2016 BMW R 1200RT LC vs 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000SX

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2016 BMW R 1200RT LC 2016 BMW R 1200RT LC

Sport touring

Engine
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer with balancer shaft, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
92 kW / 125 hp @ 7750 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
274 kg / 604 lbs
2014 Kawasaki Z 1000SX 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000SX

Sport touring

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
507.1 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Year2016-
Colours-Black, green/black
Make ModelBMW R 1200RT LC-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)-5.3 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)-135 mm
Seat Height805 mm / 31.5 in - 825 mm / 32.5 in Variable seat heights available between 760mm / 29.9 in and 850mm / 33.5 in820 mm / 32.3 in.
Wheelbase1485 mm / 58.5 in1,445 mm / 56.9 in.
Height1416 mm / 55.7 in1,170 mm / 46.1 in.
Length2222 mm / 87.5 in2,105 mm / 82.9 in.
Width983 mm / 38.7 in790 mm / 31.1 in.
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity25 Litres / 6.6 US gal19.00 litres / 5.02 gallons
Wet Weight274 kg / 604 lbs230.0 kg / 507.1 lbs
Performance
Max Power92 kW / 125 hp @ 7750 rpm-
Max Torque125 Nm / 92 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm111.00 Nm (11.3 kgf-m or 81.9 ft.lbs) @ 11300
Engine
Displacement (cc)-1043.00 cc
Displacement (ci)-63.64 cubic inches
Engine Type-V2, four-stroke
Bore x Stroke (mm)-77.0 x 56.0 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)-3.0 x 2.2 inches
Fuel Control-DOHC
Displacement1170 cc / 71.4 cu-in-
Engine DetailFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer with balancer shaft, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinderReed valve.
Fuel System-Injection
Bore x Stroke101 x 73 mm-
Compression Ratio12.5:111.8:1
Cooling SystemAir/Liquid cooled-
EmissionsEuro 3-
Engine Lubrication-Forced lubrication, wet sump
Exhaust managementFully-controlled three-way catalytic converter-
Fuel InductionElectronic fuel injection with ride-by-wire throttle system, 52mm throttle valve Emission control Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter-
Fuel Reserve4 Litres / 1 US gal-
IgnitionDigital engine management Digital
LubricationWet sump-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12 V / 16 Ah, maintenance-free-
Drivetrain
ClutchMulti-plate wet clutch, hydraulically operatedWet multi-disc, manual
Final DriveShaftChain
Gear Ratios1st 2.438 / 2nd 1.714 / 3rd 1.296 / 4th 1.059 / 5th 0.943 / 6th 0.848:1-
Primary Drive-Sealed chain
Primary Drive Ratios1.65-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed, constant-mesh gearbox with helical cut gears -
Chassis
Frame TypeContinuous tubular steel bridge-type frameAluminium twin-tube
Suspension - FrontBMW Telelever, 37 mm central spring strut41 mm inverted fork with stepless compression and rebound damping and spring preload adjustability
Suspension - RearCast aluminum single-sided swing arm with BMW EVO Paralever; WAD strut (travel-related damping), spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) via handwheel, rebound damping adjustable via handwheelHorizontal Back-link, gas-charged, with stepless rebound damping and remote spring preload adjustability
Rake-24.5°
Steering Head Angle63.6°-
Trail-102 mm / 4.0 in.
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in-
Wheel Travel - Rear136 mm / 5.4 in-
Electrical Systems
AlternatorThree-phase 540 W generator-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-300 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-11.8 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-9.8 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-250 mm
Brakes - Front2 x 320mm Discs, 4 piston callipersDouble disc. Floating discs.
Brakes - RearSingle 276mm disc, 2 piston floating caliperSingle disc
ABSBMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part-integral)-
Rims - Front3.50 x 17-
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17120/70-ZR17
Tyres - Rear180/55 ZR17190/50-ZR17
Wheel Caster116 mm / 4.6 in-
WheelsCast aluminium wheels-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2016 BMW R 1200RT LC

The 2016 BMW R 1200RT LC edges out the 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000SX thanks to its liquid cooling and standard ABS. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2016 BMW R 1200RT LC - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.

2014 Kawasaki Z 1000SX - Advantages

  • Competitive all-round: The 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000SX matches or exceeds its rival across all measured criteria.

2016 BMW R 1200RT LC vs 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000SX - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2016 BMW R 1200RT LC and 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000SX?
The 2016 BMW R 1200RT LC uses Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer with balancer shaft, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000SX is powered by V2, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2016 BMW R 1200RT LC or the 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000SX?
The 2016 BMW R 1200RT LC has the lower seat at 805 mm, making it more accessible. The 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000SX sits higher at 820 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Does the 2016 BMW R 1200RT LC or 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000SX have ABS?
The 2016 BMW R 1200RT LC is listed with ABS as standard. The 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000SX does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2016 BMW R 1200RT LC or the 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000SX?
Both are strong choices. The 2016 BMW R 1200RT LC has the edge in liquid cooling and standard ABS, while the 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000SX offers a compelling alternative. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.