BMW S 1000 R versus Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE

BMW S 1000 R

Naked

Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE

Crossover

Performance AND control: BMW's Power-Naked shows how it's done.

With the new BMW S1000R model year 2021, BMW deliberately refrains from increasing performance. The machine still delivers with 165 hp with more than enough power, the changes compared to the predecessor are more in the areas... weiter

BMW S 1000 R im Test

Gallery

More electronics, more functions, more comfort

"Whether solo or in pairs, whether around the corner or through the whole world: The combination of the high-revving in-line four-cylinder engine tuned for flexibility and the agile chassis with dynamic suspension of this sports motorcycle ensures great driving pleasure.... weiter

KAWASAKI VERSYS 1000 / VERSYS 1000 SE Crossover GrandTourer

Gallery

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2014 bis 2024~

Built von 2021 bis 2024

RRP 16.000 €

RRP 17.245 €

Ausführliches Test-Video von Motorradtest.de

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Competitors

Pros:

Full of performance ...
.. but still easy to control
high-quality workmanship
cool sound

Pros:

extensive equipment
successful semi-active chassis (KECS)
Combination of pointer instrument and TFT well solved and easy to read

Cons:

Pillion operation only for emergencies
Sitting position for some people probably too sporty

Cons:

quite high weight
Windscreen only manual and adjustable with both hands
relatively high price

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

Wheelbase: 1.520 mm
Length : 2.270 mm Height : 1.490 mm
Seat : 840 mm
Weight : 257 (max: 459 ) 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

Motor design: Four-stroke in-line four-cylinder 4 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.043 ccm
Hub: 56 mm
Hole: 77 mm
Cooling: flüssig
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

Maximum speed: 226 km/h
Performance: 120 HP at 9.000 U/Min
Torque: 102 NM bei 7.500 U/Min

Tank contents: 21 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 404 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

Frame type:
Double profile frame (aluminium)

Front suspension:
43 mm upside-down fork (travel 150 mm)

Rear suspension:
Horizontally arranged back-link gas pressure central strut (travel 152 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 (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 220 mm)

Front brake
Semi-floating 310mm double petal brake discs. Brake caliper: Double radially mounted, monobloc, opposite 4 pistons (∅ 310 mm) Rear brake
Single petal brake disc. Brake caliper: Single piston (∅ 250 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!