BMW R 1150 R versus Kawasaki Z 650 RS

BMW R 1150 R

Naked

Kawasaki Z 650 RS

Retro

Is it still worth buying a BMW R 1150 R today?

The BMW R 1150 R was built from 2000 to 2006 and is therefore anything but a modern motorcycle. Nevertheless, it is worth taking a look at this beautiful machine - especially since there is hardly any other boxer model from BMW that is available used at a similarly low price.... weiter

BMW R 1150 R im Test

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 2005 bis 2006

Built von 2022 bis 2024~

RRP

RRP 8.345 €

Ausführliches Test-Video von Motorradtest.de

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Competitors

Pros:

easy and manoeuvrable to drive despite size and weight
used relatively cheap
is also suitable as a tourer
wonderful boxer with sound
sufficient power, powerful torque

Pros:

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

Cons:

vulnerable ABS system
fiddly battery removal

Cons:

small tank
some features not 100% retro

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.487 mm
Length : 2.170 mm Height : 1.220 mm
Seat : 800 mm
Weight : 238 (max: 450 ) kg

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

Engine

Motor design: Boxer 4-stroke 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.130 ccm
Hub: 71 mm
Hole: 101 mm
Cooling: Öl-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: 197 km/h
Performance: 85 HP at 6.750 U/Min
Torque: 98 NM bei 5.250 U/Min

Tank contents: 21 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 446 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:
Three-part frame concept consisting of front and rear frame with supporting engine (steel)

Front suspension:
BMW Motorrad Telelever; Standpipe diameter 35 mm (travel 120 mm)

Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 135 mm)
Rear suspension:
Aluminum cast single-arm swingarm with Paralever

Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 170/60 ZR 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
Four-piston fixed caliper double disc brake (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
Two-piston fixed caliper brake (∅ 276 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

The BMW R 1150 R is a grateful bike that offers riders a confident and safe riding experience even with high mileage. There are many used machines of this type, most fortunately in uncrafted original condition. But old machines are not really cheap either: 1150s are hardly available in good condition under 4,000 euros. To answer the opening question: Yes, it is still worth buying a 15-year-old motorcycle today. At least if it is a BMW R 1150 R.

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.