BMW R 1200 GS (K50) versus Kawasaki Z 650 RS

BMW R 1200 GS (K50)

Adventure

Kawasaki Z 650 RS

Retro

The rally version of the BMW 1200 GS - not just pretty to look at.

Wild Bavarian woman in a smart rally dirndl The BMW R 1200 GS was a particularly eagerly awaited test object for us. And not only because the GS gave hope for numerous interested parties for our test report due to its popularity. No, above all, we were all really keen on... weiter

BMW R 1200 GS Rallye

Gallery

Test of the deadly chic two-cylinder retro bike from Kawasaki

With the new Z 650 RS, Kawasaki is expanding its "Modern Classic" segment this year with an inexpensive machine. The Z650RS is, so to speak, the little sister of the successful Z900RS and meets retro fans thanks to the look of the 70s... weiter

Kawasaki Z 650 RS im Test

Gallery

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2013 bis 2018

Built von 2022 bis 2025~

RRP 15.300 €

RRP 7.995 €

Ausführliches Test-Video von Motorradtest.de

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Competitors

Pros:

has neat Wums
extensive electronic helpers
significantly more off-road capability than the standard version of the GS

Pros:

Optics & classical round instruments
Weight & Handling
good brakes at the front
comfortable sitting position
adjustable levers

Cons:

Price mainly with full equipment

Cons:

small tank
some features not 100% retro

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.507 mm
Length : 2.207 mm Height : 1.412 mm
Seat : 850 mm
Weight : 244 (max: 460 ) kg

Wheelbase: 1.405 mm
Length : 2.065 mm Height : 1.115 mm
Seat : 820 mm
Weight : 187 kg

Engine

Motor design: Boxer 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.170 ccm
Hub: 73 mm
Hole: 101 mm
Cooling: Luft
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6

Motor design: Liquid-cooled four-stroke in-line two-cylinder 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 649 ccm
Hub: 60 mm
Hole: 83 mm
Cooling: flüssigkeitsgekühlt
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 219 km/h
Performance: 125 HP at 7.700 U/Min
Torque: 125 NM bei 6.500 U/Min

Tank contents: 20 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 403 km

Maximum speed: 200 km/h
Performance: 68 HP at 8.000 U/Min
Torque: 64 NM bei 6.700 U/Min

Tank contents: 12 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 357 km

Chassis

Frame type:
Bridges, motor supporting (steel)

Front suspension:
Telescopic fork 37 mm (travel 190 mm)
Front suspension:
Shock

Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 200 mm)
Rear suspension:
Single-arm swingarm

Tyres at the front: 120/70 R 19
Rear tyres: 170/60 R 17

Frame type:
Lattice tube (steel)

Front suspension:
41 mm telescopic fork (travel 125 mm)

Rear suspension:
Horizontal back-link gas pressure shock absorber with adjustable spring base (travel 130 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm

Tyres at the front: 120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
Rear tyres: 160/60ZR17M/C (69W)

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc (∅ 305 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 376 mm)

Front brake
Double disc Semi-floating 300 mm double brake discs. Double piston brake caliper (∅ 300 mm) Rear brake
Single brake disc. Single piston brake caliper (∅ 220 mm)

Conclusion - what gets stuck

No, our high expectations were by no means disappointed – not even a bit! The R 1200 GS Rally not only made us very good, but it makes it really difficult for us to find criticisms. Well, it's quite expensive. But quality has a price. And if you look at the prices on the second-hand market, you have to say that gs keeps its value quite long. In addition, it is of course up to everyone to decide whether they really need all the equipment packages. Clearly all do their tasks reliably and well, however, drive up the price again neatly. And already in the basic equipment we have to deal with a mature, great bike!

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.