BMW S 1000 R versus Kawasaki Vulcan S

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW S 1000 R

Naked
Kawasaki

Kawasaki Vulcan S

Cruiser

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2014 bis 2024~
Built von 2015 bis 2024~
RRP 16.000 €
RRP 8.595 €
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Pros:
  • Full of performance ...
  • .. but still easy to control
  • high-quality workmanship
  • cool sound
Pros:
  • Comfort
  • Stability
  • Processing
Cons:
  • Pillion operation only for emergencies
  • Sitting position for some people probably too sporty
Cons:
  • Short maintenance intervals

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.450 mm
Length :
2.090 mm Height : 1.115 mm
Seat :
814 mm until : 830 mm
Weight :
199 (max: 407 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.575 mm
Length :
2.310 mm Height : 1.100 mm
Seat :
705 mm
Weight :
229 kg

Engine

Motor design: In-line four-cylinder 4-stroke 4 Cylinder
Displacement: 999 ccm
Hub: 50 mm
Hole: 80 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Motor design: Number 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 649 ccm
Hub: 60 mm
Hole: 83 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 261 km/h
Performance: 165 HP at 11.000 U/Min
Torque: 114 NM bei 9.250 U/Min
Tank contents: 17 Litre
Consumption:
6 l
Reach:
266 km
Maximum speed: 176 km/h
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

Frame type:
Aluminium composite bridge frame, motor supporting (aluminium)
Front suspension:
Telescopic fork (travel 120 mm)
Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 117 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 190/55 ZR 17
Frame type:
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

Front brake
Double disc ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 220 mm)
Front brake
Single disc ( 300 mm) Rear brake
Single disc ( 250 mm)

Conclusion - what sticks

The S 1000 R is basically a double R, from which the fairing has been removed and the torque curve on country roads has been optimised. It is super sporty, which can be an disadvantage and a disadvantage at the same time. If you want to sit upright on your streetfighter, you are out of place here. If you are looking for proximity to the front wheel and asphalt, you will find it here!

In any case, we had tons of driving fun and did not feel overwhelmed despite the immense performance. This is exactly why you have to compliment BMW: Not all manufacturers succeed in putting such a grenade on the wheels for (almost) everyone. To anticipate misunderstandings: Of course, this motorcycle is not a beginner's machine!
 
The test machine was kindly provided by Bergmann & Söhne in Pinneberg - thank you!

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of construction

  • Price: from 14.740 €
  • Used (7 years old): 8.000€
  • Years of construction: since 2014
  • Colours: red, grey-yellow, white-blue-red

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.

Price / Availability / Colours / Years of Construction

  • Price: 7,645
  • Used (3 years old): 5,500€
  • Years of construction: since 2015
  • Availability: good
  • Colours: matt black, matt green