BMW R 1200 GS (K50) versus Kawasaki Vulcan S
BMW R 1200 GS (K50)
Kawasaki Vulcan S
Year of construction / RRP / Test report
Competitors
- has neat Wums
- extensive electronic helpers
- significantly more off-road capability than the standard version of the GS
- Comfort
- Stability
- Processing
- Price mainly with full equipment
- Short maintenance intervals
Dimensions & Weight
Length : 2.207 mm Height : 1.412 mm
Seat : 850 mm
Weight : 244 (max: 460 ) kg
Length : 2.310 mm Height : 1.100 mm
Seat : 705 mm
Weight : 229 kg
Engine
Displacement: 1.170 ccm
Hub: 73 mm
Hole: 101 mm
Cooling: Luft
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6
Displacement: 649 ccm
Hub: 60 mm
Hole: 83 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Performance
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
Performance: 61 HP at 7.500 U/Min
Torque: 63 NM bei 6.600 U/Min Tank contents: 14 Litre
Consumption: 4 l
Reach: 311 km
Chassis
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
Perimeter (steel) Front suspension:
41 mm telescopic fork (travel 130 mm) Rear suspension:
Gas pressure shock absorbers (travel 80 mm) Tyres at the front: 120/70 R18M/C 59H
Rear tyres: 160/60 R17M/C 69H
Brakes
Double disc (∅ 305 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 376 mm)
Single disc (∅ 300 mm) Rear brake
Single disc (∅ 250 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 - a cruiser
What remains? The Kawasaki Vulcan S is definitely not an athlete, but it is also not a heavy, immovable being. Alpine passes do not worry her, while caring for the driver with adequate comfort despite her rather simple suspension. In the evening after work riding on her in the setting sun, this is cheesy, but somehow beautiful.
The Kawa-typical maintenance intervals, which are kept quite short at 6,000 kilometres, are a small drop in the right.
But otherwise? It doesn't have to be more motorcycle, the purchase recommendation is available.
The test bike was provided to us by Heller & Soltau in St. Michaelisdonn.
