BMW S 1000 XR versus Kawasaki Z 900

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW S 1000 XR

Crossover
Kawasaki

Kawasaki Z 900

Naked

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2015 bis 2024~
Built von 2020 bis 2024~
RRP 19.690 €
RRP 10.295 €
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Pros:
  • Seating position fits small and big people
  • High-revving motor
  • Strong brakes
  • Very good standard equipment
Pros:
  • Powerful engine
  • Precise chassis
  • Easy-to-control brakes
  • Value for money
Cons:
  • You just always want to step on the gas
Cons:
  • Pillion comfort
  • Partial operation

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.541 mm
Length :
2.156 mm Height : 1.460 mm
Seat :
850 mm
Weight :
227 (max: 450 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.455 mm
Length :
2.070 mm Height : 1.080 mm
Seat :
820 mm
Weight :
212 kg

Engine

Motor design: Number 4 Cylinder
Displacement: 999 ccm
Hub: 50 mm
Hole: 80 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Motor design: Liquid-cooled four-stroke in-line four-cylinder 4 Cylinder
Displacement: 948 ccm
Hub: 56 mm
Hole: 73 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 250 km/h
Performance: 170 HP at 11.000 U/Min
Torque: 114 NM bei 9.250 U/Min
Tank contents: 20 Litre
Consumption:
6 l
Reach:
323 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:
Upside-down 45 mm (travel 150 mm)
Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 150 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 190/55 ZR 17
Frame type:
Tubular space frame (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 brake, 4-piston fixed caliper ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Single disc brake, 2-piston floating caliper ( 265 mm)
Front brake
Double disc ( 300 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 250 mm)

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.

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • Price: 17.000€
  • Used (1 year old): 15,000€
  • Availability: since 2020
  • Colours: red, silver, colorful

Good - if you like athletes

What remains? At 9,845 euros, the Kawasaki Z 900 of the 2020 vintage has become more expensive, but with its electronic equipment it has also become considerably more valuable, especially in the area of security. She has lost nothing of her qualities – at least for sporty riders.

However, it is a very animating motorcycle: the bike appeals to the rider on an emotional level. Only the message is always the same: finally turn to the stop! If you like this and don't need a socioseat, you have a fully everyday athlete colleague here. If this is too hectic, the new features will not convince you either.

The test bike was provided to us by Heller & Soltau in St. Michaelisdonn.

Price / Availability / Colours / Years of Construction

  • Price: 9.845€
  • Used (3 years old): 6.500€
  • Years of construction: since 2017
  • Availability: good
  • Colours: red, bright yellow