BMW R 1200 GS (K50) versus Kawasaki Z 900 (bis 2019)

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW R 1200 GS (K50)

Adventure
Kawasaki

Kawasaki Z 900 (bis 2019)

Naked

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2013 bis 2018
Built von 2017 bis 2019
RRP 15.300 €
RRP 9.495 €
waveform
waveform
Pros:
  • has neat Wums
  • extensive electronic helpers
  • significantly more off-road capability than the standard version of the GS
Pros:
  • Engine powerful and powerful
  • Value for money
  • Chassis
Cons:
  • Price mainly with full equipment
Cons:
  • Pillion comfort
  • no electronic driving aids

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.507 mm
Length :
2.207 mm Height : 1.412 mm
Seat :
850 mm
Weight :
244 (max: 460 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.450 mm
Length :
2.070 mm Height : 1.065 mm
Seat :
795 mm
Weight :
210 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: Number 4 Cylinder
Displacement: 948 ccm
Hub: 56 mm
Hole: 73 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: 240 km/h
Performance: 125 HP at 9.500 U/Min
Torque: 99 NM bei 7.700 U/Min
Tank contents: 17 Litre
Consumption:
6 l
Reach:
315 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:
Double loop (steel)
Front suspension:
41 mm upside-down fork (travel 120 mm)
Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 140 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
Rear tyres: 180/55ZR17M/C (73W)

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc ( 305 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 376 mm)
Front brake
Double disc ( 300 mm) Rear brake
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!

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • Price: 15,000-20,000€ depending on the equipment
  • used so far only marginally cheaper
  • Years built: 2017-2018
  • Availability: from 12/2017
  • Colors: Rally design in blue, silver, red, black

Conclusion - what gets stuck

The Kawasaki Z900 is a power. The whole thing gets all the better if you get the approximately 9,000 euros (yes, it's so cheap!) cost price. The Kawa can effortlessly annoy far stronger machines on country roads, making the 9,000 even more fitting.
 
However: On the other hand, this is quite a lot of money for a motorcycle, which can only be used to a very limited extent. The evening round around the block, even if it's a little bigger? Let's go, off for it. Or to the city for shopping? Join them, as long as you like to shop alone and a maximum of one backpack full.
Everything else is done by the second moped ... nevertheless: thumbs up!

Testbike -> Thanks to Heller & Soltau in St. Michaelisdonn.

Price / Availability / Colours / Years of Construction

  • Price: 9,095€
  • Used (2 years old): 6,700€
  • Years of construction: since 2016
  • Availability: good, wide choice
  • Colours: metallic-black with matt-black; black-metallic with matt-white; green with matt grey; grey-metallic with ebony