BMW R nineT versus Kawasaki Vulcan S
BMW R nineT
Kawasaki Vulcan S
Year of construction / RRP / Test report
Competitors
- pretty to look at
- purist
- cool driving experience
- Numerous customizing options
- Comfort
- Stability
- Processing
- Price
- nothing for giants
- Short maintenance intervals
Dimensions & Weight
Length : 2.220 mm Height : 1.265 mm
Seat : 803 mm until : 805 mm
Weight : 222 (max: 430 ) kg
Length : 2.310 mm Height : 1.100 mm
Seat : 705 mm
Weight : 229 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: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Performance
Performance: 110 HP at 7.750 U/Min
Torque: 116 NM bei 6.000 U/Min Tank contents: 18 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 340 km
Performance: 61 HP at 7.500 U/Min
Torque: 63 NM bei 6.600 U/Min Tank contents: 14 Litre
Consumption: 4 l
Reach: 311 km
Chassis
Space tube, motor supporting (steel) Front suspension:
Upside-Down 45 mm (travel 120 mm) Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 120 mm)
Rear suspension:
Paralever Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 180/55 ZR 17
Perimeter (steel) Front suspension:
41 mm telescopic fork (travel 130 mm) Rear suspension:
Gas pressure shock absorbers (travel 80 mm) Tyres at the front: 120/70 R18M/C 59H
Rear tyres: 160/60 R17M/C 69H
Brakes
Double disc (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 265 mm)
Single disc (∅ 300 mm) Rear brake
Single disc (∅ 250 mm)
Conclusion - what's stuck?
The R nineT is not only fun to drive, but also looks great! And it is probably this combination that makes the bike so desirable for motorcycle fans worldwide right from the start.
BMW describes it as follows: "Design your motorcycle, design your life." It also has a lot to do with lifestyle and so the nineT leaves hardly any customizer wishes unfulfilled in terms of diversity. It is the basis for deep individualizations, which sets the machine apart from the competition. In addition to the already diverse model and design variants, there are plenty of Customizing accessories, so everyone can make their own roadster dream come true. Even the on-board electronics are designed with numerous interfaces in such a way that changes do not represent a major hurdle.
Even if the NineT is purist in almost all respects, it does not do so in terms of price. Not at all when you make the most of the numerous possibilities for change to realize your own exclusive dream bike. But individuality always has your price. However, the success proves BMW right again in this case, because the BMW R NineT is so popular that one should expect extremely long delivery times.
Conclusion - a cruiser
What remains? The Kawasaki Vulcan S is definitely not an athlete, but it is also not a heavy, immovable being. Alpine passes do not worry her, while caring for the driver with adequate comfort despite her rather simple suspension. In the evening after work riding on her in the setting sun, this is cheesy, but somehow beautiful.
The Kawa-typical maintenance intervals, which are kept quite short at 6,000 kilometres, are a small drop in the right.
But otherwise? It doesn't have to be more motorcycle, the purchase recommendation is available.
The test bike was provided to us by Heller & Soltau in St. Michaelisdonn.
