BMW F 850 GS versus Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW F 850 GS

Reise-Enduro
Kawasaki

Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX

Sporttourer

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2018 bis 2023
Built von 2020 bis 2024
RRP 13.000 €
RRP 14.995 €
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Pros:
  • raised seating position
  • good handling on and off-road
  • Wide range of extras and accessories
  • successful appearance
Pros:
  • mega-mature machine
  • silky 4-cylinder with punch and enormous elasticity
  • soft seating position, also suitable for longer distances with pillion passenger
  • Technically very well equipped
Cons:
  • Windscreen could be slightly larger
  • Price skyrockets with extras
  • not quite as manoeuvrable
Cons:
  • partial noise depending on the setting of the windscreen
  • minor vibrations

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.593 mm
Length :
2.305 mm Height : 1.356 mm
Seat :
860 mm until : 880 mm
Weight :
229 (max: 445 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.440 mm
Length :
2.100 mm Height : 1.190 mm
Seat :
835 mm
Weight :
235 kg

Engine

Motor design: Number 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 853 ccm
Hub: 77 mm
Hole: 84 mm
Cooling: wassergekühlt
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Motor design: Four-stroke in-line four-cylinder 4 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.043 ccm
Hub: 56 mm
Hole: 77 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: O-Ring Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 204 km/h
Performance: 95 HP at 8.250 U/Min
Torque: 92 NM bei 6.250 U/Min
Tank contents: 15 Litre
Consumption:
4 l
Reach:
341 km
Maximum speed: 247 km/h
Performance: 142 HP at 10.000 U/Min
Torque: 111 NM bei 8.000 U/Min
Tank contents: 19 Litre
Consumption:
6 l
Reach:
328 km

Chassis

Frame type:
Steel bridge frame in shell construction (steel)
Front suspension:
Upside-down fork, Ø 43 mm (travel 204 mm)
Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 219 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 90/90 21
Rear tyres: 150/70 R17
Frame type:
Double profile frame (aluminium)
Front suspension:
41 mm upside-down fork (travel 120 mm)
Rear suspension:
Horizontal backlink gas pressure shock absorber (travel 144 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
Rear tyres: 190/50ZR17M/C (73W)

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc ( 305 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 265 mm)
Front brake
Double Petal Brake Discs, Double Radial Mounted, 4 Pistons ( 300 mm) Rear brake
Single petal brake disc, single piston ( 250 mm)

Conclusion - what sticks

This machine is just great! Volker and Dietmar didn't want to be relegated anymore, that's rare. You can see the bike's maturity everywhere. Everything works easily and simply and the machine gives the pilot full confidence right from the start. It is guaranteed not to break so quickly, at least that's what it radiates. It is suitable for all those who want to be sporty during a longer tour - also with a passenger, because he also feels at home on the SX.
 
Kawa himself says about the Ninja 1000 SX: "Tours and sports – the Ninja 1000SX offers the best of both worlds". Usually we laugh at these marketing slogans, but in this case it hits the nail on the head.
 
The test machine was kindly provided by Heller & Soltau,by far the best Kawasaki dealer in Northern Germany! Our tip for the Ninja 1000 SX: Definitely test drive.

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of construction

  • Price: 13.945 €
  • Used (3 years old): 10.000€
  • Years of construction: 2011-2021
  • Colors: red, green, black