2018 BMW R 1200RT LC vs 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles

Differences only

2018 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

2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja

Sport touring

Engine

Four Stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 16 valve, Supercharger Centrifugal, scroll-type

Power

206.5 hp / 153.9 kW @ 11000 rpm

Top Speed

N/A

Weight

256 kg / 564 lbs - SE 260 kg / 573 lbs

Full Specifications

Differs Same

General
Year	201	2020 - 21
Make Model	BMW R 1200RT LC	Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja
Dimensions
Seat Height	805 mm / 31.5 in - 825 mm / 32.5 in Variable seat heights available between 760mm / 29.9 in and 850mm / 33.5 in	835 mm / 32.8 in
Wheelbase	1485 mm / 58.5 in	1480 mm / 58.3 in
Ground Clearance	-	130 mm / 5.1 in
Height	1416 mm / 55.7 in	1205 mm / 47.5 in - SE 1262mm / 49.6 in
Length	2222 mm / 87.5 in	1205 mm / 47.5 in - SE 1262 mm / 49.6 in
Width	983 mm / 38.7 in	775 mm / 30.5 in
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity	25 Litres / 6.6 US gal	19 Litres / 5 US gal
Wet Weight	274 kg / 604 lbs	256 kg / 564 lbs - SE 260 kg / 573 lbs
Performance
Max Power	92 kW / 125 hp @ 7750 rpm	206.5 hp / 153.9 kW @ 11000 rpm
Max Torque	125 Nm / 92 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm	137.3 Nm / 101.3 ft-lb @ 9500 rpm
Engine
Displacement	1170 cc / 71.4 cu-in	998 cc / 60.9 cub in
Engine Detail	Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer with balancer shaft, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder	Four Stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 16 valve, Supercharger Centrifugal, scroll-type
Bore x Stroke	101 x 73 mm	76 x 55 mm
Compression Ratio	-	11.2:1
Cooling System	Air/Liquid cooled	Liquid cooled
Emissions	Euro 3	-
Exhaust management	Fully-controlled three-way catalytic converter	-
Fuel Induction	Electronic fuel injection with ride-by-wire throttle system, 52mm throttle valve Emission control Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter	Fuel injection: φ40 mm x 4 with dual injection
Fuel Reserve	4 Litres / 1 US gal	-
Ignition	Digital engine management	Digital
Lubrication	Wet sump	Forced, wet sump with oil cooler
Starter	Electric	Electric
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity	12 V / 16 Ah, maintenance-free	-
Drivetrain
Clutch	Multi-plate wet clutch, hydraulically operated	Wet multi-disc, manual.
Final Drive	Shaft	Chain
Final Drive Ratio	-	2.444 (44/18)
Gear Ratios	1st 2.438 / 2nd 1.714 / 3rd 1.296 / 4th 1.059 / 5th 0.943 / 6th 0.848:1	1st 3.077 (40/13) 2nd 2.471 (42/17) 3rd 2.045 (45/22) 4th 1.727 (38/22) 5th 1.524 (32/21) 6th 1.348 (31/23)
Primary Drive Ratios	1.65	1.480 (74/50)
Transmission / Drive	6 Speed, constant-mesh gearbox with helical cut gears	6-speed, return, dog-ring
Chassis
Frame Type	Continuous tubular steel bridge-type frame	Trellis, high-tensile steel, with swingarm mounting plate
Suspension - Front	BMW Telelever, 37 mm central spring strut	43 mm Inverted fork with rebound and compression damping, spring preload adjustability and top-out springs
Suspension - Rear	Cast 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 handwheel	Uni-Trak with gas-charged shock, piggyback reservoir, dual-range (high/low-speed) compression damping, rebound damping and preload adjustability, and top-out spring
Rake	-	24.7°
Steering Angle	-	30° Right / 30° Left
Steering Head Angle	63.6°	-
Trail	-	103 mm / 4.0 in
Wheel Travel - Front	120 mm / 4.7 in	120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear	136 mm / 5.4 in	139 mm / 5.5 in
Electrical Systems
Alternator	Three-phase 540 W generator	-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front	2 x 320mm Discs, 4 piston callipers	Dual 320 mm discs, radial-mount, opposed 4-piston calipers, dual semi-floating
Brakes - Rear	Single 276mm disc, 2 piston floating caliper	Single 250mm disc, opposed 2-piston calipers
ABS	BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part-integral)	-
Rims - Front	3.50 x 17	-
Tyres - Front	120/70 ZR17	120/70 ZR17 M/C (58W)
Tyres - Rear	180/55 ZR17	190/55 ZR17 M/C (75W)
Wheel Caster	116 mm / 4.6 in	-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2018 BMW R 1200RT LC

The 2018 BMW R 1200RT LC edges out the 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja thanks to its larger fuel tank, lower seat height, standard ABS, dual front discs and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2018 BMW R 1200RT LC - Advantages

Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.
Lower seat height: 805 mm vs 835 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
Larger displacement: 1170 cc vs 998 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja - Advantages

Lighter: 256 kg vs 274 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.

2018 BMW R 1200RT LC vs 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2018 BMW R 1200RT LC and 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja?

The 2018 BMW R 1200RT LC uses Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer with balancer shaft, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja is powered by Four Stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 16 valve, Supercharger Centrifugal, scroll-type.

Which is lighter, the 2018 BMW R 1200RT LC or the 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja?

The 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja is lighter at 256 kg compared to 274 kg for the 2018 BMW R 1200RT LC - a difference of 18 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.

Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2018 BMW R 1200RT LC or the 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja?

The 2018 BMW R 1200RT LC has the lower seat at 805 mm, making it more accessible. The 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja sits higher at 835 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.

Which has the larger fuel tank, the 2018 BMW R 1200RT LC or the 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja?

The 2018 BMW R 1200RT LC has the larger tank at approximately 25 litres vs 19 litres for the 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 416-500 km vs 316-380 km between stops.

Does the 2018 BMW R 1200RT LC or 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja have ABS?

The 2018 BMW R 1200RT LC is listed with ABS as standard. The 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.

Which should I buy, the 2018 BMW R 1200RT LC or the 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja?

Both are strong choices. The 2018 BMW R 1200RT LC has the edge in larger fuel tank and lower seat height, while the 2021 Kawasaki H2 SX-SE Ninja stands out for lighter kerb weight. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.

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