BMW S 1000 R versus Kawasaki Z 900 RS
BMW S 1000 R
Kawasaki Z 900 RS
Year of construction / RRP / Test report
Competitors
- Full of performance ...
- .. but still easy to control
- high-quality workmanship
- cool sound
- Successful design
- Precise handling
- Fragrant sound
- Pillion operation only for emergencies
- Sitting position for some people probably too sporty
- Handles for the pillion passenger are missing
Dimensions & Weight
Length : 2.090 mm Height : 1.115 mm
Seat : 814 mm until : 830 mm
Weight : 199 (max: 407 ) kg
Length : 2.100 mm Height : 1.150 mm
Seat : 835 mm
Weight : 215 kg
Engine
Displacement: 999 ccm
Hub: 50 mm
Hole: 80 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Displacement: 948 ccm
Hub: 56 mm
Hole: 73 mm
Cooling: flüssigkeitsgekühlt
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Performance
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
Performance: 111 HP at 8.500 U/Min
Torque: 99 NM bei 6.500 U/Min Tank contents: 17 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 320 km
Chassis
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
Tubular space frame (high-strength steel) Front suspension:
41 mm upside-down fork (travel 120 mm) Rear suspension:
Horizontal back-link strut (travel 140 mm) Tyres at the front: 120/70ZR17 M/C (58W)
Rear tyres: 180/55ZR17 M/C (73W)
Brakes
Double disc (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 220 mm)
Double disc brake (∅ 300 mm) Rear brake
Single 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
A really successful bike which is really fun but above all looks really good. Now, of course, you can still find something to complain about. For example, among the more extreme retro fans, there may be those who miss the two-sided struts compared to the legendary Z1. Or find the LCD between the round instruments superfluous. The Most strikingly missing is the Z9000 RS compared to the Z1 but certainly the exhaust system with 4 silencers. But who ever wants this can fulfill this wish for about 3000€ at the company Hattech https://www.hattech.de/380-kawasaki/z900-rs-z900-rs-cafe. Otherwise, the motorcycle test crew agreed that the Z900 RS in Candytone Brown makes an even better figure than our test model in Sparkle Black which would be worth us the 300€ surcharge in any case. But that's a matter of taste, of course.
The test machine was kindly provided by Heller & Soltau.
