BMW S 1000 R versus Kawasaki Ninja 400
BMW S 1000 R
Naked
Kawasaki Ninja 400
Supersport
Year of construction / RRP / Test report
Built von 2014 bis 2024~
Built von 2018 bis 2024~
RRP 16.000 €
RRP 6.745 €
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Competitors
Pros:
- Full of performance ...
- .. but still easy to control
- high-quality workmanship
- cool sound
Pros:
- Precise chassis
- Motor
- light
Cons:
- Pillion operation only for emergencies
- Sitting position for some people probably too sporty
Cons:
- Comfort
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
Length : 2.090 mm Height : 1.115 mm
Seat : 814 mm until : 830 mm
Weight : 199 (max: 407 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.370 mm
Length : 1.990 mm Height : 1.120 mm
Seat : 785 mm
Weight : 168 kg
Length : 1.990 mm Height : 1.120 mm
Seat : 785 mm
Weight : 168 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
Displacement: 999 ccm
Hub: 50 mm
Hole: 80 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Motor design: Number 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 399 ccm
Hub: 52 mm
Hole: 70 mm
Cooling: flüssigkeitsgekühlt
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Displacement: 399 ccm
Hub: 52 mm
Hole: 70 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
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: 195 km/h
Performance: 45 HP at 10.000 U/Min
Torque: 38 NM bei 8.000 U/Min Tank contents: 14 Litre
Consumption: 4 l
Reach: 358 km
Performance: 45 HP at 10.000 U/Min
Torque: 38 NM bei 8.000 U/Min Tank contents: 14 Litre
Consumption: 4 l
Reach: 358 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
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:
Tubular space frame (steel) Front suspension:
41 mm telescopic fork (travel 120 mm) Rear suspension:
Gas pressure shock absorbers (travel 130 mm)
Rear suspension:
Bottom-Link Uni-Trak Tyres at the front: 110/70R17 M/C 54H
Rear tyres: 150/60R17 M/C 66H
Tubular space frame (steel) Front suspension:
41 mm telescopic fork (travel 120 mm) Rear suspension:
Gas pressure shock absorbers (travel 130 mm)
Rear suspension:
Bottom-Link Uni-Trak Tyres at the front: 110/70R17 M/C 54H
Rear tyres: 150/60R17 M/C 66H
Brakes
Front brake
Double disc (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 220 mm)
Double disc (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 220 mm)
Front brake
Single Petal Brake Disc (∅ 310 mm) Rear brake
Single Petal Brake Disc (∅ 220 mm)
Single Petal Brake Disc (∅ 310 mm) Rear brake
Single Petal Brake Disc (∅ 220 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!
It works - but not for everyone
So does that work, 45 hp and super sportsmen? Yes, it works. As far as you can not only define the pure driving performance in sport, but can enjoy the manoeuvrability. If everything else is somehow too high, too big and heavy, then the Kawasaki Ninja 400 fits.
And only then does it make sense, because one thing is clear: at around 6,400 euros, it is not a bargain. It is not cheap and does not want to be it. But a motorcycle that can surprise. And that works.
The test bike was provided to us by Heller and Soltau in St. Michaelisdonn.
