speed and gear
  • Travel possibilities and wind protection not at GS level
Cons:

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.527 mm
Length :
2.175 mm Height : 1.105 mm
Seat :
850 mm
Weight :
221 (max: 430 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.410 mm
Length :
2.055 mm Height : 1.080 mm
Seat :
790 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: Number 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: 66 NM bei 6.500 U/Min
Tank contents: 15 Litre
Consumption:
4 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:
Mono strut (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 ( 300 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 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 gets stuck

The Kawasaki Z650 vintage 2020 is a simple but well-made motorcycle. This can be seen .B the conventional telefork or the lack of technical features, which are now standard from the upper middle class (Z900). But it is also a lot cheaper.
 
The Z650 is a rather small machine. Pilots from 1.85m may feel out of place, which is an individual thing. We recommend a seat test for larger drivers. For smaller riders, however, the Z650 is a feast and highly recommended. But two of them get a bit tight, but that's similar with competitor bikes. The passenger has no handles, only a holding strap. Ergo: It's enough to get to the Baggersee, but from Hamburg to Munich it's exhausting for two.
 
Overall, the new Z650 is a successful machine. The updates have done the motorcycle well, it looks fresher and rides fast and agile and conveys enormous driving fun. The test machine was provided to us by Heller & Soltau in St. Michaelisdonn.

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • Price: 7,000€
  • Used (3 years old): 5,000€
  • Availability: since 2017
  • Colours: white, black, black-green