BMW S 1000 XR versus Kawasaki Z 650 RS

Conclusion - what gets stuck

Man, we had fun with the XR! The standard electronically adjustable ESA suspension really irons everything smoothly and yet this bike still gives you the necessary feedback about the road condition for sporty driving. That's the biggest difference between XR and GS: The XR is always sporty on the road, even if the 4-cylinder can purr at least theoretically like a kitten, that's not what you want as a driver! Better to throttle and loseprint like a cheetah. GS on the other hand: Rather quiet as a lion.
 
Whether the sportiness of the XR has a lasting effect or rather annoys, every driver has to decide for himself. What is clear, however, is that it travels more pleasantly on a GS, because you drive rather relaxed and there is no constant driving jerking or chain care.

The test motorcycle was provided to us by Bergmann & Söhne Pinneberg. There she stands as a guide and is happy about every test driver.

Conclusion - what sticks

The Kawasaki Z 650 RS actually drove straight into our hearts. Nice that Kawasaki now offers the retro theme in a 2-cylinder with manageable performance at a fair price. So even novice drivers and lighter pilots will like to approach the topic of retro. But this does not mean that the Z650RS is not for old hands - on the contrary! There will definitely be many experienced bikers out there who are only too happy to get off their 250+ kilo monster and get on this light and really nice bike to ride.
 
The test bike was kindly provided by Heller & Soltau in St. Michaelisdonn. If you want to take a test drive or are interested in another Kawasaki (or Husqvarna), you should definitely consider a small trip to Dithmarschen. Beautiful country roads and a good coffee (!) await you.