BMW S 1000 R versus Kawasaki Z 900 (bis 2019)

BMW S 1000 R

Naked

Kawasaki Z 900 (bis 2019)

Naked

Performance AND control: BMW's Power-Naked shows how it's done.

With the new BMW S1000R model year 2021, BMW deliberately refrains from increasing performance. The machine still delivers with 165 hp with more than enough power, the changes compared to the predecessor are more in the areas... weiter

BMW S 1000 R im Test

Gallery

Pure and unadulterated

In addition to the retro 900 called Z900RS, Kawasaki also has the modern form in the program, and that is simply called Z900. Trust is good: Motorcycles from a company whose products starred in the first Mad Max flick can't be bad in principle. But it's better if we... weiter

Kawasaki Z900

Gallery

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2014 bis 2024~

Built von 2017 bis 2019

RRP 16.000 €

RRP 9.495 €

Ausführliches Test-Video von Motorradtest.de

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Competitors

Pros:

Full of performance ...
.. but still easy to control
high-quality workmanship
cool sound

Pros:

Engine powerful and powerful
Value for money
Chassis

Cons:

Pillion operation only for emergencies
Sitting position for some people probably too sporty

Cons:

Pillion comfort
no electronic driving aids

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: 1.450 mm
Length : 2.070 mm Height : 1.065 mm
Seat : 795 mm
Weight : 210 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 4 Cylinder
Displacement: 948 ccm
Hub: 56 mm
Hole: 73 mm
Cooling: flüssigkeitsgekühlt
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: 240 km/h
Performance: 125 HP at 9.500 U/Min
Torque: 99 NM bei 7.700 U/Min

Tank contents: 17 Litre
Consumption: 6 l
Reach: 315 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:
Double loop (steel)

Front suspension:
41 mm upside-down fork (travel 120 mm)

Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 140 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm

Tyres at the front: 120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
Rear tyres: 180/55ZR17M/C (73W)

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 220 mm)

Front brake
Double disc (∅ 300 mm) Rear brake
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!

Conclusion - what gets stuck

The Kawasaki Z900 is a power. The whole thing gets all the better if you get the approximately 9,000 euros (yes, it's so cheap!) cost price. The Kawa can effortlessly annoy far stronger machines on country roads, making the 9,000 even more fitting.

However: On the other hand, this is quite a lot of money for a motorcycle, which can only be used to a very limited extent. The evening round around the block, even if it's a little bigger? Let's go, off for it. Or to the city for shopping? Join them, as long as you like to shop alone and a maximum of one backpack full.
Everything else is done by the second moped ... nevertheless: thumbs up!

Testbike -> Thanks to Heller & Soltau in St. Michaelisdonn.