2018 BMW R 1200 RS vs 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2018 BMW R 1200 RS 2018 BMW R 1200 RS

All-Round

Engine
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
520.3 pounds
2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000

All-Round

Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
526.9 pounds
Full Specifications
General
CommentsSwitchable ABS.Small windscreen.
ColoursLight Grey Metallic/Magellan Grey Metallic MattOrange/black, black, grey/black
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)-6.1 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)-155 mm
Seat Height820 mm / 32.3 in.845 mm / 33.3 in.
Wheelbase1,527 mm / 60.1 in.1,520 mm / 59.8 in.
Height1,273 mm / 50.1 in.1,405 mm / 55.3 in.
Length2,202 mm / 86.7 in.2,235 mm / 88.0 in.
Width925 mm / 36.4 in.900 mm / 35.4 in.
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity18.00 litres / 4.76 gallons21.00 litres / 5.55 gallons
Wet Weight236.0 kg / 520.3 lbs239.0 kg / 526.9 lbs
Performance
Max Torque125.00 Nm (12.7 kgf-m or 92.2 ft.lbs) @ 6500 Revolutions102.00 Nm (10.4 kgf-m or 75.2 ft.lbs) @ 7700 Revolutions
Engine
Bore x Stroke (mm)101.0 x 73.0 mm77.0 x 56.0 mm
CO2106.7 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)-
Bore x Stroke (in,)4.0 x 2.9 inches3.0 x 2.2 inches
Engine TypeTwo cylinder boxer, four-strokeIn-line four, four-stroke
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Displacement (ci)71.39 cubic inches63.64 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)1170.00 cc1043.00 cc
Fuel SystemInjection. Digital engine management with electronic fuel injectionInjection
Compression Ratio12.5:110.3:1
EmissionsClosed-?loop 3-?way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-?4-
Engine LubricationWet sumpForced lubrication, wet sump
ExhaustChrome-
Fuel Consumption4.60 litres/100 km (21.7 km/l or 51.13 mpg)-
Fuel Reserve3.00 litres / 0.79 gallons-
Ignition-Digital
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System44
Drivetrain
ClutchWet eight-disc clutch with anti-hopping function, hyrdaulically operatedWet multi-disc, manual
Final DriveShaft drive (cardan)Chain
Gearbox6-speed6-speed
Primary Drive-Sealed chain
Chassis
Frame TypeTwo-section frame, front- and bolted on rear frame, load-bearing engineAluminium twin-tube
Suspension - FrontUpside-down telescopic fork, diameter 45 mm, travel 140 mm, silver-anodized43 mm inverted fork with stepless
Suspension - RearBMW Motorrad EVO ParaleverHorizontal Back-link, gas-charged,
Rake27.7°27.0°
Trail115 mm / 4.5 in.106 mm / 4.2 in.
Wheel Travel - Front140 mm / 5.5 in.150 mm / 5.9 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear140 mm / 5.5 in.150 mm / 5.9 in.
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.6 inches12.2 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)320 mm310 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)276 mm250 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)10.9 inches9.8 inches
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. ABS. Four-piston calipers.Double disc. Petal discs. Dual opposed 4-piston caliper
Brakes - RearSingle disc. ABS. Floating disc. Two-piston calipers.Single disc. Petal disc. Single-piston caliper.
RimsCast aluminium-
Tyres - Front120/70-ZR17120/70-ZR17
Tyres - Rear180/55-ZR17180/55-ZR17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000

The 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 edges out the 2018 BMW R 1200 RS thanks to its higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2018 BMW R 1200 RS - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 820 mm vs 845 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 - Advantages

  • More rear wheel travel: 150 mm vs 140 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 150 mm vs 140 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2018 BMW R 1200 RS vs 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2018 BMW R 1200 RS and 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000?
The 2018 BMW R 1200 RS uses Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke, while the 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 is powered by In-line four, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2018 BMW R 1200 RS or the 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000?
The 2018 BMW R 1200 RS has the lower seat at 820 mm, making it more accessible. The 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 sits higher at 845 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2018 BMW R 1200 RS or the 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000?
Both are strong choices. The 2018 BMW R 1200 RS has the edge in lower seat height, while the 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 stands out for higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.